Meet MANOELA WUNDER | Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with MANOELA WUNDER and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MANOELA, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For over a decade, I worked as a professional freelance musician in L.A. and while it’s brought me to many places and opened many doors for me, it ultimately became a rat race in which I’m constantly made to fiscally plan around slow months and drive for hundreds of miles every month finding regular gigs. Eventually, COVID came along and forced me to reconsider what it is I’m getting out of music as well as life as a whole and with that, my new journey towards my own work began in earnest. As time goes on and I continue to become more established as an original artist, I find myself turning down unfulfilling work and gigs in favor of further developing my own style. I’d also like to mention that L.A.’s local songwriting and musician community has been exceptionally warm and welcoming to me and has given me a space to grow and connect with so many excellent people! Supporting and being supported by all the lovely and talented artists and musicians as well as becoming intimate with many of L.A.’s open mics and venues has been nothing short of incredible and has made this all the more rewarding.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The greatest contribution to my early success with my new creative direction would easily be my classical training and knowledge. Ever since I began debuting my own works, I’ve often found myself being asked by other musicians to accompany them on stage or even feature on their own works and that has been an overwhelming compliment! My violin has managed to find a home with nearly any style of music or performer I’ve come across and it has been a great reward to be able to write my own work with it. Additionally, my Brazilian roots alongside my many years spent traveling the globe have contributed both a major Latin and world music influence to my writing.

Since LA is one of the most competitive markets in the world, it took me close to a decade to feel established as a freelance musician. My love and passion for the craft, as well as performing with top level talent on a regular basis, have kept me going through the challenges. The biggest lessons I have learned are to always show up prepared and with a good attitude. Don’t expect to be hired by a contractor or booking agent just because they have hired you in the past. I want the world to know that, as a classically trained violinist, I really value creating musically complex progressions with great melodies. As a storyteller, I want my audience to feel my lyrics and be able to relate to them. As far as my brand, although I want to present myself visually in the most attractive way as possible, I also want people to see the real me through my posts and sometimes that includes being spontaneous, showing my other interests and hobbies, and featuring candid shots.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since we are in LA, where the weather is amazing year-round, I would definitely take them on several outdoor activities which would include hiking and going to the beach. My favorite city hike is Mt. Lee, where you can see the Hollywood Sign from behind when you get to the top. Pacific Palisades and Malibu also have fantastic hikes with more prominent ocean views. There are many beaches I love; Manhattan Beach is my favorite beach to hang out at, but I would definitely take them along the boardwalk in Santa Monica and Venice. If they like biking, the beach bike path from Torrance to Will Rogers is amazing. Downtown is a fun neighborhood to go out at night, as well as Highland Park. Silverlake is great to walk around in during the day, as well as the canals in Venice and Abbot Kinney Blvd. I would take them to a place with a nice view, such as the Griffith Observatory or the Getty Center. I would look up concerts to see if there is anything happening in an iconic venue like the Hollywood Bowl, or if they enjoy classical music Disney Hall is definitely a must-see. Depending on what kind of art they like, the modern art museums are great or LACMA is also excellent. As far as eating, it would be fun to explore ethnic food neighborhoods. If it was lobster season, I would definitely take them to eat spiny lobster at the Malibu Country Mart. Otherwise, we could have grass fed nachos at the Malibu Pier. I would take them for some fresh seafood at Malibu Seafood, and one of my favorite seafood restaurants Connie and Ted’s. It’s always fun to go to traditional LA restaurants, such as Musso and Frank. Abbott Kinney is a great place to eat after a long day of walking and exploring the beach. In Manhattan Beach, my favorite spots are brunch places along Highland. Another fun place to eat after hanging out at the beach is Hermosa Pier. There are also excellent restaurants downtown, and we could spend a day going to museums and have dinner before a concert and drinks at a rooftop bar such as Perch afterwards!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to Sharon Groom. She is a local singer-songwriter and also a host at the weekly Universal Bar & Grill open mic. After seeing me perform at the open mic, she immediately invited me to play a solo set at the Sunday showcase Sunday’s Best at the North End in Hollywood! I would also like to thank Kaan from BaddJazz for recommending me for this interview and for connecting me with Sharon! The open mic community has been endlessly gracious and supportive, and I would like to thank Wonder and Awe Productions for creating a fantastic atmosphere that made me feel immediately valued as an artist.

Website: http://www.manoelawunder.com

Instagram: @wunderlandmusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manoela-wunder-08505229/

Image Credits
Aaron Hui, James Gilbert, Bryan Dahl