Meet HAYLEY MANDEL | Singer, Songwriter, Poet, Model, Music Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with HAYLEY MANDEL and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HAYLEY, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by finding symbolism in everyday things. A crack in the side walk makes me think of how powerful nature is. That no matter how industrialized the world becomes, the earth manages to crack through. Folks not being able to afford rent and yet the ground can open up and swallow an apartment complex whole. Pretty miraculous if you ask me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Hmm oof good questions! I would say that all art is subjective and the beauty of it is that every artist could talk about the same topic from their point of view. So every piece and perspective will be a touch different. That is what I would say sets me apart- that I can provide my own interpretation of a shared experience and hopefully people will resonate with that.

Goodness- the road has been tumultuous to say the least. However, whose hasn’t? I would say that for me- something that helped me bloom into the person and artist I am today is day dreaming. Allowing myself to envision the type of artist and person I would admire in the world and to become that. To aspire to that. The deep belief in my potential and my gut has really helped to guide me closer to my goals.

I would say the lessons that stood the test of time for me are:

1. I am not my art. I have an entire beautiful existence outside of it. Therefore that takes off immense pressure to prove my self worth through my work.

2. That getting and giving attention is one of the most healing things in the world. It’s a duty I do not take lightly. Giving people a moment, a song, a show where they can have a piece resonate with them and have an experience – and in turn allowing me to be a conduit for that message is an immense honor. That is the point. I am just setting the scene for someone’s main character moment. That is a glorious thing.

3. There will be seasons of incredible work and seasons of unbearable agony. I couldn’t possibly make this art the way I do if I was always in one season. As I go through tough moments, being unwaveringly gentle is the answer for me as of now.

4. It’ll never be perfect. We are all meat suits floating on an intergalactic rock. Everything could end like right now…. Or now. It’s not that deep. Put out what you want or don’t. Take your time. It’s okay.

5. Life is long too. It’s not always so so short- just be easier on yourself and leave yourself alone. Too much pressure on ourselves strangles our art.

Those are some haha! I would love folks to know that for me and my brand- that I am just a person who wants to share their art with them. I want to be felt and I want to show up for my fans with an experience. I want to be recognized for being a loudmouth, silly as hell, emotionally gross, cutie patootie artist. I don’t care for celebrity culture and just want to show up as myself and encourage folks to do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay actually I feel like I am so boring haha. Knowing me and my friends- I would refer them to diners to be honest. A diner can tell ya all you need to know about a place. My favorites are in the valley! I love magnolia grille and coral cafe. Additionally, I would encourage folks to of course check out the beach, farmers markets and flea markets, and to spend a night bar hopping around West Hollywood. It’s a free way to enjoy a night! Also GO TO KOREAN BBQ MY GOODNESS! AND PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out the performance poetry community. Without your bravery, brilliance, and hope in the world I would not be the artist – let alone the person I am today.

Website: https://Www.hayleymandel.com

Instagram: @hayleymandel_

Youtube: Hayley Mandel

Other: TikTok @hayleymandel_

Image Credits
Emily Durkin
Holy Smoke Photography