MANSA Debuts with Love Amongst Other Things EP Out July 2026
Chicago artist MANSA opens up about his debut EP, Love Amongst Other Things, and the three years it took to make it
Something Dope · · 4 min read
An Artist Spotlight, submitted by the artist in their own words and lightly edited by our team. We run these to put independent artists on.
What's the release, and when is it out?
Love Amongst Other Things is my debut EP. It releases on July 21st, 2026 through Closed Sessions, distributed by The Orchard.
What's it about? What were you trying to say or capture?
Love Amongst Other Things takes the listener through a sonic journey of different forms of love. The EP has 7 tracks, and each vocal offering is accompanied by an interlude to set the mood. "ISUIS" captures two people questioning their feelings and whether they're ready to fully commit to a relationship. "MOMMAS" reflects on the unconditional love and support experienced through a mother. "BUSINESS" follows two lovers choosing to shut out the outside world and focus solely on each other. Closing the project, "SHINE" explores self-love and the connection between oneself and a higher power.
Take us behind the making of it.
This project was recorded over the course of three years and features mainly members of the band on production. As far as lyrics go, I wrote every vocal piece on the album, besides the features. I used a few different studios in Chicago. One was RCM Studios, which is Peter Cottontale's studio. Peter's studio has an amazing live room with many instruments that you hear on the album, and the history of the space added to it as well. Peter Cottontale is heavily involved with Chance The Rapper's musical journey, and having his ear behind the music for opinions was a blessing. The environment he has created in that studio definitely left its mark on the project. The other studio, where vocals and rough drafts took shape, was StudioSHAPES, owned by Renzell, who also has a rich history within Chicago. Renzell and StudioSHAPES were behind Mick Jenkins and Smino's early work, and it's also the home of where Chance The Rapper's 10 Day mixtape was made. Being able to lean on Renzell for a home for the development of my ideas was a crucial step. After the project was done, the band reached a deal with the Chicago independent label Closed Sessions. Closed Sessions helped with the rollout and logistics of putting out the music, which is helping a lot because in today's landscape, artists have to do so much and be their own social media team, management, and everything else. Closed Sessions took on the bulk of that work, which allowed the band and I to focus on what is most important: the music.
Is there a standout track or moment you want people to hear first?
"BUSINESS." This song can make anyone a fan of us. It's complex yet simplistic at the same time. It has an instrumental foundation of guitar, bass, and stadium rock drums. The concept follows two lovers seeking clarity in a murky relationship. It has that uncontrolled energy, from the lyrics to the sound. It's truly a journey from start to finish.
How would you describe the sound of this release?
The sound of this release is truly experimental. It mixes alternative music, jazz fusion, and neo-soul, all with Chicago influences woven through. You might hear Tame Impala, Hiatus Kaiyote, Steve Lacy, and Thundercat next to us in a playlist.
What do you want listeners to feel or take away?
Honestly, if a listener feels any emotion after they listen, that is a win. In today's music landscape, music is really similar to fast food. Our music is the opposite. It is a maxed-out form of expressionism. Each instrument you hear on the project was played live. It took blood, sweat, and tears to make this music. The goal is for a listener to feel something, and if that is achieved, it is a win.
What's next after this drops?
We have a plethora of videos and shows coming soon, but you will have to wait. We have a release party coming soon with Three Top Lounge, which is part of the Salt Shed. Stay tuned on our socials for more. Also, we will have more music on the way. At the time of writing this, we have at least two songs ready to go for the future.
Where can people stream it and follow you?
You can find us on Instagram at @whois.mansa, TikTok at @whoismansa_, and YouTube at @Whoismansa1. Stream the EP on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/artist/0SxpfqvmNxa3LlFlr9Z2mK?si=J4fomspTSba06gSsRa3dzg and on Apple Music at https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mansa/1727620675
Read next
Built for indie artists
Get in the room.
Submit your music to perform at our next event. Pull up to one we have on the calendar. Stay close to the people building the next wave.