When you think about the lead singers of famous bands, you would imagine they’d be arrogant and pompous, especially if they’re the lead singer of a band as popular as Jack’s Mannequin. However, when you talk to Andrew McMahon, the lead singer from Jack’s Mannequin, what you find is quite the opposite. He’s a laid back guy who is quick to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable. He’ll laugh at the expense of himself and dish out compliments about small things.
I recently had the chance to talk to Andrew about his new record, and about the important women in his life. He was quick to thank TCNJ for the fantastic show and was humble about the success of his band.
I know a lot of your songs are about important women in your life like, for example, the song “There, There Katie” is about your sister. So my question is how do the women in your life affect you in your songwriting?
Well I grew up in a house full of women, there were three other women in my house. I’ve been lucky to have such wonderful women in my life. My wife is such a positive influence on me, and I have my sister’s bone marrow pumping through my system. My mother has been huge in my life. She’s a wonderful woman. I think that I’ve always had a positive outlook on women and had such a reverence for them. (He laughs to himself)
And do you think that these positive relationships shine through on your new record?
I really hope so. The record was about the reality of relationships, not just between women, but between friends too. My marriage obviously takes a bit of the focus on the record, but what I wanted to do was write a reality check on love. Not just the glamorous side, but the ups and downs. The fights, the anger, and why you keep fighting. I just really hope that shines through on this record.
This is a question that came from one of my fellow reporters, and that’s what is the craziest thing that a fan has ever done to you, whether on tour or elsewhere?
There is this woman, who I’ve met and is cool with my talking about this, that has a website where it’s pictures of me, superimposed with pictures of cats.
Wait, cats?
Yeah, yeah! She’s super friendly and nice, it’s just that in terms of the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me since I formed Jack’s Mannequin, it would definitely have to be this website.
If you’re interested in visiting this website, click here!
** Photos by Matthew Mance **