Haven Madison Discusses Her Latest Hit ‘Kiss the Ground’ and the Emotional Journey of Her Music
In the bustling world of pop music, Haven Madison stands out as a remarkable force. The American Idol Season 21 finalist and 19 Recordings/BMG talent is not just a vocalist but a performer, multi-instrumentalist, and gifted songwriter whose latest track, “Kiss The Ground,” promises to resonate with audiences far and wide. As she releases this powerful single alongside its captivating music video, we delve into the heart of her upcoming studio EP, “Turn Off All the Lights.”
Today, Haven shares with us the inspiration behind “Kiss the Ground,” the intricate layers of her music, and a glimpse into her artistic journey that continues to shape her into a formidable voice in the industry. Join us as we explore the depths of her emotional landscape and the bright future ahead in this exclusive interview.
Follow Haven @havenmadisonsings
What does the EP title “Turn Off All the Lights” mean to you? How do you feel it sums up its five songs?
The title actually comes from the second verse of “Clawmarks,” when it says, “and when they turn off all the lights, you go home and you’ll be fine, I’m the only one who can’t escape.” Essentially, the title was brought from the idea that all the “lights” were pressures of who people wanted me to be. The American Idol light, the public high school light, the stay young light, all of them were turned off and I was able to make the music that is authentic to me. I can’t escape who I am at the end of the day, so I embraced it.
What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
I think each song has its own takeaway, but the project as a whole is mean to make you FEEL unapologetically. Feel empowered, feel love, feel rage, feel pain, feel confidence. All of which I hope young women know they are allowed to feel at all times through the chaos of life.
How would you describe the EP’s sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
I would say it’s super hard-hitting pop and emotionally invoking ballads. My producer, Dave Pittenger, and I just dove completely into what each song called for. We weren’t too caught up on making them sound thematically the same. My string tying my art together is the raw humanity it represents.
How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
I think these songs represent the shift in the change of life I’m stepping into. Leaving the things that no longer serve me behind, while carrying my dreamer spirit that has taken me this far.
What’s your favorite song on the EP? Why?
I obviously love all of them, but “Kiss The Ground” is totally a standout for me. I can’t be the best singer, writer, or performer in the world; art consumption is based on opinion and preference. But I know I can be the hardest worker in every room I walk into, so this song is essentially my anthem of rising up and becoming a boss that no one can replace. I hope it empowers listeners as much as it has continued to empower me.
How do you feel your singing and artistry have evolved since your time on American Idol?
Oh gosh, I think I’ve grown so much since the show. As a person, I know exactly who I am and what my vision of artistry is, and I think that confidence exudes from me fully, while I was on the show it was only a glimpse of what Im capable of.
Is there anything you took away from the competition that you still hold near and dear to your heart?
A dear friend of mine, Melinda Doolittle, told me before I went to Hollywood week, “Fame is not a change in who you are, it’s a change in how the people around you react to you.” And I’ve continued to remind myself that since my time on the show.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me, and to anyone reading, you’re not alone, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are so wildly capable. Feel free to follow along with me on my socials @havenmadisonsings and always reach out and DM! I’m reading and watching, and I want to remind you how amazing it is to have breath in your lungs. <3