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Writer's pictureBUZZ LA

Mandi Crimmins is Back With an Incredible EP “Metanoia”



Mandi Crimmins is an unchained artist screaming her truth with her hyper-confessional music. Born in the Boston area, Mandi attended Berklee College of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting. She studied songwriting with top songwriters like Grammy award-winning artist Paula Cole, who become more like a mentor and friend. In 2019, Mandi was nominated in the New England Music Awards for “Pop Act of the Year” as well as a competitor in RADIO.COM’s “The Opening Act” to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. She has performed numerous shows, including Battle of the Bands in Boston, Paula Cole’s Songwriter Showcase at Berklee, and opening for country artist Randy Houser. Her brand new EP “Metanoia” is out now and available on all major streaming platforms. 


“Metanoia” is defined as “the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life.”

Pouring through with precisely that nostalgic balance between passionate melodic delivery and absolute distortion and grit, “Lying To Myself” is a powerful song that utilizes contrast brilliantly and begins “Metanoia” with a powerful intro. Progressing from honest and open verses to an utterly enveloping and mighty hook section, “Lying To Myself” tips its hat to the original sounds of rock and metal, whilst holding close to that melodic aspect throughout. “Metanoia” introduces an increasing number of curve-balls and flickers of identity as it progresses. “You’re Still Here” hits with impact in the way that rock once did, way back when, and meanwhile, the vocals rain down spectacularly. Mandi Crimmins offers genuine angst, emotion, and a poetically thoughtful story-line that seeks and succeeds in connecting with even the most distant of listeners. “You’re Still Here” is a song that begs for you to play it on repeat. That quietly intense intro is superb, space and rasp presented in the performance paves the way awesomely towards the full-throttle vibrancy and unexpected warmth of later on. The song doesn’t drive with darkness in the way that metal does, rather it fuses a touch of that with something a little more blues-rock like.


“Something’s Missing” follows on, a song with a quickly recognizable set-up and series of riffs. A classic alt-rock creative twang emerges, and all the while Mandi pour endless levels of passion and soul into the process as well as being consistently impressive in terms of musicianship. “Something’s Missing” is something of a stand-out for its unusually optimistic and bright aura. Lyrically and musically, even structurally, the song feels accessible and uplifting. There’s a level of hope and possibility to the song, it embraces the listener, it comforts them, and this shines brightly following the weight and hard-rock soul of what came before. “Ashes” finishes things up with a bang, conceptually interesting, emotionally appealing, and brilliantly progressive musically. The delicate piano begins the single and slowly builds with intense distortion and descending power chords. Mandi Crimmins’ vocals explode to create a hugely passionate moment of togetherness, presenting the ultimate anthem for fans to get lost within. A superb way to go out. Mandi Crimmins has clearly figured out and mastered her sound and style, and this EP makes for a strong introduction to that. We can’t wait to hear more! 


Listen to “Metanoia” here and read more in our exclusive interview below! 

 



Welcome back to BuzzMusic Mandi Crimmins! It’s such a pleasure to be chatting with you. You seem to be an artist that puts a substantial amount of thought into your lyrics! Who/what has inspired you to be the artist you are today?

It’s so great to be back!! Yes, I do actually! Lyric writing is one of my favorite parts of the whole writing process. I grew up listening to music from artists who bared their souls. They wrote about the parts of life that weren’t so glamorous, but ones that everyone felt at one point or another. I always wanted to be an artist like that. My life hasn’t been all roses, and I know there are people out there who would benefit from me baring my own soul. 

Your new EP “Metanoia” is deeply personal. Is vulnerability something your fans can always expect from your music? Can you tell us about a particular song that required you to channel the most emotion?

Haha…yes vulnerability is definitely something to get used to when it comes to my music. I find I create my best art when I’ve broken down every wall and I’m crying into my keyboard.


Honestly, each song on Metanoia is incredibly emotional and personal, for very separate reasons. However, I’d have to say that the two most emotional tracks for me personally are “You’re Still Here” and “Something’s Missing”. When I wrote “You’re Still Here” I was in college and frankly severely depressed. I was in a toxic relationship and just couldn’t pull myself out of my depression.  I wrote this song as a sort of haunted love song to my depression - addressing it like a real entity. 


“Something’s Missing” is written about a very specific person who was in my life and caused so much damage. Channeling the pure anger, pain, and resentment I felt into something beautiful was such an emotional journey for me. I cried writing it, and I cry listening to it every time - tears of relief! 


How do you personally feel about live performance? Would you say that you prefer the live performance aspect of music more over the writing/recording process?

I love both so much! They are very different from one another, but I’d have to say I love the studio/writing process more. There’s something so beautiful when you make art out of pain.

What predominant message was integrated within "Metanoia"?

Well, when I read the definition for Metanoia, I knew it was the perfect box to place these songs in - it explained my message so clearly. Metanoia is defined as the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self, or way of life. Which is exactly what these songs represent - the journey of change. The album starts with me lifting a veil in “Lying to Myself” and actually seeing things for what they were, then the following three tracks document the difficult realities I faced when I did. I encourage listeners to start on the first track and progress through. 


It was great having you here on BuzzMusic! Tell us more about what's next for you artistically? Any shows in the near future to support to album?!

Ahhh more music of course!! I’ve been writing so much lately, and it’s all music that’s been challenging me in the best ways possible - no comfort zones. I do have a few shows lined up for the EP release! One is my EP Release Show at the Middle East Club in Boston, MA on October 25th! The other is exciting as hell - I’ll be opening at the Bowery Electric in New York City on November 4th! 

 

Discover more on the music of Mandi Crimmins through her social media!



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