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Going ‘Offline’ with MandyCan: The Song That’s Redefining Connection

Writer's picture: STAFF STAFF

Silhouette of a person in profile against a sunset sky. Clouds are highlighted with light. A tree and house roofs are visible in the background. MandyCan  - The Cage, a music blog powered by Cage Riot
Photo provided by: MandyCan

By: Staff

We got a chance to talk to the creative talent, MandyCan, about their latest release ‘Offline’.


In a world that’s always plugged in, one artist is flipping the script with a track that invites you to step back, breathe, and rediscover the rhythm of life outside the digital grind. With its hypnotic flute-driven melodies, head-nodding beats, and soulful vocals, this new single isn’t just a song, it's an exhilarating experience.


Created across three time zones, this project is proof that distance is no barrier to creativity when you’ve got a shared vision. Crafted by a mysterious mastermind, a sonic alchemist, and a voice that cuts straight to the soul, the track embodies freedom, reflection, and the joy of the unexpected.


Are you curious to know more about the creators behind this groundbreaking collaboration? Or what inspired such a powerful message? We sat down with the artist behind the buzz to dive into the creative process, the stories behind the song, and what it all means in today’s overstimulated world.


Keep reading as we go “Offline” with MandyCan. The interview starts now!



Begin Interview:


We are excited to have connected with MandyCan, aka Soyam Dean.


Hello MandyCan, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.


Q. What inspired you to choose the name MandyCan as your artist persona? How does it reflect the connection you want to build with your fans, and what personal significance does it hold for you?

A. It's actually an anagram of 'CandyMan' which was a brand of sweets I used to eat as a child growing up in India. I had a massive sweet tooth and I often associate my fondest memories with the sweet treats I ate as a kid. The reason it's my artist name is because I want my music to have a level of 'Nostalgic Comfort' to it - not necessarily because it's nostalgic music, but because it can take you to a comfortable moment in your life that you can smile back on.



Q. What was the initial spark that led to creating "Offline," and how did you know it was the right moment to bring it to life?

A. The spark came from Aman Almeida (Baseball Alien) and his work. We've been friends for years and we used to send each other clips and snippets of music we'd create since going to University in different countries. He made the atmospheric flute sounds and lush synth sounds as part of an ambient piece of sound art and I asked him if I could have a play with it. I laid down the percussive elements and added bass and extra synths after he agreed. The rest of the track wrote itself and when I sent it to Alvina - I was so impressed with her vocal takes that I KNEW it needed to come together.


There were a lot of moments where it felt like I was never going to put it out but I decided that their work and contribution to Offline deserved better than to sit on my hard drive.



Q. What does the term “Offline” represent to you personally, and how does it connect to your everyday life?

A. I'm at the cut-off year for Millenials, so I basically grew up with the internet. I've seen the wonders it's given us - and this song wouldn't have happened without it, but I also recognise how being overstimulated and overrun with information has harmed many of us in numerous ways. Being "Offline" to me means to take a break from it all. To explore the world around us, as well as the world within us - outside the dimensions of a luminescent screen.



Q. Can you describe the unique role of Aman aka Baseball Alien’s flute sounds in the track and how they set the tone for the rest of the song?

A. It was the first domino, really. I never go into producing/making music with a clear intention of what needs to be done - it's all just a response to an initial sound/idea. The song really wouldn't have happened if I didn't hear his flute-esque sounds. Everything I made was a response to it and his unique sound palette.



Q. What was your initial reaction when you first heard Alvina’s vocal interpretation of the track? How did it transform the song for you?

A. Everything was a collection of cool sounds that only had a strong theme and message after Alvina sent me her vocals. I was in love with the hook and the simplicity of the lyrics, and as a producer, it already ticked so many boxes. In a way, the real essence and story of the song came out after listening to Alvina's interpretation of what we came up with - and it was hard not to resonate with what she wanted to say with her writing.



Q. We thought the fact that it was sort of a “blind” collaboration was totally cool and also insane! How did it feel to not know what the others were working on during the creative process and only hear their contributions once they were sent over?

A. It felt very liberating. I go into collaborations never wanting to 'tell' someone what to do. It's a fine line between guidance and control in much of my previous work, and to give BOTH of those things up was such a beautiful thing. Having no expectations until something is finished means that you'll be surprised no matter what happens.



Q. How did the three different time zones impact the way the song was shaped and the collaboration process?

A. Gathering emails of stems and tracks from both of them, meant that every reaction and response was always delayed. Aman was based out of Boston, Alvina was in Christchurch and I was in Bengaluru. Even if we wanted to collaborate in real time we'd have no common time to do so. The creation and appreciation for what we had done was in every sense of it; delayed gratification.



Q. Since “Offline” deals with the idea of unplugging to reflect and reconnect. How do you personally make space for self-reflection in your own life?

A. I feel pressured into giving you a profound answer but honestly, I'm a big fan of long walks with no aim of where I'm going. I couple this with writing down what I'm feeling and thinking of, so I can make sense of what's on my mind and in my heart.



Q. What are the most important themes or messages you hope listeners take away from “Offline”?

A. I'm hesitant to give listeners a particular theme or message despite there being a strong one implied with what we've done on this single. I'd like for it to be what the listener makes of it, in hope that it finds them in a place of comfort, serenity and assurance.



Q. Did you draw from any personal experiences or emotions while crafting the song, or was it more about capturing a broader universal feeling?

A. It's funny because I didn't go into putting this single together with any of my current feelings and emotions predecided. In fact, my working title before the lyrics came to be was 'Dont Go' - as a placeholder until I knew what the song was ACTUALLY about. Every bit of this process was spontaneous and kept evolving thematically and sonically. I'd like to think our music captures a wider feeling and is malleable to the feelings and emotions of the listener(s).



Q. Given the success of this collaborative, remote process, do you see it as something you’ll continue with future projects?

A. I'd definitely like to. I think the greatest amount of trust I can have in an artist is if I'd be able to do this. As a producer, it can be hard to leave something creative almost fully to someone else without intervention, but I had enough trust in the people who made this song what it is to do just that.



Q. We feel like we have learned so much about you from this one song, especially that you prioritize yourself and that level of personal care feels to come from a place of confidence which is a very attractive trait. This expression is such a great way to connect with fans. But what’s one surprising fact about you that fans might not know from hearing your creations?

A. Thank you for that! I guess most people are surprised to know that I'm horrible with books. I give off the vibe of someone who reads a lot but honestly, I just love to yarn with people who are far smarter and more well-read than I could ever be. I'm like a knowledge-leach but I guess the cat's out of the bag now...



Q. Okay, so maybe we’re officially stalking you, but we couldn’t help but notice your bodyweight training on the rings on IG—WOW! Can you share more about your training routine and what keeps you motivated to stay in shape?

A. Honoured to be stalked by you, and welcome anyone to do so if they're reading this haha


Most of my routines are based on skills I want to learn. More experienced and knowledgeable people than myself have given me custom training plans in the past that I follow which is very Upper/Lower Split Focused. I'm motivated to stay in shape because i don't think as much about what I look like and focus more on what my body can do!



Q. We saw on your Instagram the caption "swipe left to hear the cause for this face." This pic and video are so everything! Can you tell us more about that performance and what led to that moment?

A. Hehe this was my debut performance with Make Dark, a Wellington-Based Post Rock and Progressive Metal band I'm a part of. It's heavier music than what I do as MandyCan and the bass-face was a result of that perfectly timed "oof I'm feeling this" moment towards the end of our first song. Totally isn't a plug for more music on your radar, but also - it kinda is!



Q. We heard your vocals and acoustic guitar, also on Instagram. Your talents seem to be endless. Are you planning on releasing more music where your vocals are primary on the track?

A. Thank you! I actually intend on working on and releasing songs I've written and sung under my birth name Soyam Dean. When I've got a moment to spare between MandyCan and the other projects I'm involved in.



Q. So, what’s next? Can you share the full details on your future projects and what fans should be excited about? We’re hearing about more releases, and we’d love to be the first to announce it!

A. Gosh there's so much in the vault - but I'm also producing for other artists' work that includes (but isn't limited to) more electronic music. I also plan to put out more content to see what fans really resonate with and turn these snippets into full length singles.


P.S. The irony of posting content online after releasing a song called 'Offline' isn't lost on me.



lol! - MandyCan, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!



End Interview



We’re happy to have shared MandyCan’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.

Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!




Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube









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107 views2 comments

2 Comments


Bala
Jan 31

Original music, very different beats just like the interview.

Like

Seema
Jan 30

Interesting interview, soulful music simply awesome. Loved the punchline 'The irony of posting content online after releasing a song called 'Offline' isn't lost on me'.


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