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How would you classify your music?
I’d classify my music as a melting pot of all the influences that have tugged at my ear over the years. I listen to everything, so my songs tend to be pretty diverse in styles. I’m not enamored with the word, but I guess it’s an eclectic catalog.
Who are some of your musical influences?
As I wrote above, I truly have a wide range of artists that have captured my imagination. Currently I love what Joey Landreth is writing, Joey and Ariel Posen as a guitarists, Phil Wickham spiritually, and Brad Mehldau instrumentally.
What do you want fans to take from your music?
I’d love for my fans to be challenged and enlightened by my work. I’d love for them to walk away wanting to find purpose and driven to make a difference in our world.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
I swing between Florida and Pennsylvania, and each present unique opportunities to be in front of a live audience. I also make frequent stops along the east coast as I travel from one place to the other. It feels as if things are still waking up from the season past.
What do you like most about playing live?
The best thing about playing live is the feedback. Every room and every audience present different challenges, there are never two events that are the same. That in itself is an exciting unknown and it always gets my juices running.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
The new album (Chapel Songs) is a return to worship. My previous three releases were about our journey with its joys and struggles.
This time around it felt like I needed to step back for a moment and be cognizant of where I was at in my life, and I gratefully found myself in a very hopeful place. The first single, Hope of the World, is a song that I pray will resonate with those who hear it, and provide a comforting outlook for the future.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
I think as a creative we have to be open to growth by finding ways to adapt to the changing landscape of our world. So in that respect, yes, I’m inspired to experience new things, new places, and new ideas. I’m not afraid to be uncomfortable.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?
Well this question would probably have different answers on different days but as of this moment, I’d love to have dinner and pick the brain of David’s son, Solomon.
What’s next for you?
Pizza for dinner.
A studio session.
A livestream event.
Opening a new venue come the weekend.
I’m a blessed Mann!
