ABOUT MICHELLE...
With her band, her drums and her acoustic guitar, songwriter Michelle Mangione challenges the world of live music to rise to a very intimate and honest level. Her music is written from personal experiences and observations, and invites the listener to find personal connection to the songs.
She is frequently seen playing guitar and "feet drums" at the same time, a skill she learned out of necessity. "I couldn't afford to pay a drummer, and needed the percussive edge in our acoustic shows, so I devised a pedal driven drum set that I could play with my feet", says Mangione.
She has released numerous Independent albums and videos, and has performed in and out of the U.S.
Her signature blend of percussion-infused acoustic music has been featured on Radio, TV and in film.
Michelle has co-written songs with artists including Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) and Exene Cervenka (X). "The Edge of Madness", which was her second collaboration with rock icon Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) was chosen as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Top Singles". The single featured many artists who donated their performances for the cause. All of the proceeds were been donated to victims of the Gulf Coast disasters.
Mangione frequently uses her music in her activism for social justice. In addition to "The Edge of Madness", the artist has used her music to raise awareness and funding for many different projects including Lahaina Shine, Writers for the Storm, Music to Vote By, God Save the World, MusicHugs and more.
A familiar face in the Los Angeles music scene, Mangione first polished her chops playing drums for such greats as saxophonist Buddy Collette and guitarist Robben Ford. An accomplished drummer by age 16, Mangione taught herself to play guitar, bass and piano while growing up in Los Angeles. She studied under legendary jazz teacher/drummer Kay Carlson before going on to graduate at a young age from Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood. She later taught drums at PIT and then hit the road and never looked back.
Michelle Mangione’s music is available on her website and on iTunes, as well as other outlets that she probably doesn't know about, so please buy from this official site if you choose to purchase downloads:)
ABOUT THE TRIO
The trio consists of Michelle Mangione: drums, guitar, vocals, Angela Riggio: keyboards, guitar, vocals and Steve Soest: bass & vocals. The So. Cal based band challenges the world of live music to rise to a very intimate and honest level, playing decades of classic rock/folk and original music while having tons of fun. Michelle plays guitar and "feet drums" at the same time, a skill she learned out of necessity. "I couldn't afford to pay a drummer, and needed the percussive edge in our acoustic shows, so I devised a pedal driven drum set that I could play with my feet", says Mangione. Aside from being an amazing keyboardist, Angela Riggio blows people’s minds when she pulls out her Janis Joplinesque vocal chops, while the incredibly talented Steve Soest holds down the fort (and keeps the girls in check) with his solid “in the pocket” bass playing.**
***Favorite fan quote: “They’ll sell you a whole seat to one of their shows, but you’re only going to need the edge.”
