MANDOLIN INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS [FEATURE] BOLD ENGAGING INTERVIEW 2026
MANDOLIN INTERVIEW: Hailing from the vast musical landscape of Texas, Mandolin is a rising singer-songwriter and producer whose artistry feels like a bridge between the golden era of soul and the experimental edges of modern R&B. While her debut single Alone first marked her arrival in 2022, her sound is rooted in a much deeper lineage, drawing early inspiration from the timeless grit of Bill Withers and Etta James before finding a kindred spirit in the raw, confessional songcraft of Amy Winehouse.
A true multi-hyphenate, Mandolin’s rise is defined by a fierce commitment to her own creative vision. From the hazy, guitar-driven textures provided by long-time collaborator Christian Magden to her own vintage-leaning production, she has cultivated a sound that is both smoky and precise. Her ability to weave intimate storytelling into progressive soul arrangements has already earned her a formidable reputation, cutting her teeth on stage as direct support for fellow Texan BLK ODYSSY and garnering critical acclaim from international tastemakers like CLASH, WONDERLAND, and COLORS.
Defined by what has been described as an “incendiary” vocal presence, Mandolin moves through the world of Hip Hop-adjacent soul and alternative R&B with a newfound clarity. Now moving beyond her early standout records like Mad and Lie To You, she stands as a master of her craft—reshaping the vulnerability of heartbreak into a position of strength and announcing herself as a vital new voice on the global stage.
What five words define your sound?
raw raw raw raw raw
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I don’t really have one. Sometimes it’s piano, sometimes it’s guitar. Sometimes I have words, sometimes I have nothing.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
‘Broken’. It’s the most raw version of me. That’s why I put it as the intro to my album.
What inspired you to make that song?
I was low and sat down at my piano, hit record on my iPhone. What came out was how I truly felt.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when making music?
My ‘drrunk (freestyle)’ on my album. I was actually drunk. Sometimes I don’t know what will come out of my mouth I just go with the feeling. Towards the end of the song I start crying and you can hear my throat crack. I love capturing moments of myself that are real to me, because then it becomes real for the listener. I don’t want every song I make to be overly edited or re-written a thousand times because the final result becomes less human.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
I love performing with just my guitarist. That’s when I have the most fun. It’s just me and a guitar and I can get off topic a little… it feels free. The worst experience I’ve had on stage was my mic stopped working mid-performance and it was a recorded show. Half way through there was no sound for me and I’m just laughing at this point but I kept going.
What is your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song to perform is ‘Blue Lies’. It’s upbeat, the crowd really enjoys it. It’s something you can groove to. I love to people watch while I’m singing and see their reactions to the music.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
Dijon and Frank Ocean. I think they’re both geniuses. They do whatever they feel, and their creative ethic and style is unmatched. Their music is them and that’s what I want my music to be, mine.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I’d be helping elderly people. I love them. They’re so fragile like babies and need care but a lot of times kids don’t take care of their parents once they reach a certain age. They throw them in a nursing home and are forgotten about. I hope that never happens to me.
What’s success to you?
Success is waking up and doing what I want. Whether that’s making a song, or flying to Seattle for sushi. I just want the freedom to create and make music, enjoy art, be immersed in it, and learn. The more I learn the more I can share.
What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?
I have a masters degree I don’t use. A masters degree that has become a piece of paper rolled up in my closet. Music is where my soul is. I can’t go a few days without singing or writing a song, I’ll feel ill if I don’t. What forced me to change direction is realising it’s something I can’t live without doing… so I might as well share it.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
I’m most active on Instagram @mandolinnicole. I interact with people the most on there.
