Mandi Crimmins

After discovering Mandi Crimmins through her single “Ashes” which was released in August, there was little chance that we’d forget her striking approach to Rock which made the genre more accessible than ever.

Ashes was a melancholic masterpiece, but “Something’s Missing” is an intensely powerful single full of potent biting emotion. Given the progressive nature of this single, expect tension to seamlessly build until it feels like you’re caught in a cyclone of visceral angst and pain.

But ultimately, Something’s Missing is an invitation to realise that things are missing from all of our lives. That admittance can force us to stare at our harsh realities, but instead of that leaving you categorically depressed, it allows you to see that if you do go through that journey, you’ll be better off for it. Told you it was powerful.

And once again, notable mention has to go to Mandi Crimmins for her vocals. The pit of your stomach will acknowledge the dynamism in Mandi Crimmins’ flawlessly nuanced vocals when she hits the high notes.

You can check out Mandi Crimmins’ latest single Something’s Missing along with the rest of her EP Metanoia for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast - A&R Factory

Mandi Crimmins is an unchained artist screaming her truth with her hyper-confessional music. Born in the Boston area, Mandi attended Berklee College of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting. She studied songwriting with top songwriters like Grammy award-winning artist Paula Cole, who become more like a mentor and friend. In 2019, Mandi was nominated in the New England Music Awards for “Pop Act of the Year” as well as a competitor in RADIO.COM’s “The Opening Act” to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. She has performed numerous shows, including Battle of the Bands in Boston, Paula Cole’s Songwriter Showcase at Berklee, and opening for country artist Randy Houser. Her brand new EP “Metanoia” is out now and available on all major streaming platforms.

“Metanoia” is defined as “the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life.”

Pouring through with precisely that nostalgic balance between passionate melodic delivery and absolute distortion and grit, “Lying To Myself” is a powerful song that utilizes contrast brilliantly and begins “Metanoia” with a powerful intro. Progressing from honest and open verses to an utterly enveloping and mighty hook section, “Lying To Myself” tips its hat to the original sounds of rock and metal, whilst holding close to that melodic aspect throughout. “Metanoia” introduces an increasing number of curve-balls and flickers of identity as it progresses. “You’re Still Here” hits with impact in the way that rock once did, way back when, and meanwhile, the vocals rain down spectacularly. Mandi Crimmins offers genuine angst, emotion, and a poetically thoughtful story-line that seeks and succeeds in connecting with even the most distant of listeners. “You’re Still Here” is a song that begs for you to play it on repeat. That quietly intense intro is superb, space and rasp presented in the performance paves the way awesomely towards the full-throttle vibrancy and unexpected warmth of later on. The song doesn’t drive with darkness in the way that metal does, rather it fuses a touch of that with something a little more blues-rock like.

“Something’s Missing” follows on, a song with a quickly recognizable set-up and series of riffs. A classic alt-rock creative twang emerges, and all the while Mandi pour endless levels of passion and soul into the process as well as being consistently impressive in terms of musicianship. “Something’s Missing” is something of a stand-out for its unusually optimistic and bright aura. Lyrically and musically, even structurally, the song feels accessible and uplifting. There’s a level of hope and possibility to the song, it embraces the listener, it comforts them, and this shines brightly following the weight and hard-rock soul of what came before. “Ashes” finishes things up with a bang, conceptually interesting, emotionally appealing, and brilliantly progressive musically. The delicate piano begins the single and slowly builds with intense distortion and descending power chords. Mandi Crimmins’ vocals explode to create a hugely passionate moment of togetherness, presenting the ultimate anthem for fans to get lost within. A superb way to go out. Mandi Crimmins has clearly figured out and mastered her sound and style, and this EP makes for a strong introduction to that. We can’t wait to hear more!

Listen to “Metanoia” here and read more in our exclusive interview below!


Welcome back to BuzzMusic Mandi Crimmins! It’s such a pleasure to be chatting with you. You seem to be an artist that puts a substantial amount of thought into your lyrics! Who/what has inspired you to be the artist you are today?

It’s so great to be back!! Yes, I do actually! Lyric writing is one of my favorite parts of the whole writing process. I grew up listening to music from artists who bared their souls. They wrote about the parts of life that weren’t so glamorous, but ones that everyone felt at one point or another. I always wanted to be an artist like that. My life hasn’t been all roses, and I know there are people out there who would benefit from me baring my own soul.


Your new EP “Metanoia” is deeply personal. Is vulnerability something your fans can always expect from your music? Can you tell us about a particular song that required you to channel the most emotion?

Haha…yes vulnerability is definitely something to get used to when it comes to my music. I find I create my best art when I’ve broken down every wall and I’m crying into my keyboard.

Honestly, each song on Metanoia is incredibly emotional and personal, for very separate reasons. However, I’d have to say that the two most emotional tracks for me personally are “You’re Still Here” and “Something’s Missing”. When I wrote “You’re Still Here” I was in college and frankly severely depressed. I was in a toxic relationship and just couldn’t pull myself out of my depression. I wrote this song as a sort of haunted love song to my depression - addressing it like a real entity.

“Something’s Missing” is written about a very specific person who was in my life and caused so much damage. Channeling the pure anger, pain, and resentment I felt into something beautiful was such an emotional journey for me. I cried writing it, and I cry listening to it every time - tears of relief!


How do you personally feel about live performance? Would you say that you prefer the live performance aspect of music more over the writing/recording process?

I love both so much! They are very different from one another, but I’d have to say I love the studio/writing process more. There’s something so beautiful when you make art out of pain.


What predominant message was integrated within "Metanoia"?

Well, when I read the definition for Metanoia, I knew it was the perfect box to place these songs in - it explained my message so clearly. Metanoia is defined as the journey of changing one's mind, heart, self, or way of life. Which is exactly what these songs represent - the journey of change. The album starts with me lifting a veil in “Lying to Myself” and actually seeing things for what they were, then the following three tracks document the difficult realities I faced when I did. I encourage listeners to start on the first track and progress through.


It was great having you here on BuzzMusic! Tell us more about what's next for you artistically? Any shows in the near future to support to album?!

Ahhh more music of course!! I’ve been writing so much lately, and it’s all music that’s been challenging me in the best ways possible - no comfort zones. I do have a few shows lined up for the EP release! One is my EP Release Show at the Middle East Club in Boston, MA on October 25th! The other is exciting as hell - I’ll be opening at the Bowery Electric in New York City on November 4th! - Buzz Music LA

Mandi Crimmins is screaming aural warfare with her hyper-confessional music. Born in the Boston area, Mandi attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting. She studied songwriting with top songwriters like Grammy award-winning artist Paula Cole, who become more like a mentor and friend. In 2019, Mandi was nominated in the New England Music Awards for “Pop Act of the Year” as well as a competitor in RADIO.COM’s “The Opening Act” to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. She has performed numerous shows, including Battle of the Bands in Boston, Paula Cole’s Songwriter Showcase at Berklee, and opening for country artist Randy Houser. Mandi is set to perform at the famed Bowery Electric in NYC this November 4th. Her debut EP "Piece Me Back Together" was released September 2016, a concept album depicting her journey out of an abusive relationship. Mandi’s latest singles “Lying to Myself” and “Ashes” are off her highly-anticipated upcoming EP Metanoia, available now. Mandi's main goal has always been clear: to save people with music, just as much as music saved her in dark times.

Mandi’s new EP Metanoia takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery. Metanoia is described as the journey of changing ones mind, heart, self, or way of life. This EP draws you in from the first guitar riff and forces you to face your fears, your harsh-realities, and your pain so that you may come out at the end a changed and better person for it. Mandi describes her sound as alt-rock aural warfare with a progressive soundscape packing an emotive punch. - cantxnot

“Ashes” is the latest single from up and coming Boston-based singer-songwriter Mandi Crimmins, while her earlier releases packed an emotive punch, with Ashes it’s practically pensive aural warfare.

With Ashes, Mandi Crimmins moved away from her Heavy Rock sound to orchestrate a striking Alt Rock ballad complete with unflinchingly powerful vocals, and a deeply intricate progressive soundscape. While the prelude to Ashes starts out with a tentative piano melody, by the time you hit the chorus, you’re in the midst of a momentous soundscape fraught with chaos, intensity, and authentic passion.

With vocals sharing reminiscences with the likes of both Kate Bush and Amy Lee of Evanescence, Mandi Crimmins’ vocals are as arrestive as they come, and the instrumentals also do their fair share of emotional wreckage in this track.

You can listen to Ashes for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast - A&R Factory

Mandi Crimmins is an unchained artist screaming her truth with her hyper-confessional music. Born in the Boston area, Mandi attended Berklee College of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting. She studied songwriting with top songwriters like Grammy award-winning artist Paula Cole, who become more like a mentor and friend. In 2019, Mandi was nominated in the New England Music Awards for “Pop Act of the Year” as well as a competitor in RADIO.COM’s “The Opening Act” to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. She has performed numerous shows, including Battle of the Bands in Boston, Paula Cole’s Songwriter Showcase at Berklee, and opening for country artist Randy Houser. Mandi is set to perform at the well-known Rockwood Music Hall this September 29th. Mandi's main goal has always been clear: to save people with music, just as much as music saved her in dark times.



Mandi’s single “Lying to Myself” is off her upcoming new EP set for release on October 25th. The second single off that EP is “Ashes”, which is out now! Mandi creatively balances delicately soulful songwriting with contemporary sound design on this heartfelt and emotionally loaded new single. “Ashes” draws you in with those intimate and expressive, honest sounding vocals, then later evolves to seal the deal with far more of an uplifting experience. Mandi is admirably open and vulnerable in her lyrical outpourings. A certain level of intention and artistic relevance stands tall throughout “Ashes” presenting an easily relatable and likable song that seeks to connect and calm the deeper thinkers out there. Mandi Crimmins undoubtedly leaves a mark on her listeners through her powerful vocals, raw and honest delivery, and stunning music.



Check out Mandi’s brand new single “Ashes” here and read more with Mandi in our interview below!




Hey Mandi! Congratulations on the release of “Ashes”! What does this song represent for you?
Thank you! I’m thrilled this song is finally out. This song represents the end of a really low point in my life. There was this moment when I looked at myself, what I was doing and who I had became, and realized I had lost almost every part of who I use to be. That’s when this song poured out of me.



What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
I hope they realize that we all break. That it’s not about how you broke or what broke you, but about how you put the pieces back together. How you rise from your ashes.


What are the main values you hope to represent as an artist?
I hope to represent honesty and transparency. Someone that is relatable. There are too many people who have a platform of influence, and use it to promote a false sense of reality. What we’re lacking in our music industry right now is honesty. Real songs about real life.


Do you write from a love for music first or a desire to express something meaningful in a manner that will more likely be heard by many?
Music is my first love. It‘s always saved me, even before I started writing. But when I write it’s from this insatiable need to express a feeling or whatever is inside my head. It brings me so much clarity and growth, and I hope that it brings my listeners the same.



What can you tell us about your much-anticipated EP coming this fall!? We can’t wait to hear more!
Ahhhh I’m so excited for this EP to finally come out!!!! It finally has a title too - Metanoia. I stumbled across this word and literally fell in love. It means “the journey of changing ones mind, heart, self, or way of life” This EP is like lifting the lid of a grand piano to see inside and figure out how the instrument actually works. Each song is a truth that has been ignored and covered up, but is now being seen for all it is. Metanoia takes listeners on a journey of facing their fears, their harsh-realities, and their pain so that they may come out at the end a changed and better person for it. - Buzz Music LA