We were lucky to catch up with Manny Dibiachi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manny, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Currently I work a 9-5 job while pursuing my art. I of course like every artist dread going to work. But of course, capitalism…and necessity of resources. There’s something to be said however about when you get paid as an artist for your artwork, that feeling is unmatched. It’s more than material things, its validation. To earn a full-time living from my art is the validation every creative is looking for. Thats my image of success.

Manny, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Music was introduced to me as church hymns, rhymes my mom would make up, and Sunday morning cleaning playlists. I found my love for music when I heard Lauryn Hill sing in “Sister Act”. The scene where she’s too shy to sing publicly, so its her, one friend and a piano.

I started writing poetry while secretly singing like my inspiration. Finding rap music in middle school I started turning my poetry into raps, still in secrecy. I didn’t find the courage to share my love for music until Soundcloud came along. I felt I could share it and then walk away. When people responded to the art I was creating, it gave me the courage I needed to continue on.

Recording myself over the years I truly came up with my own techniques. I write, record, mix and master a lot of my music. I outsource nowadays when it comes to mixing and mastering because I want to provide the best quality for people who enjoy what I create.

The art that I make resonates with the listeners and I’ve had people tell me how confident my music makes them feel. A mother expressed to me that she uses my music to drive her daughter to school everyday and they sing along to it. That stays with me. I like to know what I’m doing can hold value in someone else’s life.

I’m most proud of connecting with people in a way that can reach places I haven’t been, people I haven’t met, and far beyond my own life.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The power of research and emailing. When I first got started I thought I should just be the most talented person I could and the opportunity would find me. I didn’t realize the importance of researching the right people or opportunities and pitching yourself for them.

I feel that a lot of young creatives have a false narrative fed to us. The stars in our eyes blind us from the reality that everything is business.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Becoming some sort of representation for young boys growing up like myself. I hope to become the person I would have loved to see platformed and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MannyDibiachi
• Twitter: @MannyDibiachi
• Youtube: @MannyDibiachi

Image Credits
“Mean Girl” (Manny Dibiachi, 2021) / Too Hot for July (Instagram: @ImagesByLeeway, 2023) / People’s Pride (Instagram: @JVisionary_, 2023)