Madison Daniel
I discovered MADison Daniel through her collaboration with Callie Reiff released earlier this year and I instantly loved her vocals. I’m super excited about Madison’s new release “MENTAL”. It’s no secret that mental health is something I really care about so featuring this one was something I had to do :) “MENTAL” has a huge production (shout out Duddy Brown) and an amazing songwriting. It is dark, poignant, empowering and important.
I love Australian artists and MADison Daniel has that incredible talent that will make you love her instantly.
“MENTAL” is out now !!
Photo credit: Marissa Alden
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Madison Daniel. I am a singer-songwriter and actress from Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to a whole range of music. My Pa taught me a lot and he was all jazz and blues, my Dad constantly blaring old school rock and my Mum always playing eclectic, alternative records.
Growing up, what were your favourite songs to sing along to?
Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne were my two go to girls and still are haha.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write songs in the first place?
I started writing stories when I was around 3 and they soon developed into songs. I have always had an overactive mind so it seemed to tend to my neurosis as a child.
At what point did you decide to be an artist and release your original music?
Hmmm I don't remember a definitive moment, but I've always been writing, singing and acting since I was a lil one.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
I guess my parents! They have been my biggest support since a young kid, driving me to auditions and classes and really believing in me.
"MENTAL" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this single?
I have had my own struggles with mental health and am very passionate about spiritual and holistic healing. This song needed to come out really as part of my own healing process.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
My amazing friend, producer and co-writer Duddy! We wrote and produced the track in LA a while back. We were actually working on another song but I was going through a bit of a rough patch and came into the studio one day with the title so we started working on it as it was coming up. The title came up one day when a friend of mine described my room as a 'mental asylum' from the writing on my walls. I was excited to be described as mental.
What did you feel when writing this song?
It was so fun to write and create. There was resistance with a few lyrics and parts that I guess I needed to integrate within myself. But I'm in a place now where I embrace every lyric fully. And it's exciting to own those shadow parts of myself and inspire others to embrace their darker parts.
What made you want to release "MENTAL" as a single?
After not releasing any of my own projects for about 2 years now, I think MENTAL is important to release upfront. It's a very honest depiction of who I am and I think it will set the tone nicely for a big year of releases.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
To me it represents oneness. The two sides being the light and the dark (or the 'shadow ' side). The side of me in the mirror with the blood tears being the more repressed side of me with my shadow aspects. And the other side of me looking into my shadow side. I believe everyone had these two sides, as there's no oneness without polarity.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think it's showing more and more diversity which is really exciting. It would be great if Artists were respected and compensated more in the live music scene as there is a lot of behind the scenes work that maybe isn't recognised.
How would you describe the music scene in Australia?
Right now- a little dead. But the streets are coming to life again with busking which is great.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More people honouring their own feelings, then being able to honour others.
What biggest life lessons have you learnt so far?
You can learn something and improve upon yourself through every single interaction with someone else. Everything is a mirror, so learn from the mirrors around you. And always, always ask the manager within.
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