Madelin – The Peachmixes

By starrymag | March 25, 2018

By: Arlene Allen

 

 

 

Q) Tell us about your new EP, The Peachmixes? What inspired you to remix your first EP?

 

A) The Peachmixes is a dynamic second take on my self-titled EP I released last year. After cutting ties with my publisher and manager last year, I knew I wanted my next project to be personal to me. I reached out to some of my fellow Purchase Conservatory of Music alumni and asked them each to remix a track. What I got was a beautifully eclectic batch of songs that reflect the unique perspectives of each producer and bring out hidden qualities of the songs in ways I never expected.

 

Q) Who were your musical influences as a kid, and who are they today?

 

A) As a kid I loved Motown music, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Regina Spektor, Tegan and Sara, The Postal Service, The Shins, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees…I could go on forever. Lately, when I’m writing and recording, I’m not thinking as much about what I think it should sound like. I’m thinking more about what I know is not authentic to me, steering clear of that and focusing instead on what I feel is the truest sonic expression of each song. I’m inspired by found sounds more than specific artists at the moment, specifically organic sounds found in nature like the sound of water or wind or anything like that.

 

Q) How has Brooklyn (or New York in general) influenced your work? 

 

A) I talk a lot in my songs about the energy of New York. The frequency is really heightened here. It gives you the feeling of being at the center of the universe in the time of your life. That’s what drew me to it in the first place. I love to create a mental image of the city or a certain type of feeling it gives me with my lyrics.

 

Q) What’s the difference between the LA music scene and the one in New York?

 

A) Well, it’s been a while since I was an active member of the LA music scene so I may not be the best person to ask.  From my experiences there in high school verses now in New York I would say they’re very similar. The struggle is real. It’s an extremely competitive industry and you have to fight for yourself every step of the way. The only difference is that the weather is nicer in LA.

 

Q) It seems you had a lot of fun making the video for “High School Boys” and creating all of the props! I love the glitter! Do you make other props/sets/clothes for your performances?

 

A) Thank you! I consider myself a maker, meaning I love to use my hands to create. I make headpieces that I wear in photoshoots and live performances. I’m currently working on some things for my live performance that will bring my visual art pieces into it more. It’s still in process.

 

Q) Talk about your experience working with the drag queens. Who are they and how did they inspire you to make this video?

 

A) The Drag Queens and King in the “High School Boys” video are all people I know personally from the Brooklyn queer art scene. I cast them because I knew they would all bring their unique artistry to the video which they all 100% did. The drag performers I work with are incredible professional and dedicated to their craft. I’m in awe of their abilities and respect them so much.

 

Q) Do you consider yourself a visual artist as well as a musician?

 

A) Yes, definitely. I’ve always loved creating art in different formats ever since I was very young. As a child I loved painting and drawing, as a teenager I worked with ceramics, in college I enjoyed making comedic performance art and now I‘m really into making headpieces. Making music videos is a way for me to express all aspects of my artistic nature.

 

Q) What message do you hope people take away from your music?

 

A) There is no specific message I would like for people to take from my music. I only hope that people enjoy it and that it serves a purpose for them. What that purpose is is none of my business.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you for the positive energy that you send me. Thank you for listening to my music. I hope you pursue your dreams with vigor and tune out any unnecessary negativity. I love you!

 

 

 

Watch The Video For Madelin’s Last Song “Rolexana“