In an industry dominated by manufactured personas, Mike and Mandy's origin story practically serves as the stuff from which indie romantic comedies are made: two thespians meeting on a stage production of Shakespeare's creative chemistry soon dove deeper into something more intimate, thus beginning a journey that would meld their diverse musical backgrounds into something uniquely their own. Now, with over 4,6k Spotify listeners a month and climbing, this musical project is proof that even today, authenticity cuts through the algorithms.
There's a story to be told in their musical DNA about eclectic influences and fearless experimentation. Mike brings this fascinating musical pedigree as a former frontman of ska/punk outfits who took up the keyboards in reggae projects and wielded drumsticks in jazz, funk, and acid-jazz outfits. Meanwhile, the path that Mandy's career has taken—from the Orchestra and Opera Children's Chorus through her excursions into country, jazz standards, and rock—makes for an interesting counterpoint.
The new single, "Cocoon,” puts into action the genre-agnostic approach and how the eclectic influences have coalesced into something As they continue to chart their course through the musical landscape, Mike and Mandy invite listeners to join them on a journey that promises to be anything but predictable.
The track features an innocently simple arrangement that slowly unwinds into a complex tapestry of technical elements. A crystal synth pattern sets up the emotional foundation of the song, with reverb-drenched guitars woven through the mix like threads of doubt would weave through the fabric of a relationship. The expansive choruses are a great way for the production team to capture emotional distance.
Another layer of intrigue is the rhythm section: a nu-disco-inspired bassline that pulses along with the nervousness of a heartbeat, while programmed drums meld organic and electronic elements together appropriate for a song consumed at the intersection of comfort and stagnation.
Filtered breaks and atmospheric swells inform the production with trip-hop influences that earned the track's early listeners' "trip-pop" designation.
Just as relationships go through distinct phases of growth, “Cocoon” morphs through various movements. Those spaces, anchored by sub-bass frequencies felt more than they were heard, offering a welcome contrast against the dense emotional content.
“Cocoon” works on so many levels: as a deeply personal document of what one specific relationship has gone through, a generally universal exploration of the struggles of long-term love, and as a purely musical accomplishment that challenges genres while remaining accessible. But the genius of the song is how it gets these elements to reinforce each other toward something greater than its sum.
In this release, Mike and Mandy prove themselves artists able to transform the ever-evolving dynamics in their relationships into engaging sonic tales. In the song, one might consider thoughts of partners growing apart, while its very existence is proof that through creative collaboration, they are drawn closer. “Cocoon” is about relationship stasis, yet ironically showcases the fact that this duo is in continuous artistic evolution.
“Cocoon” is now streaming on all major platforms, offering the rare intimacy of long-term relationships blended in dream pop atmospherics and nu-disco rhythm. A song that pays off with numerous listens. A new layer in its intricate production seems to reveal itself every time it spins.