INTERVIEW:
Madison Ryan
___________
SHE is a teenage star-in-the-making…
who is turning heads in the U.S. I have been learning more about Madison Ryan and her debut E.P., Primary. She tells me about the scene in Harrisburg, PA, and which albums influence her most – I ask whether there will be any tour dates coming and if she will pop by and see us in the U.K.
Ryan tells me when music came into her life and what advice she would give to new artists; if there are any artists she recommends we check out; how she spends time away from music; what she hopes to accomplish before the end of the year – Ryan selects a rather quality track to end the interview with.
___________
Hi, Madison. How are you? How has your week been?
Hello! I’m doing great, thank you! My week has been pretty relaxed and slow so far.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Madison Ryan. I’m eighteen-year-old Pop/Rock artist from Harrisburg, PA! I just released my debut E.P., Primary.
What can you reveal about your E.P., Primary? Are there consistent themes and ideas that inspired the music?
This record is me in a nutshell.
A lot of the themes on this E.P. have to do with relationships; not just romantic ones but ones with myself, my peers and my goals. I chose to call the record 'Primary' because this is my beginning. It’s such a strong and bold word to me and I really wanted to capture that vibe with all the songs and the E.P. as a whole.
Was it a good experience putting it all together? Are you excited to get it out there?
It was such a great experience putting it together. I learned a lot about myself, not only as an artist but as an individual as well. It’s definitely been a long time coming and I’m so excited to finally be able to share it with the world.
You are from Harrisburg, PA. Is the area quite busy in terms of music – or is it difficult getting your voice heard?
I’d say Harrisburg has an up-and-coming music scene. It’s pretty small but I love that: everyone knows everyone and we all work together as fellow artists. It’s really cool to have a community of artists that feels like a family.
When did music come into your life? Which artists influenced you to write your own stuff?
Music has been in my life since before I was even born. I grew up in a musical household; it was always present. I’ve been influenced by so much over the years. To pick one main influence that inspired me to write my own music, it would definitely be Taylor Swift. I always admired how she told stories through her songs and could describe things so perfectly and cleverly.
Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?
At the moment, I have nothing lined up tour-wise. But, I do have a packed summer! I’ll be playing SummerFest in Milwaukee this July as part of the Emerging Artists Series on the Johnson Controls World Stage as well as some other cool festivals and hometown shows.
Might you come to the U.K. and see us here?
I would LOVE to come to the U.K. It’s on my bucket list!
You have played some great festivals and dates so far. Do you find yourself growing in strength with every performance?
Each show is a definitely a learning experience. I grow each time, mentally and physically. After every show, I look at how I can make it better for myself and my audience.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
In 2018, I hope to write more, play as many shows as possible and continue to grow as an artist and as a person.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
My favorite memory so far was seeing Primary chart on Billboard. I never thought that was possible and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given. It’s truly humbling.
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
Abbey Road by The Beatles, 1989 by Taylor Swift and Mister Asylum by Highly Suspect
While these three albums don’t have much in common with each other, they have influenced my songwriting so much. These have stuck with me over the years. I can listen to these albums front-to-back, nonstop and never get tired of them. As a songwriter, that’s something I hope to achieve someday.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
To new artists, the most important thing (as cliché as it sounds) is to never give up. There will be so many times, at the beginning especially, where you just want to throw in the towel. But, it’s all worth it. The highs, the lows…everything. Never stop working hard and always be kind.
IN THIS PHOTO: The Aces
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’m really into this new girl group right now called The Aces. I’ve been listening to them a lot lately. Definitely, check them out! I’m also really digging Tove Styrke lately. She just released a new album and it’s amazing.
IN THIS PHOTO: Tove Styrke
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Music is my life, even when I’m unwinding I’m always still thinking about music or at least listening to music. But, if I do get time to relax, I’ll usually just wrap myself in blankets and binge-watch Netflix shows while drinking coffee.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Hard Feelings/Loveless by Lorde!
____________
Follow Madison Ryan
