Manasseh: Becoming the Artist
Manasseh Croft is a Chicago based, R&B and psychedelic Soul musician. He grew up in church according to him, within a religious and musical environment. His mother was a Gospel, jazz singer and piano player who would constantly amaze those around her with her natural charisma and presence. Another determining factor was his participation in church choir and constant Gospel music surrounding the artist, “It all comes from the Gospel” he later added.
Manasseh’s name comes straight from the bible, but now it’s easy to relate the name to his deeply felt music and particular genre. After the unfortunate passing of his mother, Manasseh moved in with family. Fortunately, they were all musical, which we can only assume only bolstered his determination towards becoming an artist.
In a previous interview with our guest. The Chicago Tribune described the sound as “Psychedelic Soul” Manasseh found this more than appropriate, and welcomes this label for his sound. There’s also a straight up relation to R&B and Soul genres, but the go to element in Manasseh’s sound is undoubtedly the Gospel he learned from his mother.
We asked Manasseh how he saw his music, to which he confidently replied “It's good background music, it's good clean up music, it's love making music, it’s really good music”. We also discussed his favorite titles in his repertoire, he went on and highlighted Inches due to its playful nature and personal meaning, it means freedom for our guest.
In our conversation we felt tempted to ask Manasseh about his collaborations and process. He shared with us whether it’s with family or friends, it all starts with a conversation and spontaneous work surrounding any ideas that might be on the table. Outside of his family however we were told that dream collaborations would be with: Kendrick Lamar, Debbie Morrisson, Baby Face and Quincy Jones as growing up Jones’s records were another big influence. It was noted that working with other artists is a dream come true, Manasseh enjoys working with just about anybody who is willing to share great ideas.
Manasseh believes that one always gets what's needed, he took his younger years as a lesson. Humble in essence and kind in heart, his career and personal life are intertwined from his upbringing to troubled relationships. Manasseh aims to be more experienced as a whole and keeping a rooted connection to his consciousness. As an advice he told us that it was important to always pay attention to our dreams, as they always come with substantial knowledge for our lives. To pay attention to yourself, feelings and to address your thoughts introspectively are some of the advices he left us with, a message of self-respect.
We asked our guest about his identity and description as an artist. First and foremost, Manasseh describes himself as a black artist. He pointed out how his sexuality is the smallest thing about himself, a black man who happens to be queer, that’s all there is to know. Further on he expressed his support towards his community: he can stand up proudly for it, but it doesn’t navigate his entire being “First you need to be made and then being born”.
When asked more broadly about what he stands for, he told us “Equality and equity” this adds up to standing for self-love above all things. Regarding his inspiration and composition, his values play a great role. “Music comes from a place, from real life” Manasseh’s music is realist as described by the artist, most of his music derives from self-love a deficit he struggles with at most.
We also covered Manasseh’s upcoming projects. We’re as excited as he is to see the release of the flagship tune titled Beyond scheduled for October, whilst the album Monochromatic Dream is scheduled for August 29th.
Monochromatic Dream is a tentatively titled album, and although it’s pretty much ready, there’s no rush to put it out there. This album is at its core introspective. Manasseh shared with us how this work of art comes from all the emotions he had to cope with in life, a sincere letter to himself.
Beyond on another hand, goes about the questions that surround us when loved ones pass on to another life, the sense of protection we can feel long after their departure. Manasseh’s questions linger on whether or not his loved ones passed on so they could guard him in his journey through life. The deep spiritual meaning of the song makes it already a favorite for the artist, as he gave us a preview, we certify its great material.
Manasseh came across as a deeply spiritual, kind soul and a proactive artist who likes to blend his qualities as a person into his art. He wanted to ensure his audience shares a message of respect for humanity above all things. We’re excited to see his career take flight in years to come, as well as to have him again sometime soon and share more of his music with our readers. Make sure to check out his single Inches on Spotify.