As an independent artist, you must be willing to put all your energy into your music and connecting with fans. When we discovered Madeline Rosene, we knew right away that she had the desire and dedication needed to be a star. It is only a matter of time.
We had the chance to chat with her about how she got where she is and how she is able to open up to her listeners in her music. Enjoy the interview:
What first drew you to creating your own music?
My mother, Barbara Rosene, is a jazz vocalist. My love of music began with her. I think I wanted to create my own music though because there is just something very romantic about it. I am definitely a romantic. Even before I could play the guitar, I remember singing lyrics and melodies I created. Usually I would do it when I was sad… Creating music is therapeutic for sure.
How would you describe the Madeline Rosene sound?
Lyrical and witty, sometimes sexy. It sounds like if a rapper and a hopeless romantic singer songwriter librarian had a baby.
Which artists have been your biggest influences?
Alanis Morissette, Elliott Smith, Annette Hanshaw and Eminem (I realize that is a very strange mix of sounds, hence why my own sound is a little strange)…
You seem to be very open in your songwriting. How do you find the bravery to open up your life to your listeners?
That’s so nice of you. I find honesty to be a really interesting subject. Lots of people lie. I am guilty of it. I have lied in the past but I try every day to be 100% honest. There are so many reasons why people lie. I do believe honesty is the best policy. I do however empathize with people who feel they have to lie because the truth is not always easy. The truth often takes an exhausting amount of courage. A lot of times people lie to protect other people and their feelings. Sometimes they are afraid of the truth. For me, the easiest way to be honest is through my songwriting. I am also guilty of being terribly un-confrontational. But through my songs, I can easily be honest because I have the protection of my guitar and my lyrics that I am proud of. I have sat down and become completely in tune with the subject of the song and exactly how I am feeling. I also think humor plays a big part in this. It is easier to tell the truth when you can have a sense of humor about the truth and see it for whatever it is — ugly, mean, embarrassing, vulnerable but be able to laugh at it, brush it off and say, it’s just part of the beautiful, humorous, weird world we live in.
How does a Madeline Rosene song come together? Tell us about your songwriting process?
I usually write lyrics and guitar chords at the same time. I usually write by myself. However, I recently wrote a song with my best friend, drummer, and musical genius, Justin Lund. This song is fire. I was mad that day, we were in my room, and I was ranting. I said something about how people only want to hear music about getting fucked up in a club. Then I was like wait, let’s write a song about getting fucked up, but almost in a way that’s poking fun at it a la “Fight for Your Right to Party” by the Beastie Boys or “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith. So the song, “Fucked Up Song” was born. We’ve been playing it all over LA and people LOVE it. Surprise surprise! People are already singing along to the chorus.
What continues to drive you to reach for a career as an indie pop artist?
As far as I’m concerned, I don’t really have a choice. Even if I didn’t want to be a pop artist, I would still be writing songs and asking people to listen to them. I have a lot to say. I want people to listen to what I have to say because I think a lot of what I want to say is relatable and I like to let people know they’re not alone. One of the worst feelings in life is the feeling of being alone and if I can make a few people feel less alone, then I think I’ve done something good, or at least I can tell myself that! ☺ Plus, I want to be rich and have a dope closet of clothes (duh).
What advice would you give to other artists that have the same passion as you?
FOCUS. If you want it enough and you’re talented, you can get it. That is one thing I’ve learned by watching successful artists, and successful people in general. They don’t give up. You have to keep wanting it, and visualize. Manifest destiny, bitches. I have given up on music before and it was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. But one of the best parts of life is that it’s never too late to keep trying and keep doing what you love.
What’s next in the plan for Madeline Rosene?
Keep writing and playing until people tell me, “Shut up, that sounds bad, no one cares, and no one is listening.” Then I will write more and play louder.
Keep up with Madeline Rosene and her creative exploits on her WEBSITE.
