Madge is a one-woman DIY-pop project from LA. Equal parts heartbreaker and nose-breaker, Madge is an LA-based producer striving to crush the industry’s gatekeeper culture and boys’ clubs. Her new track, “Alice” is electric, eclectic, and alluring – much like the artist herself.
Delving into the legacy of her Mormon upbringing in Utah, contemporary spirituality, and a passion for 80s dark wave, Madge has created her own lane with a DIY approach to maximalist pop, drawing comparisons to Grimes and Charli XCX along the way.
We asked Madge to describe the writing and recording process behind her recent song, “Alice”, and here is what she said:
The process behind “Alice” was unique for me because I worked on it with my friend Chance Lewis. He sent me a short basic beat and together we crafted it to become the whole song. I sourced a ton of crazy public domain horror sounds, added a bunch of random hooks, wrote and rewrote the melodies, sat in during the mixing process, and voilà. In general my own studio process is very similar. I start with a beat, drop in the hook, add vocals and then mix it all together.
Listen to “Alice” by Madge here:
See this incredible behind the scenes video of her making the song:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BltW-2rle8x/?taken-by=girlgangmusic
Read our Q&A with Madge, in full, below:
GGM: Did you always know you’d be a musician? Can you explain your answer?
“I’ve always been a musician but I didn’t ever know that I’d end up as one. Does that make sense? I still struggle to define myself as a musician even though by any and all accounts that’s exactly what I am. I recently made the realization that I can honestly tell people that I am a musician, a music producer, and a vocalist and I really am all those things. I’m also very good at all those things!”
GGM: What has been the best moment of your life to date? Music-related or otherwise?
“I can think of several moments. One was when I was living abroad and got the chance to go to Nice. I was struggling emotionally at the time. I was lonely and uncomfortable in my body. I remember floating in the sea and suddenly feeling this deep connection to myself and my body. I felt worthy. I knew I could do anything I wanted to. That moment definitely inspired me to keep pursuing music.”
GGM: How do you think being raised as a Mormon in Utah has worked its way into your work and being present-day?
“I think that my personal sense of mysticism and spirituality is based in my Mormon upbringing. My musicality is also a very Mormon trait. Mormons are all raised musically – most Mormons can at least play the piano and sing. Although I am not religious anymore, I am proud of my Mormon pioneer ancestry and draw a lot of inspiration from their stories.”
GGM: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“Most people don’t know that I almost worked for the government. I had an internship with a Democratic congressman in Washington, D.C. during my senior year of college and I literally worked in the Capitol Building. Luckily for all of us this experience made me realize that I belonged in art school.”
GGM: Do you think being a woman in music has affected your career? If so, how?
“I certainly value my perspectives and experience as a woman and this translates directly in my songwriting and production. I feel more closely connected to other female-identifying artists and music colleagues. I feel grateful to be part of this community. I also feel ready to take a swing at the more toxically masculine things in my everyday life. It’s empowering.”
GGM: Anything else you want to add? Plans for 2018?
“I’m excited to be doing a bunch of live shows this summer! I’m also working on an EP that’s coming later this year. I also plan on becoming disgustingly rich. I’m open to suggestions on how this will happen.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSfzfZJix6g
Follow Madge
Madge’s Girl Gang Music Picks
vōx
“Ooh okay… My friend vōx is an incredible musician. She inspires me daily.”
SassyBlack
“I’m also obsessed with SassyBlack. I did a show with her and I’ve never met anyone so charismatic.”
Kill J
“My third pick would be Kill J, although she’s less underground for sure. Her aesthetic is incredible.”