Michelle Mangione Interview

Singer-songwriter, accomplished musician, and extraordinary performer are but a few ways to describe Michelle Mangione.

Mangione is a Southern California native who started playing musical instruments at a very young age, beginning with the piano. But one day a family friend brought over a sparkling set of drums and she fell in love, before she’d even touched them. She penned her first song at around age 10. By the time she was sixteen she was an accomplished drummer recording and arranging music in her family’s garage. Her continued interest in music lead her to teach herself to play guitar and bass.

She studied under Kay Carlson, then graduated from the Percussion Institute of Technology (Hollywood) and after a brief teaching stint at PIT, she went on to become a successful road musician. During this time Mangione made a name for herself as an outstanding musician. Some highlights from this period include performances with such greats as saxophonist Buddy Collette and guitarist Robben Ford.

A member and driving force of the band Sideswipe, Mangione established herself during this period as creative songwriter. A dynamic performer, she delighted audiences with her explosive drumming, which could be heard, full throttle, as she powered through tunes for the band.

One recent Friday afternoon Flask & Pen had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Mangione about what drives this special woman and her music.

F & P: This is your first solo effort. What was it like stepping out from behind a band to perform just your songs as a solo artist? Were there fears to overcome?

Mangione: Of course I had to overcome some fears but I wanted to get my music out. So you face your fears. When it’s just you, your music , your songs- it’s like being naked out there.

F & P: During your shows, it’s amazing how many people are singing along with you. How do you feel about that?

Mangione: It’s a humbling experience to hear people singing what you wrote. But it’s also inspiring.

F & P: What musicians were you influenced by?

Mangione: There were so many. James Taylor, Carole King, John Hiatt, Thelonious Monk to name a few.

F & P: What’s your process when songwriting? Do you set aside time to write or be creative?

Mangione: Yes, but a lot of ideas come to me while I’m driving. There’s a section of the 405 [freeway] that I refer to as “the zone” because so much has come to me in that one stretch.

F & P: So you’re sitting in traffic and words kind of just come to you?

Mangione: Something like that. But usually the chorus or melody will come first. The lyrics come last. I wrap the words around the music. I’ve written much more music than lyrics. Usually I have thoughts of chords and I start tapping on the dashboard or steering wheel. I sing them into a tape recorder that I keep in my car. In fact, when I bought my car one of the big reasons I bought it was because it had a cassette player. When I get home I listen to what I sang in the car and that gives me a starting point. Then I’ll sit down and work things out from there.

F & P: Your current CD Life Beneath the Sun has some fantastic lyrics. Songs such as Man with a Gun and I’ve Become seem to tell a personal story.

Mangione: Yes, all of the songs I write come from some personal experience. Man with a Gun was about a time I was held-up at gunpoint. I was trying to understand what would make someone so desperate.

F & P: When can we expect to see the follow up to Life Beneath the Sun?

Mangione: Soon, I’m back in the studio now working on new songs.

Note: Mangione is currently writing a song with Grace Slick.

Life Beneath the Sun contains a collection of one wonderful songs. Mangione delivers a touching mix of emotions and sounds that regardless of your taste in music you’re sure to find a place for this in your music library. To obtain more information on Michelle Mangione or to purchase Life Beneath the Sun go to www.michellemangione.com