Madeline Finn – Save Yourself

By starrymag | March 20, 2020

By: Ellie Dolan-Yates

 

 

 

Q) Your latest single “Save Yourself” is a brilliant pairing of Folk and Rock. What was there a particular inspiration behind the song?

 

A) “Save Yourself” was a dive into the unraveling of my previous romantic relationship. I feel so weird writing about my personal relationships but it was just where my brain was at when this came out. I was relieved to be out of something that was somewhat volatile and unpredictable but also a little bummed because I had lost someone really special to me. When you’re going through a split with someone you’ve been with for a few years…the amount of emotion attached to the situation is unreal. I was angry, confused and most of all just so tired. I spent a lot of our time together taking it upon myself to rescue or save her and in all actually it wasn’t my job to do so. Hence the title…it’s not meant to be passive aggressive or angry, more so the statement of a fact.

 

Q) The video for “Save Yourself” involves you fighting back from being pushed under water. What does this represent?

 

A) For me that piece is about realizing you need to get out of a situation and almost waking up to the idea that you don’t have to wallow in a negative place. However, there are tons of factors that will continue to try and keep you in that space because it’s comfortable.

 

Q) Talk about what it was like for you to film this scene.

 

A) Now that it’s over I realize how intense it was! I swallowed SO much water. [laughs]

It was real and raw and, honestly, a little scary but to push through and get the result we got was incredibly satisfying.

 

Q) What is your writing process like? Do you plan what you’re going to write about or do you just get a feeling about something and jot it down?

 

A) I’ve never been great at pre-meditative writing. Most of the time I sit down with my guitar or a piano when I’ve got an excess of emotion. Then, something will just kind of spill out. I have a rule for myself where I don’t actually write down any lyrics I come up with until the song is finished and in editing stages. I find that things flow more naturally and honestly that way.

 

Q) I guess when people think of Folk Music it’s easy to think of banjos, accordions and medieval dress sense, but you’ve brought a unique edge to this genre. Why do you think it’s important to keep developing music within certain genres to keep them fresh?

 

A) I think music has always evolved, think about blues! Blues inspired rock n’ roll, rock n’ roll inspired punk so on and so forth…The more we diversify genres and cross the boundaries already set, the more options and opportunity there is for a listener.

 

Q) What’s your favorite song that you have written so far and why?

 

A) That’s like picking your favorite child. [laughs]

There is a song I have called “When It’s Dark” that I wrote in mid panic attack. I have a hefty amount of anxiety and was having a minor episode one day when I reached out to my friends a lot were busy so my only choice was to pick up my guitar and try to distract myself and BOOM. “When It’s Dark” came out of that…I love it because it’s so real and raw.

 

Q) You’ve played at the iconic Bluebird Cafe and will be playing there again next month. How would you describe what the experience is like to play where some of the biggest names have been discovered?

 

A) It’s an honor to say the least. Beyond that it’s almost church like…It’s always new people, gathering together for a shared community experience of song. No judgment, no noise, just connection. Most listening rooms feel that way but the Bluebird is like the mecca of them.

 

Q) Who have been the biggest influences on your music?

 

A) I have had influences from all over the map. When I was young, I was a total sucker for Hayley Williams and Gerard Way. Their energy and transparency on stage and in recording was such a huge part of my development as an artist. As I got a little older, I started to draw a lot from Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. I think those few shaped me as a songwriter and in musicianship. One of my ultimate influences is Jeff Buckley. Not that we sound alike or anything, but his work showed me it’s possible to just be 100% yourself and create what’s honest.

 

Q) Which artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?

 

A) Hands down Gregory Alan Isakov. He is my all-time favorite songwriter…poetic, dynamic and tactful.

 

Q) You have a Patreon page where fans can make small contributions each month to help fund your music in return for exclusive content and even pre-show meet-ups! How vital are these sorts of contributions to up and coming artists?

 

A) As the music industry changes, the old ways of making a living as an artist are being phased out by new ones. I find that crowdfunding is taking the place of some of those outdated systems. These sorts things are vital to up and coming artist not only for financial peace of mind, but also the opportunity to connect with fans all over the world. When you can cultivate an engaged community of people who really find value in your work you grow along with them and it’s so much more rewarding.

 

Q) I see from your Facebook page that you’re currently running a competition for fans who pre-save your upcoming single “Love Me Like I Love You.” How important do you feel Social Media is as a way of interacting with your fans?

 

A) I honestly wish it wasn’t so important. Running social media is like a whole other full-time job. I find it’s an incredible tool when it doesn’t interfere with being a real life human. Once you find balance it can connect you with people you might not have encountered otherwise. Pretty neat, but man…it’s taxing.

 

Q) “Love Me Like I Love You” is aptly titled for its release on 14th February. How do you plan to celebrate?

 

A) My partner and I actually went on a weekend trip while I played some shows in Georgia. We spent time with family, friends and met some wonderful new people!

 

Q) What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

 

A) This might be the hardest question. As an artist coach I give a lot of advice and the one thing that it always boils down to is this: There is enough room

Just because someone on your playing field is succeeding doesn’t mean you aren’t able to. There is more power in collaboration over competition. Stay the course, honor your path and celebrate the wins of others.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. The gratitude I feel towards you is powerful and moving. <3

 

 

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