Constructing the dream is intrinsic to Miss Madeline’s present identity. Her music, a symphony of classic pop music and the ultimate It Girl attitude from New York City, has a special power to make us feel like we are living a teenage fantasy. First finding notoriety when she dropped Life Could Be Sweeter with Ayla D'lyla she now presents her debut EP Picture This to show the world that she’s taking her career very seriously.
First off, who is Miss Madeline? How would you define her?
Miss Madeline is a sexy fierce bitch! She’s the life of the party, who wouldn't want to be like her? I do.
What are your aspirations in life?
Pop stardom.
Music-wise, why did you choose to make pop songs?
I’ve always loved and admired pop music and pop stars. Growing up as a dancer, that's who I idolised. I think pop music can act as escapism, you can live out all your secret fantasies and step into the fun and flirty world of pop. I think there’s a lot of room for different sonic influences within pop music. I like experimenting with different kinds of beats and making them pop with my melodies and lyrics.
Recently, you’ve released Picture This, your debut EP which clearly shows a message: you represent the new era of pop stars and your fans cannot help but fall in love with your persona. While you were working on this project, which songs or artists helped you find inspiration?
I'm glad people are receiving it well! My producer, Chicken, totally inspired the direction of this project. We both love Uffie a lot and I think her sound definitely inspired this project. Also Britney, Soulja Boy and Ladytron.
How much time did you spend creating it?
I think about a year, the songs were done first of course, and then the visuals took a bit longer to perfect. We started rolling out the project in late august with the first single, Bad Girls. I’m really proud and happy with how it all turned out.
This EP makes a statement attitudes of new generations, like being obsessed with love, fame and partying. In other interviews, you’ve said that these behaviours are a huge part of your inspiration and, to be honest, it’s the same for me. When you talk about it openly, it seems to make people uncomfortable, are you particularly interested in the fact that your work might be annoying to someone?
(Laughs), yeah. I like making people a little uncomfortable. I make myself uncomfortable with some of the stuff I do, but that's where the best stuff comes from - pushing past the discomfort. I get loud, and obnoxious sometimes. I guess I'd rather be annoying than boring.
It’s said you reference Britney Spears and your childhood memories a lot to create your work. Now, Picture This, puts you on the map and just like other music icons such as Lady Gaga, your music will inspire a lot of people. How do you want people to feel when listening to your debut EP?
I always want people to feel confident, like that bitch - The It Girl, the center of attention, but also in tune with the ugly side of this pop fantasy dream world at the same time. Reckless but vulnerable. That's how I felt when making it and yes of course I hope to inspire people throughout my journey as an artist, that’s what this is all about.
The song Wax Dolls, which is also my favourite, goes: “We are all wax dolls in a wax doll museum, replicas of a lost time and I’m bored to tears. Functional objects used as decoration,” it reminds me of the reality that we’re living in the new century, having difficulty expressing our feelings and taking our appearance too seriously. Could you tell us more about the thoughts that went into this song?
Yes, definitely. I think Wax Dolls is about grappling with the reality of hiding behind a mask. The mask being a persona, appearance or trend we put on to conceal our true selves. While stepping into the mask can help us with impression management our social and personal front can become conflated. Wax Dolls is about understanding this dynamic of self vs. character of self. It’s realising that we’re all putting on a performance, succumbing to trends that are recycled to feel seen just to become lost in the scene and the cycle continues.
Looking back, the universe that you presented with Ayla D'lyla in Life Could Be Sweeter is definitely a dream come true with candy-coloured skies, super-hot guys, string bikinis and a lot of martinis. How did you manage to create this artistic imagery?
We had so much fun making Life Could Be Sweet. We shot the video in LA, a psychedelic barbie dream trip - it turned out so freaking cute. Ayla is a good friend of mine, so it was truly a bestie link up. And we’re so happy that people are fucking with it!
While you were working on it, did you know that it would be a huge hit?
Hmmm, not exactly but we had a good feeling about it. And every time I’d play it around my friends the key change in the 3rd chorus definitely did something (Laughs).
If you had not dedicated your life to music, what would you have done?
I don't know, this has been my dream since I was a little girl. I can't make room in my head for a plan b, this is it. Songwriting, creative direction, dancing, performing - that’s everything I love. I can't imagine ever doing anything else.
Honestly, I hope you become an icon in the pop industry. Your work is amazing and I am totally captivated by the unique atmosphere of your universe. It shows you work really hard to leave your mark in music history. What do you think is the key to success nowadays?
Thank you so much, that's so sweet. I really appreciate that. It is hard work for sure! I think the key to success is going 150%. Don't hold back. I think people admire confidence which can be many different things. And if you're still struggling with feeling confident - we all are, but fake it ’til you make it. Put down the energy you want people to receive.
Last but not least, Madeline, are you working on something new? Maybe on a new music video?
I have so many new songs I'm sitting on. I can't wait for the world to hear them. A new era is coming!