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Interview with
THE MANDEVILLES

(10th February, 2021)

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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“It’s been more than five years since the release of our last record, Windows and Stones. We took our time because we wanted to. Sure, that sounds selfish and a bit self-indulgent, but it’s true. The songs on this record have been in the making for the better part of two years.

We cultivated such an amazing working and personal friendship with our co-producer Neil Morrissey, and his former bandmate Ryan Defoe over the last two years. The writing, recording, and production process has never felt so natural. Neil and Ryan’s style of writing and arrangement was very similar to ours, so it was an instant connection.

This record features a lot of experimentation. We got to stretch our repertoire out and really get to use everyone’s abilities in a way that we haven’t before. The songs really came to life because nobody knew what was about to happen. You’ll hear a difference, but know that everything you hear was thought of, and is there because we wanted it to be.

We’ll be releasing tracks from the album with a still-to-be-determined release date for the rest of the record.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,”

Serena, Dan, Nick, Brett, and Taylor (The Mandevilles)

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How did you all find each other and decide to share your musical talents as a group?
Nick and I have been best friends and partners in music for eons now. We’re lucky enough to live in an area where there’s a lot of talent. Crossing paths with some incredible players over the years has finally landed us the “dream team” formation of our band with Brett, Taylor and Dan.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
We’re a rock and roll band. Like OG rock and roll, but still trying to push things into a modern direction. I think people dig that we do our own thing. We don’t sound like everyone else. That’s definitely a cliché to say, but there’s truth in that so I’m saying it. We’re emotionally raw and love to have fun at our live shows too.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
I could go on forever about the Beatles and John Lennon in particular, Queen… Prince… but Frightened Rabbit are a band that’s a constant source of inspiration. Their vulnerability and imaginative sounds are totally mesmerizing. And Every HAIM performance ever, those babes are incredible.

Your new single “Lightning” has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
“Lightning” reflects on the masochistic side of a past relationship. Reliving the pleasure in the pain. I’m definitely the kind of a person who goes all in. And for me, there’s a sick thrill from going through hell for someone you think you’re meant to be with. We experimented with grungy guitars on this one, and I think the end result is some of the best interplay between Taylor and Nick (our guitar players) we’ve captured on recording.

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Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
Oh yes there’s an album coming and we’re so stoked about. We’re trying to contain our excitement by releasing songs ‘slow leak style’ until the fall when we go apeshit and drop it as a whole.

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
We’ll keep our fingers crossed for live shows. In the meantime, we’re doing as much as we can virtually. Live-streaming has kept us sane throughout the pandemic. We’re recently become Twitch affiliates and we’re now trying to grow our audience on that platform. It’s a whole new world. Trying to be innovative with our online presence requires a lot of work, give us a follow and we’ll try to muscle our way into your hearts.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
Biffy Clyro hands down. Those gentlemen write the coolest songs, play together like a well oiled machine and look badass while doing so.

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist? 
I just want to be able to keep making music, keep growing, and continue to be inspired to write and perform. There’s always more work to be done with the band, we just have to challenge ourselves and find what the next thing is for us. As long as I have a voice, I will sing.

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
Being in the moment, being loud, being taken over by the music. Good, bad and ugly. Sharing that experience with people in real time is the best thing about music. Playing Paradiso in Amsterdam was out of this world euphoria.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – The Beatles (The White Album)
Artist – Salvador Dali
Movie – The Deer Hunter
Place to visit – New York City
Venue to play – Paradiso, Amsterdam
Food –  Sushi
Drink – a tie between Negroni and Pisco Sour
Person in History – Frida Kahlo
Tattoo – Birds! I have three huge ass tattoos on my back and ribs: hawk, heron and crane.

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Check out THE MANDEVILLES below
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter 

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AMNPLIFY – DB