A News and Tribune Publication
JAN. 22, 2015 — Issue 49
dream l a ic s u m ’s ic d n a ion fuels Petar M
Pass
making music
CD RELEASE Hoosier "Santa Fe" Release Party
SOIN PLAYLIST Featuring Musician Rachel Esarey
Q&A INTERVIEW
With Drew Alexander on "The Best Days"
2 SoIn
Jan. 22, 2015
Publisher Bill Hanson Editor Jason Thomas Design Claire Munn
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On the Cover: Petar Mandic's debut album, "Someday Mine," was recorded at Jeffersonville's Jetlag Recordings and released Nov. 5. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Journey to a higher plane
Some people just have that gleam in their eye. Petar Mandic is one of them. He’s chasing his dream, and you can see straight through to his soul. The Slovenian-born, Serbian-raised musician quit a lucrative corporate career and professional tennis gig at a Louisville Jason Thomas, Editor country club to chase his dream of being a musician. As you’ll read about in today’s cover story, the culmination of that vision — though it is still unfolding — happened Nov. 5 with the release of Mandic’s debut album, “Someday Mine.” (Also, below this column, check out info on Hoosier’s new EP, “Santa Fe). Mandic, 34, who lives in Middletown, is the
first to admit that his intensity can turn people away. He attacks life at full throttle, and he’s doing the same with his goal of connecting with his audience on that mystic plane achieved by the lucky few artists. While English is not his native language — he came to the United States at 17 on a tennis scholarship to the University of Iowa — he speaks it with ease and songwriting drives his passion. Humbled that he has produced an album in less than two years after devoting himself to music full time, Mandic acknowledges he has a long way to go on his journey. “Someday Mine,” which was recorded at Jeffersonville’s Jetlag Recordings, is a solid first step. One on a journey to a higher musical — and personal — plane. — Jason Thomas is the editor of SoIn. He can be reached by phone at 812-206-2127 or email at jason. thomas@newsandtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopThomas.
making music
Rock out with Hoosier What: Hoosier CD release party When: 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 Where: Upstairs barroom at Wick’s, 225 State St., New Albany
Cost: $5 admission only; $10 for admission and copy of “Sante Fe”
Info: WeAreHoosier.com; Twitter: @HoosierMusic; Facebook.com/HoosierMusic
Band lineup: Zayne Hutchison, vocals; Jer-
emy Mullins, guitar; Michael Whitis, guitar; Jake Vanover, bass; Andy Olson, drums
Local indie rock band Hoosier is hosting a CD release party in celebration of its long-awaited debut EP, “Santa Fe.” The EP was produced by Michael Sanders at Jetlag Recordings in Jeffersonville and Brian Lucey (who worked with The Black Keys, Beck and the Arctic Monkey), said Hoosiers’ Andy Olson. The album name comes from the band van, which is a Chevy 80 Van called Santa Fe. The sound mixes today’s high energy, catchy tones with classic rock and hip-hop, Olson said. There are songs about relation-
ships and making the most of life. The album’s final song, “I Miss You,” is an emotional ballad about the passing of singer Zayne Hutchison’s mother and the pain of loss, but the virtues of life.
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Jan. 22, 2015
3 To Go
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ART THAT LASTS What: ‘Held from Beneath: An Exploration of Cultural Sustainability’ opening
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 Where: Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 E. Spring St., New Albany Info: carnegiecenter.org The exhibition and events feature visual art, poetry, music and performance that explore the concept of cultural sustainability. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments and a chance to meet some of the artists included in the exhibit as they explore the galleries. For this exhibit, artists have created works of art, poetry and music in response to sustainability.
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3 Mix and Mingle
What: Develop New Albany networking event When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 Where: Wick’s Pizza Parlor and Pub, 225 State St., New Albany Info: Developna.org Develop New Albany will host a mix and mingle on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Wick’s. The event will feature free pizza, a cash bar, door prizes and giveaways, all with a chance to rub elbows and make new connections in Southern Indiana.
Workshops about private, international and adoptions from foster care.
Sunday, January 25th, 1-4 PM U of L Shelby Campus Founders Union Bldg9001 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville KY
This is a FREE EVENT! For more information, please call:
1-800-928-4303 WWW.WEDNESDAYSCHILD.COM
breaking news. weather alerts. lOCal sPOrts. and mOre! on the range
What: Balsam Range When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Jan. 23 Where: Ogle Center at IUS, 4201 Grant Line Road, New Albany Tickets: $28/adults, $10/students, available at Ogle Center ticket office or call 812-941-2525. From deep in the Appalachians where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge comes the Balsam Range band, creatively blending bluegrass, folk, gospel and jazz into a new American acoustic music experience. Accolades include the International Bluegrass Music Association 2014 Entertainer of the Year, 2014 Vocal Group of the Year.
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LEFT: Petar Mandic has cultivated a devoted follow which are energetic and relatable to his fans. Afte job and a career as a tennis pro, Mandic is a full-tim released his debut album, “Someday Mine.” PHOTO by Kenn
UPcOMiNg SHOWS
• Friday, Jan. 23, 10 p.m.: Maker’s Mark at Fourth Street • Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m.: Wick’s Pizza, 12717 Shelbyvi • Monday, Jan. 26, 9 p.m.: Gerstle’s, 3801 Frankfort Ave • Thursday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m.: Drake’s, 3939 Shelbyville Ro • Friday, Jan. 30, 9 p.m.: Buffalo Wings & Rings, 1012 Gr
wing with his live shows, er giving up a corporate me musician who recently
neTH HOrn PHOTOgraPHy
t Live! ille Road, Louisville e., Louisville oad, Louisville ranite Drive, Bardstown, Ky.
Petar Mandic launches debut album with fervor By Jason Thomas jason.thomas@newsandtribune.com ust like anyone chasing his dream, Petar Mandic oozes passion. On one hand, the release of Mandic’s debut album, “Someday Mine,” is validation he’s on the right path. One the other hand — both of which are usually holding a guitar — the Slovenianborn, Serbian-raised musician is a work in progress. “I’m not even close to what I want to do,” said Mandic, 34, whose debut collection of five songs recorded at Jeffersonville’s Jetlag Recordings was released Nov. 5. “If anything, I need to remind myself to just stay a little more in the moment and enjoy the journey. “In this chapter of my life I’m being more present than I ever have.” For Mandic, who’s cultivated a loyal following through energetic performances on the Southern Indiana and Louisville music scene, the journey continues to unfold. The album, a modern, pop-folk exploration of love — or lack of love — dreams, and pursuing your passion, represents a milestone in a relatively young musical career. Less than two years after deciding to pursue music full time, “Someday Mine” is tangible evidence that Mandic is, indeed, a musician. “I’m happy,” said Mandic, who is a regular at Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards. “I think it’s a very respectable product. I’ve seen it move many people. I feel like it’s a very good step in the right direction.” Songwriting fuels Mandic’s passion. It’s something he started dabbling in soon after picking up a guitar nearly eight years ago. Song No. 5 on the album, “Lilly,” an introspective, almost melancholy yearning for love, was the second song Mandic ever wrote. “I always wanted to be a songwriter,” he said. “To me that’s the truest form of my ar-
Being a musician always tugged at Petar Mandic, who would pretend his tennis racket was a guitar as a teen growing up in Slovenia and play along with records. The dream culminated in the release of his debut album “Someday Mine” in November. PhoTo By eLLie ThoMAS
ON THE WEB
For more information about Petar Mandic, and to purchase his music, visit petarmandic.com
tistic expression and my ability to hopefully move people and connect with people.” From a collegiate tennis player to corporate rock star to a man chasing his musical dream, Mandic has experienced more in 34 years than most will in a lifetime. “You walk different paths and see what makes you happy,” Mandic said. “It involves risk-taking. If I’m doing something other than music, I feel like my life on this Earth is not being used in the right way.” Mandic’s journey on this Earth has spanned continents.
He arrived in the United States at 17 on a tennis scholarship to the University of Iowa. After graduation, it was off to Atlanta and the beginning of a successful career in the corporate world. In 2004, Mandic faced a decision: move to Chicago or Louisville for promising jobs in both cities. He chose Louisville, where he excelled in the finance sector as a loan systems analyst and various other roles. While financially comfortable, something tugged at Mandic. “Music has always been present in my life,” he said, recalling the days he would pretend to play guitar on his tennis racket when listening to records. “I always had a strong emotional connection to it.” See MANDic, Page 8
6 Entertainment
MOVIES: Jan. 23
é “The Boy Next Door”
“Strange Magic”
Jan. 22, 2015
albums: Jan. 22
é “Backstrom” (Fox)
“This Is Not Happening” (CC)
books: Jan. 20
é “Power Play” by Danielle Steel
“I Was Here” by Gayle Forman
making music
making music
Best days are ahead Q&A interview WITh
Drew alexander
Video release/ concert What: Drew Alexander
What is “The Best Days” “The Best Days” video about? “The Best Days” is about release/concert hope. Hope that in the future When: 6 to 10 p.m. good things will happen. This Saturday, Jan. 31 song is about a girl that, after Where: New Albany waiting a long time, found her Production House, 1736 happiness. I originally wrote this E. Main St., New Albany song when I wasn’t happy about Cost: $7 in advance; how my life was going. I wanted $10 at door; VIP $12/$15 to create a story that would per(includes VIP seats, autosonally give me hope for better graphed poster, photo, days in the future. swag bag) What message are you trying Info: DrewAlexanderto send? I’m trying to communisMusic.com; Twitter: @ cate to people that even if you are SingerDrewA going through a rough time you never know what could happen tomorrow. Happiness could come through relationships, getting closer to family and/or by following your dreams. Happiness is achievable and sometimes you just have to be patient. What was it like making a video? It was awkward at first. I had just met the guy (Alexander K. Kelty) that I shot the video with and we had to act like a couple. Even though it was weird, it ended up being a lot of fun! I am excited about how it turned out. Where was it shot? It was shot it Clarksville, at Lapping Park. The video was directed and produced by Joel Jackson. What does this mean for your career? It could open doors to other opportunities. The important thing is that I gained an experience. I mean, how many people can say they have a music video? It’s pretty cool in my opinion. Contact info/where people can purchase your music? You can get them through my social media pages, YouTube, and links to buy my music from my website DrewAlexandersMusic.com
soin PLAYLIST Q&A interview WITh
RACHEL Esarey Current residence/age: Jeffersonville, 17 years old How did you get into music? I was really just raised in an environment where music was pretty much constantly playing. All kinds of music. From Johnny Cash to the Beatles to Frank Sinatra to Prince. My first two songs that I really remember loving were “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood and “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. Being raised around such a wide and eclectic mix of music definitely inspired me to start writing my own music. After having music be such a big part of my life for so long, at such a young age, it was only natural for me to try to turn it into a career. I started singing in front of people in seventh grade, and that’s what really made me want to be a singer. Writing music was just the next logical step, and now it’s my favorite thing to do. Please describe your sound: As corny as it sounds, my sound is really unique and all its own. I have a few inspirations that you can hear in my
songs, but other than that, they sound like me. Kacey Musgraves is a big influence in my lyrics, just because she is so honest and sarcastic, and I’m just so in love with her sassiness. Her influence is clearly evident in my songs, which are light and mostly acoustic, and somewhat folksy. What is your inspirations when writing songs? I get inspiration for my music from all kinds of places. I write about my future and what I hope to get out of life. I write about my friends, what they’re going through or what we’re going through. More commonly, I write about my lack of a social life. I honestly try to find any excuse to write a song. I actually wrote a song once about a math test that I failed, and
turned it into a love song. I always write the lyrics to my songs first, starting with the bridge because my songs are really just diary entries put to music. I try to write at least part of a song every day. What are your goals? My ultimate goal is to have my own world tour with an opening act. To travel the world and perform for people who want to hear my songs would be an absolute dream come true. I also plan on majoring in music business so I can open my own record label in Nashville. I work hard for what I want and I want it really bad. I’m a stubborn person, so I’m gonna work hard toward my goal and I’m gonna make the goal bigger and bigger the closer I get to it. Small goals give you hardly anything to work toward. Contact info/how to hear your music: You can get my songs, “In Crowd” and “Nevermind” on iTunes, Amazon and Googleplay. They’ll be available soon on Reverbnation as well. Check me out on Facebook and Reverbnation by searching for Rachel Esarey, or email me at r_esarey@yahoo. com
Jan. 22, 2015
Entertainment 7
Local SoIn Happenings Feeling left out? Send your establishment’s and/or organization’s upcoming events/new features/entertainment information to SoIn Editor Jason Thomas at jason.thomas@newsandtribune. com
Where: New Albany Production House, 1736 E. Main St., New Albany Cost: $7 in advance; $10 at door; VIP $12/$15 (includes VIP seats, autographed poster, photo, swag bag) Info: DrewAlexandersMusic.com Concert by Drew Alexander and viewing of “Best Days” video. Meadow Ryann, Ashley Ledrick and Dark Horse will open.
Corydon Jamboree
Where: 220 Hurst Lane, Corydon When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Saturday, Jan. 24: Gerald Shelton, Kelly Casey, Graig Perkins; Jan. 31: Marcus Kinnard, Natalie Berry with Big Momma General Admission $10; children 6-12, $6; under 6, free. For reservations, directions or any other information call 812-738-1130. [corydonjamboree.com]
Concerts at Headliners Live on State at Wick’s
Where: Wick’s Pizza Parlor, 225 State St., New Albany When: Friday and Saturday Friday Jan. 23: Junction Creek Saturday, Jan. 24: Gas Money; Friday, Jan. 30: Full Contact; Saturday, Jan. 31: Rachel Timberlake [wickspizza.com]
Live music at Big Four Burgers + Beer
Where: Big Four Burgers + Beer, 134 Spring St., Jeffersonville When: Friday and Saturday Friday, Jan. 23: Kelsey and Rachel; Saturday, Jan. 24: Kyle Hastings; Friday, Jan. 30: Kyle Hastings; Saturday, Jan. 31: Kelsey and Rachel [bigfourburgers.com]
Live music at Charlie Nobel’s
Where: Charlie Nobel’s Eatery + Draught House, 7815 Ind. 311, Sellersburg When: Friday and Saturday Friday, Jan. 23: Kyle Hastings; Saturday, Jan. 24: Kelsey and Rachel; Friday, Jan. 30: Bobby Wilson; Saturday, Jan. 31: Kyle Hastings
Live music at Pastimes
Where: Pastimes Grill and Pub, 424 E. Market St., New Albany Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m. to midnight, Men In Denim
Video release/concert
What: Drew Alexander “Best Days” video release/ concert When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Road, Louisville Info: headlinerslouisville.com Thursday, Jan. 23, 9 p.m., WSFR Cover Up Fest (in support of the Salvation Army), The Debut of: Slave Against The Machine (local tribute to Rage and Audioslave), with Turn 3, $10 (18 and over)
‘Skin Deep’
When: Through Feb. 15 Where: Derby Dinner Playhouse Info: For ticket information call 812-288-8281 or visit derbydinner.com “Skin Deep” is a warm-hearted, romantic comedy about a large, lovable, lonely-heart named Maureen who gives romance one last shot on a blind-date. Maureen’s classy, polished sister and her gorgeous husband, who are having problems of their own, can’t help but get involved in her love life which doesn’t always produce their desired results. Joe, the unsuspecting blind-date, can’t seem to do or say anything right, but might just win in the end. “Skin Deep” was written by Jon Lonoff. Derby Dinner’s production is directed by Bekki Jo Schneider.
Kosair Shrine Circus
When: Feb. 5-8 Where: Broadbent Arena, Kentucky Expo Center Info: kosaircircus.com The 90th annual Kosair Shrine Circus is coming to town and tickets are on sale now. The big event begins Thursday, Feb. 5 and concludes Sunday, Feb. 8 in Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Doors open one hour before each show for elephant and pony rides. Tickets are available at TicketMaster and at the Kentucky Expo Center and Kentucky International Convention Center ticket offices.
Design a logo contest OUISVILLE — The LouisL ville Independent Business Alliance invites local artists and
What: Logo contest for Buy Local Fair
When: Deadline is
graphic designers to submit a Feb. 16 logo for the 2015 Buy Local Fair. The design should represent Louisville and its unique local flavor —and its weirdness. The winning artist will receive $100 and his or her design will be featured on the event posters, T-shirts and more. The 2015 Buy Local Fair will be held from noon to 6 p.m. May 17 at the Louisville Water Tower Park, and will feature more than 150 local art vendors, local food and drinks and live music from local bands. Submit your design by end of day Feb. 6. Submissions can be sent to Kristen@keeplouisvilleweird.com. The LIBA Buy Local Fair committee will vote on their favorite design. Contest winner will be notified and announced by February 16 on LIBA’s social media and keeplouisvilleweird.com. Specifications: • LIBA/keep Louisville weird logos are not necessary to include within your design concept. • Artwork submissions must contain the following language: Buy Local Fair, 2015 • Submit an EPS/Vector file. • Image must be 300 pixels-per-inch or higher resolution and in CMYK mode. • Include your signature on or within the design. Artist will be credited on all printed merchandise such as, posters, ads, social media, price list, etc. • This Call For Art is an awareness opportunity. The Artist will not be eligible or receive any proceeds from the sale of Fair logoed merchandise, media, event collateral, etc. • LIBA will ask the winning Artist to attend the Buy Local Fair. • Must be able and willing to make small edits to the design if requested by LIBA, and perform the edits in a timely manner.
Community FoCused. Community minded. No other news source brings you the important local information you want to know like the News and Tribune.
8 SoIn
Jan. 22, 2015
MANDIC: Jeff studio owner says Mandic chases passion with all his heart
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Three years after arriving in Louisville, Mandic would pick up the guitar in earnest. Lacking “a strong sense of purpose” at the time, and suffering through some relationship woes, music would be his salvation. Mandic went to work. Like he did with tennis and a stint at acting, the Middletown resident devoted his entire self to learning how to play guitar and tuning his voice. He picked the brains of other local musicians. He met with guitar and voice professors at the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University. He’d lock himself in his bedroom and just … practice. “A lot of it was going through that woodshed phase,” Mandic said. “It was hours and hours of study where I think my discipline, my work ethic came in. I’ve always had that.” Mandic admits his intensity can drive people away. Jetlag owner Michael Sanders, who recorded “Someday Mine,” was almost one of them. “Everything he does, he does with all his heart,” Sanders said. “I went through stages of kind of hating that. We went through the whole gamut of friendship but ended up at a great place.” It was months before Mandic perfected his first song: Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” Nearly two years after succumbing to guitar fever, Mandic worked up the nerve to perform at an open mic. The setting: The Hideaway Saloon on Bardstown Road. “I was sweating, just dripping,” he said. “I was playing the guitar so hard that my fingers were bleeding.” It wasn’t long until the open mics grew into hour-long gigs with other local musicians. Mandic, who fancies himself a modern folk singer, knew he’d have to expand his repertoire. He added diversity to his song catalogue, mastering country heavyweights like Johnny Cash and Randy Travis, Motown groovers like Marvin Gaye, even dabbling in old-school rap and Top 40 radio hits. “Who would have thought a guy from Serbia that struggles with English sometimes, here I am in the middle of America, in Kentucky, playing country tunes?” Mandic said. “That willingness to push myself out of my conform zone, I enjoy that.” After another career turn — Mandic left the corporate world to become a tennis pro at a Louisville country club — the desire to become a full-time musician was insatiable. In 2013, he took the leap to devote himself full time to his passion.
After trading in a career in a corporate office and country club tennis courts, Petar Mandic worked tirelessly to learn how to play guitar and tun his voice in chasing his dream of being a musician, which culminated in the release of his debut album “Someday Mine.” Photo by ellie Thomas “I got to the point that if I was going to continue to grow and give myself the best chance musically, I needed to do whatever I can that any work I was doing was going all toward music,” he said. “If I want to truly follow my dream I have to be this and nothing else.”
In 2013, Mandic played 282 live shows. Monday gigs at Gerstle’s that started out with just a bartender in the crowd now have 30 regulars there to see Mandic. Bethany Witten, 25, was at one of Mandic’s first shows at Molly Malone’s. The director of vendor relations and events at Big Spring Country Club Inc.’s Harmony Landing Campus, Witten admires his all-ornothing attitude in doing what he loves. “He’s actually the embodiment of that,” said Witten, who stopped by Mandic’s gig at Drake’s in St. Matthews last week. “A lot
of people don’t have that kind of passion for anything. Right, wrong or indifferent, he has something he cares about, and fortunately, he’s really good at it. “I’ve never met anyone more passionate and driven about it. I think that’s what has gotten him so far.” Ellie Thomas, graphic designer at Huber’s who designed Mandic’s album and codesigned his website, has seen the passion firsthand. “Petar constantly had great ideas and helped with every aspect of the ‘Someday Mine’ design,” Thomas said in an email. “As a person, he is one of the most genuine and honest people I know who always finds time to give and help those around him.” Open-mindedness has also helped. Mandic went into the studio thinking “Someday Mine” would be a stripped-down set, just him and a guitar. That evolved with the addition of Sanders’ backing vocals and drum work. “We started adding some stuff. He had no
idea where we were going, and neither did I,” Sanders said. “As we got more production in there, it was whatever happened, happened. For instance, the album’s first song, "Don’t Let Him Go,” gained an alternative, modern edge with Sanders’ production. “I never thought it was going that direction,” Mandic said. “To be able to give these songs a little bit of a different life was so exciting.” For Mandic, it was just another step in the quest for that preternatural connection between artist and subject. “From day one, that has always been the goal and I have not reached it yet. I don’t know if I will,” he said. “My goals is to play my own music and touch the hearts of people, however many that is, that exchange of energy where I can see in another person that they’re in another place. “That’s really what it is all about for me with music.”