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It's finally here, the first volume of a project that I've been working on for the past 3 years: Forever Pink. You can order this album on my Bandcamp website.

Welcome To Forever Pink: Volume 1 (DELUXE) is a piece of my heart. Each song reflects moments of resilience, hope, and the connections that keep us going. For me, this album is about more than just music; it’s about capturing the joy and challenges of life in every track. With songs like “Next To You,” I wanted to create a sense of support and strength, while “About Midnight” explores those late-night reflections we all have.Recording across Virginia and Boston, I was lucky to work with incredibly talented friends, like Elinor Glassco, who co-wrote the lyrics, and a group of amazing vocalists who brought each story to life. Their voices layered in so much warmth and meaning, making every track feel real and grounded.This deluxe edition also includes instrumental versions for anyone who wants to get lost in just the sound. I wanted to make this package a full experience, so I included a bi-fold with stories behind each song, full lyrics, and artwork from James Nelson and my own sketches to bring out the album’s world visually. Welcome To Forever Pink isn’t just about listening—it’s about finding pieces of ourselves in the music and in each other. I hope it resonates with you as much as it does with me.

Welcome To Forever Pink

"Welcome To Forever Pink" is my love letter to resilience and individuality. I wanted this song to feel like a bright, defiant anthem—a reminder to embrace who we are and find hope even when things are tough. There’s a lot of warmth and energy in the track, and I’m grateful to Kyle Richman for adding his voice to help bring that spirit to life. It’s about not being afraid to stand out and shine, no matter what.

About Midnight

"About Midnight" is incredibly close to my heart, inspired by a family I worked with during a tough time. One young family member was grieving deeply, and witnessing their journey through loss was both painful and beautiful. We’d take walks, go on bike rides, and plant together—anything to bring small moments of peace. The title comes from a late night spent with them, close to midnight, when I felt a glimmer of healing. This song is my tribute to their strength and the quiet, powerful moments of love and support we share in the face of loss.

Your Story

"Your Story" is all about owning who you are and embracing the journey you’re on. It’s inspired by those moments of doubt when you wonder if you’re on the right path, but find the courage to keep moving. Working with Liliia Kysil on vocals added such a personal touch to the track. This song is a reminder to trust your journey and know that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Hear The Calling

"Hear The Calling" was born out of the early days of the pandemic, a time when everything felt like it was upended. I was working closely with a family who, like so many, was dealing with sudden changes—school closures, isolation, the loss of normal routines. It was intense and often emotional. As I tried to support them, I realized I was also wrestling with my own sense of uncertainty and fatigue. Eventually, I needed to step back, and my sister stepped in to help, giving me the space to pause and process everything.

Writing this song became a way to reflect on that period. "Hear The Calling" captures that inner voice urging us to find clarity and grounding amid chaos. Lines like, "Barely heard the wind say her name through the trees, it was just a whisper breath," evoke the quiet yet persistent pull we sometimes feel to connect with ourselves. The chorus, “Hear the calling,” became a mantra for me—a reminder to listen to my own needs and to honor the balance between being there for others and taking care of myself. This song is about recognizing that even when life feels overwhelming, we each have an inner path to follow.

Next To You

"Next To You" is a song of support and love. I wrote it for those people in our lives who are there for us through everything, no matter what. Having Elinor Glassco, Olivia Swinton, Caroline Roper, and Caley Hunt on vocals made the song feel like a warm embrace. It’s about standing beside someone, cheering them on, and reminding them they’re never alone. This one’s close to my heart because it’s a celebration of those connections that keep us going.

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

MAXWELL MANDELL: VOCALS, PIANO, GUITAR, PERCUSSION, DRUMS, BASS
KYLE RICHMAN: VOCALS (Welcome To Forever Pink)
LILIIA KYSIL: VOCALS (Your Story)
ELINOR GLASSCO: VOCALS (Next To You)
OLIVIA "LILO" SWINTON: VOCALS (Next To You)
CAROLINE ROPER: VOCALS (Next To You)
CALEY HUNT: VOCALS (Next To You)

ALL SONGS BY MAXWELL MANDELL
LYRICS BY MAXWELL MANDELL AND ELINOR GLASSCO

ALBUM ART BY JAMES NELSON

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION DISTRICT (CID) AT VIRGINIA TECH FOR PROVIDING RECORDING ROOMS, STUDIOS TECHNOLOGY LENDING DESK, STUDIO 72 LLC AND ALEX MATTERN FOR EQUIPMENT RENTALS. ADDITIONAL THANKS TO MY PARENTS & FAMILY, KYLE RICHMAN, LILIIA KYSIL, ELINOR GLASSCO, OLIVIA "LILO" SWINTON, CAROLINE ROPER, CALEY HUNT, 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.