We had the good fortune of connecting with Salvatore Manalo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Salvatore, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It didn’t really start out that way, I can honestly say that I just loved making music for as long as I can remember and just never found a way to stop.
As time has gone by, it’s definitely evolved into other things. I take my art seriously and like most people, my goal is to make a living out of doing the thing I love most.
Creating is such a thrilling process and I’m always working towards making that the thing people will remember me by.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Despite how hard it is to keep up with the ever-changing industry, I’m proud to say I’m still making it work! It’s a challenging life, but the rewards of being able to create and do something you’re good at is immeasurable. It definitely wasn’t easy, but I think the key thing to remember is to adapt. It’s not easy to constantly be having to change your approach in this industry, but sometimes that’s what is needed to keep up. At the end of the day, if you stay true to your craft and be kind, you’d be surprised at how far that’ll take you.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Good question! It’s gotta be all the food spots first. Maybe some coffee at Heart to start things out. Brunch at Pine State Biscuits and then an early dinner at Magna Kusina for some bomb Filipino food with a twist. After that, it’d be the usual spots like hiking around Forest Park, shopping on Mississippi Street, and then catching a local show.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many, I don’t know how I can just pick one! Off the top of my head, the few people who have really pushed me as a creative would be my close friends and peers.
Matt Brewster is a phenomenal musician and an even better friend. He’s always pushing me outside of my comfort zone and expanding my views on music.
Evan Knapp has been a good friend of mine almost from the start of when I decided to take music seriously. He’s just such a talented and creative person that always inspires me.
Djemini is someone who I’ve recently been working with and getting to know as a really good friend. There’s so much passion and drive in everything he does, it’s infectious.
Danny Frye is someone I’ve been making music with for a long time as well. He has such an introspective and kind spirit that shows in the music he makes.
Website: https://salvatoremanalo.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/salvatore.manalo
Facebook: https://facebook.com/salvatoremanalomusic
Image Credits
Djenesis Media for the featured photo used