“Talking to Myself” is a New Wave-infused indie rock track that turns the noise of
modern life — and the constant internal monologue we all carry — into a driving, synth-
and sax-laced anthem. The song was written after frontman Matt Rhea noticed people
talking to themselves on the street and reflected on how most of us do the same thing
internally — we just hide it better.
The song blends pulsing synths, tight guitar lines, stacked vocals, and brassy sax hooks
from John Roy (Smoke & Mirrors Sound System and Escape Hatch Records), with a
sound that nods to quirky icons like Oingo Boingo and Devo. The end result is
energetic, theatrical, and strangely relatable — a high-energy meditation on everyday
madness.
Recording Details
• Recorded & Mixed by: Ben Moore
• Studio: Singing Serpent, San Diego, CA
• Saxophone Hooks: John Roy
• Produced by: Manganista & Ben Moore
About Manganista
Manganista is a long-running indie band from San Diego, California, known for their
theatrical live shows, shape-shifting sound, and genre-blurring approach that mixes
rock, ska, and New Wave. Over the past 20 years, the band has built a cult following
with their quirky musical mashups and high-energy performances.
They’ve shared stages with acts like Flock of Seagulls, The Aggrolites, When in
Rome, and Unsteady, and have played iconic local venues like The Casbah and BellyUp Tavern. Their ever-evolving sound has earned praise from 91X’s Tim Pyles, who
dubbed them “San Diego’s answer to Oingo Boingo.”
Manganista recently released a 7” vinyl box set on Escape Hatch Records, and
“Talking to Myself” marks their return with a fresh but nostalgic take on mental clutter,
self-awareness, and pop weirdness.
Want to see a full article? Read it on the New Music Review website