Madison McWilliams- “I always like each song to be a real emotion I’m feeling,” she says. “That’s what music is for me. It’s a piece of who I am.”
Interview conducted on January 19, 2020
by: Dan Locke
Madison McWilliams is a 15 year old singer/songwriter from Austin, Texas. The Texas native became a fixture in the local musical theater scene, starring in a number of productions and going on to train in the prestigious Broadway Artists Alliance program with a group of Tony Award-winning instructors. She also gained popularity with her Nina Simone cover “Feeling Good.” In 2015, making music became her primary focus. Influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Michael Jackson and more, she began writing and recording in the studio. She is currently working on an EP, and has released the singles “Smell the Roses,” “Fighter,” and “We’ve Got Today.” You can download her music now on Spotify and iTunes.
Dan Locke: You began singing at a very young age, what were some of your influences in music early on?
Madison McWilliams: My earliest musical influence was the Beatles. One of my first memories of music was when my mom would play their CDs in her car.
How was it growing in Austin with such a deep music history coming from your hometown?
Growing up in Austin, I was constantly surrounded by music. Being able to witness all kinds of live performances from a very young age definitely influenced how I perform today.
In 2015 your cover for Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” garnered over a million views on social media. How did that impact you and your career, since in 2015 not many people were getting over a million views?
I was amazed at the number of views my cover of “Feeling Good” received. It showed me that singing the type of music I loved was well received by others. Since then, I have tried to write and release other genres of music, but I ended up returning to my favorite type of music — soulful, honest, and deeply personal.
How was your experience at SXSW? I do believe you have a few SXSW performances under your belt.
My last performance during SXSW was at RIO for the Kindness Campaign. I am a big believer in their mission, especially growing up in the age of social media.
Tell me about the being the spokesperson for The Art of Kindness Campaign which partnered with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation? Did you get the chance to work with her?
The Art of Kindness Campaign, which is partnered with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, is promotes spreading kindness through art. I haven’t gotten to work with Lady Gaga personally, but I was happy to participate in a cause alongside the Born This Way Foundation.
The last few years you have shared the stage with acts like Plain White Tees, EchoSmith and Andy Grammer. What did you learn from these performers? What was your takeaway from these experiences?
I learned to prepare for anything to happen. During EchoSmith’s outdoor performance, a kid in the audience pulled the electric plug to the entire stage set up, and the show shut down for 20 minutes. I watched another performer’s mic get unplugged mid-song. It was eye-opening to see what really happens during these types of performances, and how to adapt on the spot.
This year you became the recipient of “The Blazing Star Award” from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas. Can you tell me about that?
The “Blazing Star Award” recognizes accomplished businesswomen in Texas. This award was particularly special to me because it acknowledges my work not only artistically but also on the business side of music. Personally, I think it is very important that artists understand the industry so we can better represent ourselves and our music on our own terms.
How many of your fans do you feel are now following what is going on in the government, because of your 2018 West Coast tour with The Headcount and Awesomeness TV to empower fans by preregistering high school students to vote?
I hope that my tour brought more awareness to my fans about the importance of being civically engaged. I loved working with HeadCount and hope that we can increase turnout even more this upcoming election.
Tell me about your new song “Hurt Me”?
“Hurt me” marks a significant shift in my musical direction. I wrote this song with Lisa Scinta, and it was produced by Adam Pallin, aka 1-900. When writing this song, I really wanted to create something sincere and personal. Adam and Lisa were amazing to work with, and it has been truly amazing to see the response from my supporters.
How does it expand your creatively and vocal range?
“Hurt me” was definitely more experimental —creatively and vocally— than anything I’ve ever released. It was fun to explore different parts of my range that I have not highlighted in any of my previous songs.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself on tour!
Thanks for spending some time with us.
