You grew up in a small town called Provo, Utah. Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like growing up there?How is it different from where you live now, Los Angeles?
Madge: Wherever you grow up feels normal. I didn’t realize Provo was such a unique place until I started visiting my aunt in New York City and I saw people smoking cigarettes for the first time. My upbringing was filled with classical music, homework, and playing with my cousins. Now that I live in Los Angeles, I’m realizing how big and beautiful the Utah mountains are and how nice it is to know your neighbors. That said, I can’t see myself living there again and am grateful to currently live in a place that feels supportive of my self-expression.
In what ways do you think Mormonism and growing up in Provo affected you?
M: It still affects me every day! Part of my brain will always be Mormon and I’ve been learning to accept that. I find a lot of creativity in exploring that corner of my head. I am also still very close to my family and they are supportive and wonderful in every way. I have two sisters and four brothers and they are my best friends.
What would have been a typical Madge journal entry at 13-years-old?
M: First of all, my journal was named Daisy. And Daisy heard all about my crushes, my hatred of my younger brothers, and how I was so sick of waking up at 5 am to practice piano. Generally proto-emo things.
How did you start playing music? Can you tell us a little about your training and how it all began? Did you love it as a kid or just hate it?
M: I started piano when I was 4 years old and I played it competitively until I was a teenager. It was always a love-hate relationship because I had to practice hours a day and I would get really nervous before competitions. But I LOVED music and loved writing songs on the piano. And I actually loved performing despite the anxiety. It feels so good to nail a performance on stage and know that all the hours of practice were worth it. Now I am especially grateful that my mom pushed me so hard – it’s the foundation on which I build all my production.
What are some of your hobbies and favorite things to do with your friends on the weekend?
M: I love getting tacos on a Sunday or watching bad reality TV with a glass of wine. I am lucky to have an amazing crew of creative friends who I get to work with and chill with. That said, I tend to be a workaholic and weekends are usually spent in the studio!
Last dream you can remember?
M: I was working at a wedding as an events photographer and my brother was singing with the wedding band. He sang a very specific melody right to me. I woke up and recorded it on my phone. I’m currently developing it into a new song.
Greatest fear?
M: Abandonment (let’s get right to the root here, lol)
If you could go back in time and talk to 13-year-old Madge, what would you say?
M: I wish I could have been easier on myself as a young teen. I always lived up to the highest expectations but I think I developed a complex around needing to impress and please people. I’m still a dysfunctional perfectionist.
Anything exciting coming up?
M: Yes! Two brand new originals and a collaboration project with my friend Cubby. OH! And videos and shows and another fashion venture with Official Rebrand. All the things!
Favorite song today? Favorite song ever?
M: “Feel It Out” by Yaeji. Favorite song ever?? HARD. Probably “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac or “A Favor House Atlantic” by Coheed
