Becca Mancari : The Greatest Part
The first time I heard Becca's voice I immediately thought of my mum. It only took the first few chords leading into 'First Time' to convince me that she would love her. Mancari's real, raw lyrics are reminiscent of the Joni's and the Norah's of my childhood, mixed with stunning folk-like harmonies and elements of our old favourite country singers rang a very loud mum-shaped bell in my head. So this one's for you, ma.
Becca Mancari has just released her refreshingly personal sophomore record, The Greatest Part. Over the last couple of months Mancari drip fed us 2 masterful singles, 'Hunter' and 'First Time', which set the bar extremely high for the album release... yet as expected, it did not disappoint. Whilst her debut album had a primarily country feel to it, this record has transitioned into a more indie rock/electronica sound whilst beautifully managing to maintain it's brutally honest, confessional tone.
Having started off in country supergroup Bermuda Triangle, Mancari is now an integral part of the thriving Nashville music scene and an accomplished fully fledged solo artist. Born on Staten Island to an Italian/Puerto Rican family whose strict religious beliefs bordered on the cult-like, Becca spent much of her childhood wrestling with issues of identity, belonging, and her sexaulity. All of this is poured into and explored in The Greatest Part. It is a total joy to listen to, start to finish, and if her honest song writing and head-bopping, foot-tapping hooks aren't enough then en her wisdom and eloquence (evident in our interview below) proves her to be a well-rounded orb of delight.
LB: How has your lockdown been?
BM: I could never have imagined that 2020 would be this insane, but here's the thing: I don't want things to just go back to normal. The whole world, I have to believe, is waking up and changing right now. I hope these changes will bring about a more kind, inclusive and freer place for ALL of us and not just the ones with all the power at the top. I have never been good at staying still, so it's been hard for me to be home at times, but it's also given me time to face some of my own "demons" and also be able to focus my energy on this movement. Power to the people forever.
What's one positive thing that's come out of lockdown for you?
I think it's helped me remember what is important again, and that for me is the people I love and to fight for those who do not have a voice. I think that sometimes as musicians we can get caught up in so much selfish capitalism, and I know for me I want my life to mean more than just getting “fame" or “money”. I want my music to make actual lasting change.
Talk to us about The Greatest Part. How did it come about??
This album was written at a time where I was at my breaking point. I came out over seven years ago, and I had been running to just survive, you know? I think because I reached a breaking point I knew I needed to actually write about my story, and hopefully in some small way help others feel free to tell their stories and be proud of who they are. This record is the process of grief and anger and the journey towards forgiveness.
How does it differ from Good Woman?
It's extremely different in that the last record was all done with my live backing band, and this was my first time really being in a studio. This new record that I did with Zac Farro (Paramore drummer) was predominantly done by the two of us in his house studio. It was so much more collaborative on my end. The music goes back to my roots of growing up listening to indie and punk music. So, it felt like coming home to my true self.
The two tasters of the album that we got were 'Hunter' and 'First Time' - both are utterly wonderful and beautifully personal. (We also love the video for Hunter, you rock a power suit.) 'Hunter' focuses on your upbringing, did you ever see music as your escape/solace?
First of all thank you for those kind words, haha I love a power suit as well! And without a doubt music saved my life. I honestly don't know if I would be here without it. It was the thing that I remember loving the most about growing up in church. It was the music that made me feel and want to actually be free. I'll never forget when I got my first guitar at 12 years old, it was then when I knew all I wanted to do was make music forever.
How did you 'find' your sound? Or did it come naturally to you?
It's been a long journey to find a sound that felt right for me. I think it took a lot of willingness to push myself beyond my borders, and really dive into music from all over the world. I think to really know yourself and where you fit in with music you have to really stretch yourself, and be willing to be "bad" at something to be "good". I hope I will always be growing and changing as an artist. I never want to make the same record twice.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I am listening to Brittany Howard, Juan Solórzano (who played a ton of guitar on my new record), Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Ethipoian Jazz music, and MORE!
Imagine this: you're out of lockdown, you've had a big night out and you're on the Last Bus home. What are you listening to?
Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band- Yemanesh Ayinama
