We spoke with Mandu Soul about “Can’t Wait” and more!

Q: Hi! Let’s start with “Destiny”. That song really introduced people to your sound — what was going through your mind when you made it, and what did it mean to you at that moment?

A: I really fell in love with the beat when I heard it for the first time. And I thought, “This is all me”. I reached out to Jaime and was like “trust me, I can make this a hit!” He worked with me. We made some changes and then I went in. Listening to it, how I felt in the moment came out. I felt like this must be Destiny. And this is what I got out of it. I chose Destiny as the first single because I thought that would be a great welcome to the world song. I was excited because I wasn’t telling many people that I was creating music. I didn’t know how well it would be received, but I knew I wanted this for me.

Q: Looking back now, how do you think “Destiny” helped shape where you are creatively today?

A: I thought this song was one of my favorites on the first album. When I hear music nowadays, everything feels like it has been re-hashed, remixed or something that I’ve heard before. So when I made Destiny I wanted to do something different. I want to bring something original to everything that I create.

Q: What did you learn about yourself from making “Destiny” that carried into how you approached “Can’t Wait”?

A: Interestingly enough, “Can’t Wait” actually came before “Destiny”. So I can say it actually happened the other way around. I wanted to create something smooth and seductive, yet also classy.

Q: So let’s talk about “Can’t Wait.” What inspired this new track — was there a real moment or person behind it?

A: Yes, all my music is either inspired by a moment in my life. Either it happened to me, someone I knew, or a story that inspired me. Can’t wait was written about a moment shared.

Q: It’s got that smooth, classic R&B feel but still sounds fresh. How do you pull off that mix of old-school influence and modern energy?

A: I grew up listening to 90’s hip-hip and R&B. That was my era, my brother and sister used to get so hype over the fresh new song that just came out. As well as old classics of the 70’s and 80’s. Haha my Aunts and uncles helped raise me well. It was more of an event back then. You had record stores where you could listen to samples of the songs it set the mood for an experience. You also had to wait so hear the specific song you wanted to hear. Whether it was live, a house party, on radio stations, TRL, or 106 and Park; you were excited to hear music. It was a vibe! Things are different now..a little more nonchalant. Styles have changed. Creativity is shifting in many directions. The groove has evolved. I think my groove is slightly still in the older music. I have my own original flare, though. We’re in 2025 and I still want to bring something new and fresh, that is as timeless as some of those old songs were.

Q: You’ve said the music of the ’90s really shaped your sound. Who were some of the artists from that era that still inspire you when you create today?

A:  The 90’s was amazing! For Hip-Hop I was a Notorious B.I.G. fan. Ludacris was probably my favorite rapper back in the day. Along with Busta Rhymes, Naughty by Nature, DMX, Andre 3000, Tribe Called Quest. We have a lot of powerhouses from Virginia like Missy Elliot, Timbaland and Pharrell. I’d be lying if I said they didn’t influence me. I like the beats that make you bounce! But I also like a good story.

R&B I loved Keith Sweat, Hi-Five, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Jodeci, SWV, Tony! Toni! Tone! Tyrese, Joe, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Mya. Y’all remember the movie House Party?  I am heavily influenced by that era and I could go on forever.

Q: You’re from rural Virginia — how do you think growing up there shaped your voice and the stories you tell through your music?

A: Hmm…I want to say that living in the rural south meant I lived a slower life than one who lived in a fast city. Everything is relaxed. Everything is chill. I think communities are more close-knit. There is more privacy in your way of living. You find other ways to entertain yourself other than going out. You can probably tell in my demeanor that I keep things simple. I think my life reflects my lyrics in a subtle way.

Q: “Can’t Wait” touches on that spark and anticipation between two people — that feeling of not being able to wait to see someone. How personal is that story for you?

A: It is personal. It’s probably something that others can relate to as well. Say a married couple that works all the time and has to take care of the kids. They probably have moments where they can’t wait. Or in general someone you can’t stop thinking about…it’s that anticipation of spending quality time with someone you love.

Q: You’ve mentioned wanting to make music that really makes people feel. What kind of emotions do you hope this song stirs up for listeners?

A: There is a depths to people that probably never reaches the surface. I can say that is true to me at times. There are many unexpressed thoughts, emotions and parts of people’s personalities. When I write I talk about my joys, pains, disappointments, hopes, and plain good ole times. Like I said, I think there are things people will be able to relate to. They say there are those who feel the beat and there are those who feel the lyrics. I feel like I have a happy medium and those who listen to the lyrics will feel something.

Q: Before we wrap, what’s next for you for the rest of this year? Any shows, collaborations, or new drops we should be watching out for?

A: I plan on releasing my album “Entelechy” hopefully in December. I’m excited to share my thoughts, perspectives and art. I’ve put a lot of effort into creating this album. I’m thankful for everyone that helped me on this project!! The hours I put in to make this project a joy to people’s ears as well as meet my expectations is impressive to me. You should also look forward to the 3rd single “Friends” in the near future.

I would honestly like to create a band and make an environment where music lovers come and enjoy themselves. Just watch out for Mandu Soul! Merch is on the way, Album is on the way, content is on the way.