Mandi Crimmins – Lose Control

By starrymag | May 21, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Rock for sure, but definitely more Pop Rock. it’s always evolving though. I’m actually moving more into the Pop Metal scene going forward

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up wanting to be Amy Lee of Evanescence, so they were a huge influence. I loved Paramore, and harder bands like Three Days Grace, and pretty much every Emo song that came out. More recently, a huge influence has been Bad Omens – I just love their sound.

 

Q) How did your time at Berklee help you flesh out who you are as an artist?

 

A) I was surrounded by insanely talented humans who constantly pushed themselves to do and be better, and it was impossible not to find yourself doing the same.

I was given incredible advice from a professor who had found her place in the industry, and that was that there are going to be peers that are way more “talented” than you are, some that are not as talented, and a whole lot more that are equally as talented, but that no matter what only YOU can be you as an artist so be authentic to yourself regardless of who can write, sing, or play their instrument better.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Lose Control.”

 

A) The story behind the song is heavy and something I couldn’t face for a long time. When I was in college, I was groomed and trafficked by someone older that I thought was a friend. After I was out of that situation, it left me feeling confused and blindsided. I always thought it was my fault and that I “lost control,” but figuring out I never had control in the first place was tough.

 

Q) This single highlights a difficult time in your life. What made that something you wanted to explore musically?

 

A) I always write about the most difficult parts of my life as a form of therapy for myself, in hopes that someone out there needs it too. When I was growing up, music saved me so it’s my sole goal with my art is to bring that sense of understanding and safety to someone.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think the authenticity in the lyrics and just the theme being relatable is what connects them to it. For victims, there’s so much confusion that lingers even after you’re finally safe, and I really wanted that to come through in “LOSE CONTROL.”

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I had such a clear vision for the music video, and it came out exactly how I hoped it would (and also even better!)

I wanted there to be this visual representation of drowning, and being pulled underwater because that’s how it felt during my abusive relationship – like I couldn’t breathe.

There are so many symbolic moments – the pure white gown that slowly turns red and becomes more tattered and torn being one.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I love having the music before formally starting to write the song because it truly sets the vibe, but I always come into the session with so many lyrics already. Sometimes none of them make it into the song, or sometimes they all do.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) It depends, sometimes the song is from a demo I wrote and produced all myself and work with my producers to make it sound much better, but sometimes it’s a song we fully write during the session with just some references to go off of. I have a very clear sonic vision with my music too, so I tend to be very hands on with the track as it’s forming.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I wouldabsolutely love to put out a full album some day!! The only thing stopping me is money, because I’d want to do it right (and I have big ideas [laughs]). But an EP is definitely forming as we speak.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I recently got to do a show with two good friends of mine, ECHOS and KANNER, and it was truly the best show I’ve ever played. It was just 100% supportive, no ego, all love and I’ve sadly not had that before in this industry.

But I’ve not yet toured, so I don’t have too many places I’ve played that are special.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Bad Omens!! Also Bring Me the Horizon. For me, a song collab would really have to be such a unique and insanely good fit for me to want to do it. I always loved mixing different sounds, voices, etc. – I think that’s where the magic is

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Bad Omens has been on repeat for months. I love their mix of metal and pop, it’s so unique and seamless.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) It’s such a direct and personal way to connect with fans that I always wanted to have growing up. I love how supportive they are and being able to build a community rather than a traditional “fanbase.”

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for being here – you don’t understand how much you mean to me, truly. You all save me.