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A&R Factory interview with the man, the muso and the audio legend, Manuel Sanchez

Manuel Sanchez

Manuel Sanchez’s interview with A&R Factory explores into his profound connection with music. His narrative begins with the discovery of this deep-seated passion and traces through his scholarship at Berklee College of Music which marked a pivotal point in his artistic life. His artistic arc showcases an unyielding adherence to personal authenticity, a theme consistent throughout his career and particularly evident during the Berklee audition where he presented an original piece.

The interview touches upon the challenges and cultural shifts Sanchez faced, from moving to Boston to establishing himself in the competitive Los Angeles music scene. His role at Igloo Music, alongside his transition into producing his own music, highlights his evolution and the various facets of his musical and professional identity. 

Manuel Sanchez, welcome to A&R Factory! It’s a pleasure to sit down with you and discuss your storied career as an audio engineer and musician. To start, can you take us back to the moment when you discovered your passion for music? 

My passion for music began when I was just 9 years old and started taking guitar lessons. From the very first moment, I felt a deep connection with music. Despite my limited knowledge of music theory at the time, I always found a way to express myself through it, creating original pieces from the moment I started playing. This drive to express myself inspired me to continue studying, striving to improve and communicate my emotions even more effectively through music.

Earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music is no small feat. How did the scholarship shape your approach to music?

When I received the scholarship, I felt vindicated—it reaffirmed my belief in trusting myself and in what music truly meant to me. Many people don’t know this, but I wasn’t accepted into one of the universities I applied to in Colombia. Their requirements were very strict; to be accepted, I had to perform a prepared piece that demonstrated technical ability in a specific genre—Jazz—which I wasn’t very familiar with at the time. As a result, I felt like I wasn’t good enough.

However, for my Berklee audition, I decided to stay true to myself. I played an original piece with a full band because I wanted to show the jury what music truly meant to me: a way to express myself. When I received the scholarship, I knew that trusting my vision and passion had been the right choice. Years later, I had the opportunity to meet one of the jury members from that audition, and she told me it was one of the best auditions she had ever seen. No one else had the idea, nor the boldness, to bring a full band into an audition to play an original piece.

How much of a culture shock was it to move from Bogotá to Boston for your scholarship?

Arriving in Boston was a big shock. Not only because I had to learn a whole new language but because It was the first time I was living by myself. The culture was different, the food, the weather. In Colombia, we don’t have winter so being -26°C (-14.8°F) is a challenge for me. But Berklee was an amazing place to start over. I had many friends that were international students as well and we all supported one another. It was very interesting to me how so many people from so many different countries could just get together and become friends. It really showed me that humans have the ability to get along no matter how different we think we are.

You have successfully integrated into the LA music scene, a pipedream for most, what has been your experience of the industry in LA?

LA can be a really tough city at first. I felt more lonely and stressed moving to LA than I did moving to Boston from another country. When I arrived in LA, I was on my own, without a car or a stable job. I took on numerous internships while working, and eventually, I found a place where I could grow.

Your work at Igloo Music, alongside industry giants like Gustavo Borner, has been a pivotal part of your journey. What have been some of the most impactful experiences working there?

Definitely, learning from more experienced people has been invaluable. Even though they were often busy with many responsibilities, they were always willing to help and teach. And then there’s the importance of making mistakes and improving from them. Don’t be afraid to fail—every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.

You’ve contributed to over 100 projects, including high-profile productions like Money Heist: Korea and The Glory. Out of all these projects, which one do you feel was the most challenging or rewarding, and why?

One of the most challenging projects I worked on was Who Killed Him? for Amazon. This project was particularly demanding because it centered heavily on the actors’ incredible performances and artistic vision. We had to ensure that we preserved and enhanced the original intent, staying true to the creative direction while bringing out the best in every detail.

Your career spans various roles in audio engineering, from mixing to recording and dubbing. How do you approach each of these roles differently, and what do you enjoy most about the diversity in your work?

Being able to switch between different roles is something I’m very grateful for. Every time I spend a long time recording, for example, it’s nice to be able to transition to a different aspect of my profession and continue being creative. Each role is like a different hat or character I need to play, and with experience, you can switch between them more organically.

You’re on the verge of releasing your first single and have several exciting projects on the horizon. Can you share a bit about what we can expect from your music and these upcoming ventures?

I’m thrilled to finally release my music project. These songs have been in the making for years—some for over five years—so they’re deeply connected to my journey. They represent how I’ve perceived and experienced my path and evolution throughout this time.

Your story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unwavering commitment to your craft. For those who aspire to follow a similar path in music and audio engineering, what advice would you offer based on your experiences?

I advise staying true to who you are and what you genuinely want. Don’t be afraid to take risks and demonstrate your desire to grow and learn. Nowadays, society is like a loud playground where it’s easy to get lost. So take the time to focus on your inner voice and truly listen to what your heart wants. Be grateful for what you’ve achieved, as that gratitude will give you the strength and courage to keep moving forward.

Discover more about Manuel Sanchez via his official website.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Brooklyn’s Foreign Saints tells us all about his debut single to pursuit inside, Here With Me

Repping Brooklyn to the max and opening us his heart to guide us inside the emotions within the debut Here With Me, Thomas from Foreign Saints kindly took time out and answered our questions all about the exciting 1st release, the local music scene, and his songwriting process.

Llewelyn: Hello there Thomas from Foreign Saints. Thank you for joining us here on our A&R Factory interview platform. Firstly, we love the name. Please explain to our readers how did it come about on your pursuit and what was the inspiration behind it.

Thomas: Thanks for having me, Lu. The project name is a nod to when I hiked the Camino de Santiago, where the pull of completing a journey named after an arbitrary foreign saint showed me the beauty in the pursuit of something in and of itself. It’s how I hope to approach making music — to make art in a similar pursuit of something outside myself.

Llewelyn: Brooklyn is the city you represent. What does it mean to live there and what is the vibe currently like? Are there lots of new music venues and where would you recommend we check out?

Thomas: I moved to Brooklyn two years ago from my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, and have loved it ever since. Obviously, it’s got one of the best music scenes in the world, but beyond that, there’s just so many people here doing cool things in every niche imaginable that it makes any creative endeavor all that more possible. Conversely, it’s easy to feel small when surrounded by the sheer talent of the musicians here, but what an incredible privilege to be a tiny part of it all.

Llewelyn: Please tell us all about your 1st single Here With Me and the upcoming EP?

Thomas: Here With Me is the first song I wrote off the upcoming EP. I wrote it in an afternoon based on a small idea I had at 3am the night before, which (unfortunately for my sleep schedule) is pretty typical of how I start songs. Part of me prefers to keep the meanings of songs a little bit undefined, that way they can exist independent of me and mean different and completely valid things to different people. But what was going through my head when I was writing it was the feeling you get when you first start seeing someone where you’re simultaneously relieved and anxious to have found them. Where you can feel part of yourself becoming wrapped up in someone outside of you, but the irony of them being the relief from that feeling.

Llewelyn: Who is your rock in life and someone who has really pushed you to reach your goals & dreams?

Thomas: I’m immensely grateful to my parents for their l encouragement of my creative pursuits. We spent a good portion of my childhood moving around several countries, and I think them expanding our horizons helped me appreciate more of the world than I ever could have. My dad was my first-ever producer, pushing me to write and track songs in his home studio set up from a young age, and introducing me to many of my strongest musical influences.

Llewelyn: Who do you make music for and what is the process like? Do you sit down and make it quite quickly or do you prefer to stew on the creation and let it flow naturally?

Thomas: I’ve always found the process of songwriting difficult to summon on command. Most of my songs start as 3am voice notes of little ideas, that I then quickly try to flesh out while in the right headspace for that song. It’s really difficult for me to let something sit for weeks on end and revisit it later. I’ve found my better songs tend to come out of alternating bursts of frantic writing and overwhelming frustration. It sort of balances out in a weird way.

Llewelyn: What are some perks about being a local musician and the challenges too?

Thomas: I’m just starting to release music, so I haven’t ventured much into the local music scene as a performer. Once I have more of my songs out I’d love to start doing some of the small venues in New York, but one thing at a time!

Listen up to his music come to life via Spotify.

Follow more on his website.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

You don’t feel the Same: JXKR sends our emotions soaring on Stardust (feat. Dani)

Waiting for the moment when a 2nd epicentre connects with so naturally, JXKR wants so much more but senses that it will have to wait for another time on the stunning new single Stardust (feat. Dani).

JXKR is an Ottawa, Ontario-based indie Haitian-Canadian musician/producer who is currently working on the upcoming EP which will be released in the fall.

My goal is to work with local artists and be a part of the R&B industry in the community.” ~ JXKR

After the underground love given to the debut single Rendez-Vous in 2022, JXKR opens up our feelings for a 2nd time and goodness me, this is special. Vocally tranquil and with unpretentious lyrics about how complicated romance can be sometimes, we find a song to hold hands with when there might not be another sweet kiss.

Stardust (feat. Dani) from Haitian-Canadian musician/producer JXKR is a tale that so many of us have sadly felt before when more is wanted, in a relationship which promised no strings at first. Layed in beauty and soaring with a revealing look into the love life which could have had it all, this is a sterling display from a single with true meaning.

Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be if another heart isn’t quite ready.

Turn this up loud on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

More Than Your Friend: Sincerely Him feels dead already on CEMETERY (prod. Nextime)

https://www.anrfactory.com/drugs-all-the-time-sincerelyhim-attemps-to-run-away-from-the-demons-on-wasting-my-time-prod-schmooney/

Known best for his previous single called Wasting My Time, Sincerely Him shows us his hugely exhilarating skillset to its best possible format on the broken heart anthem for anyone who wanted more, CEMETERY (prod. Nextime).

Sincerely Him is a Connecticut-based underground rock musician who likes to blend the boundaries between punk and alternative music to awaken fatigued souls.

Delightfully direct and opening up the door to the barren feeling of frustration, Sincerely Him has created a modern-day gem of a soundtrack. This is raw. This is powerful. This is an awakening single of magnetic proportions. Ears will be sparked up here as we find so much pain intertwined into every sinew of this worrying storyline.

CEMETERY (prod. Nextime) from the mesmerising Connecticut-based rock artist/former pro soccer player Sincerely Him is such a relevant song in this lost love kind of world. Launched with honesty on a striking beat, this is a real soul-opener of a song for those who have loved someone who didn’t feel the same.

Listen up on SoundCloud. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Kiss Me: Alexander Patsos chases the sun on BEAUTIFUL DRIVE

Urging his new lover to stay close and join him for a wild adventure, Alexander Patsos is rather spellbindingly believable on the rocking anthem for naughty eyes and this one is called BEAUTIFUL DRIVE.

Alexander Patsos is a Nashville based indie rock musician, producer and actor who is one of the most imaginative humans the world is likely to witness.

Alex has released one full-length album and one EP with his former heavy rock band, The Resurrection Sorrow. TRS was a heavy hitter in the grassroots stoner rock scene and had many successful tours up and down the east coast including performances at NYC’s many iconic rock clubs, including CBGBs, Don Hills, Pussycat Lounge, and Trash Bar.

Lathering all lonely hearts together like some sort of new superglue, Alexander Patsos might be the leader we can all dance with again. This is fiery stuff and this track shall mend all wounded hearts with its wonderfully inviting style.

BEAUTIFUL DRIVE is one of the more dynamically charged singles ready to sizzle all unconscious hearts. Like a steaming iron on a fresh shirt, this is a rather epic soundtrack to our lost youth.

Listen to this new track on YouTube. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Poison Pills: Mark Docherty chases the sun on Saying Goodbye

Moving on from the rotten past and only concentrating on what the next door shall unfurl, Mark Docherty packs his bags up and ventures out on the riff-heavy condensation of a song called Saying Goodbye.

Mark Docherty is a Barrow, Cumbria-based indie alternative musician who started his career when just 11 years old and brings back that timeless David Bowie-like energy to proceedings.

This song describes the moment you discover you’re strong enough to leave that toxic relationship, you’re strong enough to leave that rubbish job and the catharsis you feel when you put yourself first. It was written when I decided to break up my old band and leave a job I’d been comfortable in for 8 years.” ~ Mark Docherty

Avoiding the dishonest prophet and starting the engine rather quickly, Mark Docherty shall take all our minds into a moment that many have faced a thousand times over. Deep in context and compacted in an immensely open aura to consume with conscientious abandon, we find a supremely reflective anthem.

Saying Goodbye from Barrow, Cumbria-based indie alternative artist Mark Docherty is one of those special songs you just embrace for all its brilliance. Sensational in all aspects and with excellent solos interwoven into this underground gem, this is one for the books and needs to be loved.

Attend the audio on Spotify. View more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

We’ll Plant You a Garden: Ghostgirl radiates through the strange spaces on step out of the shade

https://ghostgirlmusic.bandcamp.com/track/step-out-of-the-shade

Self-taught and with that courageous community spirit to overcome all obstacles presented, Ghostgirl sings with the kind of spirit on the searching-for-hope song which might induce a few tears, step out of the shade.

Kay Rowan aka Ghostgirl is a London, UK-based trans composer, indie songwriter, and multi-skilled actor who grew up in classical music and genuine traditional folk.

Was written as a prayer. Not in a religious sense, but in a profoundly human sense. Sometimes you can find yourself praying for someone to understand their own value – when you watch someone adrift in an endless ocean of their own despair, seeing every anchor as a new way to drown. It’s hard, to watch as someone gives up, daunted by their idea of who they should be. It’s hard to look into the mirror, and see that person reflected back at you, when you’re so used to externalising. So you do what we all do: you throw more anchors into the sea, and hope one reaches in time. Songs are kind of like that – little anchors to keep the world from drifting away.” ~ Kay Rowan

With a hauntingly beautiful aura and filling our veins with a rather sad story, Ghostgirl starts the restorative process and climbs out of bed to see where that true value is. This is underground music at its best due to vocally heart-healing melodies and with honest lyrics, this is a true gem.

step out of the shade from London, UK-based trans multi-talented musician Ghostgirl is a rather special effort. This is unpretentious music at its finest. There is depth here. Mountains of strength, weaved in with so much tragic innocence, in a world which seems so harsh right now.

When you know it’s time to go outside again, it’s best to find the light to warm the soul.

Hear this fine song on Bandcamp. See more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Found Myself Again: Jen Eve is beyond couragous on Persistent Flattery

Bravely recording her music despite the ominous ticking clock of osteosarcoma, Jen Eve shows us that music may heal so many wounds on the excellent Persistent Flattery.

Jen Eve aka Jen Eve Taylor is an inspiring, terminally ill, classically trained musician and writer who has tragically been told that she doesn’t have much time left.

My cancer is really rare; 75 per cent of people get misdiagnosed. No one knows about it, and it’s very, very fatal unless you catch it early, which no one ever does because no one knows about it. Any opportunity I have to say, ‘hi, I’m Jen and I have osteosarcoma’ feels worthwhile to raise awareness.” ~ taken from her Islington Tribune article by Izzy Rowley

Performing with outstanding poise and superbly intricate passion, Jen Eve is a true modern day hero who opens up our minds into what is actually possible during this short time on earth.

Persistent Flattery from the hugely determined UK-based musician/writer Jen Eve is such a stunning soundtrack which will take our hearts on a wonderful journey. Sung with true love and gorgeous vocals, this is a lovely release from a brave soul who refused to leave this planet without recording her music.

Inspiring all listeners, we find a single that shows us the resilience needed to be truly remembered.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Wolfgang Vetsch’s Bluewater sends our hearts more hope on Spread The Grease

Guiding us away from anything which shall not assist with those positive vibrations, Wolfgang Vetsch’s Bluewater is rather special, with a delightfully delicious production for all jazz fans with Spread The Grease.

Wolfgang Vetsch’s Bluewater is a Triesenberg, Liechtenstein-born indie jazz musician who spends much time on the seas as a brave skipper.

After the dissolution of the Swiss Big Band Eruption under the direction of Daniel Schenker , he devoted himself again to his own band Bluewater, which has been heard in different line-ups since 1997. In addition, Wolfgang Vetsch is also a permanent member of Stefan Frommelt’s jazz circus.” ~ Wolfgang Vetsch

Feeding our souls with something rather nutritious and easy-to-love, Wolfgang Vetsch’s Bluewater blesses all listeners with a superb display of the highest order in this stunning experience. Streaming with calming waters and a soundscape to free many from current sadness, this is a truly spirit-healing performance.

Spread The Grease from Triesenberg, Liechtenstein-born indie jazz musician Wolfgang Vetsch’s Bluewater is a such a joyful single with much for humanity to hold on to. With a genuine care and much skill, this is a lovely single for those mellow afternoons after work when you just need to relax.

Music with meaning will always be the most loved.

Hear this fine release on Spotify and see more news on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

New York Squalor: Brooklyn’s Price Tag breaks his back on the old school gem Just Another Dollar

Rock The Mic by Price Tag

Taken from his much-anticipated and self-therapeutic debut album called Rock The Mic, Price Tag drops that Beastie Boys-like sound that has us pushing through all challenges presented on Just Another Dollar.

Price Tag aka Mike Preis is a Brooklyn, New York-based indie musician who makes his own authentic brand of self-coined Urban-lofi-hip-hop-punkadelic-street-pop-electro-hop-electronic.

With an MC-909 sequencer, Mike has created a sound that transports you back in time to the suburbs of Chicago where a younger nerdy version of him grew up.” ~ Price Tag detailing where it all started

Showing proper respect to the legends who trail blazed a path of ingenuity and creativity that changed everything, Price Tag is a reminder of that fresh-sounding music with that electrifying old school feeling that millions miss.

Drenched in that blue collar attitude who just wants to work hard, get paid and go home, this is a reminder that the underground shall never stop despite whatever fads are currently dominating the airwaves.

Just Another Dollar from the Brooklyn, New York-based multi-genre artist Price Tag is a track that might have you transfixed beyond previous levels of belief. Pumping up the volume and guiding us through life in this hugely busy city, to show us that realness when there are so many copycats pretending in every corner. Showing us his MTV and VH1 fused memories in one, this is exactly the rocket fuel we all need to sip rather quickly to keep on trying no matter what.

Keeping the faith when others give up shall give you a renewed sense of achievement no matter how small it is.

Tune into this underground master at work on Bandcamp and see his career blossom on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen