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Interview: Nikk Gatsby of Manic

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Nikk Gatsby is a musician from Denver, Colorado. The mastermind behind Defy You Stars, the musician and frontman has decided to spread his wings and create Manic, his latest musical project. Recently, Legendary Kids Press was able to speak to Nikk about Manic, Colorado’s local scene and how he’s balancing being in two bands.

First Off: Introduce yourself.

My name is Nikkolus Gatsby. I’m a singer/songwriter.

When did the idea for Manic come about?

Late 18 into 19 was a rough time for me. My life was spiralling and I was caving into myself. I disappointed and disgusted myself. I wasn’t being the man my mom raised me to be. I wasn’t being a good friend. I was a drag to be around. I left school because of terrible panic/anxiety attacks and because I felt stupid. It was all going over my head. I was heartbroken and lonely. I was so overwhelmed that I was like a zombie. I slept all day because it was all I could do to get away from feeling so bad. I developed a narcotic problem that no one knew about. I wasn’t coping well. I was discouraged.

One day, my therapist pulled out this sheet and she said, “Let me know if you feel like any of these words describe how you feel.” I nodded and she went on.

“Lonely?” Yes. “Angry?” I guess. So on [and] so forth. “Manic?” My heart kind of jumped. I became obsessed with the word. It summed up a lot of how I felt for only five letters.

Fast-forward about half a year. We were in the post-production stages of the Defy You Stars record, waiting to get the masters back, and something just clicked in my head. I started looking at music differently. I was like, “I’ve been doing it wrong all this time.”

I started writing these songs like I wasn’t trying to write songs. I was writing poetry. I was writing my truths. I was writing about feelings and thoughts so intense and so profound to me that they demanded to be surfaced, and in the meantime, that word just hovered in the back of my head. I want a project that focuses on doing something out of the box that is more of a production.

How would you describe the music you’ll be releasing under Manic?

I’m still working on it. It’s going a few directions. I’m pulling a range of my influences, like The Doors, PVRIS, twenty one pilots, The 1975, The Neighbourhood, etc.

You’re also in Defy You Stars. How are you finding balancing the two?

This one is so new that I don’t know yet. So far, I just book the shows separately. They are going to be slightly different, style-wise. I write for both.

You’ll be playing a show with All Wrong, Aspens and Dastard on the 30th. What can attendees expect?

These shows aren’t anything like I have planned. I’m basically going out and playing a handful of acoustic shows just to really become acquainted with the songs. I’m playing with The Ready Set on February 25th as well.

When will you officially be releasing music under the project?

No idea! Whenever I have the resources to record it.

You’re heavily involved in the Colorado music scene. What do you think it is that makes it stand out from other scenes across the country?

I don’t know. I haven’t been to other local scenes. I can’t really compare. I do like the bands. There’s a lot of talent. I just want to travel and work with other musicians.

Are there any local bands you recommend readers check out?

In Louisiana, there is Variants. In Colorado, there is Shatterproof and Racing On The Sun. There’s a bunch.

Any last words?

Check out both bands! I love all of you. So long and goodnight.

To stay up-to-date with Manic, be sure to follow the project on Twitter.

By Clare Fitzgerald