When artists release covers, they’re usually the typical Top 40’s or Classics cover. Whatever will get artists views and listens these days, right? Singer/songwriter Mandolyn Mae, however, decided to take a new approach to things and cover more hardcore artists like Underoath and Further Seems Forever. Her sweet vocals coupled with her acoustic guitar takes an entirely new spin on these knowingly heavy-hitting songs, and proves that she has an undeniable talent and ear for music. We had the chance to catch up with Mandolyn and ask her about her decision to take the risk of covering super current tracks, and about her newly released full-length Once, which you can read about below!
Can you tell us a bit about your roots as a musician, and what inspires you?
I grew up as musicians’ daughter so I’ve literally been around music since I was in my mom’s tummy. My dad was also a hardcore music producer, so I was around that music as well. I listened to everything from Vince Gil to Underoath. All of those musicians inspire me to get better and try harder. Although I’ve always grown up around music and sang around the house, it wasn’t until about two years ago when I decided I wanted to take on music as a career.
You have an EP out that is entirely cover songs of very current artists in the rock scene, like Of Mice & Men and Further Seems Forever. What made you decide to do such a unique series of covers, and was it intimidating at all to take on the task?
I love this question! The idea of doing hardcore covers is especially unique for me because if you saw me on the street you wouldn’t expect that I have any clue who Of Mice & Men are, but like I said before, I grew up around that music. So we sat down one day thinking about what my next step into the music world would be and we thought “why don’t we do a cover EP?” then the next statement was “why not a hardcore cover EP,” and that was the beginning of ‘Cover2Cover.’ It was definitely an intimidating task because you were taking already popular songs and making them your own, so we kind of had to hold our breath when we put them out, hoping at least one person would like what we did with them. The response we got in the end was absolutely humbling.
You’re going to be released your first full-length, Once, on June 25th. What sounds, themes, and inspiration can new listeners expect to hear on the album?
Well, as a lot of people know, I’m very open about my faith. The album is not a “Christian album” but my faith does trickle in on some of the songs. There are a couple of love songs/break up songs in there that aren’t necessarily autobiographical. I’ve been in a great relationship for years now but everyone gets stuck every once in a while and those break up songs were more venting, but the love songs, those are absolutely autobiographical. But as a whole, my inspiration has definitely been my faith. God has kept me grounded, hopeful, happy and grateful, so why wouldn’t I want to share that with people?
As Highlight Magazine, we always have to ask…what has been the ‘highlight’ of your career so far?
Such a tough question! For sure one of them had to be when MATSOD and Of Mice & Men acknowledged my existence. It was literally the LAST thing I expected to happen. Regardless of your music taste, all of those guys are crazy busy and the fact that took time out of their days to listen to my songs was so amazing. Another would have to be going to SXSW. We didn’t get to stay very long, but it was so amazing that I got to go. Above all else, I would have to say working with people I love and that want to see my succeed and reach my goals. Not many people get that right off the bat and I’ve been nothing but blessed to have gotten that.
As an up & coming artist in the scene, what would you say sets yourself apart from other musicians?
Wow. Another tough one. Honestly, I don’t think much. I think, like any new artist, I’m trying to find my voice and find my place in the music world. I’m just trying to do my best to give people what they would like to listen to. If I had to pick one thing I’d say I’m different because I’m a girl in a bright purple dress playing hardcore covers at SXSW. I’d say not many people see that everyday.
Any big plans for the rest of the year you’d like to fill us in on?
‘Once’ was released June 25, and I hope to see new and friendly faces at Acoustic Basement Stage at Warped Tour this summer July 23 and 24 in Kansas City or my hometown St. Louis!
You can buy Once on iTunes now, and make sure you check out Mandolyn Mae via her social media:
