In the sprawling landscape of modern electronic music, few acts stand out like Manthom Phenace, the Chicago-based duo comprised of Diego Olague and James Sexton. Born and raised in the Windy City, these two lifelong friends have evolved from bedroom beat-makers to festival headliners—earning slots at massive events like Summer Camp Music Festival and Electric Forest.
Their journey hasn’t been overnight. It began like many independent artists’ stories do: with raw passion, minimal resources, and an obsession with sound. But what sets Manthom Phenace apart is their fusion of heavy, funky bass music with the unlikely elegance of live violin. This striking contrast has become their trademark—both on stage and in the studio.
Viral Momentum and Early Breakthroughs
Years ago, one of their early productions went viral, generating unexpected momentum for the project. That moment became a turning point. “We couldn’t believe people were flying us out to play shows,” they shared in a recent submission form. The buzz led to bookings that most underground producers only dream of—placing them on the same rosters as their musical idols.
With little more than a SoundCloud page, their unique blend of bass music and orchestral strings began spreading online. Audiences were drawn to the novelty and depth of their sound, and promoters took notice. Festival appearances quickly followed, placing them among rising stars in the U.S. electronic music circuit.
The Power of Authentic Performance
While their recorded music delivers a punch, it’s their live performances that have turned fans into believers. Unlike most DJ duos who rely strictly on turntables and MIDI controllers, Manthom Phenace integrates live violin into their sets, creating a hypnotic blend of analog and digital energy.
This innovation has become their defining feature. At festivals where every act is competing for attention, the presence of a violinist weaving through heavy drops and funky basslines is something audiences don’t forget. Their performances at Big Fam Music & Arts Festival, where they’ve appeared for several consecutive years, have cemented their place as regulars in the scene.
Philosophy Over Hype
For Olague and Sexton, the mission goes beyond just gaining followers or landing streaming numbers. They aim to create music that lasts—tracks that remain relevant beyond the current trends. “Don’t make music for now. Make it last. Make sure it can touch the future generations,” they emphasized when asked about their long-term vision.
This philosophy resonates in their productions, which often mix modern bass with influences from blues, soul, hip-hop, and classical music. Their track “Cash Krab”, released in early 2025, is a prime example. Featuring quirky samples and genre-blending beats, it showcases the duo’s creative range and refusal to be boxed in.
Building Without a Blueprint
Despite their success, Manthom Phenace remains independent, navigating the industry without major label support. Their growth has come from the ground up—leveraging community events, fan groups, and online music platforms. Their presence on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Facebook groups like The MP Cantina have helped them build a tight-knit audience.
What’s next? The duo hints at an American tour and the desire to collaborate with their musical heroes. But regardless of scale, their focus remains clear: stay authentic, stay innovative, and always push the boundaries of what a DJ set can be.
From the underground clubs of Chicago to the stages of national festivals, Manthom Phenace is more than just another EDM act. They’re a living testament to what happens when originality meets perseverance—and a violin gets plugged into a subwoofer.
