Artist Profile: Mandy Gawley

Real Life. Real Love. All Heart.

By Heike Hellmann-Brown

The Space That Lies Between, Mandy Gawleys latest release, describes the importance of relationships and time well spent with the people who matter most. As with all of Gawleys songs, her powerful, emotional message to enjoy each facet of life, in spite of occasional obstacles, provides inspiration and encouragement. Singing is not only my passion, the singer states, God gave me this precious gift, and my songs are the vessel to share love and understanding with those who need inspiration or uplifting in challenging situations.

The native Georgian singer studied at Belmont Universitys School of Music, in Nashville, Tennessee. Soon, I realized that no one could give me a degree in performance, Gawley remembers. To become a recording artist, experience mattered. Gawley moved to San Francisco, sang in jazz clubs and later performed in musical theater productions in the Atlanta area, where she met her future husband during one of her day jobs as a headhunter. He was fresh off the boat from Ireland, Gawley jokes. After the birth of her two sons, Mandy Gawley started to write her own material, after being prompted by her husband. Initially, my songwriting was intended for my kids to have something to hold onto, but my journey as a wife and mother resonated with listeners in a very personal way.

Gawley credits the collaboration with producer, Michael Gleason, and renowned vocal coach and producer, Mama Jan Smith, as instrumental in helping her find her voice as an artist. My style is inspirational on a universal level, with a little bit of country, a little bit of pop and a whole lot of heart.

A 2012 Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year Finalist and 2013 Georgia Music Award Country nominee, Gawley has been featured on radio stations across the southeast. She also appeared on The Donna Show, CBSs Better Mornings Atlanta and played at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Seaside, FL. She sold out her first headline show and appeared in a commercial for the GMC network. Additionally, she supported worthwhile causes to benefit others; among them were Cool Girls, Inc. and SERV International.

In 2013, an illness stopped Gawley in her tracks.  It was a very traumatic experience that tested my faith but eventually brought me closer to God, the singer says. I am hard working by nature, raising children and performing are two full-time jobs. This forced break led me to reevaluate my life. As moms, we want to be all things, to all people, all the time, yet every little second is precious. Time spent is time we dont get back. We need to decide how we want to live our lives and how we want to be remembered. By balancing my life, I set the example that a woman can follow her dreams and still have children, while my own children learn the importance of following a passion. This makes me a better wife and mother, and ultimately a more authentic performer.

MandyGawley.com