Meet Songwriter and Recording Artist Mandala

Mandala (aka Dominic Bertino) is a songwriter, music video director, a performer, and a recording artist living in Puebla, Mexico.

Check out his work at MandalaRaps.com, on YouTube, and Spotify.

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Pueblo?

DOMINIC BERTINO: I was born in Joliet, Illinois, and grew up mostly around there and the city of Lockport. A lot of things brought me out here to Mexico, but I'd say mostly a hunger for something different. I like to switch things up often.

How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you call yourself a Catholic artist?

I've gone back on forth on calling myself a "Catholic artist.” I currently have "Catholic rapper" in my Instagram bio, but have considered changing it. I suppose I keep it because I make a fair amount of references to Catholicism in my lyrics, and I want people who are hearing me for the first time to have a little context as far as why I write about what I do. My beliefs are my beliefs, and God willing I would always stand by them, but calling myself a "Catholic" anything makes it sound like I'm putting a Catholic filter on myself, when in reality I'm just trying to be myself with my art.

As someone who makes rap music, I'm not sure I want to take myself serious enough to say I have a "personal mission.” At the end of the day, I make art because it's fun. Sometimes I make it because my reality is dull and I'm trying to liven it up. You could say I'm trying to show people just how exciting reality can be.

Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?

I have found support through some people with authority in the church. Primarily the laity seem to enjoy what I have to bring.

Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

I've had a few Protestant artists respect the extent I "own" my Catholicism in my songs. There's a lot of secular rappers who respect what I do as well. I grew up studying the lyricism of great rappers, and when I exhibit my own lyricism in my tracks, other rappers pick up on it. In fact, I'd say the majority of other artists and rappers who follow what I do are secular. When I perform, I'm usually performing among all other secular artists. Despite this, I've been blessed to receive great feedback from many of them.

How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

I'm not sure if the Church has a problem of being "unwelcoming" to artists.

How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

I also don't think the artistic world needs to be more welcoming to artists of faith. I don't think there's a tension between the two groups.

Where do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?

When I was in Lockport, I loved going to St. Jude's perpetual adoration chapel in Joliet. I've gone to a lot of different churches in the area. I'll shout out St. Mary Nativity, St. Jude's, and St. Joseph's in Rockdale. I attended St. Mary's grade school in Plainfield, and still pop in there occasionally.

Where do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?

The Joliet Public Library has helped me film two music videos now (American Pope and Dala Man). Working with Kyle from the Digital Media Studio department has been great. He and I have been able to come up with some great ideas and scenes for the music videos.

How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in your city?

I've thrown two music showcases at ROXY Lockport where I have invited basically everyone I could to come out and watch local artists perform. It's been amazing to see the support I've gotten at these shows, and I appreciate everyone who's come out.

Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.

When I came back from Mexico for the first time, Kyle (the videographer at the Joliet Public Library) and I spent a week shooting the "Dala Man" music video. We were able to get others involved and featured in the video, which is something I love to do. On one of the filming days, I also performed the same night. It was a day in which you could say I was able to live out my vocation as an artist to a large extent.

How do you financially support yourself as an artist?

I currently don't rely on my art to financially support me. Perhaps a day will come when I will be looking for that sort of thing, but right now it's not the case.

How do you market your art?

I promote it on social media and through word of mouth. I'd had flyers for my shows. I have merchandise that I sell at my shows. I've used some Facebook music groups to promote my tracks, but I think people are more likely to become engaged in your music when they know you personally. Therefore, I like to get out as much as I can and perform in different venues.

What other practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in your area?

The Joliet Public Library and their Digital Media Department has helped me with my music videos. If you're a Joliet resident, I'd recommend them.

What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?

1. Have fun with your art

2. Generally, I would suggest not relying on your art for financial support

3. Don't be afraid to experiment