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Late last year, we felt an album deep in our heart and soul; it just stuck and wouldn’t leave. Mandolin was an unknown to us, making us check our in-the-know credentials, and leaving an album like same feeling, different font on read was just not an option. Nothing is the same but different about this album. It’s a palpably cohesive, emotional extradionary work that we insist you listen to in full. Wanting to reveal its author and sort out our lingering feelings, we sent a few questions Mandolin's way. 

OnesToWatch: Who is Mandolin?  

I’m human. I’m a woman. I’m an artist. I’m me. 

If you were a font, what font would you be? 

I would take my handwriting and digitize it into my own font. That way I’d have my own.

How are you feeling right now? 

I’m feeling good. The new year is looking bright. I’m grateful I’m still here.

We were really stunned by your album, very old soul vibes. What does it mean to you? 

This is my first album. It means a lot to me just due to the fact that I didn’t think I could do it, but I did. It’s ironic you said “old soul” because some days I feel 78 inside. I got grandma hobbies. This album was really raw for me. Some of the songs were recorded while I was drunk or just freestyling. I like capturing myself in moments that are real. 

Any collaborators? Who produced the album? 

I produced the album. My guitarist, Chris, contributed as well.

Any specific sound you were chasing? How do you feel about the results? 

I don’t think I chase a certain sound. I know the moment I hear something if I want it or not. Sometimes I hear it in my head first and then make it happen. I do tend to like things that sound more live. I like when tracks have fuzz and flaws, texture.

Besides this excellent album, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

Shows. More music. I got a few things up my blouse. I don’t wear blouses, though.

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Interior design. I really like '70s interiors, textures, green, dark wood, warm lighting. I just got a green velvet couch.

Take us with you somewhere, where do we go? What do we do? 

We’re going to the ocean. We’re bringing a quilt, a tin of Mary Jane, a bottle of white wine, and we’re going to lie there with our eyes closed and listen to the waves.

Who are your OnesToWatch? 

I really like Quadeca right now. He blends a lot of genres, and that’s so rich to me, and his imagery is captivating.