Daily Inspiration: Meet Ronni Mardor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronni Mardor.

Hi Ronni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hey there! I’m an Israeli-American theatrical pop writer, composer, and singer, and I’ve found my home right here in LA. My journey is a whirlwind of music, self-discovery, and meaningful connections. Born and raised in Israel, I took a detour into the IDF intelligence force for a couple of years before following my heart at 22. I landed in London to chase a career in music, and in 2019, I proudly snagged my Songwriting & Composition degree from ICMP, London.

Those four transformative years were a mix of hard work and incredible experiences. I hit the stage at cool spots like The O2 Academy Islington and Nambucca, making my mark in the UK music scene. And then there’s Mauro Massari – one of many extraordinary collaborators who changed the game for me. Thanks to him, I embarked on my first international tour across Southern Italy in April 2019. That success led us to the “Sad Songs Comedy” tour in Naples & Puglia later that same year.

Fast forward to today, and I’m soaking up the LA scene while also touring my music across the US and Israel. Places like Hotel Cafe & Molly Malone’s have become my stages here, and I’m eager for what to come. Also, during lockdown, I had the incredible honor of being a judge representing the USA in the global judging panel of VANJAM – Battle of the Bands in Vancouver, Canada in 2020.

As a proud LGBTQ+ member and a mental health advocate, I work hard to make sure my work creates the platform for conversations that matter. My goal is to keep those conversations going to keep spreading awareness and understanding through my music.

So, there you have it – from Israel to London to LA; thanks for letting me share a piece of my story with VoyageLA and its readers. The adventure continues, and the music plays on!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let’s keep it real – this journey? Not exactly a walk in the park. Leaving behind everyone and everything you know, including your own language, and starting anew? Yeah, that’s a whirlwind of emotions. It’s hard, it’s lonely, it’s horrifying and then on the other hand, it’s the most freedom I ever felt in my life. It’s endless opportunities as really no one knows who you are. It’s a crash course in freedom and self-discovery. You’re this blank canvas, free from judgment and history, ready to explore new horizons and figure yourself out all over again. And let’s talk about the amazing people I’ve met along the way – my chosen family in new places. Those connections are the heart and soul of this adventure.

Then I threw myself another curveball, swapping London for LA in December 2019. And guess what? Three months later, a global shake-up. Talk about timing, right?

I was lucky enough to have my job and my music that kept me sane. And in the midst of it all, my girlfriend joined me in LA, turning this city into more than just a place. It became home.

So yeah, it’s been a rollercoaster, filled with challenges and eye-opening moments, but I can’t agree more with the saying that ‘diving into the unknown is where the real story begins’.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So as I mentioned before, I’m a theatrical pop singer-songwriter and I’m also a proud queer woman who wasn’t always that proud. Being a queer woman and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, I’ve centered my artistic vision around fostering an open conversation on these topics. For many years, I struggled to “prove” my normality, whether it was discussing my sexual orientation or addressing my (non-existent) mental well-being. This pursuit of normality caused me immense pain and trauma.

As an artist, I want to challenge this notion of normality and showcase how every person is essentially abnormal in their own way. What I enjoy most about being a musician is that through music, I can create a safe and inclusive space where people feel encouraged to question the aspects of themselves they may be afraid to reveal. It is a space where they can freely express their emotions, whether it be through laughter or tears. Ultimately, I want to inspire individuals to embrace the quirkiness and unpredictability of life itself. By doing so, we can foster a greater acceptance of ourselves and others and to celebrate the diversity that makes us all beautifully human.

So I wrote a one-woman show about that!

‘Anonymous Rose’ – “In this whimsical, one-woman musical theater piece, Ronni Mardor guides audiences on a hilarious and gut-wrenching journey through her life, from her childhood in Israel to London’s vibrant queer scene. Along the way, she grapples with anxiety, sexuality, mental health, grief, and – of course – falling in love. Can a terrified child transform into a powerful (if slightly eccentric) red rose?”

‘Anonymous Rose’ is an 80-minute full-on cabaret-style musical-theater show, with a 3-piece live band (piano, double bass & drums), directed by the magnificent musical director Margaux Vranken and dramaturgy by the one and only Anastasia Bruce-Jones. It’s funny, emotive, and will take audiences on a spectacular ride through songs & stories to find the true meaning of being ALIVE (and why it scares the fuck out of us). This show will leave the crowd questioning, crying, laughing, and ultimately embracing the quirkiness of life itself.

What makes you happy?
Wow mmm well, it’s very easy to make me happy; traveling outside makes me happy, seeing & smelling the ocean makes me happy, fresh FOOD makes me happy, making people laugh makes me happy, making my girlfriend laugh makes me super happy… Hugging my mum & grandma, ordering a new kind of IPA, making popcorn, trying a new Boba place, making travel plans, playing guitar for babies, and so much more. So why does this all light me up? It’s the raw, unfiltered feeling of being alive. Whether I’m on the road, sharing laughter, savoring flavors, or making connections – those moments are the essence of happiness for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ronnimardor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronnimardor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronnimardor538/videos
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lxoAldqLoD7LvUYkADP9B?si=XE0Gnhf3Q0OXQfkDsD0W3w

Image Credits
Malka Nihom, Tom Shohat, Eden Shohat, Tshiella D