Written in Partnership with Daniel de Castellane
Image credit: Mandi Macias
When I sat down with Mandi Macias, the vibrant 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, I was immediately struck by her infectious energy and unapologetic authenticity. We’re here to talk about her upcoming single, “F* UR F150,” a song that’s not just a catchy tune, but a powerful anthem born out of heartbreak, betrayal, and the unbreakable bond of female friendship.
Mandi’s journey into the world of music is a tale of passion, perseverance, and a touch of rebellion. Growing up in a family of athletes, she found herself drawn to the arts, often sneaking off to play the piano that once belonged to her late grandmother. “I was like the black sheep in my family,” she laughs, “everyone was sports, and I kept gravitating towards music.”
Despite her family’s initial skepticism, Mandi’s unwavering dedication to her craft eventually won them over. “I started writing songs at eight, and I did singing lessons, the whole nine yards. It honestly just never stopped,” she recalls. By the age of 16, Mandi had released her first professional EP, cementing her status as a rising star in the LA music scene.
But it’s not just her family’s story that shaped Mandi’s path – it’s also the stories of the people around her, particularly the girls who would eventually inspire “F* UR F150.” The song, set to drop on June 20th, was born out of a tumultuous relationship with an older man who drove a Ford F-150 truck. “I was 19, and I was seeing this guy who was ten years older,” Mandi recounts, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “I thought I was in love. I thought this was the real deal.”
Image credit: Mandi Macias
But as it turns out, Mandi wasn’t the only one falling for this charming older man and his beloved truck. “We all found out because we’re acquaintances,” she reveals, “one of my friends, my drummer in my band, would always call him ‘F150’ because everyone loved his truck. And then he kind of hinted to me, like, ‘hey, I think this girl is hanging out with him too.'”
Determined to get to the bottom of it, Mandi reached out to the other girls, and the truth came tumbling out. “I did the ‘hey girly’ text,” she laughs, “and she was like, ‘oh, we’re kind of dating.’ And then we found out another girl, and the three of us were like, ‘hell no.'”
But rather than turning on each other, Mandi and the girls banded together, turning their shared heartbreak into an empowering anthem. “I’m so for, like, don’t blame the other woman. Like, blame the problem, you know?” she asserts, her voice ringing with conviction.
And that’s the beauty of “F* UR F150” – it’s not just a breakup song, it’s a celebration of female solidarity in the face of adversity. The lyrics, a clever blend of wordplay and raw emotion, tell the story of a man who cared more about his truck than the hearts he was breaking. But more than that, they tell the story of the women who refused to be played, who found strength in each other and in the power of their own voices.
“We all ended up just bashing his car because he loved it so much,” Mandi giggles, “and honestly, I think it’s really empowering that all of us girls could come together. They inspired me.”
Image credit: Mandi Macias
Like many young artists, Mandi has faced her share of struggles, particularly when it comes to finding her unique voice in an industry that often tries to put people in boxes. “There’s so many other artists similar to myself, that you can kind of play the numbers game,” she confesses, “but you have to remind yourself, everyone’s journey is different.”
It’s this hard-won wisdom that shines through in Mandi’s music. As our conversation winds down, I can’t help but feel inspired by her resilience and her commitment to using her music as a platform for empowerment. With her undeniable talent and infectious spirit, she’s poised to become not just a star, but a voice for a generation of young women who refuse to be silenced or limited by anyone’s expectations.
“Last year was hot girl summer,” Mandi declares, her eyes shining with determination, “I feel like this year is empowered girl summer, like, no more games. Owning our truth.”
So mark your calendars for June 20, because when “F* UR F150” drops, it’s not just going to be a song – it’s going to be a rallying cry, a testament to the power of female friendship and the unbreakable spirit of women who know their worth. And if you’re lucky enough to be in LA on July 5th, make sure to catch Mandi’s live performance at the Viper Room. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the beginning of this empowered girl summer.
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