ONE: Why play music?

Writing songs, singing and producing give me the most satisfaction in my life. Nothing comes close.

TWO: Who are your influences?

Dion, Beach boys, The clash, Nick Lowe, Charlie Rich, Early Elton John, Bad Brains, Thelonious Monk, The Specials

THREE: What is success?

Success, is being able to support yourself through your music. That's a tough thing these days

FOUR: Why should people buy your CDs?

People should buy the debut Mannix " Pretty Strange" CD if they want to hear a anti 90's Rock music album. I was tired of the beat'em over the head guitar rock format. " Pretty Strange is a journey into diverse rock/folk pop songcraft. It's definitely not an album you crank up at a party. The next Mannix album " The life and Times of Geraldine" will be that party cranking album. We go back to the hooks and guitars ( for the most part).

FIVE: Who do you love?

My girlfriend Debbie. Bands? Let's see. Daryl Ann. (I always spell it wrong) I love those dudes. Now that's cutting edge pop rock!. The Bottle Rockets. Great roots rock band. I like Radio Head.

SIX: What do you hope to achieve with this CD?

I hope that people listen and get a great deal of enjoyment and fulfillment for the full album listening experience. Too many times I've picked up a CD and maybe there were one or two good cuts on it but there was no album Vibe or story per say. I really think that we are losing the artistry of the "Full album experience." I hope I captured this vibe with " Pretty Strange". I tried!

SEVEN: Why did the label release your CD?

What label? hah. Actually I had two interested labels in putting out "Pretty Strange" but what they offered me was a joke. I would have made nothing if I signed with them. I' said go screw and put it out on my own. It's been an awesome experience putting it out myself. It's selling really well and I've got picked up by Redeye and Parasol distribution. I can't complain.

EIGHT: Who comes to your gigs?

A wide mix of folk. Oral Groove had a huge following in NYC and Those fans still come out with the new Mannix fans. We are planning to get on the road this Spring 2000 after we finish recording the new album.

NINE: What is your favorite album?

I would have to say that The Beach Boy Smile Session Bootlegs are my favorite of all time. Wow, If that album would have come out in 1967, it would have changed the face of rock and roll. I'm convinced of that. It would have blew SGT. Pepper off the map. Amazing amazing stuff!!!!

TEN: How did you get here?

My parents owned a Night Club Restaurant that had a fantastic juke box. My brother and I use to take the older singles home with us and listen to them all. I also shared a room with my older brother ( who is a classically trained musician / rock and roller) who gave me my musical education. There were other perks living in the same room, I use to seek and always find where he was hiding his Penthouse mag collection!