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All Good Records Runs Deep: Manic Focus Discusses Label Fam, Collabs, & Plans For An Epic Hulaween [Interview]

October 27, 2015 By Halina Wilusz

Manic Focus

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Halloweekend is within reach, and if you’re an electro-soul/jam/reggae/bluegrass…really all around music fanatic you’ll be at Suwannee Hulaween down in Live Oak, Florida, October 30 through November 1. While holiday weekends mean more gigs for our favorite artists, like Manic Focus, it’s good to know that a good bit of them will be throwing down together at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park.

When John “JmaC” McCarten isn’t making music as Manic Focus, you can find him working with one of his side projects, Manic Menert (with Michal Menert) or Manic Science (with Break Science), the latter we will get to see this weekend in the swamp. JmaC was kind enough to take the time before a busy week of shows to talk All Good Records, collaborations in the works, and a sneak peak at what we can look forward to at his Hulaween set this weekend.

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Suwannee Hulaween 2015 is primed to be quite the family affair with much of the All Good Records and Pretty Lights Music crew on the roster as well as other similar artists. Are any unannounced collaborations in the works yet?

Break Science and I recently collaborated on a tune with Lettuce called “Funky Style.” It’s a hip-hop-electronic-funky-swag-banger that I love to play live.

How does performing for a crowd with such like minded tastes differ than play an event where you’re one of the only electro-soul/future funk artists?

Its always a surreal experience playing in front of fans alongside amazingly talented and inspiring homies, but playing events where nobody knows you provides the exciting challenge of winning over new fans.

Do you have any plans in the works for a 5th album? If so, what direction are you wanting to take it in?

I’m always working on new music. I have several awesome collaborations currently in the works with ProbCause, Sunsquabi, Marvel Years, Artifakts, and many more. I’m trying to cut down on sampling in my original work, but I still love chopping samples and flipping them.

What can we expect from Manic Science at Hulaween?

The Manic Science Hulaween set is going to be legendary. Some awesome guests will be joining us on stage too.

What are the dynamics like over at All Good? Is GRiZ a hands-on label head? Is everyone pretty collaborative or do you work pretty separately?

All Good is a family. Sunsquabi, Freddy Todd, Muzzy Bearr, The Geek x VRV, The Floozies, GRiZ, and myself are part of a growing family of artists whom strive to push music in new and exciting directions. We push each other through our latest productions and collaborate when we can be it in person or through dropbox/email. We also like free music. 🙂

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Don’t miss Manic Science on the Spirit Lake stage Sunday, November 1 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tickets for this weekend are still available at http://suwanneehulaween.com/tickets/.