UK Press Interview with www.music-promotions.co.uk

Hi How are you?
Great! Thank you.

For anybody who doesn't know who you are can you introduce your self?
My name is Mandi Leigh. I am a 20 year old recording artist from California, USA. I am currently recording my debut album in L.A and Nashville, TN, as well as preparing for an upcoming film role.

You have been working since a young age (Appearing in talent shows, choirs, modeling shows, and competing in beauty pageants in her hometown) do you think this has given you an advantage and helped you grow as a artist?

Experience, in any field, is a plus. I sometimes wish I did even more as a child. I always joke about wanting a stage mom.. haha. I am glad I had the freedom to choose this as my own path though. But yes, personally the experiences were good for me.

How would you describe your musical sound?
Overall it has a pop foundation. Music wise it has hip hop and rock influences and my vocals give it a r&b flavor.

You begin filming The Wraith : Eyes Of Judgment this summer what's the film about? is there any more films in the pipeline? what type of character would you like to play?

It's an action packed super-hero film/love story. I am so fortunate to have a small role in this film. I was approached by the director after signing on to record a song for the soundtrack. I fell in love with the script. I play a damsel in distress, Emma Madison. As far as other films, there are not. I have been really busy with music rehearsals, but would love to start auditioning more this summer. My dream character would be a independent fashionable female in a comedic love story. IE: How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, Someone Like You..etc.

When do you plan to release your album? what is the style like as a whole?
We are aiming for a late 2004 release, but we have to see what my schedule gets like. It effects the recording process. Also the style is, like I said above, overall it has a pop foundation. Music wise it has hip hop and rock influences and my vocals give it a r&b flavor.

Your tracks 'Step It Up', 'Like A Queen', and 'Devil In Me' were added to the rotation and spun by a DJ at hot club on the East Coast, will any of them be future singles?
'Step It Up' will soon be going to East Coast USA radio and start spinning in west coast nightclubs, and I shot a music video for Devil In Me in early 2003. However, as of now, there is no set single.

When will you be touring? what is a Mandi live set like?
I start westcoast shows this weekend in Arizona, then we go on to do another in AZ and along the coast of California. A small tour before I start working on the film. In a live show you can see my dancers put on a hot show, I tend to focus more on doing my thing vocally, and a lot of interaction. We try to bring a great show to everyone.

How do you prepare for a live performance?Are you superstitious? Any specific rituals or routines before a performance?
Rehearse! Rehearse! Rehearse! That's how I prepare :) And I always say a prayer that the show will go well, and just go out.

What is the biggest crowd you have performed in front of?
I did a New Years Eve performance in Tennesee, for a crowd of around 1100. I sang the National Anthem after my show at midnight and their were fireworks going. Good times.

How do audiences differ from each venue you perform at?
Club venues are generally smaller audiences, and fans that you yourself brought in. Mall shows, fair shows, that sort usually have a built in audience right there, and are brand new to who you are and what you have to offer. All types of shows are cool.

You have performed at some big events(VH1 Big In 2002 Awards) do you ever get nervous before a performance?
I actually didn't perform at that event. I just attended, it was wonderful. As far as getting nervous, I'm fine until about 2 min before I go out, then I get my butterflies. Once I get in my zone, they disappear.

Is there any bands/artists you would like to tour with?
I would love to sit down and just sing with John Mayer, have him teach me a little guitar. That'd be cool. And do a stage show with Craig David! I adore him. He's so amazingly talented.

You attended the Academy Awards benefit at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood what was that like? what other charities are you involved with?
After coming back from the airport I actually got stuck where I was, and was unable to attend, though I did donate to them for that event. I'm in the process right now of seeing which charities i'll be working with the rest of this year. :) It's very important to me to give back. I would like to start my own foundation, when I am able.

What are your thoughts on the today's music scene?
I am glad to see pop sneaking its way back in. For a while it was a lot of rock and punk. I listen to all types of music, so I enjoyed it, it's just, as far as the type of music I make and love, I'm glad to see pop and r&b getting back in again.

Have you got any plans to release your music over here in the UK? what's your take on the British music scene?
I actually have been doing a bit of press in the U.K. This is my second interview this month. I would love to go international, it's a HUGE goal of mine. 'Devil In Me' was actually written and produced in the U.K.
And my favorite male recording artist is Craig David. I think wonderful talent comes from over there.

Is there any bands/artists you would like to work with in the future?
Songwriting and Lyrically, John Mayer. Touring wise, Craig David. Production wise, Missy Elliott.

How do you get inspired to write a song? how important is it for you to have creative control over everything you do?
My life inspires me. I am all about channeling my emotions into writing. I am currently writing my first novel, and I think growing up writing songs, poems ,etc has really helped in that process. Creative control is very important to me. I am so blessed to have found such wonderful producers. Especially my producer in Nashville. He has let me write SO much, and has had so much faith in my writing on the upcoming tracks.

What is your take on reality TV shows I.E American Idol, would you consider going on the shows your self?
I think this is the question I get most now. haha. I'm not a big reality show fan. And I think I have a lot more creative input on what I'm doing not being on a show like American Idol. Though I do think it's great exposure for artists.

What cds do you have in your cd player?
In my apartment it's Hoobastanks newest album and in my car Miss FeFe Dobson.

What are the main goals you would like to achieve?
My main goal is to be an established name in the entertainment industry. Rather it be through my music first, acting or writing. As long as I can make a career and a life out of being creative and doing what I love to do.

When and where will you be performing next?
All tour dates and upcoming shows are at www.mandileigh.com. Right now they are all in the U.S. If your in the U.S. check them out! I'd love to see you there. Thank you for your support! See you guys soon!