Greek-Canadian Pop/RnB artist, Mandia, dropped a mini EP titled "Sapphire", which is named after her birthstone and showcases her most deep, personal tracks yet.
TRACKLIST
Boy Bye
Yours 2 Keep
Selling Dreams
Born in Ottowa, Mandia grew up a natural born performer. Since the age of 8 years old, she would sing and dance at Ontario festivals, and studied classical music. She began uploading videos of her singing on YouTube, which led to her gaining attention from both U.S. and Canadian songwriters and producers at only age 15. Inspired by iconic vocalists like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera, Mandia created her own unique blend of pop, rnb, and soul with essences of hip-hop. She released her official first single, "Secret" in 2015. Over the past ten years she has released an EP and many singles, working with Grammy-Award winning producers and performing live all around the country. "Sapphire" the mixed tape features 3 tracks that shows Mandia in a way we've never seen her before. Let's get into it!
Boy Bye
We start with "Boy Bye" a mid-tempo, nostalgic Pop/RnB song with a message directly to all the girls out there who deserve way more than they get. Mandia sings with a gorgeous mixed voice through a popping bass and beat, as well as a super catchy acoustic guitar riff. "Boy Bye" is a female hype song, helping women gain confidence and reminding them of the strong, beautiful and independent person they are. With clever lyricism like "out here looking fly and he can't even book a flight", "Boy Bye" reassures women that you don't have to settle for a man that doesn't treat you right. Get out there, show him what he's missing, and never look back. There's a whole planet of guys out there and one of them is bound to do better for you!
Yours 2 Keep
Next we have the focus track, "Yours 2 Keep", which continues the theme of self-confidence and taking what you deserve, this time aimed at the man himself. With lots of sass and attitude, Mandia sings of her qualities that this guy will never have because he wasn't there for her. She already did so much for him but never got anything in return; so she's taking back her crown and shining like the badass queen she is. She's showing him that she doesn't need him; she's got plenty of guys in her DM's just waiting for a chance to talk to her - and she wants him to know just how bad he messed up. "Yours 2 Keep" has an RnB acoustic picking pattern, with a thriving early 2000's bass and drum groove, and a hip-hop inspired hook that'll get stuck in your head for days.
Selling Dreams
Last but not least, we have "Selling Dreams" which is about being approached by men who think you'll be with them just because they have money. They're profiling you based on your looks and lifestyle, rather than a woman with feelings. Mandia sings that it's going to take more than just money to get with her. This song shimmers and sparkles with a variety of synths and string production. Mandia shows off her chest voice and rapping skills with a surprise hip-hop verse in the middle of the song. I really enjoy the vocal layering and harmonies as well. It follows the theme of nostalgic early 2000's RnB, with just a hint of commercial pop.
I think Mandia accomplished exactly the vibe she was going for with this project. You feel like you're listening to a mixed tape straight out of the early 2000's. As a woman, the overwhelming feeling of empowerment and confidence is so liberating. It's important to have music that is validating and to pick you up off of the floor. Not only did Mandia do that with her lyrics, but she also has the most stunning voice and creates catchy, addicting and nostalgic soundscapes that make you want to listen to her more. If you loved the songs on "Sapphire" I highly suggest diving into the rest of Mandia's discography from over the years. You can also find all of her social media pages below to keep up with what is yet to come!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
FOLLOW MANDIA:
*Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.