Meet UK Music Artist Maria Manuel

Maria Manuel is a singer-songwriter and producer from south London. Growing up, she listened to all types of music regardless of genre and always felt a strong connection to music. Performing at several stages from a very young age, she has always demonstrated an aptitude for singing, and music has always been an outlet and a way to express herself. This passion has only evolved as she has found her voice and musical style.

So far, she has released five songs, and they have been played on several radio stations. Thus far, the highlights of her journey include performing at Ronnie Scott’s and on BBC Introducing stage. Additionally, her latest release, “Happy Place,” has been featured on various media outlets.

With her single, “Happy Place,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Maria Manuel. Read below to learn more about Maria Manuel, the story behind her single, and what’s to come.

Hi Maria Manuel! Let’s start with how did you get your artist’s name?

That’s a super easy one, it’s my birth name, so no cool story behind that one.

What city are you from and where are you based now?

I am from London and have lived in London for most of my life.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I started singing when I was young, and I always loved to put on a show. I, then, joined a music school in which we learnt choreographies and had singing lessons. In retrospect, I guess that was the start of me honing my craft.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

Without question; our life experiences not only shape how we view the world, but also who we become in it. Naturally, what I’ve been through and what I’ve experienced, heavily influence what I choose to speak about and my delivery of those messages.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I would overall describe my sound as Pop. It definitely has influences from other genres due to my vast musical taste, but I think it mostly encompasses Pop elements.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I love adventure and thrills. So, I enjoy going to theme parks, indoor skydiving, and I am a cinephile.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

I have so many, but my recent favourite is Labrinth.

What are some of your future music career goals?

My main goal is always ascension in my craft and in my career. To reach new heights, and continue to grow and evolve. Also, I love score and cinematic music. One of my dreams is to create a track for a film.

Now onto your release, “Happy Place.” What inspired this song?

It’s interesting because I wrote the song from a place of reflection about where I was in my life as opposed to where I envisioned that I would be.

What is “Happy Place” about in your own words?

Despite the song being a reflection about how I viewed things and how I see it now, ultimately, it is a hopeful ballad of still believing that we will all find our happy place wherever that might be.

What is your favorite lyric in “Happy Place” and why?

One of my favourite lyric is the opening of the chorus: “I know we’ll find it, our happy place.”

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Happy Place?”

I think we all look for purpose, not only in our lives, but also in our existence. I wish that people take away from this song that one day they’ll find their place in the world and fulfill their destiny. My music always has a message of empowerment, and I hope people listening resonate with that message.

What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?

One of my recent proudest moments was “Happy Place” being a semifinalist in the UK songwriting contest.

What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?

Self-doubt destroys more dreams than noes.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?

I have a new single called, “like to know,” coming out on 15th of this month, and I’m working on new material than should hopefully be out in March/April.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmariamanuel/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/itsmariamanuel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KHmopcg3D7dwtC3hYkapt