interview by JANA LETONJA

British-South Asian actress Mandeep Dhillon is best known for her role on ‘CSI: Vegas’, and now she decided it was about time to pursue her first passion, music. On 17th May, she is launching her first single ‘Roll It Up’, from her debut EP ‘Light of Mind’, releasing this summer.

Mandeep, tell us more about your music journey and how it led you to this moment, releasing your first single.
I have loved music all my life, it’s such a huge part of who I am, but I had never taken it seriously up until a year and a half ago. That’s when after being baptised at a rooftop pool in Hollywood, I felt it in my spirit that I needed to create music of my own. It was always my deepest desire to be a music artist and honestly, it was as if God took that from my core and stuck it in front of my face where I couldn’t ignore the fact that I needed to create music. One song led to two, and that led to me deciding to create my first EP. 

Being in the studio this last year and working with incredible producers has been a joy and incredibly eye opening. It has shown me that I was clearly meant to get to this point in my life and create. Writing songs and melodies has come so easy to me and I’ve been able to find a state of flow whilst doing so. I think over the past year and a half I have found my voice as an artist, my vibe and what I represent. I have had most of my music ready for 6 months, but the timing to release it has only felt right now.

‘Roll It Up’ is a Pop/R&B song. What inspired this single and what does it mean to you finally getting it out to the world?
It deals with addiction and supporting the people you love through hard times. I’ve had the song ready to release since September 2023. It’s been wonderful keeping it to myself and enjoying it with friends and family. Now I’m super excited to share it with the world. I just hope it reaches people at the right time in their lives. 

How excited are you to finally be on this exciting journey as a singer and songwriter?
Words can’t even express how excited I am to be on this journey. It feels like it’s been a long time coming and I’m just so grateful that I’ve been able to work with incredible producers and creatives. I love song writing, to be able to turn my pain into art has been so healing. Now to share it feels like a gift. 

Soon, you’ll also be launching your debut EP ‘Light of Mind’. Tell us all about it. What can we expect from it?
‘Light Of Mind,’ which is the meaning of my name, is my debut EP and showcases who I am as an artist. It’s a mix of storytelling, sick beats and rap. The link that ties all the songs together is healing, acceptance and self-love, which is something I have enjoyed finding within myself and my music. 

What are your dreams and goals as a musician?
Honestly, I’m just going with the flow and seeing just how far I can take it. I would love to do music festivals, release albums, go on tour, heal the world with my music. It all feels like God’s plan, so I’m sort of leaving the outcome of it all to God. I know my music will reach the right people at the right time in their lives for them.  

Before embarking on a music career, you’ve also been an actress. What fulfils you the most as an actress?
As an actress, I love doing comedy. I have always loved it and luckily have always been given the opportunity to do it. 

What has acting taught you about your music career and about the industry?
Acting has helped when it comes to my singing delivery in the studio. I am able to bring the right emotion or playfulness to what I’m singing because of my acting skills. I never knew that acting would help me with this, but it has and it’s great. 

Besides music and acting, what are you most passionate about in life?
I am most passionate enjoying life to its fullest, making memories with family and friends. I love working out, dancing, leading a healthy lifestyle and am a proud believer in God. I find joy in going to church, meditating and helping people to see all their worth. 

With your EP coming out later this year, what other exciting projects do you have coming up in 2024?
I love writing. I am currently in development of creating my own TV show in the UK and it’s the best. If I can continue to hop from one creative cloud onto another creative cloud forever, I’ll be so happy.