M A N I K Moment

In just five years, Chris Manik has developed an international following as a DJ, producer and remix artist.  A 2007 graduate of SUNY Oneonta’s Music Industry program, Chris, who uses the artist name M A N I K, has completed three fully-booked European club tours as well as performing in cities throughout North America, Asia and Australia. His debut album on the prestigious Ovum label, “Armies of the Night,” was voted by both Mixmag and DJMag as one of the top 40 albums of 2011, and DJ Mag named M A N I K to its “Hot to Watch” list.

Chris returned to campus last fall with his manager, Dan Mullins, also a SUNY Oneonta Music Industry graduate, to talk with students and give a demonstration on the art of remixing. In a competitive industry where relationships and networking can make the difference between success and failure, interactions like these are a valuable part of Oneonta’s nationally accredited Music Industry program. Designed to prepare students for entry-level work in a variety of careers, including music management, marketing, promotion, merchandising, publishing, production and performance, the curriculum includes specialized Music Industry studies, courses from the Economics and Business Department, and a required internship.

For Julian Nottage of Syracuse, who graduated in December with a Music Industry degree, meeting two successful alumni in the field he’s about to enter was inspiring. A drummer in a traditional metal band, Julian hopes to make a living performing. If that doesn’t pan out, he will draw on the sound engineering skills he developed during an internship at the 2012 New York Summer Music Festival and as production manager for the college’s Music Industry Club – including running sound for M A N I K’s performance on campus.

”It was motivating to see somebody who was in my shoes just a few years ago be able to travel all over the world like he does,” Julian said. “It’s really cool to see that that kind of success is possible in such a short time frame.”