Interview: Preying Mantease
Preying Mantease is a Florida-based band blending alternative, indie, and punk influences to create a unique sound. Formed in late 2022 by lead singer and songwriter Anny Polanco, the band began as a duo before becoming a fuller band, with Hallie Martin on lead guitar, Sam Hernandez on bass, and a new drummer Analisa Lazarra.
Their debut EP, “Creation of Mantease,” released on July 1, 2024, is a personal and dynamic collection of songs. The EP was recorded and mixed by Tony Murphy (Riff City Studios), chosen not just for his skill but for his ability to bring the band’s vision to life.
With their DIY roots, dedication to their craft, and an ever-evolving sound, Preying Mantease is set to make waves in the indie music scene—one sick-ass song at a time.
I was privileged enough to reach out to them and set up a few questions about their band and this exciting release, below you’ll find all the questions and answers about this EP.
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What was the process of making ‘Creation of Mantease’?
It was a very long process. We raised money from shows for about a year before finding who would record and mix all of it. We then messaged a few people for our rates and found that overall the best price for the best sound was Tony Murphy (Riff City Studios). He was the perfect pick, not only for his talent, but because we felt respected and like he saw the vision we wanted to go for.
We were in the studio for about three months in early 2024 and finally released July 1st.
How do you come up with the sound, and lyrics?
All of the songs on our EP were written and composed by our lead singer (Anny Polanco), except for Not the Same & Try Again. She had written it first with her friend (Melanie Irizarry) a few years before. Try Again was a combination of our previous drummer’s poetry (Analisa
Lazarra) and our lead singer’s melody and chords. For the rest she usually comes up with chords that resonate with how she’s feeling and adds lyrics as she plays. Our lead guitarist (Hallie Martin) and bassist (Sam Hernandez) come up with their own pieces to add to each song. If we have any ideas we usually share with each other and add or remove from a song!
Since this is your very first EP, are you guys thinking of going into different genres or sounds in the future or making this your signature sound?
Yes! This EP was a mix of songs ranging from alternative to indie to sad girl music. It’s always a bit disappointing when the crowd doesn’t get to dance because of how slow some of our songs are, so in the future we are trying to move to a more upbeat flow. We have some punk and more indie rock based ideas for the future coming soon! We’ll still keep some of our sad girl roots though.
How did the Idea of this EP come about?
We wanted for people to hear what we hear when we play, not just live, but all the things that one can’t really discern during a show. Our previous drummer wanted to have something related to the beginning since it is our first EP. We all kind of then began brainstorming things related to the “beginning” or genesis of sorts. I would credit our lead guitarist with finalizing the title for it though.
What’s a song from this EP that you would recommend to someone just getting into Preying Mantease?
I would recommend Not the Same since it is a fan favorite. It’s fun and the lead guitar in it is awesome. I’d recommend Try Again if you’re in a melancholic mood.
Are there any artists that inspire your style in music?
Definitely Soccer Mommy, Bikini Kill, Snail Mail, Hole, Mannequin Pussy. We draw a lot of inspiration from sick ass female led bands for the most part.
How did the band get formed?
Our lead singer Anny met our previous drummer Analisa on an app and messaged her if she wanted to start a band (she had a picture with drums in her bio). We struggled to find a lead guitarist and bassist so we became a duo and played a few shows in late 2022, playing as Preying Mantease, Anny’s twitter name. At the spring ucf arboretum 2023 show our bassist messaged us after hearing us play and thinking we needed some bass. A few months later a friend of Anny’s moved to her hometown of Orlando and recommended her as a sick ass female guitarist. Now we’ve got a new awesome drummer who messaged us after we posted a flyer on our instagram: looking for a drummer who can serve cunt (and serve cunt she did).