Maddie Leigh – Morning After

By starrymag | November 14, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as a modern twist on traditional country. I love the storytelling and instrumentation in traditional country music which I try to then tie into today’s society and whatever it is that I may be experiencing in life. The values of faith, family and American pride that are interwoven throughout country music are all values which I hold very close to my heart and share through my music as well.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some of my favorite artists who influence my music are George Strait, Martina McBride and Maddie and Tae. I grew up listening to George Strait and have early memories of my parents dancing to his music. I have just always loved his storytelling and how he is able to captivate an audience with just his guitar and lyrics. I also grew up listening to Martina McBride and she quickly became my role model in terms of who I want to be as an artist and a vocalist. She just has such a powerful voice and yet she still seems like such a humble and caring individual. Martina McBride’s music is also what inspired me to write my own songs. I just loved how beautifully detailed, empowering and impactful her music was and saw it help people through difficult times. I wanted to be able to do the same thing through my music. Maddie and Tae are just so real and honest in their music which is something that inspires me as well. I love that in their music they are able to talk about difficult things without taking themselves too seriously all the time. I think they do a good job at balancing the light and heavy topics that everyone experiences in life and that is something that I choose to take with me during my songwriting process as well.

 

Q) How has your time at Belmont University studying about the music industry helped shape you as a musician?

 

A) I believe that it has made me a better musician. Being at Belmont, I am able to surround myself with like-minded people who just love music and are trying to make this their career. I have learned and continue to learn so much from my friends and the people around me about what it takes to make it in this industry and how we can best support one another in trying to get there. Overall, I think my time at Belmont really helps me to fill in the gaps of the areas in the music industry I could know more about and strengthens the areas I am confident in.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Morning After.”

 

A) I wrote this song with my friend Elliott Prather and we just kind of wanted to write a funny and lighthearted take on a tale that’s been told so many times, the one-night stand. Afterall, everyone has most likely made a decision that didn’t turn out exactly as planned and that is what this song is about.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think the overarching idea of the song where you make a decision that didn’t go exactly as planned, is a universal idea. Everyone has been through that to some extent, maybe not verbatim to the lyrics of the song, but hearing it spun in a funny and light-hearted way makes it a little easier to relate to.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video starts off with a girl kind of coming to terms with what had just happened and, eventually, she realizes she has feelings for this guy. At first is a little bit nervous about that information but then comes to realize that it is what it is, and things don’t always go as planned so you might as well embrace what you can’t control which often times include your emotions. I think it plays into the message of the song because it ultimately embraces that overarching idea that not everything goes the way you planned and sometimes you just have to embrace it to get through it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) My songwriting process varies. I can write music just about anywhere but funny enough I feel like the best songs always come to me on long car rides where I have to speak type the song into my notes app. I can write with the music first or lyrics first but usually when I write the lyrics come with the melody and then I figure out what to do for the instrumentation after the song is written.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I have been fortunate to work with an amazing producer on the last couple of songs I released, and he really takes into consideration my vision as the songwriter and the artist. I am in the room when we track the instrumentation and the vocals and if there is anything I feel unsure of or that I don’t like he makes sure I am heard. I feel that I have a pretty good hand in the production process and am grateful to have that opportunity.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I will be releasing an EP, but if you want to know when make sure to follow me on social media and check out my website maddieleighofficial.com!!!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Some of my favorite places to perform are Tin Roof, Scoreboard and Whiskey jam. Tin Roof was actually the first place that I played in Nashville, so I do have very good memories and every time I go back, I make even better ones. Scoreboard is just such a fun and entertaining venue for all types of music but mainly 80’s and 90’s country which I love. The people are always so nice and there are always people line dancing to just about any song they can. So, as an artist, it’s really fun when you are able to watch people create line dances to your own songs. Whiskey Jam is just one of those venues that you know people are there to intentionally listen to original music. I love that when I am there, I am able to connect with the audience simply by sharing my most personal stories.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would say probably Brett Eldredge. I am a huge fan of his and he is such an incredibly honest songwriter. His songs are always so personal, and I feel like I am very honest in my own songs as well so I would love the opportunity to collaborate on a song with him in the future.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media allows me to connect with fans who might not live in the same state I do or even in the same country. It reaches across the whole world and the fact that I have that as an opportunity to not only connect with them but to also thank them for supporting me and my music is such a gift.

 

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

 

A) Thank you so much for the amount of love and support that you guys show me on a daily basis. I would not be where I am without you and I thank God every day for placing each and every one of these amazing people in my life. To all of those who I have had the opportunity to meet, I love you and I can’t wait to see you again soon! To those I haven’t met yet, I love you and I cannot wait to see you in person and be able to give you a big hug!