Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Anthony Mandarano
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My connection to music began with my family. My father, John Mandarano, is a professional guitar player and teacher, and my grandfathers played the traditional Italian accordion. For as long as I can remember, my family has loved to sing and serenade one another for every special occasion, a tradition that continues to this day.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Since I was a little boy, I’ve always known I wanted to write songs and sing. My passion truly ignited while performing in my father’s band for special events throughout my childhood.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My current journey really began in 2020. During Melbourne’s second lockdown, I lost my grandfather, Antonio Martello, and almost lost my mother, Betty Mandarano, who spent weeks in an induced coma in the COVID ward. While my mother was recovering, I wrote her a song called “Smile Betty,” which my father John sung and composed/recorded with me. This was my first published track and served as an inspiration to her and many others during that difficult time. This project also includes my single “Christmas Song,” which I dedicated to my grandfather. I believe he watched over my mother during her healing. This song is part of my new Christmas Album, a collection of work I’ve built since 2020.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My album Play It Tonight is a blend of Pop, Dance, and Electronic music. My new festive album, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, expands on that with Pop, Dance, and traditional World music influences.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I’ve learned that music must come from the heart. Having the freedom to be creative and express deep emotions is incredibly therapeutic. For me, songwriting is a vital part of my healing process.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The guitar is a major influence on my sound. I often use my father’s guitar stems as the foundation for tracks like “Moving On,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” and “Valentine’s Day.” My process usually involves writing a track backed by my father’s guitar before delivering it to my producer, who adds electronic layers and handles the final mastering.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
The industry is full of amazing talent, but I recently met and saw Angel Forrest perform live. She has a unique, relaxing voice and moves beautifully between country, rock, jazz, and alternative genres. Her original songs and her band are incredibly inspiring to me.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Every song I write has a story behind it. Whether it is an upbeat dance track or a slow, personal ballad, the inspiration always comes from the heart. My personal experiences—both the sad and the joyful—shape the stories I want to tell through my music.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope my music provides strength and inspiration. For example, “Starting Fresh” is about new beginnings, “Authentic Truth” is about honesty, and “Believe” is an encouragement to trust in yourself and keep dancing. Ultimately, I want my listeners to find the happiness and emotional strength to move on from the past.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me not to let others put me down. I’ve learned not to be scared to show my creativity or my talent. The more I write and sing, the more I feel driven to dance and create even more music for my audience.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I am happy to perform at any venue where people appreciate my music, but my big dreams include performing at the MTV Awards, the Eurovision Song Contest, or the ARIA Awards right here in Australia. It would be a true honor to showcase my songs on those stages.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Madonna. She is the Queen of Pop—incredibly creative, talented, and a master of putting on an unforgettable show.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCmafqaYzKksy7IxpcsO93xg?si=2vJ-4lHqYf43fG11
https://music.apple.com/au/artist/anthony-mandarano/1535757281?l=en-GB
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I am currently working on my next album, which is built on new personal experiences and inspirations. I’m also excited to continue releasing covers along the way. Beyond music, I’m in the research and design phase of creating my own signature fragrance—a project I’ve always wanted to pursue.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they discover my true artistic expression through my songwriting and come to know me more deeply as an artist.
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