The term “Renaissance man” was first applied to multi-talented people like Leonardo da Vinci, who was not only an exceptional painter but a gifted writer and a genius-level scientific innovator.
Among many other incredible achievements, da Vinci drew up detailed schematics for a helicopter-like flying machine that modern scientists believe would have actually flown — had he had the means to build it, of course.
Today, we reserve the “Renaissance man” moniker for people like Vic Mignogna, a prolific artist whose creative endeavors include (but are not limited to) extensive voice acting, onscreen appearances, and musical productions.
Mignogna has been active for several decades, but he says he has recently found renewed inspiration from his new wife and his relationship with God. Let’s take a look at his musical journey so far and the lessons it holds for Mignogna’s fellow creatives.
Mignogna’s New Album: “Up There Down Here”
Vic Mignogna’s latest work is “Up There Down Here,” a collection of 16 songs that he says are mostly inspired by his new wife and his enduring Christian faith.
“Up There Down Here” is clearly a deeply personal production. In songs like “More of You,” which rounds out the album, he explores his relationship with God and his quest for deeper, truer faith. The title track, “Up There Down Here,” is a reference to heaven and an acknowledgment that we humans are inherently imperfect. Songs like “Let Me Be For You” and “Somebody Needs Some Lovin” deal with timeless themes of love, connection and acceptance.
Set to simple yet engaging piano harmonies and knitted together by his rich singing voice, “Up There Down Here” stands out as a milestone on Mignogna’s musical journey.
Embracing a Faith Journey
Though only some of the songs explicitly reference God, faith is a consistent theme of “Up There Down Here.” In a video posted to Instagram, Mignogna said that the album was inspired by the hope — first expressed by his pastor — that humanity needed more of God’s guidance, and God’s will.
A simple message, perhaps, but a powerful one nonetheless. The sentiment inspired “More of You,” and set the tone for much of the album despite appearing last in chronological order. The song is one of Mignogna’s favorites, he said, “because anything involving my relationship with God is a favorite.”
“I don’t think I could possibly put out a record without a song or two or three that reflects my faith,” he added.
A Long History of Making Music (And Laughter)
“Up There Down Here” is not Mignogna’s first attempt at professional music production. He has been active on the recording circuit since 1992 and has produced nearly a dozen albums. His work spans a range of musical genres and inspirations, including English-language covers of songs that first appeared in anime productions.
Mignogna is also a noted public performer. For years, he was a worship leader at a Houston-area church and has opened multiple Houston Astros games with renditions of the national anthem.
And despite his abiding faith and deep personal connection to music, Mignogna has never been shy about using his talents in more lighthearted ways. Over the years, he has produced hundreds of commercial jingles, some quite catchy and some downright funny. It’s a reminder that no one, no matter how talented they are, should take themselves too seriously.
The Next Chapter?
What’s next for Vic Mignogna? To find out for sure, you’d have to ask him. But if recent history is any guide, his fans can look forward to more beautiful music, more heartfelt conversations, and more of the earnest yet lighthearted content that has earned him the respect and admiration of so many.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
