Who are you?
I am Eleni Mandell, writer and singer of songs.
What are you up to?
I am releasing my second record, "Thrill," and getting ready to tour the U.S. and Canada in support of the record.
Hometown and current HQ:
I am from Los Angeles and I live here now. I am an outspoken lover of Los Angeles (which is rather unusual) and am willing to defend my city and guide any sceptic to its finer sites and eateries.
Current fixations:
I am obsessed with George Jones and Tammy Wynette. I just love to listen to them sing together (especially the slow songs). I don't watch television but I like to look out my window and watch people walking by. I am struggling to finish reading "Dracula" (it's difficult to motivate when you already know how it ends) but have enjoyed it so far. I am a great lover of food and believe that trying new and exotic food can extend life. Chinese seafood is always a favourite.
Mind altering work of art:
"The Third Man."
Most memorable/inspirational gig and why?
Tom Waits's "Frank's Wild Years" tour at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco, 1987. I was a freshman in college and was desperately trying to find someone who had heard of Tom Waits and wanted to take the BART over to the city to see his show (I was studying at Berkeley). A girl in my English class agreed and every minute of our evening was inspired. I think I even fell in love on the train ride to the show. It is difficult to describe the impact the show made on me but I can clearly recall the feeling I had watching him. I remember that our seats were terrible and I was still completely blown away.
What should everyone shut up about?
I just want people to stop talking on their cell phones in public. I guess I think that most people should just shut up.
Your greatest strength/weakness:
I will defend what I believe in/ I can be stubborn and closed minded.
Your vital daily ritual:
Hot cup of tea and a walk.
Guilty pleasure:
Dark chocolate.
If I wasn't playing music I would be
You know, I've been wracking my brain for years trying to figure this out and I haven't come up with anything. I'd love to open a community art center in Los Angeles one day and hope that knitting (among other crafts) will be included in the curriculum.
Your most memorable day job:
I'm still working so it's hard to say. I've had many waitressing jobs but dental assisting was pretty memorable. I'm still giving people advice about their teeth.
Best/worst advice received:
Ask yourself if you're having fun. You can convince yourself that you're in love but you can't convince yourself that you're having fun./ Don't wait too long.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for
Millie's restaurant in Silverlake. My last waitressing/busing job and the best people I've ever worked for.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
The Rolling Stones (early-mid).
What personal trait would make you kick someone out of your band and/or bed? And have you?
Not brushing ones teeth. Yes, I have asked someone to get out of bed and go brush their teeth (I was a dental assistant after all).
When I think of Canada I think:
Good food, wonderful people, great record stores.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
There is no difference. Music must be sexy and sex must be musical.
Strangest brush with celebrity:
I was recognised by a stranger and it turned out that it was because I went to High School with them.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
Getting married and having kids sooner than later.
I am Eleni Mandell, writer and singer of songs.
What are you up to?
I am releasing my second record, "Thrill," and getting ready to tour the U.S. and Canada in support of the record.
Hometown and current HQ:
I am from Los Angeles and I live here now. I am an outspoken lover of Los Angeles (which is rather unusual) and am willing to defend my city and guide any sceptic to its finer sites and eateries.
Current fixations:
I am obsessed with George Jones and Tammy Wynette. I just love to listen to them sing together (especially the slow songs). I don't watch television but I like to look out my window and watch people walking by. I am struggling to finish reading "Dracula" (it's difficult to motivate when you already know how it ends) but have enjoyed it so far. I am a great lover of food and believe that trying new and exotic food can extend life. Chinese seafood is always a favourite.
Mind altering work of art:
"The Third Man."
Most memorable/inspirational gig and why?
Tom Waits's "Frank's Wild Years" tour at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco, 1987. I was a freshman in college and was desperately trying to find someone who had heard of Tom Waits and wanted to take the BART over to the city to see his show (I was studying at Berkeley). A girl in my English class agreed and every minute of our evening was inspired. I think I even fell in love on the train ride to the show. It is difficult to describe the impact the show made on me but I can clearly recall the feeling I had watching him. I remember that our seats were terrible and I was still completely blown away.
What should everyone shut up about?
I just want people to stop talking on their cell phones in public. I guess I think that most people should just shut up.
Your greatest strength/weakness:
I will defend what I believe in/ I can be stubborn and closed minded.
Your vital daily ritual:
Hot cup of tea and a walk.
Guilty pleasure:
Dark chocolate.
If I wasn't playing music I would be
You know, I've been wracking my brain for years trying to figure this out and I haven't come up with anything. I'd love to open a community art center in Los Angeles one day and hope that knitting (among other crafts) will be included in the curriculum.
Your most memorable day job:
I'm still working so it's hard to say. I've had many waitressing jobs but dental assisting was pretty memorable. I'm still giving people advice about their teeth.
Best/worst advice received:
Ask yourself if you're having fun. You can convince yourself that you're in love but you can't convince yourself that you're having fun./ Don't wait too long.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for
Millie's restaurant in Silverlake. My last waitressing/busing job and the best people I've ever worked for.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
The Rolling Stones (early-mid).
What personal trait would make you kick someone out of your band and/or bed? And have you?
Not brushing ones teeth. Yes, I have asked someone to get out of bed and go brush their teeth (I was a dental assistant after all).
When I think of Canada I think:
Good food, wonderful people, great record stores.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
There is no difference. Music must be sexy and sex must be musical.
Strangest brush with celebrity:
I was recognised by a stranger and it turned out that it was because I went to High School with them.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
Getting married and having kids sooner than later.
