We had an opportunity to interview Madge, a one-woman alt-pop group based in Los Angeles. Madge's sound is unabashedly her own, and is great jam music full of electronic melodies and stylized vocals throughout. However, her sound is extremely versatile, as she can bring in a number of influences to achieve her goals musically. She's getting ready to release a new single that you can read more about below!
1. How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
I grew up training to become a classical pianist. I have a hardcore background in music theory and technique. I started when I was about four years old and started teaching other students when I was fourteen. A few years ago this all somehow transformed into pop music production.
2. Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
It almost always starts with a beat. A cool rhythm that I can move to. After that I build a rough, repetitive chord structure with at least one good hook. Following that I start throwing vocal melodies in using words that seem to flow the right way. Then I sit with it for a bit and see what feels right - this is usually when I really focus on lyrics.
3. What artists have inspired you in your career?
Definitely Björk and Siouxsie Sioux. But also Britney Spears and The Spice Girls for sure.
4. Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
I love running my vocals and almost anything through a bass guitar pedal called a Sans Amp. It basically mimics a bass guitar amp. It's gritty and crunchy. I also use tape echo and a kind of reverb called Valhalla on almost every track I produce. As far as instruments go, I'm a synth guy. I love my Prophet 6. I throw a lot of surfy Fender Duo Sonic guitar riffs in there, too, though.
5. What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
It's ADHD. No attention span. No regard for rules. No perception of genre.
6. Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
I'm releasing a moody cover next month of Sum 41's "In Too Deep". It's melodic and sweet - a total departure from the original song and from almost everything I normally do. I'm excited for you to hear it
FMI on Madge visit: Instagram @madge_music or Facebook @madge.tunes.