The rising American pop singer answers some of our questions ahead of an intimate performance at The Bodega...
Madison Beer is doing everything ‘As She Pleases’ in 2018. What were we doing at 18? Drinking too much for our own good, working rubbish part-time jobs, probably anything but being discovered by this generation's biggest pop star Justin Bieber who shared her cover of Etta James’ At Last, or presenting a full body of work to an ever growing fanbase of 2.6 million followers on Twitter and 10.7 million on Instagram.
Born in Long Island, Beer has since taken Los Angeles by storm running with the city’s biggest socialites and influencers since moving there at the age of 14. Growing up idolising artists such as Rihanna, SIA and Amy Winehouse, their influence can easily be heard in Madison Beer’s music. Her summer drop, Dead, was one of the biggest songs of the season, followed by Say It To My Face, an emotion filled record that showcases Madison Beer’s strong vocal range; her As She Pleases EP shows great promise of pop perfection while taking complete ownership of who she is.
Now, newly 19, the American sensation is performing at Nottingham’s The Bodega and we caught up with her to ask her a few questions...
When I first saw that you were performing in Nottingham I had to double check the listings. How are you feeling about the tour? What made you decide on Nottingham?
To be honest, I just feel like not too many artists go to Nottingham and I wanted to add a date that would give my fans an extra opportunity to see me perform.
Congratulations on the EP, obviously debut releases are incredibly important to a budding artist - were you nervous when releasing this?
Thank you so much! I’m really proud of it. I was more excited than nervous. I feel like it’s a huge milestone in my career, but I’m so relieved that it’s out and that the response from fans has been so positive. Releasing this EP was like showing a part of my soul to the world.
What is your earliest memory involving music? What sparked your passion?
It feels like I’ve been singing since I was born. I think I’ve just always had a passion for music – it’s a real part of me. So many great memories I have with my family and friends centre around music, it feels so cool to be writing music that will hopefully become the soundtrack to other people’s memories one day.
Though my personal faves are Tyler Durden and Say It To My Face, which song on the album is most important to you and will help people understand you, your sound and general vibe the most?
Tyler Durden, too! It’s the song I feel the closest to. It’s a really delicate track, I loved writing and recording it.
What has been the song writing process for this and where have you gained the most inspiration?
I’ve gained the most inspiration through movies and stories from friends, as well as drawing from my own experiences as well. I really just write little notes to myself when I feel inspired or hear a line or a melody in my head, then I take it into the studio to see if it will work as a song.
You were discovered by Justin Bieber around five years ago, was it? Where do you hope to be or to achieve in five years time?
Yeah that’s right! It’s crazy how much has changed since then. In five years’ time I hope to be selling out Madison Square Garden.
What can fans most expect from this tour?
They can expect my performance to be organic. I really love performing all the songs on the set list for each show, so nothing is forced. I genuinely love being on stage and seeing the excitement on everybody’s faces; plus hearing all my fans singing along to my music is like a dream come true. I love performing for them!
Always being on the go, what is your motto for staying grounded and general advice you live by?
I keep my family close to my heart and I make sure to stand by that. I feel so blessed to be living this life, it still feels like a dream to me. I will never take it for granted.
If you could go open up for any artist - one living and one passed - on tour right now who would it be?
The Beatles and Rihanna.
For our readers who may have never heard your music, explain your sound in five words...
Different, true, creative, honest, tale telling!
As 2018 is the ‘Year of Women’ what do you think should every woman try at least once in her life?
Every year is the year of women in my mind! I was raised to believe in myself and to always support and give back to others. I think every woman should try to completely believe in her own power and abilities. There’s nothing women (or anyone) can’t do if they have a true sense of self belief and a great support system.
Madison Beer performs at The Bodega on Wednesday 28 March 2018.
As She Pleases, the debut EP from Madison Beer, is out now.
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