Following on from the release of ‘Crack Of Light‘, we spoke with master singer songwriter, Robbie Mangiardi.
How has the response to ‘Crack of Light’ been so far?
Depends who you talk to! One curator on Submithub said the lyrics went nowhere, while Bill Bentley in Americana Highways named it his “ Song of the Month”! I was talking to Bill the other day, and he told me no song sums up the mood of the last decade as well as ‘Crack of Light’, and I will take that one comment as enough to sustain me for a long while. It’s not a get up and let’s dance song. It’s something quite different. Therein lies the rub for some!
Your songs always feel carefully written. What does your songwriting process usually look like?
Songwriting is deliberate at times, with time put in, etc., but often it feels like hide and seek! You kind of have to knock at it and then, if nothing comes, walk away – far away to give the muse a chance to get back in the mix. It’s kind of like sculpting – you chip away until something appears that you can live with.
How has growing up in New York and spending time in Woodstock influenced your music?
Growing up in New York and New York City was an absolute bath of cultural and musical feeds. Whether it was classical music, jazz, folk, Broadway, salsa, punk rock – it all fused into this big bibulous ball of what inspiration.
The song includes many personal details. How do you decide what to share in your lyrics?
What I share or am willing to share is usually a gut call in the moment. I like to share big things in a small way. Not a fan of TMI!
What did it mean to have ‘Crack of Light’ chosen as Song of the Month by Americana Highways?
Having a seasoned musician. Warner’s rep at the height of their heyday and a man who calls Neil Young and others good friends for years, as well as someone who I have followed from afar for years in Bill Bentley- he’s as Americana as you can get, the greatest guy, so – a dream come true for me.
The song reminds us that people can feel alone even when others surround them. Why was that message important to you?
I just feel that not enough of us are reaching out for help, and if this song enables permission to do so, so be it!
Even though the song deals with difficult emotions, it still leaves room for hope. Was that important to you?
Simple. Without hope, what do we have to live for, right?
Are there any new songs or projects you’re excited to share next?
A ton in the can with the same players, including two stints by my guitar hero, John Jorgensen. EP on the way after my waterfall of singles right now! Everything sounds amazing! Very happy!
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans before we wrap up?
Only to thank them for listening! Cheers!
Watch the music video for ‘Crack Of Light’ below, and find out more about Robbie Mangiardi and his music online on his officialwebsite,YouTube,Facebook,Instagram, andTikTok.
