Official Mandi Leigh Fan Site Interview October 25th 2005
by: Jessica Klask

Hey Mandi, thanks for agreeing to do the interview with us.
Thank you for asking me.

Who were your influences while growing up? are they still your influences now?
I've always been influenced by things around me, in my life, more so than other musicians. My drive to do this, my passion for music, God, my family and my friends have inspired me to make the most of what I have been blessed with. However I've always been a fan of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Whitney Houston. And to this day I still admire their talents.

Will we be seeing a lot more of Mandi Leigh, now that you signed a production deal?
We're hoping. I haven't been gone, I've just been preparing for everything that's happened as of late. For the next few weeks I'll be in the studio working and recording A LOT and I hope to be performing again by November.

W hen will your album be done for the fans to hear?
We're aiming for early 2006. It's coming along. We want it to have the right songs, the right vibe and release it at the right time.

W as singing always your dream?
I can honestly say, yes. I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I've always felt so connected to music ever since I was young. I remember thinking about music in certain ways that my friends didn't.. melodies and harmonies, and I remember thinking about how those elements stuck out to me.

O ut of all of your songs, what song was particularly your favorite?
We are working on SO much new material right now, that I feel it's not fair to answer this just yet. I have to live with the songs that I'm choosing for my album and feel them all in their own way. In what I have completed thus far, I'd say 'Home Of Darkness', it's so emotional and moving.

If you had the chance to choose ONLY ONE performer that is out in the music business right now to record a duet with who would it be and why?
Michael Buble'. I've been so inspired by the voices of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, and Michael Buble' is definitely bringing that sound back. He is amazingly talented and I would be honored to work on a song with him.

I noticed your a blonde again, what made you change it? and might I add its lovely.
I'm naturally a blonde so I just went back to that, but lightened it. I just to change it up every so often..

I saw you on the first episode of score, I must say it was very exciting for me, a fan, to actually see you on television even though you weren't the one performing.
Thank you very much. It's funny that I've gotten letters from people recognizing me when I was just there to support a couple friends of mine who were on the show.

W hat is your view on the new show anyway? I of course had to ask a Ryan related question, ha ha, anyway.. do you think the show will last?
I think it's a great outlet for creative songwriters to showcase themselves. I think the show is great, I've attended three tapings to support Ryan and a few friends who have gotten the chance to perform, and I hope it does last. I like seeing shows on MTV that actually cater to music.

Out of all the shows you've done, what was your favorite one?
Oh wow.. I'd have to say Club Seaworld opening for Nina Sky. The fans we're amazing, the energy was electric that night, and my family got to fly in and see that show. It was one of those moments where I was completely lit up inside.

A re you planning to make a pit stop here in the North-East some time? Play a show for us New Yorkers?
A trip to New York is very, very high on my goal list. However, I'm not sure when I will be coming over there for performances. The fans will be updated through the site and street team whenever a show is booked.

Did you ever take singing lessons when you were younger?
No I did not, my voice is natural. I did study jazz and hip hop dance growing up but didn't take vocal lessons until I was seventeen. For a short time I worked with a vocal coach out of NY for breathing and technique for stage. It's very important for me to sing live while I'm dancing.