INTERVIEW: Maddison Goode releases new EP

London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Maddison Goode is a sonic storyteller, weaving tales of love, growth and the complex emotions that accompany the journey of self-discovery. Armed with a guitar and saxophone, Maddison stepped into the music scene in 2020, taking inspiration from artists like Lianne La Havas, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Misch.

Now, as a university student, Maddison is making waves with her band in a genre she aptly calls ‘dream rock,’ aspiring to inspire and empower through her music. After offering a glimpse into her sonic world with the debut single “When You Found Me” and its follow-up “Kry,” Maddison Goode unveils her debut EP, From a Windowsill, a four-track collection that’s been nearly two years in the making.

Each track in the EP is a carefully crafted chapter, a musical narrative that reflects Maddison’s journey, experiences and emotions. The EP opens with the lead single, “When You Found Me,” setting the tone with smooth guitar tones, rhythmic drums and Maddison’s soulful vocals. Her laid-back jazz-infused pop sound is a showcase of her songwriting talent and vocal panache. The song, diving into themes of co-dependency and the need for companionship, exhibits Maddison’s ability to convey intricate emotions through her lyrics and melodies.

The second track, “Kry,” offers a stripped-back and atmospheric experience, emphasising Maddison’s vocals and gentle guitar chords. The song captures the essence of falling in love, exploring the intense emotions that come with caring deeply for someone.

“Father” takes a more reflective turn, introducing sparse guitar tones and delicate percussive touches. The track delicately builds as Maddison’s vocals dance above, creating an intimate and atmospheric soundscape. The song reflects Maddison’s complex feelings about moving away from home, forming new connections and navigating the challenges of self-discovery.

The EP closes with “All It Takes,” a lively and rhythmic composition inspired by Maddison’s experiences of living in London. Backed by the rhythmic twang of skanked guitar chords and patter of drums, she spins lively melodic sweeps that rises to a commanding display of her vocal prowess to serve up one final experience of her timeless sound to conclude her superb debut EP.

We caught up with Maddison to find out more about her musical journey so far, her debut EP From a Windowsill and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Maddison Goode below.

Hey Maddy how’s things

Things are going well thank you

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory is getting a little pink nylon string guitar for Christmas when I was 5, I just sat around playing random strings and making up vocal melodies. I probably wrote some of my best lyrics back then haha!

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Today I look to Patti Smith for her bad-ass rock and roll vibe, Jeff Buckley for his haunting, beautiful vocal melodies and Radiohead for their overall mega sound and harmony.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I find inspiration from the people around me. I’m currently in my final year of music college so I work with very cool, inspirational people every day. We are always vibing off each other and I think subconsciously we pick up inspiration from each other’s musical sounds.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

I was lucky enough to play Upstair’s at Ronnie Scott’s back in May. I can’t believe I get to say that I’ve played there!

What do you love about the London music scene?

I love that London provides a platform for anyone who has something to say musically. If you feel like performing on a random Monday night, you can. That’s what is special. There is always something going on that welcomes everyone, jams or open mics.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I personally love listening to music whilst being on the move and I think my music suits a walk through the city. It also works when you just want some alone time, chilling at home.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

When I first started writing it was very much just guitar and vocals, singer/songwriter kind of sound with some country influences. Over the last few years, I started bringing my songs to my band mates which led to me hearing my sound go in a new direction. We now like to work in a mix of dream rock and soul pop.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Definitely Miley Cyrus. I grew up watching her on TV and witnessed her grow from a Disney star to a musical artist who is now taken very seriously. She has such an awesome voice and oozes confidence which is really inspiring.

How did you find making your new EP ‘From A Windowsill’?

It was a lot of fun. Also tiring at times as both studios were quite far from where we are based so lots of travelling early in the morning! Being in the studio is the best though and you can’t beat the feeling of listening back to your takes thinking ‘damn this sounds good!’

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I wanted to communicate that you can feel powerful and vulnerable at the same time. I think that’s reflected in the difference of moods within the EP.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to lots of Adrianne Lenker’s solo stuff. So beautiful.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want the music to speak to them and hopefully make them dance/sway slowly depending on which song they’re listening to haha!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Definitely my EP launch gig last week. I felt very celebrated by all of my friends/colleagues and the venue was so cool! It was at Katzpace in London Bridge.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

I want folk rock vibes with some RnB so I’ll go for Mumford and Sons, Fleetwood Mac and SZA. And somewhere hot near the ocean, maybe Portugal or Spain.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Try finding some people that you could write music and collaborate with. This will give you that extra bit of confidence you might need plus a sense of community. Always write your ideas down and record stuff, it’s nice going back and finding things to work on.

Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?

Lots more gigs and an audition for a festival in the summer…

Listen to From a Windowsill below