Up-and-coming artist Mandi Crimmins is no newcomer to the music scene. Born in the Boston area, Mandi attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in songwriting.
After sharing her original music and building a fan base, Mandi is back and better than ever. The rising artist recently released her single “Anyone But Me” and the alt-pop record masterfully blends the two genres and Mandi’s pristine yet powerful vocals serve hints of Amy Lee of Evanescence.
“I was inspired to write this during one of my lowest points last year,” she shares with Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “‘Anyone But Me’ depicts the battle of self-acceptance that I’ve fought within myself for a very long time. I hope listeners take away that we all struggle with loving who we are, but embracing our authentic self unlocks pure inner happiness.”
Celeb Secrets sits down (virtually) with Mandi to chat about her single “Anyone But Me,” her musical inspirations, and what’s to come from her later this year. You can learn more about Mandi by reading our full Q&A below and make sure to give her a follow on both Instagram and TikTok at @mandicrimminsmusic.
Don’t forget to let us know what you think of “Anyone But Me” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
CS: Thanks for chatting with us! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got your start creating music?
MC: “Hi, I’m Mandi Crimmins and I’m an alt-pop singer-songwriter. I actually got my start in music by accident, literally. I was badly injured as a kid, and had to quit all sports and activities. So my mom signed me up for singing lessons, and I just fell in love. Then when I learned that I could write out my feelings and experiences into my own original songs, it became my personal therapy.”
CS: Growing up, who were some artists you listened to, and who has influenced you?
MC: “I was a major Evanescence fan growing up (and to this day!) I also had P!nk, and Avril Lavigne on repeat as well. I loved the artists who were doing something different than the “norm”. I’ve always been pulled to them, and they had a major hand in shaping my art.”
CS: Congratulations on the release of “Anyone But Me!” It is such a personal song but also so relatable. What was the inspiration behind the record, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
MC: “I was inspired to write this during one of my lowest points last year. ‘Anyone But Me’ depicts the battle of self-acceptance that I’ve fought within myself for a very long time. I hope listeners take away that we all struggle with loving who we are, but embracing our authentic self unlocks pure inner happiness.”
CS: If you could collaborate with any recording artist right now, who would you pick and why?
MC: “There are so many! I’d have to say Halsey, Billie Eilish, or Mothica. They all write really vulnerable and authentic music, which is something I do as well, so I feel any song we’d make together would be killer.”
CS: What else can fans expect from you this year?
MC: “More music for sure! I’m going to be heading back out to LA soon to write and record with my incredible producer. I have so many songs pent up inside me after this past year!”
CS: We are Celeb Secrets: Can you share a secret talent of yours?
MC: “Besides my impressive ability to overthink, I can also juggle!”
