This is Mike Mangione, a singer-songwriter from Wisconsin. He writes music to remind people that they're not alone and that their struggles are shared.
MIKE MANGIONE
Singer-songwriter
“If my song can in some way be a comfort to you on your journey and make you feel that somebody else has experienced what you've experienced, or can at least be there with you, and you don't feel alone, then I think the music has done its job.”
Mike says performing live has made him realize that music can be a form of prayer.
MIKE MANGIONE
Singer-songwriter
“I write songs because songs express for me things that I want to say that I can't say otherwise. So they're my prayer, and they're my hope, and my opportunity to maybe help other people feel connected and part of that cyclical relationship as well.”
Mike continues to be inspired by the different, sometimes unexpected ways people relate to his music. He gives the example of a woman, who, despite being hearing-impaired, was still able to enjoy one of his performances because of the vibrations. He says it's an experience he keeps in mind when writing new songs.
MIKE MANGIONE
Singer-songwriter
“There's all these different things that you can incorporate into performance and into songs. They're all just different, little different colors like you're, like on a palette, you know, kind of like on a painting palette, when you're making a picture. You want to use, use them wisely, and don't ever forget about any shade of color, because you never know who it may reach and when.”
Mike has started recording a new album, which he's excited to share with audiences in 2021.
