Exclusive Interview with MADELINE RHODES

“Be Alone” is a dramatic depiction of depression and the ways it forces us to turn against ourselves. It is emotionally powerful and hauntingly lyrical. It’s ominous and melancholic, yet it’s also illuminating. We’re all able to connect to this song.

The second single from Madeline’s first album, “The Brothel,” a concept album that will be out later this year, is called “Be Alone.” The song was recorded in Peckham’s 123 Studios with London-based producer Brett Shaw (Florence + the Machine, Foals). Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?  

MADELINE RHODES: I was born and raised in NYC by a pack of women. Five older sisters and a momma. I grew up in an apartment full of laughs, tears, creativity, music, busy bathrooms. There were times when I couldn’t stand the chaos of the matriarchy I was born into but now, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught? 

MADELINE RHODES: I graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. But I have to say that my greatest artistic education was given to me by NYC public schools and my mother’s apartment.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘MADELINE RHODES?

MADELINE RHODES: I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock. I loved the story telling from that era both compositionally and lyrically. When I was around nine my ears started gravitating toward women in the pop world. I discovered P!nk’s music and fell in love with her voice, her activism, and her authenticity. Alicia Keys was another one of my songwriting idols. And of course, hate to admit it, but I love a well written piece of musical theatre. I love a song that tells a story and takes me on a journey. I have had the name Madeline Rhodes since I was fifteen. At the time, I wasn’t in contact with my father, but I still had his last name. Rhodes was the maiden name of my great-grandmother on my mother’s side. So at fifteen I decided to revive a buried name from my matriarchal lineage. I am lucky to now have a loving relationship with my father. But I have no intention of ever giving up my matriarchal name.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?  

MADELINE RHODES: Every song is a story. I like to package these stories in a sonic landscape that let’s my listeners either follow along, or just zone out and vibe. I love percussion made by weird objects, bass lines that resonate in your bones, and melodies that sink into your ear. I love texture, playfulness, and absolute honesty.

5. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

MADELINE RHODES: By all means listen and interpret the way you want to. I write the songs but I don’t want to control anyone’s experience. I imagine your brain has excellent input and I hope your heart helps you receive the message you might need today.

6. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

MADELINE RHODES:

Bring it on. I have an army of sisters/friends/fans that will troll you ten times harder than you can troll me. And when someone writes something hurtful, I just assume that has everything to do with them and nothing to do with me.

7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment? 

MADELINE RHODES:

Art is our greatest tool to inspire, communicate, and connect with one another. I have no opinion on how other musicians use their voice but for me, if I’m not singing for change I’m not doing it right.

8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future? 

MADELINE RHODES: On bad days I am yearning for more. More listeners, more recognition, more money. I will always want more if more is the goal. But today is a good day. And on a good day I am grateful for the listeners I have, the roof over my head, and the creative projects I get to wake up to and invest in every day. Who am I to decide what impact my music should have on this planet? I’m not God I’m just a songwriter.

9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

MADELINE RHODES: I’m all over the map. Sometimes it’s a melody I wake up with. Sometimes it’s an angry phrase I wish I screamed in the heat of a fight. Sometimes it’s a general vibe for a particular mood I’m in. I love to write with others but I also love to be a sad girl in a dark room plucking an untuned ukulele.

10. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far? 

MADELINE RHODES: Wow that’s heavy. Just stay tuned for the album and I’ll give you my war story in explicit detail.