Hip-hop rock star Manafest has much to say on his latest album, I Run With Wolves. He speaks on several topics, everything from addiction, depression, and self-expression. Manafest also gets vulnerable on some tracks. But no matter what song you hear, I Run With Wolves is stamped with Manafest’s signature hip-hop and rock style.
Manafest took some time to share about each of the songs on his latest album.
“Deadman”
This is the album intro. For it, I wanted a dark feel with my favorite instrument, the piano, to lead into a heavy riff to start the album. To give fans a taste of what’s to be expected.
“I Run With Wolves”
I don’t believe now is the time to back down or retreat, but instead to take ground. Surround yourself with people who are going to run toward their dreams and not live in fear. I wrote this with my friend, music producer Joe Rickard, and Trevor McNevan, lead singer of Thousand Foot Krutch. The music video has all my friends, family, and neighbors in it—including my trainer who teaches me Thai boxing.
“Forever”
I co-wrote this song with Joe—who also produced it—and with Neil Sanderson, drummer of the rock band Three Days Grace. I collaborated with Joe at his home in California and with Neil on Zoom (he was in Canada at the time).
The original chorus had more of a Rage Against the Machine vibe. But Neil helped smooth it out. My wife didn't love the original lyrics, so I had to fix those, too.
The song is fiction. It's not based on my life story or anything like that. However, I can still remember hating the feeling of the one or two heartbreaks I had in previous relationships. I hope you love it, and thanks for supporting and listening to my music.
“Ups and Downs”
I also wrote this song with Neil and Joe (who produced it as well). We knew we wanted a ballad for this album and this inspirational song was forged. I re-wrote so many lyrics to get this song just right. My favorite part is the bridge: "If I fall apart, at least I gave it all I got."
“Gravity Falls” (feat. Trevor McNevan)
I’ve always wanted to do a song where Trevor and I are singing back and forth on the chorus. The funny fact is the original verses were done over a hip-hop beat and Joe thought I sounded like Christiana Aguilera. So, I sang them harder over a rock beat and he loved it. I don’t think I sound like Christina anymore.
“Nemesis” (feat. Sonny Sandoval)
I'll never forget being depressed, discouraged, and feeling rejected sitting in my basement apartment alone trying to figure out this music thing.
I was trying to book shows in Canada without a label and didn't know what I was doing.
As I sat on the sofa watching MTV, there was Sonny Sandoval, lead singer from the rock band P.O.D, singing their hit song, “Alive.” It was one of the top 5 videos in the country and it inspired me. Now, 15-plus years later, I have a song with the very guy who inspired me when I was in one of my darkest moments. I defeated my nemesis, the devil, that day and I hope you continue to defeat yours.
“Break The Habit”
We—I included—have all struggled with addiction—whether it was drugs, porn, a bad temper, or sugar. There comes a point in time where you have to say enough is enough and that is the purpose of this song.
“Brain Dead”
This was the first song we wrote for the album. I didn’t even know if Joe was going to like it. And he didn’t like it—he loved it. So, we finished it off. I sing high on this song. Got to stretch my range on this album.
“Save You” (feat. Redlight King)
I’m not anti-government, but I am pro-freedom. After living through this pandemic going through lockdown after a lockdown in Canada and almost forced to get vaccinated (which I haven’t done), I realized no one is coming to save me. Jesus already has. Don’t bow down, trust the government or the news.
“Doomsday”
I’m a big fan of Pastor John Hagee's fire and brimstone preaching and teachings on Revelations. This is my call out to the lost song. My favorite part is the pre-chorus. “Is it too late for me please save a place for me”?
“Blackout” (feat. Sam Tinnesz)
“Blackout” is one of my favorite songs from the album. It touches on the struggle of alcohol and drug abuse. I’ve seen so many friends get caught up in this, unfortunately. I wrote the chorus with singer-songwriter Sam Tinnesz over Zoom video chat during the pandemic. Thank God for technology.
“Light It Up” (feat. UNSECRET)
While visiting Nashville, this was my first collaboration with artist UNSECRET. The song was originally written to a hip-hop beat kind of pop artist Post Malone style. It always amazes me how the finished product sounds nothing like the demo. That’s the magic of post-production.
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