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RASMIR MANTREE:
(HOUSE) MUSIC SAVED MY LIFE…
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No matter what ‘bout the period we’re livin’, experience tells us how there’s nuttin’ like optimizing the advantages it has on offer as currently illustrated by the use of Internet, allowing a word, an idea, a vibe to be spreaded at fast speed. That’s is pretty much how we came to know ‘bout NJ-based producer Rasmir Mantree’s work (thanks to SpiritOfHouse’s head Michael Fossati whose regular reviews have ended up tickling our curiosity). A man whose versatility looks like bein’ the result, if not the natural consequence of an already long path made of ups & downs from his first DJ gigs back in… 1978 to a 7 years hiatus between 1997 and 2004 where he’s admitted takin’ wrong turns, then his ressurection with a push of brother Joe Flame and more recently the launch of his Mantree Records label, last January…
Yaow Rasmir, wassup? Looks like you’ve been quite active along those last weeks/months. How has been your Summer?
Sup MFSB! Summer has been really crazy for me trying to do my productions. Work a 9 to 5 and trying to be a good husband. It’s just not enough hours in the day to give everything a 100%.
Looks like you’ve got a strong relation with house music judging by your words, sayin’ that without it, we would all be homeless. Could you say more about this?
It’s funny because of all the music in the world I feel most comfortable listening to house. It touches all of my moods. I listen to all types of music but house has some of everything in it. It could be a simple handclap that talks to me. I try to visualize the music and see with my ears.
Would this have anything to do with the fact that you’ve taken a few wrong turns in life?
Yes, those wrong turns got me to see things in a different light. They’ve allowed me to become part of the music. To tell my story.
What’s got you away from this troubled period of your life? The Faith in the Creator? The support which you’ve received from your people? Producer Joe Flame givin’ sort of hand while offering you to write some spoken words???
I was Sick & Tired of being Sick & Tired and God spoke to me through different people letting me know there was a better way to live. Joe Flame who I knew for many years had asked me before to write something but at that time I wasn’t ready. I didn’t believe in myself but when God knew that I was ready Joe asked me again and it was like I had risen from the dead. The day after I wrote it “Dance Or Die”. We recorded it and the day after it was played at a party. I was really afraid think people would laugh and not like it but everyone loved the track. That became my new HIGH.
We all know how music might be of a real help as a way to escape from reality or unhappiness. This said, house music may not be the easiest way to make oneself incomes and the name that come with as compared to R&B or hip hop. One comment?
Yes it would be nice if I were to get rich from house music but it gives me something that money can’t buy.
You’ve DJed for some time. What were you playin’ then?
Well I was a big fan of Larry Levan and I basically would only play what you would hear in the Paradise Garage. Big Mistake, everyone doesn’t like Garage music but the drugs told me otherwise.
To some people, house music stands as the brainchild of jazz, referring to the works of people such as Glenn Underground, Anthony Nicholson and the likes, not to mention Larry Heard. Your reaction?I really wasn’t much of jazz lover. I was more into rock, funk, reggae and gospel. When I first got into house I really didn’t know the names of the fathers. I just new I like this raw sound that had the basic elements for great dancing. There was something about Glenn Underground that really touched me. The man is a true genius.
Jazz is seminally associated with the idea of freedom. Would you say that your background has been for much in the versatility of your music?
My life experiences are what my music is really about. My feelings and my thoughts. I try to be honest and give a positive message.
Let us know ‘bout your roots? Those who’ve influenced you?
Larry Levan, Joe Flame, Phil Hooton, Glenn Underground and, most of al, my wife, Maxine for taking a chance.
Which direction/vein d’you feel the most in phase with?
Which ever way God leads me.
How would you define your style?
Very,very different. Eclectic!
Biggest success so far?
Starting Mantree Records and producing stuff that people like.
Forthcoming projects?
Well I’m working on a new EP called “1 Child” and I’m also producing singer/songwriter Eddie Nicholas with a hot trac called “Got 2 Find”
Who would you like to work with?
My mother Esther who is no longer able to sing.
Those you feel the closest to musically/spiritually speaking?
There are quite a few people that I am spiritually connected to and I wouldn’t want to leave out anyone’s name but they all know who they are…
Let us know bout your Mantree record label?
Mantree Records is just another part of me dedicated to bringing you house music that will not just move your feet but will also move your spirit.
Your view of the current production. As a listener? A producer? A label manager?
As a listener, there’s a lot of great music out there. As a producer, I really don’t follow it because I don’t want it to influence my style and having myself trying to sound like someone else. As a label manager, it’s rough. I had know idea how much work there is to running a label. Do your research before trying to start one.
Its evolution along those last 10 years?
It’s so easy a caveman can do it, but it’s better when it’s done from the heart!!!
The economical situation?
People really don’t support like they used to. Now with the file sharing you might sell 5 downloads but a 1000 people are playing your track. It’s time to stop sharing and start buying. A lot of jocks never look to see what the new producers are doing, they just buy from the top 10. If certain names are on there, they buy. You can miss a lot of gems that way.
The club scene?
Well, I’m a lot older now and like they say, it’s not like it used to be, but it’s still going strong.
We all know how there are definitely talents in the house scene whatever its expression form may be, be it vocal, abstract, Latin-influenced, jazz, Afro and even electro/minimal. Why does it seem like limited to various niches? Why doesn’t it benefit of a bigger acceptance by the crowd?
House heads are special people… I don’t want just anyone coming in my House. I like it that way…
One place?
Utopia
One colour?
Black
One vibe?
Deep
One record?
Something of Mine
One name?
Mantree
One feeling?
Love
One wish?
Happiness
One (extra) word?
Life
Thank you! MFSB
RASMIR - "Livin' My Life Without You" (Mantree Records/Promo)
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