Exclusive Interview: Mandy Rose Talks Hurricane Mandy EP, Stepping Into Her Own, and More

Mandy Rose is an up-and-coming talent who has taken the music industry by storm. She’s best known for her unique flow, unmatched lyricism, and catchy melodies, which are on full display with her debut EP, Hurricane Mandy. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Mandy about this exciting chapter in her career, the empowering anthems she’s penned, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Mandy: I just came fresh out of the womb like this. My mom used to hear me sing myself to sleep as a small child. When I was in kindergarten, I got a keyboard for Christmas, and it was the first time something made sense to me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Mandy: Without a doubt, my mother. She has always pushed me to take the next steps in my musical journey. From pushing me to take piano and voice lessons to helping me move to L.A. and get my record deal, she has always been the force behind my dream.

PC: Your new EP, Hurricane Mandy, is out today. What inspired this body of work?
Mandy: I would say this body of work inspired me. It is an outward projection of my beautiful internal chaos. It is as if the songs existed the whole time, and they were just waiting to have their moment.

PC: If you had to select a song off of Hurricane Mandy that best encompasses you as an artist at this moment, which would it be and why?
Mandy: I would have to say “Bad Girl Era” is the best resemblance of what my life has been during this journey in the industry. It represents me stepping into my confidence as an artist and enjoying the ride of life.

PC: There’s such a universal quality to your lyricism where it’s personal to you but relatable to the listener. Do you have a favorite lyric that you’ve written? What is that songwriting process like?
Mandy: “I’m not the type to lose sleep over b*tches who blend with the crowd” is by far my favorite lyric on this project. I spent a lot of energy growing up trying to blend in for “acceptance.” It feels powerful to no longer need that validation to feel good in who I am. The lyrics tend to flow because I am speaking my truth.

PC: This is one of your biggest projects to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Mandy: The amount of behind-the-scenes work to support the music goes much deeper than what I knew or expected. The process proved to me that it is always best to push your creative horizons because it is limitless. You definitely never know what you are capable of until you try it.

PC: So often when artists drop EPs or albums, they hit the road in support of it. Are there any plans to tour in 2024? What can fans expect from you this year?
Mandy: As usual, I have some plans in the works. I make moves in silence…

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Mandy: Lana Del Rey.

PC: First album you bought?
Mandy: Kelly Clarkson’s Thankful.

PC: First concert you attended?
Mandy: Melanie Martinez.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Mandy: Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday without a doubt. Nicki is how I discovered my love for rapping.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Mandy: No question, Hollywood Bowl on the way to my Vegas residency.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Mandy: My lip gloss, and my team, of course.

To keep up with Mandy, follow her on Instagram and Spotify. Listen to Hurricane Mandy today.