Following the release of her single and video Drunk Text, we caught an interview with upcoming pop songwriter Madeline Rosene to find out more about her musical journey so far. Here’s how it went.
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Hi Madeline – thanks for your time, and congrats on the release of the single. Just to give a little background – how long have you been making music, and how would you describe yourself as an artist?
Thank you! I have been making music since I could talk, I guess. I remember being very young and making up songs in my head, singing them when I was alone. I learned how to play guitar in the 5th grade. My brother taught me how to play. As an artist, I make music because it’s an outlet for my emotions and writing music is how I deal with difficult or emotionally turbulent experiences. I am a lyrically focused artist. I love creating melodies but, for me, the real fun is in the poetry and word play. Words are so important in this day and age – from text messages and what we say on our Instagram channels to major political speeches, our words hold a lot of meaning and there is more constant communication now probably than ever before. Songwriting gives me the ability to really think before I say something. I don’t have to rush to respond to someone or get another social media post out for the day to increase my engagement… I can do it on my own time.
What inspired you to write Drunk Text, and what do you hope people take away from it?
It was inspired by a flaky love interest (that’s probably pretty obvious!) but it’s also a tad hyperbolic. Usually my songs are pretty factual, or at least based on true feelings and occurrences. In this case, I think I just took a semi-anxiety provoking situation and blew it out of proportion for fun but also because texting makes people crazy. I think the song is really an anthem for single people with texting anxiety. I guess its purpose is to make people not feel so alone in their anxiety and encourage them to laugh at themselves to overcome this anxiety.
What is it about music that makes you want to pursue it professionally?
Well, it’s definitely not the money (at least now)! I don’t know if I really want to pursue it professionally. I want to want to pursue something else professionally to be honest, but I don’t love anything as much as I love music. I suppose I think you should pursue your loves and my first love has always been music.
Is live performance an important part of what you do?
Yes, while I would say I am more of a writer than a performer, live performances are very important in what I do. I have been playing live since the 7th grade with my first rock band. I have played live all over the country at venues like Arlene’s Grocery, The National Under Ground, The Grog Shop, The Viper Room, etc…
If you could collaborate with any artist or band, past or present, who would you choose – and why?
Probably Alanis Morissette – I just want to know what her writing process is like!
What’s next for you as an artist?
Recording, recording, recording! I am currently looking for new producers to collaborate with. It’s just about making time to record the many many songs I have written since I moved to Los Angeles a year and a half ago. I am really looking forward to the future.
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Stream the single on Spotify. Find & follow Madeline Rosene on Twitter & Instagram.
