Name ; age ; identification ; location (ASL)?

My name is Shantanu, I’m the frontman of Manorism. I’m 27, identify as a man and am located in Melbourne / Naarm.

Sun, Earth or Moon?

It’d be ill of me to say anything but Moon because we have a song in our catalog called ‘Moon Rising’! Although we wrote that song some time ago, it was inspired by the feeling of potential and excitement the night brings. There’s something poetic about the fact that no matter what the weather is during the day, the night is always the same and feels like it brings stability and stillness.

Why music? What drew you to it?

Obsession for music for all of us in the band started at a very young age. For me it probably all started growing up in a modest household in the 90s with Rage always blasting on TV, and Bollywood classics playing on the stereo. During primary school, my best friend’s father played in a KISS tribute band - being at his house all the time is likely where my guitar obsession really took off. Being a generally melancholic and angsty kid, having read the Catcher in the Rye way too many times, music became a natural outlet and identity in my adolescent years.

“Being a generally melancholic and angsty kid, having read the Catcher in the Rye way too many times, music became a natural outlet and identity in my adolescent years.”

- Shantanu, Manorism

Favourite track created to date and why?

Our latest single, It’s Getting Dark, is likely our strongest work to date. The initial demo was recorded in summer 2018 at my parents' home in a makeshift studio as I visited for the holidays. I guess I was attempting to capture the angst of my young adulthood, and the demo resonated with the rest of the band quickly, both on a sentimental level and stylistically. It was probably the first track of what we call ‘new Manorism’ (i.e. the matured sound that we’ve finally come to take). 

Since then, the song has evolved through shows, house parties, festivals and has now taken its final form in the studio with Malcolm Besley (Northeast Party House, City Calm Down), who we have been closely working with over the past 3 years.

If you could manifest anything to exist in the Outer South East, what would it be?

Some more cool venues! Growing up the Castle in Dandenong was an institution for bands in the local area. Manorism actually played one of our first gigs there (a battle of bands which we won - subtle flex) years and years ago. It was so important to have an inclusive venue for young people to build confidence on stage. Having more venues like that will help foster young talent. 

Your local businesses you’d like to shout out?

It’s a melting pot of cultures with its own identity. There’s an unsaid acceptance and respect of every background and way of life - no matter what historical prejudices might have existed in people’s countries of origin. I truly feel at home and at ease in the Outer South East, like I don’t have to act like someone I’m not. It’s modest, real and brutally honest. Every suburb brings a different cultural diaspora into the spotlight, with different food, culture and traditions. What a magical thing that is!