Mandolynne’s First Release
© Photo by Michelle Goverac, Michelle_Liane Photography / Makeup by Kendra Charest-French, of Kendra Charest-French Artistry, Hair and Makeup
Releasing her debut single The Pines , Mandolynne brings a refreshing edge to the meaning of alternative. She’s more than one thing. After studying at Metalworks Institute for vocals and performing live sets with her former band Lady Indigo, she’s branched out. Still holding her own!
Her single The Pines starts with an eerie intro letting us know the mood is dark. She sings acoustic, her tone both raspy and airy. With lyrics like “ Still you said forever, forever on my mind” and an undertone of heartbeats she leaves you wondering what’s next. At which point the band starts, the electric guitars sound off and you hear her other side. A perfect blend of rock and blues.
At the age of 29 she’s just beginning to break into her music career. Although many might put a stigma on artists who start their careers later, she stands as a reminder that there’s no need to rush. “ I want to say that there is NO TIMELINE, I repeat NO TIMELINE for following your dreams. said Mandolynne in correspondence. “I spent a long time feeling that I was "too old" or "not talented enough" or that I was somehow at a disadvantage because I got into music late. The truth is, you're capable of anything you set your mind to. I'm proud to have started in my mid 20's, as most of my childhood/teenage life was spent in survival mode. Truthfully, I'm proud of surviving that too. “
Her music, much like her honest words, attest to the fact that good things take time. With her first single and music video now out, The Pines will remain as a remarkable launch.
To read more about our discussion seek below.
When you wrote the song initially, had you imagined that it would transition the way that it did?
Yes, I absolutely always pictured it developing this way. I initially wrote the verses, and then the outro, which I'm going to consider more of a chorus! I went a little "Don't Stop Believing" with this one ;)
I know that the bridge and “outro" are certainly unexpected, and the refrain for a chorus was not a typical approach. That being said, I wanted to create something that showcased my emotional journey. I tried to arrange it in such a way that reflected me sonically going through the process of confronting my demons, coming to terms with them and ultimately letting them go.
If The Pines is a metaphor what does it symbolize for you? What made you pick it as your first release?
Oh, wow. This is a great question! I primarily grew up in Northern Ontario/Prince Edward County, Ontario.
I used The Pines as a metaphor for my childhood. I spent a lot of time in the woods as a young child and a lot of time by myself. Aside from music, going out and walking the trails and going to the lake was my escape. It was a magical place where I could breathe and get away from my chaotic home life. When the pine trees surrounded me I felt the weight lift, and I felt grounded. However, those very spaces also held a lot of unresolved trauma that I wasn’t in a place to deal with while living there.
This song explores me going back to confront it and tackle all of those heavy feelings I felt head-on. Before the release, I took a trip back there to say goodbye. I visited all of my childhood homes ( it took a few days, haha) and confronted many demons. I lost my power there, and I had to go back there to get it back.
Out of all of the songs I've written, this [one] is probably the last you'd expect me to pick for my first release. I picked it as my first because it was something I needed to do for myself. It enabled me to let go of that longing for my family in a creative way. It was such a cathartic feeling to create it and let it and all of those feelings go.
Since covid started earlier this year we've noticed that it's either delayed people from releasing or discouraged them from dropping music at all. Would you say that it's affected your release? Or has everything been straight forward?
Yeah! I, like many was also there. Covid delayed my release a little, but only by a few months. I was originally supposed to go into the studio, record some live off the floors, start prepping for some live shows, and shoot a music video. That, of course, got put on hold. However, it pushed me to start recording more at home. So, that's what I did. I recorded this song with my mic taped to the stand, in a room that was a thousand degrees, sitting in a computer chair, with no headphones. I hired some musicians to record from their home setups, and here we are! We birthed a beautiful sound child I named The Pines. I've gotta say, this was the best form of therapy I could have asked for during this crazy, crazy time.
Are there plans for a full project soon? What do you feel is next for you?
Yes! The project has been and is currently in the works. Also! There's something big coming next year! Maybe even something else this fall... so, stay tuned!
You know, I've racked my brain trying to figure that one out. I'll keep you posted.
What do you want people to take away from The Pines?
I want people to take away that they have all that they need to confront their demons and step into their power. You have it within you to face your past, follow your dreams, rid your life of toxicity, and thrive. I want them to know that they have the right to do this at their own pace and in a way that feels organic. You’re also allowed to let go of those who are weighing you down.
What part of Canada are you from and where do you call home? why?
So, here's the thing. I moved A LOT as a kid. That being said, I would honestly call Chalk River/PEC, Ontario, my home. Most of my chosen family lives in these two areas, and it's where I go back to come back down to earth. It’s where I feel most at home. I’m really missing them right now. Currently I’m living in Hamilton. I moved here from Toronto at the beginning of the pandemic. I’ve gotta say, I’m really diggin' the Hammer so far!
Edited for grammar.**