14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHMANOLACO

Having teamed up on eight previous releases, Romanian-born, London-based GruuvElement’s and Athens-based Manolaco have become a dynamic duo, showcasing their rich house sound on labels like Manda Moor and Sirus Hood’s Mood Child, as well as Damian Lazarus’ Rebellion. With previous tracks championed by renowned artists such as Marco Carola, Maceo Plex, and Chelina Manuhutu, the pair now unveil their next release and head to Ilario Alicante’s Sound D’Elite with the enchanting ‘Kitame’.

Opening the package, ‘Kitame’ is a vibrant track with sultry percussive loops, playful bongos, and lush string sounds, creating a perfect backdrop for those early morning sunrise moments. Next, ‘When You Said’ unfolds with rich melodic chords and expressive melodies, beautifully layered with gentle vocal calls that resonate deeply. The Tribal Version stays true to the original’s essence, infused with a compelling afro-house groove and bubbling, low-end thuds. To close, ‘So Much Better Now’ possesses a quirky allure and offbeat funk, blending dreamy vocals that are hard to resist.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hello, my name is Michalis Manolakos aka Manolaco, and I’m from Athens, Greece. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Donald Trump cause I would love to make him a fan of our music. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love to need no rest so I can produce and create more and more good times for myself and for my friends and family. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

Probably one of Tarantino’s films cause I like it raw. Reality is what I love to see in movies. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

Lots of names come to my mind, but Marco Carola is definitely the biggest influence. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

My journey began at the age of 17 when I attended my first rave. I started as a clubber, and to this day, I remain the same person with the same pure love for music. It's this love that has connected me with my fans and partners over the years. The support and love from my fans have been the most powerful force driving me throughout this journey. 

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

Music production is my medicine, my best friend, and my psychologist. Never left me alone and sad. Whenever I’m in the studio making beats, I feel like a Superman. I forget all negative thoughts, and I get lost in the music. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

For sure, It was my first gig at Cavo Paradiso in Mykonos back in 2008. I was opening a Minus showcase back then with Richie Hawtin, Troy Pierce and Gaiser, and I was feeling like the king of the world. I still remember some tracks I played after all these years. The night was unforgettable. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

I’ve always been a house lover, and I still remain a house lover, but in the last 10 years I have gone more into groovy style and minimal deep tech. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

It would probably be hip-hop because it's my second big love. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

Music is the Answer (Danny Tenaglia),

Clarinet (SIS),

Play it Loud (Marco Carola).

They all gave me the opportunity to experience the music I love from a different perspective. These tracks played a keyrole in expanding my mind and deepening my understanding of music.
 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

For sure it is Acropolis, the reason is that it has been the most energetic place in the whole world for thousands of years now. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I just released my new EP in collaboration with GruuvElements with four original tracks, and later this month I will release my own EP on Mindshake records with two original tracks and one remix from Paco Osuna. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

I’m not as serious as I look when I’m playing. Most of the time, I’m the one who makes everybody laugh, but when I’m playing, I’m so focused that most people think I’m a snob.