Mike Mangione

It’s official. Mike Mangione’s “You Don’t Wanna Leave” from his album Tenebrae has become my #1 driving song lately. This infectious and catchy tune has been on repeat in my car for a couple weeks now. Roll down the windows, crank up the sound and driiiiiiiive. Perfect. (I have my blog-buddy Olly to thank for alerting me to this fantastic musician. He has not let me down yet with his recommendations. Thanks Olly!)

While “You Don’t Wanna Leave” is my favorite on Tenebrae, the whole album is just stunning from start to finish…it is beautifully arranged and acoustic, soulful, foot-stomping at parts…poignant and heartbreaking in others. I’ve really connected with his lyrics on a number of songs. I’m even gonna go as far as say it is my favorite album I’ve heard so far this year. (Yes, a 2007 release but I’m a little bit late to the party….better late than never I say!).

Some musicians lack consistency for me sometimes….definitely NOT Mike. I fell in love with each and every song on Tenebrae. “I’m Sorry Again” was the first to tug at my heart, “First Time: Please Forgive Me” and “Now That It’s Done, Won’t You Come Back” got me thinking “Ooh damn white boy got soul!”.

I could continue gushing on and on about Mike, but I think you get the idea by now. Any fan of the singer/songwriter genre will just love this album in my opinion. You would be doing yourself a major disservice by not purchasing Tenebrae.

…and if my words are not enough to convince you, maybe these will:

-Tenebrae is named one of the best local albums of 2007 by the Illinois Entertainer – Illinois Entertainer Top Albums of 2007,

-”The Killing Floor” is named one of the best songs of 2007 by Indie-Launchpad – Indie-Launchpad

Mangione’s vocals can be heart-breakingly delicate at times, comparable to how James Blunt only wishes he could sound. – Chris Kreklin, OnMilwaukee.com

“It’ is always a good thing to hear young artists still making music that springs to mind at those key moments when the art and one’s life experiences shed deeper meaning on each other.” “Tenebrae is definitely one of those albums that will easily fall into this category and is a definite must have for any fan of folk and Indie music genres.” – L. Anne Carrington, INDIEMUSICSTOP.BLOGSPOT.COM

Tenebrae, “8 out of 10″ – Americana UK

“Tenebrae is completely against the spirit of the time, and therefore has become timeless.” – House of Rock (Germany)

Anyways, Mike was nice enough to grant You Crazy Dreamers a little interview so here it is. I hope you enjoy his music as much as I have! I’d also like to say what an incredibly nice guy Mike is. Musicians who actually take the time to reach out to their fans get major props from me. I connect more with musicians (and their music) who actually make time for their fans and make themselves accessible. I think it is wonderful. It builds a loyal fan base. Respect to you Mike.

YCD: Who or what inspired you to start making music and how long have you been at it?
Mike: My brother Tom inspired me to start making music. We liked a lot of the same artists growing up, well to be honest I liked who he liked and he had good taste. When I was ten I was listening to a lot of Dylan, u2,Peter Gabriel and Zeppelin. Those guys would be my entertainment as a child. I looked up to them and was comforted by them but it was my brother Tom who made me want to write. He wrote a couple songs in his teenage years that were very passionate tunes. When I heard those I wanted to do the same, I was inspired to write something that could move someone else the same way his music moved me.

I have had a guitar in my hand writing songs since I was thirteen, so 15 years

YCD: If there was one song you wish you would have written what would it be, and why?

Mike: Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, I can’t explain it

YCD: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing now?

Mike: I am not sure but I would have a paycheck and some kids…

YCD: Is there anything new you are working on now?

Mike: My hairline, my weight, and my style. As far as music goes yes, a lot. After Tenebrae was written I told myself not to write anything for a year. Anytime an artist finishes an album they start writing for their next and think their last one was shit….even if it has been done for 3 months. Unless you are Ryan Adams you should give yourself time to work the album and promote it…so that’s what I tried to do. It lasted 8 months and I started writing and have continued doing so.

YCD: What was the first record/album you ever bought?

Mike: I think the cassette of Zeppelin III, my brother didn’t have it.

YCD: What are you currently listening to?

Mike: Hear Is What Is by Daniel Lanois and Mule Variations by Dr. Tom Waits

YCD: What is your favorite song to play live?

The one where everyone gets quiet and listens… It changes based on the audiences involvement.

YCD: Can you tell me a little bit about your band members? Who plays what, etc…

Tom Mangione, my brother, is co writer with me, plays the electric “tone” guitar and is our road manager. He has no idea how good he is and is probably the most talented and consistent of the bunch.

Patrick Hoctor is the cello player, he is the innocent Reason in the group. A quit spiritual man, he provides focus for the group when it is needed. He also looks like Tom Brady, a little.

Kristina Priceman is our Violin player and token female. She grew up with a lot of guys and is more of a dude than I…..one of the funniest girls I have met rapped up in a little cute package making her a joy to be with.

John Collins plays upright bass. He is the eldest of the group. Always wears orange and can miss a show by getting caught up in a discussion on either philosophy, food or Queen songs.

Our drummers change with the tide

YCD: How has your music evolved from when you first started playing?

I am more focused on the idea in the song now. When I started I would just try to write something that sounded neat. Now I am really trying to get something across. When I started I didn’t have one idea I cared enough about to be honest with in a song. A lot of things can persuade you when you write and when I started it happened too easily. Now, I feel too strongly about the Idea of the song to sacrifice it. For me it is all about the sacred, anything else I am not interested in. That’s not how it used to be when I started. I was too focused on the distractions of growing up. Also I use more than two chords now….sometimes

YCD: Which musician or band would you love to work with?

I want to work with Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris and Dylan. I also want to work with Duane Lundy, who produced Tenebrae again. I would love to do another album with him; he is a mind reader….and that saves money.

Thanks for the interview Mike!

Purchase Tenebrae: CdFreedom

Official Website: http://www.mikemangione.com/

Myspace: click me

Tour Dates: click me