Samuel Mancini rose to fame back in 2013 when he was picked by megastar Christina Aguilera to join her team on The Voice US, and in 2015 the multi-talented rising star made his acting debut alongside Hollywood legend Diane Keaton in the hit movie Love the Coopers.
Now he has released his debut EP ‘Higher‘ featuring four original tracks. Here we speak to the future star of screen and chart about his new music, acting experiences, The Voice US, and lots more.
Growing up who inspired you to get into acting and singing?
I was really inspired by my 5th grade music teacher. I didn’t know I had the ability to sing and a stage presence until she told me after I tried out for a solo in chorus class. Growing up I was really inspired by artists like Donell Jones, Boyz II Men, Ne-Yo, Usher, and Mario. A lot of R&B singers.
You were picked by Christina Aguilera in 2013 as part of her Voice team, what was it like working with her?
Getting feedback/advice from someone like Christina was an experience in itself. It helped a lot with my confidence and my drive to succeed. It’s true that there’s always room for improvement.
Are you still in contact with Christina?
No.
What was your personal highlight of your The Voice experience?
I got to stay in a hotel with the other contestants for a few weeks leading up to the blind auditions. Being surrounded by a bunch of super talented musicians, from all different walks of life, working on the same thing with the same dreams and fight. Making genuine friendships with them was definitely the highlight of that experience.
You made your professional acting debut alongside Hollywood legend Diane Keaton, what was that experience like?
It was an incredible learning experience seeing how it all works. Being on a such a big, professional production with a cast like Diane Keaton, Olivia Wilde, and John Goodman was very inspiring and made me want to work really hard.
If you had to pick music or acting to do for the rest of your career which would you choose?
Music. Performing and singing is definitely my first love.
You have just released your debut EP ‘Higher’ what has the reaction been like?
I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback especially from new fans, which is very exciting. I also love how each song has been said to me to be the “best song” on the EP. It’s really been connecting with people so I’m really happy with the reception.
You’re also going on a radio tour in support of the EP, which city are you most excited about visiting?
I’m excited to get to Miami this summer. I’ve always wanted to go there. I’m really excited to visit cities in Europe. I can’t wait to get to London!
Are you planning on touring this year?
I would love to tour later this year. I would love to open up for someone touring this year like The Weeknd, Bruno Mars or even a legend like Janet Jackson would be pretty amazing.
What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
I want to have a huge catalogue of songs/successful albums. Music that will live on forever. I want to have had toured the world sharing my music and inspiring others. I want to get more into acting. Get more into the fashion world. I would also love to do different types of business ventures like opening up my own coffee shop.
Make sure you follow Samuel on Twitter @SamuelMancini to keep up to date with all his latest news!
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