The Kid and the Vets: How Mane Thompson and The Racing Pulses Joined Forces for ‘Rewrite the Past’

Every once in a while, a collaboration comes along that looks strange on paper but sounds perfect through the speakers. That’s exactly what happened when Mane Thompson—an 8th grader from Wisconsin with a voice years beyond his age—crossed paths with indie-rock mainstays The Racing Pulses.

Their new single, “Rewrite the Past,” is out now, and it’s a refreshing reminder that great music doesn’t care about age gaps.

Who is Mane Thompson?

If you haven’t heard the name yet, you will soon. Mane isn’t your typical middle schooler. While most kids his age are navigating the social hurdles of junior high, Mane is operating with the kind of discipline you’d expect from a Nashville veteran.

His obsession started early with a karaoke machine and a Michael Jackson glove, but it was the country music playing in his childhood home that really stuck. He’s spent the last few years balancing homework with a relentless “hustle” that has turned him into a local phenomenon.

Mane puts it best: “I try to bring inspiration to have young people keep their feet on the ground, but keep reaching for the stars.”

A Chance Meeting

The collaboration wasn’t some manufactured label project; it was total serendipity. Mane and The Racing Pulses happened to share a stage one night, and the mutual respect was instant.

Since 2012, The Racing Pulses have been a force in the alternative scene, known for their magnetic grooves and the songwriting of Kristian Petrov Iliev. When Iliev heard Mane’s powerhouse vocals, he didn’t just see a “talented kid”—he saw a peer. He invited Mane to collaborate, and the creative chemistry took over from there.

More Than Just a Pop Song

“Rewrite the Past” feels like a celebration. It’s a mix of Mane’s country-tinged soul and the band’s signature indie-rock grit. But beyond the melody, it’s a story about mentorship. It’s rare to see an established band reach back and lift up a younger artist so genuinely, and that sincerity shines through in the recording.

Mane Thompson might not have started high school yet, but with “Rewrite the Past,” he’s already proving he belongs on the big stage.