For Maori (the indigenous people of New Zealand), Manaia is a supernatural being, a spiritual guardian to frighten away intruders. Traditionally depicted with the head of a bird, the body of a man and the tail of a fish, it represents the balance between sky, earth and sea. We think music can also frighten away intruders, and helps you to take it easy when hard moments arise. Moreover, sky, earth and sea are three usual elements in our lyrics. That's why we choose the name.

Yes, we have played in different clubs of Madrid (Spain) and we like it very much. The most special moments for us are those when we feel strongly "connected" to the audience.

The Internet has given us the means to share our music with the world, and in that way is something really revolutionary. However, independent artists still need some kind of promotion to get heard.

Maybe.

Manaia was born in 2006 as the musical project of singer/guitarist/songwriter Jorge Carrascosa, who combines every influence in his own personal style and previously played in pop and electronic bands like Café-Olé, Pez Q or Buzzo. Soon came the refreshing additions of María Bejarano, a skilled pianist with a classic training and a very special feeling; and Roberto Aracil, one of the best drummers of the spanish scene whose credits include bands like Café-Olé, Buzzo, Electric Moth, Buenas Noches Rose and Pereza. The band completed in 2008 with Jorge David Fernández, a long run bassist (ex- Freak Mummys, Los Niños Muertos, So Called Amblers, Zapata, Electric Moth and now also with Nistal), who has played with artists as big as Carlos Torero (Radio Futura) and Nacho Goberna (La Dama se Esconde).

Alanis Morissette, Depeche Mode, U2, The Cure, Jorge Drexler, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Jack Johnson, Bic Runga, Soda Stereo...

Bolonia beach in the city of Cádiz.

Ovation balladeer, Gibson Les Paul, Ibanez bass, Yamaha Maple Custom, Santafe Vintage 70, Roland SPD-6, Yamaha AN1x, Kurzweil micropiano, and a Sony Vaio computer with lots of soft synths and FX.