Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mandeaux has risen as a promising young artist. Influenced by a diverse group spanning from Future and Lil Wayne to Deftones, Skrillex, and Nirvana, Mandeaux’s music is a unique blend of southern trap, electronic, and punk rock. Creating buzz through electrifying underground shows, Mandeaux has pushed boundaries and developed a diverse sound that resonates with fans worldwide.
With PROBLEM CHILD out now, we took some time to hear from Mandeaux. Read below to learn more about Mandeaux, the story behind PROBLEM CHILD, and what’s to come.
Hi Mandeaux! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
When I was growing up my little brother called anything big, mondo, like – ‘Mahn-dough.’ So, I just thought it was fitting, I’m the bigggest. I ended up changing it to ‘Man,’ and changed the end to ‘deaux’ and there it was. The biggest.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m straight outta that raq, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I’m still here. This my city, and I love it bruh, dirty souf.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I never decided, it was just always what I did, since I was like twelve. And before that, I was always playing guitar or learning some instrument – it is in my blood.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
Yea definitely, my dad was touring in punk bands when I was a little kid and before I was born. Music was engrained into my body while I was still in the womb, and growing up in Louisiana, I listened to rappers like Weezy, YB, and a lot of ATL heavy hitters like Future and Thug.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
While PROBLEM CHILD as a project is leaning towards a less experimental rage sound. My overall sound is honestly hard to describe, I’m constantly blending trap, bounce, electronic, and rock to create a unique sound that gives my listeners something new every time they comeback.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I’m also a short film and music video director and editor. I’ve always been a storyteller, and I tell my stories in anyway I see fit.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
There’s so many that I couldn’t even name them all. But, some big names (other than those I mentioned above) that really had an influence on me as an artist that I can mention are->> X, Chief Keef, Carti, Jack White, Crystal Castles – the list goes on.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I recently did my first out of state show, opening for protect and shortly after I hit 1k listeners on Spotify, so yea I gotta say, I’m pretty proud right now. The projects coming out in like a week, and I got a show in ATL right after so yeah…
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Just keep going. All that doubt that we all face is the killer of creativity, setbacks don’t mean anything, only that you get back on ya feet.
Now onto your release, PROBLEM CHILD. What inspired this album?
My good friend and fellow BDM BULLY – label member, Angelscantsin once said I was the problem child of the group. After making the opening track, ‘No Drama!’ I was really angry at the community surrounding me, as well as having some personal issues. This album stands as a message to my listeners and myself. Don’t not say what’s on your mind because of politics or others opinions, stand ten toes down, at all times.
What is this overall theme of PROBLEM CHILD?
The album is meant to carry to the listener that I am who I am, not who they want me to be, and that’s how it’s always gonna go.
Is there a specific song on PROBLEM CHILD that speaks to you the most? If so, what is it called, and what is it about?
‘kno me’ is my favorite track from the album. That hook had been sitting in my head for literally years, ‘know me she don’t know me’ – the song encapsulates who I, Mandeaux, am.
How did the music video for ‘iiihatedeaux’ come about? What was your vision for the video?
While we were in Houston for the Protect show, which some of the clips in there are from, we decided to ride around the city and just run and gun the video. The video is meant to encapsulate my brains two sides, Mandeaux and Sammy, with memes flashing on the screen whilst I’m screaming over the track. ‘iiihatedeaux’ is my response to all those haters over the years. There’s been a lot.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from PROBLEM CHILD?
I hope PROBLEM CHILD can teach a lesson. Move past your mistakes, and forgive yourself, no matter what it is, no matter what reason, move towards what you want. You control your on reality.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
We’re gonna do a big listening party in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June. 7th, right after the project’s release, and I mean I have multiple projects coming this year, PROBLEM CHILD is only the beginning. Y’all can look forward to ‘Haunted Gardens 2’ and many more singles. If you want to hear the album live, pull-up to Atlanta on June 19th. Keep your eyes open! PROBLEM CHILD – JUNE 6th!!!
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/iiihatedeaux
https://open.spotify.com/artist/42ngQGh9bXihI5ZYursJem
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
