genre-fluid songwriter, percussionist, producer, and DJ based in Nevada City, CA

a sense of drama… classy production, even though it’s quite sparse… a keeper

on Subcutaneous Homesick Bruise, Kris Jozajtis (Folk Devils) — LIFE ELSEWHERE vol 204

like a sad, queer Bruce Springsteen

Gabriel Saron, mandolinist (J.B. Barton + Co)


a formidable lyricist, full of wit, humor and crafty observations

on Purgatory CAreview

personal details

performs as:
TJ Manuel
also known as:
Trace Manuel
operates from:
Nevada City, CA
hometown:
Redding, CA
hometown also known as:
Scarlet Town, District 12, Calabama
day jobs (past):
avocado salesman, pixel pusher, visual artist, ag nonprofit spreadsheeter, yoga teacher, researcher, creative educator
day jobs (present):
designer + researcher in healthcare, student in therapy school, photographer and coachy type
# of graduate degrees:
two (and one in progress)
# of brain surgeries:
two

musical details

gigging since:
age 15
instruments:
drums, percussion, guitars, electronics, hunt-and-peck synths, assorted cookwares
musical style:
wry, lyric-driven; moody yet buoyant; a balance of ethereality and grit designed to kick you in the guts then make sure you're okay
adjacent genres:
dream pop, alt-folk, alt-country, american roots, singer-songwriter, ambient, electronic, experimental
pairs well with:
Adrianne Lenker, John Moreland, boygenius, Neko Case, Hollie Kenniff
has shared the stage with:
Jolie Holland, Joe Pug, Izaak Opatz, various bandmates of the late Merle Haggard
writes about:
rural melancholia, suburban melancholia, California melancholia, fire, flood, flu, heartbreak, death, faith, god, complicated women, getting sick, getting well, the quiet agony of healing, the occasional Tesla
stage persona:
unexpectedly chipper
# of Spotify followers:
two
of delay FXs on pedalboard:
more than four

current / recent work

recording new music for release in spring 2026DJing a small community dance on the San Juan ridge every monthfacilitating an ambient year-end journaling workshop with live-mixed soundscapesrecording + producing music for podcasts and guided audio meditationstaking photos of friendsplaying occasional house/backyard concerts and other grassroots, listening-forward shows (complete with live block-printed merchandise)

open to...

DJing sets/soundscapes for smallish and interesting gatheringshouse concerts + backyard showsco-facilitating contemplative gatherings

reach out

curious about collaborating on something or putting together an event? reach out below.coaches, community leaders, and other facilitators looking to craft contemplative experienced involving music — you are especially encouraged to connect.

tune in

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