·September 20, 2026·1 min read

Sink into the acoustic folk ambience of manuka’s ‘Antenna’

Manuka is a singer-songwriter and alt-folk artist with roots in Leeds and Goa, blending acoustic songwriting with alternative pop and atmospheric production. In her latest single, ‘Antenna‘, I really enjoyed the contrast between the gentle vocals and the otherworldly production surrounding them. The acoustic guitars gives the song a steady pulse, while the spacious production creates an intriguing atmosphere around Manuka’s voice. There is something wonderfully intimate and angelic about the way the vocals unfold.

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According to Radio Brumas, Manuka has an artistic background in Indian classical music and Western alternative pop, with her roots forming an important part of her musical identity. ‘Antenna‘ was originally conceived during the 2022 monsoon season and was recorded with Canadian producer Alvin Presley. The rhythmic guitar arrangement draws inspiration from ‘Cherathukal’ from the Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights.

What I particularly like about ‘Antenna’, is the essentially cinematic listening experience. Manuka in an interview with Punk Head says that the song began with a guitar loop and a feeling she was trying to articulate through rhythm. She also cites the atmosphere of Stranger Things as an influence on the track’s eerie production.

I especially enjoyed the way the track seems to balance melancholy with hope, musically. The soft vocals, rhythmic guitar and atmospheric production make ‘Antenna’ an easy recommendation for listeners into indie folk, dream pop, alternative pop and intimate singer-songwriter music. Give it a spin and let this little antenna pick up the signal.