In an industry where producers often take themselves too seriously, Manthom Phenace reminds us that music can be bold, emotional—and absolutely bizarre. The Chicago-born duo, composed of Diego Olague and James Sexton, is best known for blending heavy, funk-infused bass music with a twist most DJs would never dare attempt: humor and classical instrumentation.
One of their most talked-about tracks, “Cash Krab”, features everything from bluesy undertones to a Danny DeVito sample, layered under crunchy bass and violin flourishes. It’s the kind of song that makes you smile while your face is melting—and that’s exactly their lane.
“We’re not trying to fit in,” the duo has made clear through their aesthetic and sound. Instead, they’re pioneering a niche of their own: genre-bending with personality.
A Sonic Playground of Influence
At first listen, Manthom Phenace may come off like just another bass-heavy EDM act. But stick around a few seconds longer and you’ll hear jazz-style violin licks, hip-hop rhythms, cinematic strings, and unpredictable sample drops—all in the same track. This isn’t music designed for algorithms. It’s made for human ears, curiosity, and chaos.
Their inspiration draws from across the spectrum: the soulful grit of blues, the precision of classical, the punch of hip-hop, and the wild experimentation of underground electronic. Their ability to blend these worlds with humor and intention is what makes their work resonate in a way few acts manage to.
This approach is most visible in tracks like Mozart Meltz!—a title that captures their brand in a single phrase. Classical meets chaos. Virtuosity meets memes. And somehow, it works.
Comedy in the Context of Bass
Humor in music is often associated with novelty acts or parody—but Manthom Phenace doesn’t make joke tracks. They’re making serious music with a lighthearted spirit. And that subtle difference is what allows them to keep artistic integrity while still dropping a DeVito soundbite mid-set.
This blend of playfulness and musicality carries over into their live shows. At festivals like Big Fam, Electric Forest, and Summer Camp, they’ve earned a reputation for throwing down sets that are as fun as they are fierce. The violin adds elegance. The bass adds power. And the unexpected—well, that keeps people coming back.
The Art of Not Taking It Too Seriously
At their core, Manthom Phenace represents a rare breed of artist: skilled, creative, and completely unafraid to be weird. In a music culture where “serious” often means predictable, their approach is a breath of fresh air. Their tracks don’t just hit—they entertain, surprise, and sometimes even make you laugh.
Yet beneath the humor is real depth. Their music is layered and precise, often structured in ways that reward repeat listens. And their live sets? Packed with emotional highs, booming drops, and moments that feel more like performance art than club DJing.
They’re not chasing virality. They’re chasing a feeling—one that’s hard to describe, but instantly recognizable when it hits.
Redefining What a DJ Duo Can Be
Manthom Phenace is not just bending genres—they’re bending expectations. And that’s exactly what today’s festival landscape needs. As they continue to build momentum across streaming platforms, fan communities, and national stages, one thing’s clear: their brand of bold, funny, and intricate music is no joke.
In a scene full of repetition, they’ve found power in personality—and they’re just getting started.
