Michael Mani

For decades, Michael Mani has been the secret weapon behind some of music’s biggest moments—the Grammy-winning keyboardist and producer who helped launch careers (Tori Kelly, Becky G), shaped iconic records (Santana’s Supernatural, Lady Gaga’s early work), and quietly mastered every genre from rock to pop., "so blessed to work with some legends such as Diana Ross and Al Jarreau. Now, with his debut solo album Triangles, the industry vet is finally claiming center stage—and redefining what it means to be a lifelong student of sound. Mani, recalls the surreal moment he got the call to record what would become a Grammy-winning rock instrumental with Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. That story encapsulates Mani’s career: always ready, always evolving. A classically trained keyboardist who cut his teeth in Bay Area studios, he’s spent 20+ years adapting to music’s revolutions, from analog tapes to AI plugins. "Keeping up with technology is vital for success," he admits. "But as a keyboardist, I geek out on new gear—it keeps me hungry." Triangles is an all-instrumental project "It’s just me speaking through keys and synths," he says of the album, which ranges from jazz-inflected reveries to funk fusion. He's assembling a live band to translate its complexity to the stage. Now, as he eyes touring and a Top 10 debut, Mani remains grounded in gratitude. For an artist who’s spent decades elevating others, Triangles feels like both a homecoming and a new beginning. @MikeMani