MANiK: Unity, Community, and Rock & Roll
This. Band. Rips.
We caught MANiK at a show earlier this month at The Wild Goose in Queens, and they just tore the roof off the place. This is one high energy band, but beyond that, these guys have some serious chops. They're also the nicest guys in the world, as and you'll see in this interview, they have fun doing what they're doing.
Hailing from Queens, this band is more than just a bunch of guys, they're family. And they have a strong connection to the Queens music scene - we caught them opening for one of our favorite bands, CHAKA. And, they played Queens Rockfest 2025, four years after our favorite band, White Trash, played the 2021 edition. So, if there's any doubt that Queens is the music capital of the world, we think MANiK is just the band to put the borough over the top.
We hope you enjoy reading this interview and much as we enjoyed doing it.
We heard the last name “Sanchez” a lot when you did band introductions during your last show. We assume you didn’t put out a Craigslist ad looking for musicians with the same last name, and that some of you are family. What’s it like being in a band with blood?
Danny (lead vocals/guitar): As the frontman of the band, I feel honored that music is part of my family, and it’s my first time getting involved on such a deep level!
Aaron (backing vocals/guitar): As the second Sanchez, it feels like coming to a family gathering every Thursday. We didn’t have to put out any ads, and I guess we’re lucky—it could’ve been a lot harder to find not just band members, but good musicians and great people!
Erik (bass): It reminds me of Los Tres Amigos! Being the oldest family member, it’s something I didn’t expect because I started a long time ago with my brother (Danny’s father). I met amazing musicians, one of whom I mentored. We became really good friends. Then my younger cousin and nephew joined!
How did you all decide to form a punk band together? Was it a natural progression or something you always wanted to do?
Danny: We needed something that was going to make a very bold statement! We agreed that it was hard to find “a band” to trace ourselves back to—we have elements of everything from Steven Wilson to Mark Tremonti to the Foo Fighters to Sting, even!
Aaron: It’s interesting that we’re considered punk because we play fast and heavy music, but I think we’re much more than that. There are a lot of elements of old and new school rock and roll, metal, punk, and progressive rock. It was a natural progression. Jeff Free, Noe (Cuervo), and Erik (Erik Now!) formed Manic Blues, which became the foundation of what we are now. Adding myself (Aaron MANiK) and now Danny MANiK added new layers and intricacies, diversifying our sound into a more pop realm.
Jeff (guitar): The world is a big mess right now ... people are being oppressed left and right, probably more than ever before and someone’s gotta scream about it ... through the power of music. Punk’s always been about raw energy and truth, so it felt like the right time to crank it up. We’re pissed, but we’re not just noise, we lock into real melodies, hooks that hit hard. It’s aggression with purpose, and that’s why we do this (editor’s note: fuck yeah!)
At Queens Rockfest 2025
Anything new and exciting you’re working on now — new music or upcoming gigs?
Aaron: We have a new single coming out called “Fly Away,” which will be announced within the next couple of weeks on our Instagram @manikbandofficial. We have a performance on 09/19/25 for the Fountain House—big shout-out to our friend Casey for setting up that event to support mental health. At the end of October we’ll play a stripped-down set for a showcase hosted by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo in Forest Hills, Queens. We’re also lining up Halloween and early-November shows. All dates will be posted on our Instagram calendar.
Erik: Not on a personal level, Noe! (band laughs)
Noe (drums): Yes, we have a couple of gigs! Haha, yes — I perform more often, with us and with my other band.
What does your songwriting process look like? Who writes the lyrics and who comes up with the riffs?
Danny: For the most recent batch of songs with a softer, more pop twist, Aaron and I wrote them when we were “Silk Feather Sun”. Earlier songs were written by Jeff and Aaron. For our newest material, Aaron and I bring ideas to the band and we jam until something sticks. We keep what we like and discard what we don’t until we’re happy.
Jeff: There is no definitive way of our writing process yet. We recently merged two projects into one and we have a ton of written material from both parts. But the cool part is, every song keeps evolving. Each of us puts our own twist on it, especially with the guitars. Danny, Aaron, and I are really focused on shaping the guitars into something bigger, almost like an orchestra.
Erik: Many songs take years to come together. One of us records a demo, brings it to the group, and that becomes the seed we elaborate on over time.
Noe: It’s a collaborative process. Someone brings in an idea and we build on it until we feel satisfied. Sometimes it takes a day, a month, or even a year for the idea to flourish.
You were speaking Spanish after a show — how does your Latino/Hispanic heritage influence your music, if at all?
Aaron: Allegedly! (laughs) It shows in our attitude: meticulous, hard-working, and upbeat. When we hit a wall, we hop it — no pun intended! I think as a culture we’re very happy people, and we try to bring that vibe to our music.
Jeff: We have bigger … confidence! (everyone laughs)
Noe: We ICE our wounds! (continues laughing)
With the NYC thrash metal band CHAKA
Growing up, was music always a central part of your family life? What kind of music did your parents or older relatives listen to?
Danny: Music has always been huge for me — I’m in a band with my two uncles. I remember Sundays cleaning the house with Boleros and sad Spanish ballads playing. My dad is a great singer, so I was exposed to music early, which led me to start singing.
Do you have specific roles or responsibilities within the band, musically or professionally? Did those roles evolve naturally?
Aaron: We definitely have roles that are interchangeable and constantly evolving. Lead vocals started with Jeff, then me, now Danny. Jeff and I usually handle social media. Everyone contributes to writing lyrics and music, and ideas can start anywhere. Big shout-out to our sound man, Randell — he’s been vital in translating our vision to the stage.
Noe: Yes — he’s Randell Sanchez! (everyone laughs)
What are your goals for the band over the next few years?
Danny: Make the audience happy and give them inspiration—something to think about! Also, to get signed by knifetwister records! (everyone laughs) (editor’s note: why does everyone always laugh at us?)
Aaron: It would be great to go on tour and play big stages, and if we could live off music, that would be awesome!
Jeff: Fucking cash in already!
Erik: Cash! I’d like us to reach a point where we have a steady cash flow — not necessarily millions, but enough to keep creating.
Does your family support your musical career? Are they regulars at your shows?
Danny: Absolutely. My family has supported everything I’ve done — from being in the band to attending college for Music and Technology at Stevens Institute.
Noe: Yes, our families are a huge support and they’re always at our shows.
Anyone you’d like to give a shout-out to?
Danny: My parents, my older sister, my two older brothers, and our former keyboard player and friend Jorge Reyes — even though he’s no longer with the band, we want to give him credit where it’s due! Shout out to my girlfriend for supporting all my goals and dreams, and to Noe’s dog Rex, who’s always at practice!
Aaron: My parents, my family, and my boo-thang! Jorge played a massive role in the project and deserves a warm send-off.
Jeff: Shout-out to my wife and kids!
Erik: To my wife, my kids, my parents—and one final shout out to my dog Heidi, who keeps me calm!
Noe: My wife and my daughters!
Punk has a long history of rebellion. Are there cultural or societal issues you feel are important to address in your music?
Danny: Love, or the loss of love.
Jeff: Yeah, we’re going to revive a song that might land us in jail or deported. It’ll be censored!
Erik: Most of our songs are about love, but our next album will be more like “forget politics — fight back!”
What advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting out?
Danny: Throw yourself in the deep end and learn how to swim! Performing often made me a better frontman, singer, and guitarist over time. Let the animal out — I picture a fucking little massive spider monkey!
Aaron: Start with friends and have fun. Be okay with sucking for a while.
Jeff: What do you mean, Danny? You’re just starting out! (band laughs). My advice to the young community ... and this applies to everything in life: Either increase your sacrifice or reduce your desire.
Erik: Put in the hours — it takes time. I learned bass and guitar from books before the internet, practicing daily and growing callouses. Find a mentor if you can; my brother mentored me, and I’ve mentored others after.
Noe: I prefer a falcon! Enjoy the ride. When you feel like quitting, take a break and come back.
How do you navigate stereotypes that come with being a Hispanic band in a predominantly non-Hispanic music scene?
Aaron: Stereotypes happen unconsciously. After one show someone called us the “Sanchez family” and thought we were a mariachi band. We just laugh. I’ll be Aaron MANiK! Erik, you should be ErikNow! (band laughs).
Jeff: We’re dropping last names, call me Jeff Free! It’s a good stereotype in my opinion. Love to represent my culture and my people. Music is universal.
Danny: My name is Danny, but from now on you have to call me NightHawk! (Stepbrothers reference)
Erik: No issues ... yet
Noe: I don’t think we’ve ever had an issue. I’m Cuervo Darkness — or Octopapi! (band laughs)
How has being brothers and bandmates influenced your personal growth and individual identities?
Danny: I was trained in college by Carlos Alomar — David Bowie’s guitarist, music director, co-composer, and producer for over 30 years. Working in this band lets me apply everything I’ve learned from him.
Aaron: And you stayed 5’4”, huh? (both laugh)
Jeff: It's definitely pushed me to grow into a better person. When you have the right people by your side, you make the best memories. The key for lasting so long is we always had one of the two: music or friendship. When we jam and get on stage we have both and that’s the real high point, that’s the climax.
Erik: I haven’t grown up that much (band laughs). Musically it’s had a big impact, giving me the chance to experiment with different sounds and tones.
Noe: I’ve been dedicating time to music for over 20 years, and it helps me stay consistent. Every project presents its own challenge and keeps me in love with blending sounds.
What’s the wildest thing that’s happened before, during, or after a show?
Aaron: I’m going to assume there are some stories that are never meant to be heard or written. We’ll just leave it at that — come to a show and maybe you’ll be part of the next wild story!
Jeff: I once got lost in the streets! (band laughs)
Noe: We’re going to plead the Fifth!
At a MANiK show
Beyond the music, what message do you hope people take away from your story?
Jeff: We are cool people with a passion for music.
Erik: Musically, I want people to remember us as a great live band — for strangers who hear us for the first time to spread the word. The way the industry is going, it’s hard to have a band — let alone a great-sounding one!
Any final words?
Danny: Don’t ever give up, especially if you believe it can take you somewhere! If you fuck up on stage, whether it’s that you played a wrong note or tripped on your cable, laugh it off and crack a joke about it!
Aaron: Start the band, bring back rock ’n’ roll! It’s all about attitude — play live no matter how bad you think you sound!
Jeff: Always be the Nirvana of whatever you love — hang on and do it as long as you can!
Erik: Don’t forget ur dreams!
Noe: Stand up against the regime!
Check them out: https://www.instagram.com/manikbandofficial