"The Loosening Mystery: Forever Pink Volume 2 (DELUXE)" feels like a journey through life’s hidden corners—both the quiet moments and the wild, unpredictable ones. For me, this album captures a lot of personal stories and emotions, brought to life through melodies that came together in places as familiar as Charlottesville and as far-reaching as Warsaw. You can order this album on my Bandcamp website.

It was a joy to experiment and explore while creating this project. Tracks like "The Yard Sale Hero" tell stories about bravery in the most unexpected circumstances, while "Skeletons on the Line" delves into those moments when we feel broken but find a way to keep moving. These songs are pieces of my own experiences, but they also reflect the universal highs and lows we all face. I was lucky to collaborate with incredibly talented people—friends and fellow artists—who helped make the album what it is. Each of them added something special, from Ilya Mirosh’s vocals to Morgan Cayea’s stunning album artwork. At its heart, this album is a reflection of the ups and downs of navigating through uncertainty and change. I hope listeners feel the same sense of connection, discovery, and resilience that went into creating it.

The Yard Sale Hero

"The Yard Sale Hero" was such a fun story to write. It started with this idea of a young girl who becomes a hero in her small town, using her imagination and resourcefulness. I wanted to capture the wonder and bravery that kids have, where they truly believe they can do anything, even save the world. The song mixes that childlike innocence with some heavier themes, like the fear of losing everything. It’s personal to me because it taps into those dreams and fears we all have, but it wraps them in a whimsical, adventurous story.

Skeletons On The Line

"Skeletons on the Line" came from a place of feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt like everything was crashing down, and this song is about finding that one tiny thread of hope to pull yourself back up. It’s the kind of song that reflects the struggle of fighting your own doubts and fears, but also realizing that you’re stronger than you think. Writing this helped me process those moments, and I hope it gives others that same sense of comfort and strength.

The Loosening Mystery

This song is close to my heart because it’s about the things we hide from the world—our fears, our secrets, and even our playful side. "The Loosening Mystery" was inspired by the idea that suburban life, while seemingly ordinary, can be full of hidden stories. I wanted the song to feel like peeling back layers, as though each verse reveals a little more of the truth. The bond between the sisters in the song is really important to me because it highlights how relationships can help us break free from our own mysteries. It’s playful, but also about that deeper connection we all need.

Another Day, Another Song

"Another Day, Another Song" is really about life being this ongoing journey, where you don’t always know where you’re headed, but you keep going anyway. That’s something I’ve always felt—life can feel uncertain, but it’s also full of possibility. I wrote this song as a way to embrace that uncertainty and find beauty in it. It’s like walking a path where you don’t know what’s coming next, but each step is part of the story. For me, this track is a reminder that every day is a new opportunity, even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.

Through The Melting Snow

"Through the Melting Snow" came from thinking about the tough seasons we all go through, when everything feels cold and unchanging. I’ve had my share of those moments, and this song is my way of reminding myself (and others) that even when things seem bleak, spring is always just around the corner. It’s about finding light and growth after hardship. Writing this was cathartic for me—it’s both a reflection of loss and a hopeful nod to what’s ahead. Every time I play it, I feel that sense of renewal.

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Tracklist:
THE YARD SALE HERO
SKELETONS ON THE LINE
THE LOOSENING MYSTERY
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER SONG
THROUGH THE MELTING SNOW

RECORDED IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, CROZET, AND BLACKSBURG VA
ADDITIONAL RECORDINGS FROM WARSAW, POLAND
ENGINEERED AND MIXED BY MAXWELL MANDELL

MAXWELL MANDELL: VOCALS, PIANO, GUITAR, LOOG, PERCUSSION, DRUMS, BASS
ILYA MIROSH: VOCALS (THE YARD SALE HERO)
DON MOFFIT: NARRATION (THE YARD SALE HERO)
JAMES KIM: VIOLIN
LUCI CHO: CELLO
KAYLA HOOPER: FLUTE

ALL LYRICS AND SONGS BY MAXWELL MANDELL

ALBUM ART BY MORGAN CAYEA

MUSIC VIDEO CREDITS:
ACTORS: LUCIE PATTISON, ELOISE PATTISON, BRIAN PATTISON (THE LOOSENING MYSTERY)
COSTUME AND HAIR: SUZANNE PATTISON (THE LOOSENING MYSTERY)
EDIT CONSULTING: RYAN A. PAUL (THE LOOSENING MYSTERY & ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER SONG)
3D MODEL DESIGN: SHUBHANKAR3D @ TURBOSQUID.COM (THE YARD SALE HERO)
3D MODEL CONSULTANT: EOS GREY (THE YARD SALE HERO)

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION DISTRICT (CID) AT VIRGINIA TECH FOR PROVIDING RECORDING ROOMS, STUDIOS TECHNOLOGY LENDING DESK AND STUDIO 72 LLC FOR EQUIPMENT RENTALS. ADDITIONAL THANKS TO MY PARENTS & FAMILY, ILYA MIROSH, DON MOFFIT, JAMES KIM, LUCI CHO, KAYLA HOOPER, MORGAN CAYEA, RYAN A. PAUL, SHUBHANKAR3D, EOS GREY, EVERYONE IN STUDIO 72, BRIAN, SUZANNE AND THE PATTISON FAMILY, FEL, MARGARET "MICKEY" VAUGHAN MAIRS, AND MY PAST EXPERIENCES FOR INSPIRATION AND FOR MAKING THIS MUSIC POSSIBLE.

A SPECIAL HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE WONDERFUL FAMILIES I'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH. YOUR JOY, LOVE, AND THE SPECIAL MOMENTS SHARED HAVE INSPIRED AND SHAPED THIS MUSIC. YOUR PRESENCE AND CONNECTIONS HAVE MADE THIS JOURNEY TRULY MEMORABLE.