Life & Work with Natasha Mangali of Anaheim, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Mangali.

Hi Natasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Natasha and I am a contemporary R&B/Neo Soul vocalist and lyricist based in Anaheim, California.

As a first generation Filipina American, I come from a long line of musicians. Music was not only present during karaoke at family functions, no, to me, it was and is essential.

I grew up singing in choir, church, musical theatre productions, and eventually went through the vocal music program in Fullerton College. I am classically trained in opera and choral arts, alongside vocal jazz and musical theatre studies —proving to be a genre-bending vocal chameleon and musician, showcasing adaptability and musical prowess in any and all genres.

However, due to academic fatigue and major life changes, I took a long hiatus from music but never lost my love or passion.

I returned to music in an unexpected way. After the pandemic, my sister Natalie and I started singing covers at local open mics such as “The Night Owl” and “The Coollab Project” and made a lot of connections with other phenomenal musicians.

I faced a turning point during the pandemic. Isolation forced all of us to turn inwards unlike ever before, and I found a new love and hunger for songwriting, composing, and singing my own original music.

It was then when I realized, I didn’t just want to sing songs by other artists or composers, or sing genres that weren’t authentic to my self expression and were mandatory for academia only, I wanted to create my own worlds and carve my own path, especially after experiencing academic burnout and having lost connection with my family. I lost a lot of friends along the way as well, but I am beyond thankful to be where I am today as the individual, artist, vocalist, musician, lyricist, and storyteller I am now.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like the ice cream flavor, it’s been a rocky road ahaha

At the start of my journey, as I was developing my own individual form of artistry, figuring out how to write songs, what I want to convey (I mean, it’s still a process to this day) I shared early phases of my first works with old musician friends and they mocked me.
Some even dodged support altogether, I lost friends I thought were my ride or dies, so I wrote a song about it.

I think what can be difficult to maneuver as an artist, especially in the beginning is change. Some may not like how you change. Some may only want to see you in a certain light and to have you stay there. I have known a lot folks like this, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from going against the grain and doing what is true to you and what makes you happiest (as long as no one is hurt) and what brings you closest to your dreams and goals. There will always be critics, and that’s not even touching on my own self criticism (which can be louder at times) but if something means that much to you, it’s worth pursing babes. That goes with anything in life, really. Also, with time and as you grind, you’ll find your tribe, trust. <3

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a behavioral interventionist at an elementary school that works directly with students and families living at the OC Rescue Mission and local orphanages.

I believe children are humanity’s ultimate hope and that they can change the world’s trajectory altogether. How they view the world, even in the small, mundane things, is beautiful. As an adult, other adults frustrate and peeve me, with ulterior motives and whatnot, there is nothing more noble, pure, true, or real than the heart of the child.

I know I work in behaviors, but after working in ABA for four years, and in a school district for almost another four at five different elementary schools, these kids have changed me as a person and have made me see so many different perspectives I know I would have never come across if I never knew any of these brilliant souls.

My students inspire me and uplift me and vice versa of course. They always hype me up when they find out I’m a vocalist/artist.

It is so fulfilling to see how they come out of their shells when they see my support with their own artistic ways and tendencies. It’s refreshing to see their point of view. Kids are far from stupid. My students have healed parts of me that I never knew could be healed, undoing hurt and trauma done by adults towards me when I was a child. I am beyond grateful and blessed to know each and every student I have had the honor of working with.

How do you think about happiness?
Being understood and people who take the time to understand, if initially they don’t. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again ahaha

I think a lot of things in life are transactional. That may have a negative tone to it, but I think empathy is a huge factor to happiness. Life is difficult, so it is of the utmost importance to find souls you connect with and to prioritize doing life with those who align with your morals, beliefs, and values.

Where we choose to direct and spend our energy and time is crucial, for this shapes you and your mentality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natawsha