Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandell.
Mandell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, the home of Motown. At a very young age, I felt the spark for music. I have fond memories of religiously watching Michael Jackson’s “Moonwalker” and “Man in the Mirror” on VHS. Growing up, I was very shy and music always helped me come out of my shell. My family would always have me dance at family gatherings. Although I was good at dancing, I really wanted to sing but lacked the confidence to do it. My voice was my little secret. Of course, I sang the songs on the radio but nobody ever really recognized the talent that needed to be cultivated.
I didn’t attend any performing arts schools or have formal training like some of my peers. This played a part in the lack of confidence. Fast forward, after growing and experiencing life, the time felt right to step out of my shell. After ten years of maneuvering through the corporate world, I decided to pursue the things I’m passionate about. In 2015, I started an underwear line for men. This helped scratch my creative itch, but something was still missing. In 2017, I recorded my first song to assess my talent and see if I really had a chance at being an Artist. Putting fear and anxiety aside, I shot the video released my first single, “Found Love”. Great feedback was my confirmation that I could really do this.
I also launched my independent record label and entertainment company, “New Heights Entertainment” in 2018. I plan to use that platform to help other creatives pursue the passion that I almost missed out on. I have a new single on the way and I plan to release my first EP spring/summer of 2020.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think entrepreneurship comes with great sacrifice. There’s no manual for your individual journey. It can be challenging in the beginning because it requires discipline. When you’re used to maintaining a certain lifestyle, it can be hard to give things up in order to reach your goals. It makes you work that much harder because you don’t have the luxury of sick time and paid vacations.
New Heights Entertainment – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As an artist, I pride myself on making music that evokes emotion. There’s not a lot of that these days. 90’s music is my favorite so you see elements of pop and 90’s R&B.
As the CEO of New Heights Entertainment, I want to ensure my artists feel empowered to live their truth. I want them to make good timeless music and not just what’s on trend. We offer consulting and music admin services. So anything from copyrighting and registering with PRO’s (Performance Rights Organizations, e.g., ASCAP, BMI) to Artist Development and graphic design.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me as an artist is being able to touch people with my music. If you listen to my music or attend a live show, I want you to leave feeling happy, sad, sexy, in love and over it all at the same time. I want to spark something inside of my listeners that awakens their emotions. If I can do that, I’m happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justmandell.com
- Email: info@justmandell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justmandell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justmandell
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/justmandell
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzA_ER0KtHBIzOvqHdmpGxQ
Image Credit:
Derrick LeJermon, LeJermon Photography
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