The next Alanis!

Being Canadian, I grew up listening to the likes of Chantal Kreviazuk’s “Time” and Alanis Morissette’s “Hands Clean.” Whenever I hear a singer that reminds me of some of my favorite folk-pop artists, my ears always perk up. It just so happens that Sony Records’ latest singer is a throwback to my old faves with her sultry voice – and her Canadian heritage! (You all know how much I love to talk about Toronto in any of my posts – haha!)

Mandi Perkins, whose song "Why" was featured on MTV shows The Hills and Laguna Beach, is also an accomplished student! The UC Berkeley grad went to law school (and passed the bar!) while she was recording her debut album Alice In No Man’s Land! Our Entertainment “ex”-tern for the week (remember Mia from her Bon Jovi post?) was excited to learn that Mandi was an English major during her Berkeley days – as is Mia at Georgetown. They chatted about how she incorporates her love for fairytales like Alice in Wonderland into her lyrics.

That fairytale story has darker moments, however – and so does Mandi’s music, but she assured us that the darkness is an open-minded commentary on the challenging experiences that everyone goes through. There certainly isn’t a depressing thing about the music or the songstress behind it. She was ready to talk all about the moments that got her to where she is today – a smiling and bubbly vocalist, eager to teach us the rocker fist! (Check out the photo!)

We could see her compassion overflowed right down to her music equipment. Her amp, nicknamed ‘Harry,’ was found in a music store – think Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree that only needed a little love! – and is now used at her shows. She also wears a necklace that she found buried beneath sparklers in a flea market that is actually a vintage miniature music box that winds up and plays. I guess keeping your inspiration close isn’t a bad idea if ever a ‘trip down the rabbit hole’ comes along. Check out some of Mandi’s tunes on her MySpace page and on her official website! (My personal fave is “Who I Am,” which Mandi explained is all about standing up for yourself and not allowing any guy to make you feel like his ‘2 AM girl.’)

So what do you think of this law student turned rocker? Do you keep something close to your heart (like Mandi’s music maker) to keep you cool and collected?

Can’t wait to hear from you,
Katie and Mia
Entertainment Interns