Recently at InCeleb, we had the awesome opportunity to talk to actor and musician, Chase Mangum, about his life as a musician and actor.
So for those who don’t know who you are, could you please tell us about yourself and who is ‘Chase Mangum’?
Hi, my name is Chase Mangum and I am an actor and musician. I started playing music at the age of two and started acting at the age of five.
Of course, I will ask this, as it is now regarded as ‘the question of 2020’, how was lockdown for you?
The lockdown has given me lots of time to work on music. I released my first song in April called Chlorine and continue to keep releasing music. I’m going to start having live streams on social media to perform and play my music. It will give me a way to connect with my audience.
Were you motivated during the lockdown and what did you get up to?
Since quarantine, it feels like I have been more motivated. I have had so much more time to work on myself. I have been recently setting more goals for myself and accomplishing them to my full potential. I’m my eyes quarantine was a good time for me to reset.
When did your career begin as an actor and when did you realise this is something you wanted to pursue?
I started acting when I was at least eight years old. My parents thought I would really like it and they were right! I have always loved acting and knew it was something I want to pursue from the start.
Was acting something you always wanted to do, we know your mum, dad and brother are part of the acting industry, so did they influence you too?
I remember when my parents used to take me in the car to their auditions. I would always help my mom or dad with their lines on the way there, I had so much fun doing it. I used to make up funny accents and always make my parents laugh. That’s when I knew acting was for me.
So you have starred in various shows and films including Lethal Weapon, 20 seconds to live and much more, but was there any of these that stood out for you as a highlight or a big break of your career?
Lethal Weapon was the most fun to shoot out of all of the projects. I was lucky enough to work with wonderful actors and directors on set, such as Rex Linn. He was such a mentor and he still is to this day. I remember the first day on set he took me aside and we talked about John Bonham for hours. I also got to drive my dream car, a 1990 Corvette the first couple weeks of shooting. It was an absolutely amazing experience.
As we know your family are part of acting, would you say they have made an impact on your career too?
My family has helped my career in every possible way. They have always pushed me to be my best self and I’m thankful they did.
One of the TV Shows that was a big hit show was Lethal Weapon, what was the experience like when acting here?
The Lethal Weapon set was such a fun set. One of the coolest experiences on set is when Clayne Crawford directed one of the episodes I was in. He spoke to me about our background in childhood and the importance of our character.
From the shows you have been in, have you got a particular favourite that stood out for you and if so why?
One of my favourite shows that I acted in was The Goldbergs. when I got on set it felt like I knew the entire cast personally. I have grown up watching that show and it was amazing to be in a couple of scenes with characters that I know and love.
Not only you have an acting career but you also have a music career, so when did you gain an interest in music?
I started playing the drums at the age of two. My parents got me a small Batman kit and wished they had got me harmonica instead! I instantly fell in love and over time I have learned to play many instruments. I actually just released a mini EP on Spotify. You should check it out.
So what are your skills in music, do you play or sing?
When I was younger I used to love to sing. After about the first grade I got really nervous to sing in public and stop doing it completely. Eventually, over time I began to sing again. I have always played instruments and just recently started writing, singing, and playing my own music. I’ve also just recently gotten into mixing and music production. I have a little studio in my room that I work from.
Do you think you will stick with both acting and music careers or will you eventually choose one over the other?
I absolutely love to do both and hope to continue both acting and music in my future. Tyler, TheCreator gives me the inspiration to do both. I love not only his music but his various funny TV shows on Adult Swim.
Do you have any influences in music?
I love classic rock music and indie music. I have always been a huge fan of The Police. In middle school, I’ll begin to listen to Tyler, The Creator and Mac DeMarco. These two artists inspire me to this day. I can tell they both have a true passion for music and make it because they love it.
Do you have any inspirations in acting?
I have always loved that 70’s show. My favourite character is Michael Kelso who is played by Ashton Kutcher. I love him in all of his movies and TV shows.
Do you have any special highlights that have stood out for you in the music career?
My favourite highlight of my music career is when I finished my first song. It felt so rewarding to finish it. It was my first time producing and playing all the instruments on a project that I created.
Overall, what has the experience been like for you being in the acting and music career?
I’ve been very lucky to have so many important people guiding me throughout my career. I would not be able to do it without the knowledge I have been taught by my peers. I really don’t know what I would do without them.
Finally what advice would you give to people who want to pursue a career in, either or both, music and acting?
One of my mentors Joey Ariemma, told me that if you’re the best in the room you were in the wrong room. You should always be around people you can learn from. always be open-minded because you might like what someone has to say.
This was an inspiring conversation with Chase Mangum, thank you for talking to us Chase!
Why not follow Chase Mangum on Instagram and Twitter? Also, why not check out his music by streaming on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.