Photo interview: Dallas singer-songwriter Manya Repnikova

by Zach Lewis of Zlew.net

Photo interview number five will introduce you guys to a fantastic singer songwriter whose name is fun to say with a thick KGB style accent. Her voice and writing have been front and center for Blue Petal and Morning Elephant, and she can hold her own just fine with only her voice and a guitar (even if she doesn’t like the video recording :) ). Below you will find the results of a quick photo shoot, and a simple interview (maybe just a smidge of wine). Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Miss Manya Repnikova.

ZLew.net: Name, rank, and serial number?

Manya: Mannichka, Guru, 79

ZLew.net: When did you first consider the idea of becoming a musician and performing?

Manya: I’m not sure I can name the exact moment. It’s sort of always been there, I think. I definitely can say it’s my biggest love, and I can’t see myself doing anything else, willingly, with as much passion or desire.

ZLew.net: One of the things I struggle with is trying to define someone’s sound or style. I think “folk” and “indie” are overused and most times don’t do justice or accurately describe any given music. How would you characterize your style and sound?

Manya:I don’t purposely try to go into any genre, like pop or folk. I just kinda go with it, and go with whatever I come up with. I don’t have a steering wheel right now, whatever is happening is just happening ... I’m not really controlling it.

ZLew.net: Where were you born?

Manya: Moscow, Russia.

ZLew.net: If you could only listen to one album, what would it be?

Manya: Vocally speaking, I could listen to Kathleen Edwards over and over again.

ZLew.net: What is the most difficult thing about being a musician in Dallas?

Manya: DWS -- Drinking While Singing :-)

ZLew.net: If you could only keep one possession, what would it be?

Manya: I’d take the cross necklace my mother gave me when I was a very young girl. She woke me up at midnight on the “Russian X-Mas” and let me open it under the tree.

ZLew.net: Tell me about food! Are there any venues that you have played that you think has fantastic food?

Manya: AllGood Cafe’s pork chop MIKE’S way with the poblano peppers. I wish there was a sushi place that needed musicians. I would gladly play in trade for sushi.

ZLew.net: Name one thing that made you smile this week.

Manya: My mother sent me an old photo of her holding me. The first impression I got when I opened it up was that it looked too much like me to be her. So knowing we looked so much alike made me smile. I love my mother very much.

ZLew.net: So you are Russian ... but the rumor is that you are a Whiskey Girl ... Do tell.

Manya: I appreciate a good whiskey. And I like red wine, but I’m not a very nice person when I drink too much vodka.

The links above to Blue Petal and Morning Elephant will let you hear some of her music, and check the Morning Elephant (A.M. Elephant if ya’ nasty) to find out when and where you can go experience it for yourself.