- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Breaking Canadian singer/songwriter Madisan is excited to release her new album “The Pages” for digital streaming on Thursday, October 2ndn.d. – Links with the Toronto release show on the same date.
The Cranbrook, British Columbia-based artist’s third album, The Pages, follows two lead-in singles (title track and “Pumpkin Pie”), a digital release of “The Pages (Chapter 1)” (an EP that previews the first half of the album), and the album’s first physical release in July.
This ambitious release strategy reflects the old soul vibe of the album, which is uniquely structured as a deeply personal music journal. The 12-song album (all written by Madisan, 10 produced by Julian Bueckert, and 10 produced by Ian Docherty and Jim Bryson) incorporates an eclectic blend of vintage folk, rock and roll, Southern rock, and Americana, while drawing on influences such as Sheryl Crow, Maggie Rogers, Alanis Morissette, Fleetwood Mac, and Tom Petty.
Madisan explains:I wanted The Pages to feel like opening an intimate diary. Each song is a page in my story of love, loss, growth, resilience, connection, and ultimately self-discovery. Being real and raw through my life language, music, has allowed me to capture moments and leave lasting artistic and living traces. “The Pages” is about turning our most difficult moments into beauty. I want people to look at this work and feel seen, uplifted, and connected. ”
Madisan’s nomadic musical adventures have taken her across Canada, across the pond to Ireland, and even Los Angeles. In the past five years, she has released two albums and over 10 singles, performed over 500 shows including four NXNE showcases and the Folk Canada Showcase at Folk Alliance International, received endorsements from Aria Guitars Japan, Godin Guitars, Yamaha Canada and signed a synchronization deal with Hook & Co.
Madison’s third album with ‘The Pages’ is the artist’s most personal work, a culmination of her artistic journey to date and the many varied experiences she has gained along the way.
During the album’s release, Madisan will perform the following Canadian shows:
Madisan Welcome to OLC! Let’s talk about your album ‘The Pages’. The album is said to be a musical diary, with each track opening up a diary. What inspired you to take such a personal approach to this record?
Hello! Thank you for having me.
Music has always been very personal to me, a way to get back to myself and “come home” so to speak. So this album naturally came together in that way, and I think it’s the most open and vulnerable work I’ve ever done.
I spend a lot of time on the road, often mostly alone as a “nomad” traveling to different places to share my music. So “Self Reflection” (an homage to my debut album, hehe) has a lot of time, but these experiences are very personal and hard to relate to unless you’re a solo (female) artist walking this path. Writing about these experiences is a way of processing.
The album combines folk, rock and roll, southern rock, and Americana. How did you bring those influences together while keeping the album cohesive?
This record definitely leans more into the folk, Americana, and Southern rock world, and I think a lot of that comes from the time I spent in Nashville. Being there, those influences really come out in me, and in a way I feel like I’m returning to some of my country’s roots. At the same time, it’s my songwriting that keeps the album consistent. I always write around a theme, drawing on personal stories and emotions, so even if the sounds are mixed, everything still ties together. On this record, I feel like I’ve really started to arrive at my signature sound, where all of these influences come together in a way that feels natural and true to me.
You’ve cited artists like Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, and Fleetwood Mac as sources of inspiration. Where do you feel their influence is most evident in The Pages?
I like this question! I’ll list it as follows:
Sheryl Crow – Most listened to songs on my albums “Amber” and “Big Star” – 90’s Southern Rock
Alanis Morissette – “Good Plan” and “Like a Rock” – Canadian alternative rock
Fleetwood Mac – “Get Through” and “The Pages” – funky, groovy, rootsy
Was there a particular song on this album that was emotionally the most difficult to write?
“Open Door” and “To Heal” were very moving for me.
“Open Door” was written after a period of relationships where I felt I let people in too deeply and too quickly without protecting my heart. Then someone I dated (who this song was directly inspired by) took his own life. The song was finished before this happened, so it became even more important to me and of course ended up on the record.
“To Heal” is like this soft ballad about healing from past trauma and staying on your path, knowing that what is meant to happen to you will happen at the right time. This also means being difficult so you can learn and grow.
You’ve said this is your most personal project to date. Looking back, which “page” of your own life do you think most clearly defines you as an artist today?
Of course, I’m traveling alone. Moving to Ireland on my own at the age of 19 and living there was a big turning point for me. I was completely on my own and that experience shaped me tremendously. Since then, I’ve spent time in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Vancouver.
Even though I come from a small town, having these big dreams has always felt like living my own movie. Along the way, I realized that there were many things I had to do alone because no one else was bold or crazy enough to take the same risks as me, and that became a very defining part of my journey. Being “solo” can be difficult, but it’s also what makes my story unique, and I’m deeply grateful to have been able to do it.
Your musical journey has taken you across Canada, Ireland and Los Angeles. How has that travel and nomadic lifestyle influenced your songwriting?
You can see how this nomadic lifestyle has deeply influenced my music and songwriting, but it’s also shaped the way I perform live. I’m a big storyteller on stage and what I love is sharing these experiences through banter between songs.
As I progress in my career, I realize more and more that growing up rooted in a small town lifestyle and then traveling in search of greater opportunities and experiences really helps me appreciate everything that comes my way. I’m grateful, but not disgusted. My story is unique and inspiring. Because I can stay positive even in adversity. And a lot of that comes from going through difficult things on the streets alone.
We have performed over 500 shows. How does performing live influence the way you write and record in the studio?
yes! I really love being on stage and it feels like it’s my comfort zone. The energy of that performance definitely transfers into the studio. I’m also playing the songs while recording, and I think that’s why my recordings are so full of life and personality. For me, it’s also a really physical experience. I’m not just singing, I’m feeling everything through my body.
Writing happens wherever inspiration strikes. Sometimes it’s quiet and introspective, just me processing something deeply, and other times it’s a wild rock’n’roll spark. I’ve definitely been the guy who records voice memos in the kitchen or in the middle of town or a bar when an idea comes to me.
You worked with three different producers on The Pages. What did each of you bring to the project that helped shape the album?
Yes, this was my first time working with multiple producers and it was a great experience. I find that no matter who I collaborate with, my songwriting and signature sound always shines through. I used to be nervous about working with multiple producers, but now I completely welcome it.
Julian brought such a warm and committed energy to the songs we created together. “Big Star” was playing at Jim Bryson’s studio near Ottawa. He immediately connected with the song and really enjoyed it. Working with drummer Peter von Arsen was also great. “To Heal” is the oldest song on the record, but it’s one of the most special. I recorded this song with Ian Docherty before I went to New York and carried it with me everywhere. It was exactly what it was meant to be: a healing energy, and it was a near perfect album.
A music video will also be released for the song “Big Star”. What can fans expect from the song’s visuals?
“Big Star energy! I love this song so much. I feel like it really encapsulates everything I want to say and what I’m trying to sound like.”
The music video was a lot of fun to make. Julian and I shot and edited it together. Filming took place at my father’s home in the mountains of Meadowbrook, British Columbia. I built this 8-foot wooden stay for the video and painted it bright yellow. I drove around in my 1976 Chevrolet Chevette, showed off my great personality, and just had fun. Think: classic cars, vintage style, theatrics, and oh yeah, the star on fire at the end of the video. Stay tuned for the official release on YouTube on October 17th.th.
It has garnered endorsements and contemporaneous placements from brands such as Yamaha and Godin. How do opportunities like this influence your path as an independent artist?
Opportunities like this are really great and reaffirming, it’s really great. As an independent artist, it takes a lot of hard work and tiny little seeds that you plant over time to make something like this happen, so when it comes to fruition I feel a real sense of accomplishment. It’s so nice to be reminded that the effort and passion I put in is paying off.
I am deeply grateful to the wonderful people and teams I have worked with (The Hook & Co, Michelle, Yamaha Canada, Aria Guitars, Pignose Amps, and Simon Godin/Godin Guitars).
You’ve also played at major showcases like NXNE and Folk Alliance International. What has been your biggest career milestone so far?
Yes, both are very great!
A really important and standout showcase and milestone was my official showcase at the Ontario Folk Music Conference this time last year (October 2024). It was the first folk conference I attended and I completely fell in love with this community. It was such an honor to perform on the show and I made so many important connections that helped sustain my career. I was planning to participate again this year, but I had the wonderful opportunity to open for PEARL on October 17th.th In Vancouver!
After releasing such personal work, where do you think your music will go next?
I’m really in the market to meet more fans and lovers of my music. With this album they will find me, or rather we will find each other! Of course, I hope to receive recognition from the industry as well, but the fans keep me going. Thank you and love!
Finally, when listeners sit down with The Pages, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope listeners leave knowing that it’s okay to go it alone, that you’ll find companionship, and that my music can provide an inspirational and uplifting voice along the way. Music has basically helped me get through everything, so if my singing can do that for someone, that’s all I can hope for. Don’t be afraid to chase your megastar dreams, no matter what they are. Live for yourself and for those who lift you up and help you become the best version of yourself. Radiate authentic energy and embrace your journey.
Learn more about Madison here. MaddisunMusic.com Or find her on social media:
Instagram: @maddisunmusic
Facebook: @maddisunmusic
TikTok: @maddisunmusic
×: @maddisunmusic
Spotify: tinyurl.com/MaddisunSpotify
YouTube: tinyurl.com/MaddisunYouTube
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
