Our second in a series, Clean House interviews artists and related Djs by asking them 10 questions.

Hot of the heels of his latest production, we sit down with young Serbian producer Manjane to see what makes him tick.

How did you get into House music?

I started listening to electronic music when I was 14. Artists like Daft Punk & Chemical Brothers were among my favorite artists. I realized that I was listening to same old music every time, so I started crate digging and found a Gramophonedzie mix from 2007 which really changed my life as a DJ. I instantly fell in love with Chicago House music. I started with my own Jackin’ House deejaying style, and shortly thereafter as a producer. I was fortunate to have my hard work pay off so soon.

What’s the House Music scene like in Serbia?

The House music scene in Serbia is coming up. There’s a small label called Disko Zoo, which is growing real fast, and the Disko Zoo crew is trying to promote a quality sound. There’s many names from all around the world, more or less famous, signed with this label already, so I personally think it will have a bright future. But like everywhere nowadays, people would rather listen to commercial, than real House music. Simply because popular radio stations and the media in general are promoting mostly cheesy stuff.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Listening to legendary House DJ’s like Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Sneak, and listening to all the new stuff coming out lately… So much talented cats around!

What do you use for production, and what are some of your favorite plugs?

Ableton Live 8 is the DAW that I am using and I’m loving it! My favorite instrument plugins would be Trilian, Novation V-Station, and Sylenth1. For effects, anything from Waves is amazing. I mostly use those along with Kjaerhus plugs, which are free but sound great.

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about producing and arranging a track?

My favorite thing is getting a good drum loop going, starting a new track & then I could dance to that loop in my chair forever! My least favorite thing is finalizing If I don’t get it done by 2-3 weeks after I have a rough idea, I don’t think I’ll ever get back to it.the track, there’s a bunch I’ve almost done few a months ago. If I don’t get it done by 2-3 weeks after I have a rough idea, I don’t think I’ll ever get back to it. I think that’s a problem because some of those tracks don’t deserve to be unfinished and forgotten.

Number one production tip?

EQ your single hits and mess around with layering. Oh, and… make your own beats!!! Everyone is using the same old drum loops, so be different – make your own style!

Who are some of your favorite producers right now?

Sonny Fodera killed it in 2010 – gotta say one of my favorites. Gramophonedzie, Scrubfish, Hector Moralez, Phil Weeks, TBF, Ramon Tapia, Romano Alfieri… there are too many! I would also like to mention my boys from the Disko Zoo crew – Mark Funk, Wise D, and Kobe. They have some great stuff coming out this year!

What are you currently working on, and what can we expect in the coming months?

I’m switching my style a little bit. I’m doing some Tech-House and House lately. I have a collaboration with Mark Funk coming out later in the year on Disko Zoo, along with some solo stuff. I also have the “Superman Lover EP”, which should be out in February on Sutra Sounds. I’m going to work harder this year for sure.

Who is your favorite DJ and why?

Derrick Carter is definitely my hero. He always impresses me with his crazy mixing skills. Gramophonedzie too, he never fails to make a great party!

If you were stuck on an deserted island with only one track or song to listen to on your iPod, which would it be and why?

Young & Company – I Like What You’re Doing To Me.

I never get tired of it. Whenever I’m feeling happy or sad, I could just listen to it forever.

            Click image to listen

This concludes our second edition of 10 Questions. Want to see who’s up next? Subscribe to our email list or the Clean House Rss feed.

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