The Man From Managra is the Athens-based alternative folk project of Greek musician, composer, sound engineer and music producer Coti K. He began his career in the mid-80s and he has played with various bands such as Film Noir, In Trance 95, RAW and Mohammad, and as a producer he has worked with, among others, Raining Pleasure and Tuxedomoon.
Earlier this year Coti K. released his excellent Half a Century Sun LP, his sophomore solo album under the name The Man From Managra, and his most open and collaborative work yet. Three years have passed since the release of the first self-titled album. During this time Coti turned fifty (half a century of life), became a father, and continued to write songs, this time with a more extroverted attitude and with an expanded number of guest musicians. The album was written and recorded over a period of two years (2015, 2016) somewhere between Tinos island and Athens. Besides his close collaborator, Panos Galanis, on drums, the album features: Jim R. White (Dirty Three, Peaches) on drums, Blaine L. Reininger (Tuxedomoon) on viola and vocals, Hristos Lainas on bass and guitar, Rena Rasouli (Venus Volcanism) on vocals, James Whylie and George Avramidis (G.Aggelakas and 100º) on wind instruments.
Now The Man From Managra is back with a new video for the song “Sipping on Sorrow,” which we are premiering on Glide today. Directed by Harry Patramanis, the video was filmed in the streets of Athens and features a young homeless couple in love, proving that life can be beautiful for everyone. The video’s sweeping shots and charming storyline serve as the perfect visual for the song’s dramatic buildups and harmonies. There’s a warmth to the song’s soaring and soulful folk-rock that makes it the kind of music you can imagine as the soundtrack for a happy, revelatory moment in a film.
Sharing insight on the video, Coti K. has this to say:
“I left the video idea entirely to Harry Patramanis the director, with whom I have worked with on many occasions, and I totally trust. He wanted to make a film of a couple in love, enjoying their everyday life in the city, but with one twist, they are homeless. The lyrics of the song talk about someone who has dwelled in his own sorrow for far too long, and it’s time for him to be happy, so I like how it connects with the story, if i could give it a title, it would be ‘happiness in a money-free world'”
WATCH:
Half a Century Sun is out now. For more music and info visit cotik.com.
Photo credit: Martha Gian
One Response
Well done. A dog doesn’t care if it’s homeless or staying at the Four Seasons. Nor should we. It’s about honoring our life-force and allowing love to possess us in the present, wherever we are, without being precious or sentimental about it. Thanks for the reminder!