We take the opportunity to chat with young Wisconsin artist, Mane Thompson, about his music, his collaboration with The Racing Pulses, and their new single, ‘Rewrite The Past‘.
What first inspired you to turn that love of karaoke and Michael Jackson into a real dream of becoming a country artist?
It really started off with me knowing a variety of songs from different genres. So, when I started performing covers, I sang all these songs that I had enjoyed singing. Then it sort of became my own genre. It’s a country/soul/r&b sound. Songs that are meant for the soul, songs that tell stories, they have meaning, they have real-life experiences, and everything a person can relate to.
You’re balancing school and music with impressive focus. How do you manage to stay so driven at such a young age?
I had to learn that dreams are going to chase themselves. It took me a long time to realize that to get something in life, you have time work for it. Dreams aren’t something you just get; you have to take it. As humans, when we’re sort of stuck between these two walls, and can’t find ways to get out. In reality, there are ways to get out right in front of our eyes, we’re just scared to take that chance of getting around this obstacle. For me, school is an obstacle. I try my hardest, and I ask for help. I have A’s and B’s in the majority of my classes, then there’s a class in which I struggle. There are ways to go around that, but I have to take the time to get better in the classroom.
The night you met The Racing Pulses sounds like a turning point. What do you remember most about that first connection?
The night I met The Racing Pulses was one of the key moments of my life. My platform was no more than 10 people, and I was heard of but not known. Collaborating with The Racing Pulses, they opened doors like no other has ever done for me before. Big thanks to their lead singer, Kristian, who has done so much more than just Rewrite the Past. He’s done so much behind the scenes, it’s amazing work.
Working with Kristian and the band, what did you learn from collaborating with more experienced musicians?
I learned a lot; one of the main things was staying consistent and being able to be dedicated. I wasn’t a consistent person; I didn’t take the time to learn guitar, I didn’t take the time to write my own songs, and I didn’t post on social media as much as I should. But, big thanks to Kristian, I’ve been taking the past couple of months to write songs and learn guitar. I can learn songs on guitar, make a cover song for social media, and let them enjoy it. While still working on my own songs.
‘Rewrite the Past’ blends country storytelling with a rock edge. How did you find the right mix of both worlds?
When we started working on the song, we wanted something everybody can jam to, something everybody can be able relate to. Personally, I think if you just sing one type of music and you don’t mix it up sometimes, it gets boring. So when we were able to change up the music world a little bit it felt amazing. I think a great song is a great song. I was never a rock genre kind of guy, but when we started working on the song, I had faith, and I knew it would be a hit.
The song deals with regret and wanting a second chance. What part of that emotion resonated most with you?
For me, I think the part of regret hit the hardest. I think everybody has at least one thing that they wish they could go back in the past and change. So for me, when we were working on the song, I just got out of a relationship with an ex-girlfriend. Stuff like that happens. I’m young, she’s young. I made mistakes that I literally wish I could go back and erase. As we move on and grow up, we learn from those mistakes. I’m not gonna down myself, I’m going to learn from those mistakes and find ways to improve.
The live video at Mead Witter Concert Hall looks incredible – what was it like performing the song in that setting?
Performing at Mead Witter Concert Hall made me feel like a star; I felt like we were making history. There may not have been people in the crowd, but I could imagine people in those seats enjoying our song. When filming, we had to do multiple takes; for most people, it gets annoying. Not for me, I kept saying the same lyrics over and over again, but I heard something new every time. The exterior and interior is beautiful, the stage is amazing, and it was comfortable. It’s even better when you’re one of the first ever to sing for a non-classical band or an orchestra. I’m not too familiar with the Mead Witter Concert Hall, but I believe they only play genres of Classical, Jazz, Orchestra, etc. So, when we’re able to perform a Country and rock song, it’s even better!
You have a strong stage presence for your age. What helps you feel confident when you’re in the spotlight?
I haven’t always had a strong stage presence. I’ve been performing on stage since around the age of 7-8. It’s crazy the way that God can work. The same night I met The Racing Pulses, backstage, my parents told me, “Go up there and have fun, but remember to interact with the crowd! But remember to have fun.” That night was the night I started to have a strong stage presence. Before that night, I stood in one spot all the time and sang. I never moved, I never walked around, I never talked in between songs, I just sang and left. knowing my parents are in the room with me, and I’m able to see them, I get to feel more comfortable.
What do you hope listeners feel when they hear ‘Rewrite the Past’, especially young people chasing their own dreams?
This song is for people of all ages, but when people hear this song, I want people to know that we all make mistakes, we’re only human. People can hear this song from all perspectives, not just a love-breakup perspective. I don’t have to be some millionaire or a big-time performer; I just want to tell the young generation to ALWAYS chase their dreams. Reach for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground. The only person who determines how you live your life is you. The only thing I want to do is sing and change the world one song at a time.
Watch the music video for ‘Rewrite The Past’ below, and find out more about the up and coming star, Mane Thompson and his music, online on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
