Q: Your storytelling lyrics are so enticing! What inspired you to write “Consume”?
MADELINE: Thank you, I really appreciate that! Consume was a poem I had written 3 years before- I had everything but the chorus I wrote later. The lyrics were inspired partially by a situation-ship I stayed in for far too long and the shame I felt for my part in that. They were also inspired by that all-consuming “love” we see in stories like Romeo and Juliet and how it can make you lose yourself and do things that compromise who you are.
Q: I’m always curious about the artist’s backstory. What made you get into music?
MADELINE: I don’t actually remember ever having that moment of “Oh I am good at this,” I was just always singing and knew I loved it. I come from a very musical family, on both sides, so music is always a part of everyday life. I have been performing since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I knew I wanted to study jazz because of my Grandad who was a jazz pianist; so I went to the Auckland University Jazz School and met some of the most important people in my musical journey. The writing comes from my Grandad too, as he was a poet. I’m fortunate to come from such a creative and supportive family.
Q: Do you play any other instruments? What’s an instrument that you would like to learn?
MADELINE: I play a little bit of guitar and piano, but it’s just enough to write. I don’t think I’d do it on stage anytime soon- although I have in the past. If I was to learn another instrument it would be bass guitar or cello. I always look for a good bassline in a song- there’s nothing sexier or more enticing.
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one song or album to listen to, what would it be?
MADELINE: Oh this was one I had to think on for a while, but I would have to say Songs for the Deaf by Queens of the Stoneage. I love everything about that album and I probably listen to something from it at least once a week.
Q: What has been one of the most significant moments of your musical journey so far?
MADELINE: I’m sorry but I had to pick 2… loved playing at this famous venue in Auckland called the Powerstation with my band She Loves You. That was a proud moment! The other would be making #8 on the Official NZ Top 40 with ‘Consume.’ I cried all morning when I found out.
Q: What is coming up next for you?
MADELINE: I have some really exciting things in the pipeline. I am still in the process of writing and recording my EP which will be out next year. I also have another single out soon, and it’s probably my favourite so far so I am so excited for people to hear it! I’m also really excited to play some more live shows around these releases. It’s all super exciting and I am very grateful!
Interviewed by Alina Tran
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