We were lucky to catch up with Mandy Burke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mandy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

It never occured to me that I would be anything else but a singer and performing artist. As a kid, I would sit in my room, lyrics in hand, memorizing every note and nuance until the songs were etched into my memory.

I started formal voice lessons at 15, submersing myself in classical genres, performance technique and competitions while singing pop, musical theater and jazz in school. I loved it all and the challenges that came with it.

This drive carried me through 2 degrees in vocal and opera performance. The training was intense — you have to have an incredible amount of drive, focus, patience and humility to master your art. There were hours in the practice rooms and courses like music theory, music history, keyboard, voice lessons, choir, song repetoire, diction, vocal developement, recitals-you name it. I’ve heard it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master your field-let’s just say I’m on my way.

Though I didn’t pursue classical music, that foundation made me the artist I am today. My heart has always been with rock, blues, funk and R & B and I love the versatility. There are no shortcuts on the road to mastery and not everybody is going to appreciate what you do. I don’t make a living playing, but it has never been about that and I’m still learning everyday. In the beginning, music is part technique, part soul, and part “fake it ‘til you make it.” but the goal is creative freedom. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I play to connect and share the human experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Music has always been a part of my life, whether it’s performing, teaching, or dancing. Since I was little, I was always drawn to singing even though I was incredibly shy, which is one of life’s cruel little jokes. But somehow I was able to muster up enough courage to put myself out there because I had something I wanted to share.

Music gave me confidence, purpose and kept me out of trouble.. I spent most of my time practicing and performing. I had amazing teachers who believed in me and gave me guidance. I would audition for every solo and competition.

Although I sing rock, blues and funk, I trained classically. That gave me the flexibility to explore different genres with solid technique behind it.

I’m most proud of continuing to learn and grow as an artist. I’ve been doing this for most of my life and believe it or not, I still get stage fright. I am mortified when I sing a wrong word or hit a bad note. It has taken me years to open up on stage and even longer to actually look at people when I sing. I’m a work in progress but excited for what lies ahead.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had just started my freshman year at college when I got the chance to audition as a solo R&B artist for a record label in LA. Next thing I knew, I was flying to Atlanta to record a four-song demo. I stayed at my manager’s house, spent my days in the studio and taking promo photos. It felt like everything I’d dreamed of was finally happening.

Looking back, the songs weren’t the best fit for my voice—but the experience was incredible. I got a real glimpse into what life as a recording artist could look like. But something was missing: live musicians. I had sung in a band in high school, and that kind of collaboration was exciting. The camaraderie, the energy, the creative chemistry—it was magic.

Sure, the idea of a record deal was beyond tempting. I pursued it for a bit—this was the dream, after all. But deep down, it didn’t feel right and I was starting to realize the tremendous amount of work it was going to take to try and make it. My heart wasn’t in it. I decided to walk away and finish college.

I won’t lie, I’ve wondered how life might’ve been different if I’d followed through. I later found out it was an audition for a girl group—and one of the singers who made it went on to become a star. But for me, that moment was a turning point. I realized I wasn’t chasing fame—I was chasing connection. And from that point on, I promised myself I’d seek out every opportunity to play music and find my proper place.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Getting lost in the music. That magical moment when you’re so deep in the song, and locked in with your band that you forget other people are around. It feels like you’re floating outside yourself, just watching it all happen. It’s pure connection—me, my band, the moment.

Of course… that doesn’t happen every time. Sometimes you’re mid-song and some drunkard falls on the drumset. Or your shirt gets caught in your guitar and you break a string. Or someone is telling you you’re beyond 100 dB! But when the stars align, and you have the courage to let go? It’s magic!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wheelhousesongs.com https://mandy-burke.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/wheelhousesongs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheelHouseSongs
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WheelHouseSongs
• Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC_q69Z2AM0p0yfyP67aXubQ
• Other: Spotify-https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GONXGyGtQ0lYoKgV89GZC
  I tunes-https://itunes.apple.com/uz/artist/wheel-house/id674573423

Image Credits

Stan the Rocker
Eric Tryon