Interview with MUSIC WITH MANDY

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I started singing when I was kid, I loved being in the spotlight. My parents surrounded me with great music and provided me the opportunity to study voice, piano and guitar in high school. I wouldn’t say that there is a specific thing that got me into music. Music is engrained in my identity, I don’t know how to go about my day without making music.

If I wasn’t doing music, I would be a dancer, figure skater or a visual artist.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to hike, read and paint.

Sometimes, the creative process can become overwhelming and hiking allows me to calm down. It’s an opportunity to move through my feeling, take a step back and become grounded in nature.

I consider myself a lyricist more than a songwriter or composer. Reading helps me build my vocabulary and gives me a better understanding of the world.

I recently started painting my songs as I write them, something I swore I would never do. I intended to keep my painting separate from my music so that it could be an artwork free from the pressures of the music business. However, I have found that my music and my songs are improved when I look at them from a different perspective.

How long have you been making music?

Since I was 4 but I’ve only been working professionally for 14 years.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Calgary, Alberta. The artists I get to collaborate with are incredible and I wouldn’t have had the chance to learn from them and with them if I hadn’t moved to this awesome city.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

One of my favourites was a collaboration that I did with Tritone Rhythm. They are a Tap Dance Company led by Tasha Lawson. It was awesome to share the stage with so many incredible young dancers and musicians.

Another was my showcase at the King Eddy at the conclusion of my time at the Artist Entrepreneur West. I love the way children’s music helps adults connect with their more playful side and it was a blast seeing friends, family and strangers who were all over 18 dance along with my silly songs.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I love playing outside. I think that nature is the perfect addition to children’s music.

I would like to play the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Children’s Festival and anywhere internationally.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Fred Penner, Jodi Proznick, The Doodlebops and Caity Gyorgy

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

I would like to tell new artists to practice. Always dedicate time to getting better at your craft.

For my younger self, I would tell them that they are enough. Enjoy making music, it’s a gift. You have nothing to prove.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

“From My Head to My Toes” is a shameless love song that I wrote to myself in the hopes that kids would hear it and sing a long. I want everyone to love themselves fearlessly and I think this song is one step towards that.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

One of my new singles, “Sugar Rush,” is a blast to sing. I get to show off a side of my voice that I don’t often play with.

“What’s Your Name?” Is the most requested song. It is an introduction to pronouns with a cool, funky beat. Kids love it because it’s danceable and parents love the message.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

I write with my husband, Matt Morris. Typically, we have a short meeting to decide on the theme of the song and then we step away. I work on the lyrics independently, he sketches out a melody then we pass it back and forth, making edits until we are both happy.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

Love yourself, love each other and take time to be silly and have fun.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I have a new album coming out soon! Follow my socials for more details.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

https://www.facebook.com/musicwithmandy

https://www.instagram.com/musicwithmandy/

https://www.tiktok.com/@music.with.mandy

https://musicwithmandy.com