“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.