Madison Malone Interview

Acclaimed Queer Singer-Songwriter Gets Intimate In New EP

Madison Malone is stepping out of her artistic shell, creating music that uses the light to recognise the dark. Her new music is the beauty created beneath the destruction.

Raised in a small farm town in Wisconsin, Madison was an anomaly in her blue collar city. She started sneaking into rural dive bars at the age of 15 to play cover songs, paid only in pizza and tips. After seven years of performing other people's music, Madison felt inclined to evolve and write about her own troubadour experiences. To pursue this neon journey of self-discovery, the singer-songwriter moved to Los Angeles in late 2016. Through all of these experiences, Madison was developing her personal artistry.

Madison's new music carries thought-provoking messages, whilst simultaneously transporting you elsewhere, she confides, "I hope my music inspires people to realise the beauty and intricacies of our similarities and differences and that there is strength in both". With the hope that speaking about her own experiences from an honest and genuine level, it will encourage others to share their own, Madison declares, "We need more stories in the world, people with diverse backgrounds, varying experiences, various lives".

Having written for artists at Sony Music, as well as performing at some of the world's largest music festivals including SXSW and SUMMERFEST, where she was voted 'Favorite Emerging Artist', Madison Malone is continuing the next chapter of her musical endeavor. With the intention for her music to be the saving grace in times of distress, Madison is on a mission to plaster the sky with the eyes of love and hope.

Interview with Madison Malone

Question: How would you describe your music?

Madison Malone: My music is ethereal, alternative, nostalgic, pop music.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Madison Malone: All of these songs deal with digging deep into who I am and setting all of these feelings free. Feelings of melancholy, love, taking chances, missing home, being out and proud…I want people to release their own feelings and become more of themselves when they listen to my music.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Madison Malone: I definitely prefer performing live. The words that I wrote alone in a room are now able to be shared in a room full of people in hopes that we can all relate and feel a little less alone. It's the best feeling in the world.

Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Madison Malone: I love performing Fragile Heart live. I can feel the audience let go and sink into their feelings each time I play this song. By being vulnerable with my words, I find myself becoming more free.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Madison Malone: Obviously Beyoncé.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Madison Malone: The emotions I will be releasing and the emotions other people will be able to release once we sink in, dig deep, and write.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Madison Malone: Highasakite, Aurora, JP Saxe, Brandi Carlile, Disney and early 2000's throwbacks.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Madison Malone: In my small town back home in Wisconsin, there is a dude who really opened my eyes to the possibility of music being a real thing. Nathan Russell owns Portage Soundworks and he has had an incredible career in music. He showed me the ropes and told me what to do in order to take this music thing seriously.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Madison Malone: I would love to collaborate with Highasakite, Julia Michaels, Beyoncé, Brandi Carlile… I could fill in a never-ending list.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Madison Malone: A typical day includes starting with Pilates, sending e-mails during breakfast, heading to the studio for a session, going to a lunch meeting and then heading to a concert at night!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Madison Malone: Traveling around the world and meeting so many beautiful human beings.


Question: What's next, for you?

Madison Malone: More music and tours!

Question: Can you share your socials?

Madison Malone: http://www.madisonmalonemusic.com/
SoundCloud
@madisonmalonemusic
Facebook.com/madisonmalonemusic


Interview by Brooke Hunter