Denver-based producer Manic Focus is an artist of many talents. As a magician, he uses sleight of hand to pull objects out of thin air. As an electronic artist, he executes similarly impossible sonic acts with his vibrant, genre-defying music. Manic Focus’ unique style – defined by a hybrid of electronic, funk, soul, and hip-hop – has helped the producer cultivate a fervent fanbase captivated by his immersive studio trickery and vibrant creative spirit – a combination that has led him to performances at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Hulaween, North Coast Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Camp Bisco, Wakaan Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, and multiple opening slots at Red Rocks in support of Zhu, Emancipator, Pretty Lights, and more.
But his strengths lie not only in the musical and magical: what also makes Manic Focus stand apart is his mental triumphs. Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 in 2007, Manic Focus has experienced several manic and depressive episodes – experiences that directly inspired his artist name. Instead of preventing him from working, his Bipolar diagnosis became a driving factor in his creative processes, an obstacle he’s had to navigate towards a product of endless musical ingenuity. Never Not Blue takes the listener through the different emotional states of a manic episode where the interludes outline the stages of mania.
It may be his best work yet, keeping your ears and mind engaged the whole way through with mesmerizing melodies, seamless vocal sampling, and drum grooves that seem to vibrate through your whole body. Despite all of his talent, it’s great to see artists willing to go the extra mile in being truly vulnerable through their craft and in doing so, it seemingly resonates even deeper to the listener.
“This album is very special to me. It will take you on a journey through many of the emotions I experience in a manic episode – from the confidence, through the chaos, to the euphoric states, but ultimately ending on a positive note.”
– Manic Focus
Check it out below!