Mandala Interview: Sean

Mandala is a band from Connecticut comprised of Abe (guitar), Morgan (vocals and tambourine), Matt (bass), Sean (drums) and Pat (guitar).  Mandala performed at WCBG’s Fall 2019 Concert for Charity and they were exceptional!  We spoke with Sean over the phone about the formation of the band and their plans for the future.

WCBG: How did you become a band?

Sean: So, there have been three renditions of the band.  Abe and Morgan met each other in high school, and Abe would always write some songs.  Abe became homeless at 17 years old, and he was living out of a van.  He asked Morgan if he could park his van in her driveway and Morgan’s mom insisted that Abe stay.  After Abe went to college, he and Morgan wrote a lot of new material together.  Originally Abe wanted Morgan to play bass in the band and he would sing but then Morgan’s mom mentioned how well Morgan sang and the band was formed.

Abe went to Central University and met Matt our current bassist who he asked to fill in on tour.  I’ve known Matt since 8th grade and we have played music together for years.  It was actually kinda funny, I was like who is taking my friend away on tour for the summer, so I checked out the band.  I was a fan of the band before I was even in it.  Like I would make notes on the songs to make them better.  I asked Matt to get me an audition, at the time I was playing in a reggae band, so I met Abe and attempted to impress him with my reggae drum beats.  Abe mentioned I should meet Morgan and Chris (a guitarist during the second wave of the band), and they were recording an acoustic version of Cash for Smiles.  The song was “Only in the Fall.”  So, I’m part of the third wave of the band.
 
WCBG: Why did you choose to play the drums?

Sean: I grew up on music.  My parents would play music all the time and I had a sort of natural rhythm.  In elementary school, I was in the school band, they asked us what instrument I wanted to play and I immediately said drums.  I started in traditional percussion and moved up to jazz music in high school and later rock.  I got my first drum set when I was in the 8th grade and I had to take a bunch of lessons before my parents got it for me.
 
WCBG:  What’s your favorite song to play live?

Sean: She Don’t Mind off Damsel in Defense.  I love the vibe and rhythm on the set.
 
WCBG: What artists influence you?

Sean: We can never agree on a cover song to play live since we all listen to different types of music.  Currently I’m listening to a lot of Twin Peaks, Jazz music, and Classic Rock like The Who.  Also, Underground rap and Diiv.
 
WCBG: Describe your sound for us in three words.

Sean: Energetic. Danceable. Emotional.
Energetic because of the fun we have at our live shows.  Danceable because we thrive off people.  Emotional since we want to share our message with others.  We want to tell a story that represents us.
 
WCBG: What are your plans for 2020?

Sean: Drop a new record and tour!
 
Check out Mandala and their music, you won’t be disappointed!