Interview: Guy Mantzur

Like a siren of the sea, Tel Aviv’s Guy Mantzur creates hypnotic electronic music that crosses all genres, be it chill-out, progressive house, or tech-house. Behind the control panel he channels his values and hard-out passion into the music that takes over the dancefloor - be it worldwide or nationally at resident club The Cat and Dog. With a strong connection to Israel, his music speaks what his mind thinks – his pull isn’t just about partying but also about peace. His productions bring communities together both in Tel-Aviv and beyond.

Jasmine Phull hears what artist and A&R manager Guy Mantzur has to say about signing artists and creating music.

How would you describe what you do?
Love.

How would your mum describe what you do?
Music.

As a producer you’re based in Tel Aviv. Describe the city’s response to electronic music? Do you have a greater national or international fanbase?
The Tel Aviv electronic music scene is really cool, we have here a lot of guest DJs and a lot of good producers that are successful worldwide. As for the other countries, I have people that give me feedback from all over, but the most excited ones are people that are fans from countries that are not in a peace process with Israel.

What keeps you in Tel Aviv?
I was thinking about leaving Tel Aviv and I still do, but there is something really strong in the vibes of this city that keeps me here and in Israel especially.

Where in the world would you uproot to in order to further progress your sound and technique?
I think Europe is the perfect place for this sound and it's close to everywhere, so it’s naturally the place to be.

How important is your environment to your writing and recording process?
It’s really important but my environment is not a specific place; I only need silence around me - that always work.

You’re co-founder and A&R manager of Munich label Plattenbank. Is that currently your main focus?
I’m trying not to focus on one thing more then another. In this time of life I’m focusing on my productions, my DJ sets, my label, my residency at Cat & Dog Club and my personal life as well. I’m trying to balance it all and give each one of them the focus it needs. It's all about balance in life.

What are three things you look for when signing an artist?
Easy one, I’m looking for tracks that I can play myself; I’m looking for emotions and the most important thing I have to say about the artists I’m signing is that they are all really amazing people with great personalities. That's the most important thing for me.

You also hold a residency at club The Cat & Dog. What do you enjoy about having a permanent gig?
That’s really cool and keeps you up-to-date all the time ‘cos you play for the same crowd every week, so you have to renew yourself constantly.

What’s the music community in Israel like?
The music community here is really interesting and constantly evolving. People here just love music and know a lot about it. They’re very educated and warm.

How important is visual aesthetic to you when performing on stage?
I like when the lighting guy works with the music; that’s always fun. I played in Cafe Danvers in Belgium a few months ago, and they have this great lighting guy named Broody. He took my music to another level with his lighting.

What element from your childhood played an important part in shaping where you’re at now?
One thing that has been there from then ‘til today is my sensitivity. It’s always kept me holding my inner truth alive, and it’s a daily struggle in the world we are living in.

How important is collaboration in your work? Who do you hope to collaborate with in the future?
I’ve collaborated with a lot of people recently; a lot with Sahar Z, Guy J and Dave Seaman. My dream is Laurent Garnier and we started to talk about a few months ago so I should email him again – let’s hope! (laughs).

Last song you listened to?
Neil Young, 'Harvest Moon'. Melting my heart away...

First album you bought?
I think that was Nirvana, Nevermind.

What’s next?
Some really cool gigs at London, Paris, Malta, India, Munich and more. I’m also working on some new music and I hope to finish my artist album in summer 2013.

Interview: Jasmine Phull

Catch Guy Mantzur at Egg, London for the Lost & Found label launch on Friday 14th December. Tickets are available below.

Tickets are no longer available for this event