Madeline Smith is a Country Singer-Songwriter. The NJ native released her first album with her hits “Stay” and ” State of Mind.” She has gotten to open up for some major country artists including Lauren Alaina, Darius Rucker, and Kelsea Ballerini. Madeline is currently working on her new album out later this year.
Check out our interview with Madeline about why she loves country music, being from NJ, and what is next!
upfrontNY: How did you get involved in music?
Madeline Smith: I was always a musical child. My parents say that I started singing before I could talk, but I never sang in front of people. When I starting taking piano lessons when I was around 10 years old, my teacher asked me to sing to one of the songs to get the rhythm. She freaked out after hearing my voice and ran outside to tell my mom. From there I did piano recitals and children’s choirs. When I turned 15, I realized music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My parents weren’t on board at first and I had to do a lot of convincing. They told me if I doubled up on high school courses and got all A’s then they would consider it. They just wanted me to get a good education. I ended up meeting all of their requirements and convinced them I had the drive to do this.
upfrontNY: What do you love most about country music?
Madeline Smith: Growing up my mom always played classic country music such as Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. I fell in love with the honesty of country music and how well people told stories about every day life. It was just so relatable and beautiful.
upfrontNY: While you were growing up, was there a musician, song, or album that inspired your passion for music?
Madeline Smith: Country music is a hard scene to break into for women. It is pretty male dominated. When I was growing up though, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum were just breaking into the scene and getting a lot of attention. I think I have taken something different from each of them. I will also forever be inspired by Martina McBride. Her voice is incredible.
upfrontNY: What do you enjoy most about being from NJ and do you have a favorite music venue in Jersey that you have performed at?
Madeline Smith: I have traveled all over the United States and even overseas for music and I still think there’s something special about New Jersey. First of all, it will always have a special place in my heart because I was born and raised there. Second, we have the best of everything – the beach, the mountains, farms, cities, etc. and everything is always less than an hour away. Third, this Jersey girl does not pump gas! We have played so many places in New Jersey, it is definitely hard to pick! Recently we played Starland Ballroom opening up for Kelsea Ballerini. That was one crazy fun show! It had been a while since we had played a show back in Jersey, so it was wonderful to see tons of familiar faces come out and meet so many new fans!
upfrontNY: Do you have one experience that stands out in your mind since you started pursuing music?
Madeline Smith: I think one of the craziest experiences was when I opened for Darius Rucker at Provident Bank Park in New York. The whole experience was insane. I hadn’t even released my debut album yet and was blessed enough to open for him in front of 5,500 people. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget. One of the funniest parts was after the show when we were heading out. I ran to the bathroom and while I was in there I heard two girls talking. One was saying she was Madeline Smith and the other was freaking out and asking about how she changed into normal clothes so fast. Needless to say, when I walked out of the bathroom still in my performance outfit the fake Madeline Smith freaked out and briskly walked away and the other girl was very confused with what was going on. Haha! It was something that had never happened before and I just thought it was hysterical!
upfrontNY: From your album, do you have a favorite song?
Madeline Smith: While I love all the songs on my debut album, “Stay” is definitely my favorite. It’s a very personal song for me about losing someone even though a lot of people interpret it as a break up song.
upfrontNY: Are you working on any new projects?
Madeline Smith: Yes! We are actually just finishing up my new album. It will be out sometime around June. The exact release date hasn’t been set yet. This project is definitely more contemporary country than my first album and definitely a little bit more grown up. My first album definitely fit me at that time in my life (as a 16 year old) and this album really fits who I am now (as a 19 year old).The album is called New Beginnings. This past year I have had a lot of new beginnings in my personal life and in my musical journey as well. I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about who I am. I think this whole album is going to be a new beginning for me musically as it is a little bit different than what I have done in the past. It’s more contemporary than my first album, but definitely still country! Country is definitely where my heart lies! I’m really ready and can’t wait for everyone to hear it! Stay tuned on my website for updates!
Learn more about Madeline and her music!
Twitter: @MadelineSmithL
Instagram: @MadelineSmithL
I first saw Madeline at a fair held at overpeck park in New Jersey and fell in love with her and her beautiful voice. She is such a wonderful person. My husband and I go to see her any time she is performing in our area. I saw her open for Kelsey at the starland ballroom and she was awesome. She is one heck of an artist and I wish her all the best in her career. If she is back in nj soon, I’m sure we will be there. Ps. Stay is my favorite song. I lost my brother to soon and that song just touches my heart💕