Mandippal
“The only way I could ever really talk about things that mattered to me was to do it from a stage, with a guitar in my hand, and a microphone in front of me. I’ve never been much of a talker though, so I would just sing about everything.”
From playing guitar in his Kitchener high school music class, to selling out hometown venues, to showcasing at major festivals, Mandippal has certainly come a long way in his near seven-year career as a musician, establishing himself as one of the hardest working artists in Toronto.
Coming from a family of well-respected Indian musicians and writers (like Mercury Prize winner Talvin Singh), Mandippal has strayed away from traditional Indian folk music, focusing solely on his own blend of poetry and pop/rock. At only 23, he has already made a lasting impression in Toronto’s booming singer/songwriter scene, landing opening spots with major label acts like Jully Black and Sarah Slean, and beloved Indie acts like Justin Nozuka, Pat Robitaille, and Peter Katz.
“Growing up with two older sisters, I’ve had such a diverse selection of music in my life. It’s the only part of me that I’ve really had a passion for, so I never saw myself doing anything other than this. I played every open mic I could find in the city, and slowly started to get my name in the right ears. Now that it’s out there, I want to keep it going.”
In the last three years, Mandippal’s success has certainly started to show. He has received a Toronto Independent Music Awards nomination in the “Best Indie Rock” category in 2006 and 2007. He has been featured on OMNI TV (South Asian Newsweek & Ishtyle TV), TorontoIndie.com, Brit Asian Magazine (UK), CJIQ FM (Conestoga College), CIUT FM (University of Toronto), IndieLove.ca, IndieCan Radio, Qatalyst Magazine (Kitchener/Waterloo), Tambourine Magazine (Toronto), along with two consecutive showcases at the S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival in St. Catharine’s in 2007 and 2008, a showcase at the 2007 COCA Regionals, and a coveted slot at 2008′s NXNE Music and Film Festival.
“I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. Writing what I write, it is what makes me feel the most comfortable. Id rather show the vulnerable side of me, than the side Im expected to.”
In August 2007, Mandippal released his first EP, “When It’s Only Me Standing”, consisting of 7 songs about heartache, heartbreak, and all the in-betweens that demonstrates Mandippal’s merit as a writer, his vocal range, and his genuine honesty
With seven years of songwriting and performing under his belt, Mandippal is getting recognized as a serious player. With his ability to capture an audience with his tone and humility, it’s only a matter of time before he wins you over as well.
Influences:
Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Jeff Buckley, Incubus, Owen, Holly McNarland, Matthew Good, Radiohead, Lifehouse, American Football, Dave Matthews Band, Dashboard Confessional, Snow Patrol, City & Colour, Silverchair, finger eleven, Damien Rice, Sarah Harmer, Pilot Speed (Pilate), Nickel Creek, Big Wreck, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, (friends) Sam Ellis, Justin Nozuka, Pat Robitaille, Chisai Jackson, The Framework, Peter Katz, Dala, Jesse Labelle, Matt York, Daniel Roth, Dala, The Free Press, Vacuity, Prize Fighter, InTransit, Robyn Dell’Unto, Maneli Jamal, Tyler Schwende.
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