Mandy Ferrarini

Ferrarini has been a musician since the age of 7 when she started piano lessons and picked up the guitar at 16. The female vocalist has been a member of Flagstaff’s local music scene for six years, having played in multiple rock and funk jambands over the years such as Livelihood and Tron. She’s been performing solo for two years, sometimes appearing with upright bass player Matt Germansen, who adds grooving rhythms to Ferrarini’s singer- songwriter ballads.

The Other Side was recorded by Ben Lippard of the Skanksters but is entirely Ferrarini’s brainchild—percussion, electric guitar and vocals are all done by her. It’s an album that captures her laidback spirit as well as the general atmosphere of Flagstaff.

The title track, “The Other Side” opens the album, a soothing song about the comfort one can feel about a significant other, even during a period of long distance. “Heaven” exhibits some of Ferrarini’s surprising hard rock influences such as Tool or Led Zeppelin. She reveals her intense, frustrated longing for her version of an afterlife paradise on earth, something we’ve all felt at one point.

“Slumbering Rose” is like waking up in a fairytale, but soon it becomes evident even a dream isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ferrarini sings she hopes to stop waiting on fantasies and return to reality. Her guitar switches tone multiple times, showing Ferrarini is a versatile musician.

“Straight In Two” is the album’s highlight with lines like “whiskey river float into my head,” making Mandy seem both sentimental and like that shy, exciting girl at a party you wished you’d talked to.

The Other Side is a great first step. On her own, Ferrarini can be powerful, and her album demonstrates that strength. She’s an independent, spirited woman and Flagstaff is lucky to have her. - Flag Live