bio
Fans of Mandy's music often share the similar story of being swung around by the clear bell of her voice and then rooted by her lyrics. Lyrically, Mandy juxtaposes the beauty of her home in the San Juan Islands with the connection and humor of living in a small town community. She acknowledges the dark moments in life, while also underlying a certain optimism.
As she sings in the title track of her only full length album to date, "If Only Words Could Keep Me Warm": "I'm going to take all the sweet things in life big and small, and wind them all up like a big woolen ball. I'm going to knit up a blanket so cozy and warm and wrap it around us to weather this storm."
Solo performance time is fairly sparse, as Mandy's life is full working on a farm on Orcas while also juggling island life with two daughters and their geriatric shopdog, Toby. Admittedly, Mandy's most frequent audience are a herd of unruly but appreciative dairy goats.
"With a folky voice of clarity that reminds one of early Emmylou Harris, Troxel navigates the waters of love lost and found with songs that offer memorable lines, but no easy answers."
-Bill Mallonee
If Only Words Could Keep Me Warm
Mandy began writing songs after school let out in So. California in the 1980's. After graduating, she took her songs to intimate venues along the west coast and midwest before finally settling in a small island in the Pacific Northwest in 2001. And then, to the disappointment of her small but devoted following, she seemed to disappear from the map, taking a 10= year hiatus of sorts.
Eventually Mandy found her muse again, dusted her guitar off and began writing. In 2014, she debuted her first (and only) full-length album "If only Words Could Keep Me Warm.". If Only... was recorded and co-produced with Bruce Harvie at Olgabowl Studio on Orcas Island, WA.
After "If Only.." was released, Mandy spent a few years playing locally with the band "Mandy Troxel and the Bitter Ends" (with Bruce Harvie, Anita Orne, and John Polstra). Most recently she was 1/3 of the trio Raising Hazel with Avery Hill and Jaspar Lepak.
Video Gallery
Living History
Ode to Frieda the Pig
Raising Hazel - Bad Penny Blues
Island Mama Work Chant
During 2020, as we were all adjusting to life in quarantine during the pandemic, the Orcas Island Chamber Music sponsored me to make some videos. For a few years I'd been leading music in island preschools through OICMF's Pied Piper program, and singing these songs "together" over video was a bit of continuity during a hard time. I send many thanks to the Orcas island Chamber Music Festival for making it possible.
Music for Kids
Made possible by the
Orcas Island Chamber Festival in 2020
Grab your favorite preschooler and