This was written about 7 years ago.  It started as a basic idea very much inspired by Jonathan Larson, that we never know where life is going to lead.

Mandy Oliver

Moments - Demo Recording

This all came from everyone's thoughts around the concept rain.  Mostly what struck me were the themes of darkness, storms, but also the healing properties of rain.  

This was very much influenced by one of my favorite artists, Dido.

Mandy Oliver 2017

Rain

One of the weeks of the songwriting program required us to write letters to people who have had a profound impact on our lives.  This is the result from one of the letters that I wrote.

Understand Why

This song came from inspiring conversations with people discovering their true identities recently.  My journey wasn't a particularly smooth one, but it taught me how to help others stay on their feet.

Twenty Years Ago

This song represents the journeys we take through our lives.  Things start off feeling simple, then complicated, but always reminded of finding inner peace amongst the chaos.  Enjoy <3

Take Me There

The purpose of this album is to reach people on a meaningful level. I wanted to highlight some of my own important and impactful moments and music has always been the perfect source of expression for me.  The beginning of the album will feel upfliting and promising and immediately the other tracks will shift and shed light on the darker side of where our lives and minds can take us.  It will take you on a journey you might not have expected to take. I am hopeful that this music properly emotes the experiences depicted in each song and that it helps as many people as it can, while also not being too painful to listen to because of its content.  So often we can feel isolated; I would like to help ease those feelings for anyone who needs someone to listen, even if it’s only for a few minutes.  In terms of what kind of audience I think will appreciate it, I’m hoping that with the versatility within the music, that it will be appealing to a wide range of listeners.  

After the album has been fully heard, I hope the listener has experienced: 
Inspiration to start own their inner journey
Validation of emotional and personal connections to the stories
Passion and love for all of humanity, not just their own
Courage to truly self-reflect, Courage to be yourself
Peace, because after all is said and done, all you need is peace, love, and rest (and corgis!)

This album will also reflect on many challenging aspects of living in our modern society.  The emotional disconnect in a digital universe has been something that I’ve had to learn to remove myself from in order to really stay connected to this project.  I made a point this year to limit my time on social media was and it was incredibly helpful, allowing me to focus and access many areas of inspiration that guided this album’s direction.  Because this music is designed for deeper interaction, I’m might catalyze change and social transition.

Finally, this collection will also bring up some even harder points that we face in our current social climate.  Far too many truths are untold because of fear of what may happen to them by sharing their experiences.  Revealing a few of mine is a risk I’m willing to take if it will help someone else in the long run.  I’d love to see this album shared with any crisis services available, “20 Years Ago” could be used for the Human Rights Campaign or Trevor Project to support LGBT.  I’m also taking a huge risk by being truthful about how our American society has become completely reflexive of the Holocuast the further we regress in our nation.  I can only hope that all of this will only be a blip on our radar, but  with everything that has transpired, especially since our election, it has given me the drive to continue writing albums like this one.  I won’t wait twenty years to write the next one.

1 - Belle MASTER 2.0

Getting ready to see Lion King with a new generation of kids.  There's some pitchy stuff and some mic clipping.  But I recorded it last year when I needed to keep my head up.  Enjoy :) 

Shadowland - Lion King Broadway

This is one of those songs that speaks to me every time I listen to it.  I really enjoyed recording this and hope you enjoy listening!

Mandy Leah Oliver

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