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Manny K Soul: You may be misunderstood, and you may be disliked, but I would much rather be hated for who I am than loved for who people THINK I am.

Introduce yourself(tell about yourself & who you are)

I am a singer/songwriter and independent recording artist based in Atlanta, GA. I love all kinds of music however my favorite is R&B and soul music.

What inspired you to get into music?

Music has always been inside me…it’s literally in my DNA. My great-grandmother sang, my grandmother sings, my mother sings and it just passed down from them to me. I realize the gift and how special it is because out of all of their siblings, they are the only ones who had the gift of singing. And that goes for me as well. I’m the oldest of three and I’m the only one out of us who sings. It’s really fascinating when you think about it. I’m grateful for it and oftentimes think of how upset I would be if my brother or sister could sing and I couldn’t lol I just love it that much. 

I was inspired to get into music by both Mariah Carey and Monica. Not only was Mariah’s vocal abilities inspiring but definitely her pen. She inspired me to be a songwriter. Monica and I have a connection in that we grew up in the same family church and so when she got her big break, it really represented the possibility for me knowing that we came from the same training ground. Although I’m not necessarily on her “level” of notoriety, I was still able to step out and forge my own musical path because I saw someone come from where I came from and do it.

What are some words of wisdom you live by everyday?

Be yourself, fearlessly. I feel like people as a whole fear standing out too much or being too different. I have always found that being my true self and walking in authenticity has afforded me opportunities that otherwise would not have been presented to me. It’s our uniqueness that makes us so beautiful. It’s our individuality that opens up doors for us and allows us to walk into rooms that we didn’t even know existed. You may be misunderstood, and you may be disliked, but I would much rather be hated for who I am than loved for who people THINK I am.

What are some goals that you would like to complete?

Musically I would just like to continue to make music that resonates with the people who may hear it. My goal is to touch as many people as I can and be an example for other Black Queer artists who may be afraid to walk in their purpose because they may not feel accepted or embraced. I especially want to show some little Black Queer boy somewhere who might be watching that he can do it, too. That though it may be difficult sometimes, in the end it will be worth it. I know that when I take my last breath, I will be able to say I did it my way and though my journey was full of obstacles and adversities, I still had the balls to say I’m fine if I have to walk this alone because I know what I want my life story to read like when it’s written.

What is one way you’d like to make an impact on the world?

I enjoy making people laugh and feel good about themselves. I want people to see me and know that there is still good in the world. Life can seem a little bleak at times and with so much going on around us, it’s very easy to lose sight of our goals and forget about the good in our lives but I try my best to bring joy to people even when I don’t feel joy-filled myself. I know I’m just one person but I know that my purpose is to bring a sense of joy to others…and if I have to do that one person at a time, I will do my best to do that.

What was your childhood experience like and how did it mold you to be the person you are now?

I grew up in a small town south of Atlanta, and it was country! LOL my Dad was self-employed and was pretty well-known in our town. He built houses and was just the ultimate handyman. My Mom was a stay-at-home mom all the way until my youngest brother started school and even then she got a job at the same elementary school we all matriculated through. She was a very present, loving and hands-on Mother. She and my Father both are where my love for people comes. They would literally talk to anyone and I find myself being that same way today. We didn’t have much in the way of money or material things but we had each other. That kind of upbringing helps me to appreciate everything that I have and not to take anything for granted.

Last question brother, what else would you like to tell the world about you?

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my life experiences through my music and words. I am super humbled that my music resonates with so many people. I don’t take any of this for granted. I want to keep spreading love and positivity even when it’s not reciprocated. I feel like whatever I put out will eventually come back to me. With this mindset it helps me to focus on why I do what I do…I express simply for the joy of expressing and sharing. I am not attached to the results but I am extremely thankful. I just try to lead with love and watch everything else come together. 

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