You are definitely a triple threat, you sing, dance, and act. What inspired you to pursue all these amazing things?
Hello, thank you so much, I believe it started when my older sisters were in Cheer. I would go to their cheer practices, I wanted to dance like them. I got lots of attention being so young and dancing with their cheer squads. I realized how much I loved the attention and I started to embrace dance & acting. I was put in a dance class at age 4 doing ballet and tap. I think my mom did that because my older sisters were taking hip hop dance classes. My mom is a hairstylist and works with people in the entertainment industry. Her clients would tell her she should put me in acting & music classes. The next thing I knew I was in acting, singing & piano classes and fell in love with the arts. So here I am today passionate and working in the industry.
What artists do you look up to right now?
I don’t have just one artist I look up to because I have so many of them that I admire. It would be Halsey, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé, Ciara & Rhianna, are just a few of the main female artist that really interest me. The strength of these ladies and their talents are extraordinary. I love the longevity, their fight and drive to get them where they are. It’s not just talent, because there’s a lot of talent out there. It’s their wiliness to work extra hard and trust me I’m learning it’s not all luck, it is the grind, and drive.
What kind of music are you leaning towards for your music career?
Right now I’m leaning towards alternative, R & B with a twist of urban. I’m actually finding mixing some genres together. I feel it’s whatever you’re feeling in your soul that makes music. I love music to just vibe too.
Any fun things in the works for your music career?
Everything is fun when it comes to my music (haha). Actually I just came back from performing at High School Nation Tour and that was amazing (lots of fun). I am excited to collaborate with some artist I met on tour. So I guess that’s fun and exciting. Can’t wait to expand my music with other artist!
Can you tell us how you got into dance?
My older sisters primarily introduced me to dance at a very young age. We would do little shows for our parents and act and dance. I started cheerleading with my older sisters and would learn all their dance routines with them. My sisters are 7 and 9 years older than me so everything they did was cool. I remember watching with my sisters the singer Ciara performing on MTV with my sisters and I was so into it and wanted to dance like her. I never thought I was good enough to become a dancer, but I still kept dancing. My mom put me in some dance classes, but it wasn’t on going, just off and on. A choreographer once got mad at me when I would tell him I’m not a dancer, I’m a singer. He would say “If I say you’re a dancer, then you are”! I still feel that I’m the singer who can do some dancing.
Do you look up to anyone in the dance world?
Yes!! I LOVE Galen Hooks! I love her style and want to work more with her. I also love Leo Moctezuma and Rumer Noel. I have worked with the both of them and they are so inspiring. They make me love to dance and make me feel inspired to keep dancing.
What’s your favorite style of dance?
I really like contemporary the most, but I enjoy ballet and hip hop too.
You’re also making a name for yourself in the acting world? What’s been your favorite role to play & Why?
My favorite role would have to be when I played Gabrielle in High School Musical at my school. But for acting roles on TV/movies I’ve yet to get the role of my dreams which would be a dramatic role. I’m working with an amazing actor, director and producer Mykel Jenkins and he has been teaching me in acting classes how to be vulnerable and that’s really helped me with my acting skills. I have played a ballerina in the 1800’s when I was 6 years old that was fun because of I loved the costume I wore, and getting hair and makeup done. My acting career is just starting, but I believe you will see more of me soon, not just in music videos but some really cool dramatic roles. (Stay tuned…)
You have also made a name for yourself in the social media world. Why do you think social media is so important for teen artist today?
Good question, I think the main reason for teen artist to get out on social media is to show their talents. Also to let others see what they’re working on in the industry. I think it’s important to be true to your art first then share it with your followers on social media. I’m so grateful for social media platforms because it has helped me get my music out to thousands that would have not known about my music otherwise.
What are your friends and parents thoughts on your career in singing and acting?
I have such a great team. My parents are on board with my career and they’re amazing and really without their support I would not be answering questions to this amazing magazine! My acting coach/trainer/mentor Mykel Jenkins is one of my strongest supporters on my team. Mykel motivates me daily to keep on my journey towards success. He is about grinding and working hard and that eventually it will pay off and he feels my acting is getting stronger. When Mykel gives a compliment, that is huge, he does not throw out compliments to be nice. My friends believe in me and keep me going when I feel down sometimes. My BFF’s Chey and Gabby are always lifting me up and telling me how good my music is. My acting class friends also encourage & support me. My social media followers/friends have also helped with their comments like “you’re amazing”, “I love your music Mandi”. Those comments mean so much to me and it fuels my confidence. Also my makeup artist which is Ms. Marlene who is more than a makeup artist, she jumps in with my mom working on ways to get me more exposure for my music. Ms. Marlene and my mom work endless hours to help me and that means so much. I’m very grateful to all the above who I’ve mentioned for staying by my side during my career journey.
Overall, how has this whole acting and singing career experience been for you?
Amazing! I do not regret all the hard work I’ve put into this and no matter where my future takes me, all I have learned will only help me to succeed in any future endeavors I do.
Do you have any advice for anyone trying to make it as a singer or actor?
I don’t really have much advice because I’m still young and growing in the industry. I can say don’t let anyone tell you not to follow your passion. If singing or acting is your passion then find a supportive team that will be there to help and guide you. Keep positive and get rid of anyone who is negative. First off believe in yourself and keep strong motivated people around you. If they are not motivating you then don’t be around them. Stay clear of the negative people. I guess I did have some advice to give☺.
Do you have any other talents other than singing and acting?
I use to run track & field, cross country, soccer and did cheer. I was told that I’m very good athletic. I ran cross country for AUU and came 9th in my division at ESPN in Florida when I was 9 years old. Our cross country team won the championship that year too. I cheered for pop warner (age 3-8 years old). Later I tried out for High School Cheer and got on their Varsity team as a freshman. I was asked to play club soccer, but I dropped out of sports when I got serious about my music and acting.
What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
- Passionate
- Kind
- Quirky
- Determined
- Adventurous
Do you have any last things you want to tell your fans?
Thank you for being there for me, for following my journey and for your loyalty. I’m so appreciative to each and every one of you. Also to my fans who DM me on Instagram and share your own lives with me, that means so much to me. I feel very blessed to have you all in my life.
SOCIALS:
Instagram – Officialmandimacias
Snap Chat – MandiMacias
Twitter – Mandi_Macias (not on much)
Website – www.mandimacias.com
