EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Madeline Lauer

Madeline Lauer is a singer-songwriter based in LA, who is ready to impact on the music scene with her refreshing blend of RnB, pop and a smidge of jazz.

You make know her from singing backgrounds on Max Martin songs, or from being featured on The Weeknd’s merchandise. However, Madeline is far more than just a background artist. Earlier this year, she released her album Open Book, which features tracks such as ‘Come Around’, ‘Chasing’, ‘Anchor’, ‘Highway’, and ‘All For You’. Each track showcases Madeline’s broad creative scope, proving that she is one to watch in the industry and deserving of being centre stage.

We recently caught up with Madeline to discuss tracks from her album Open Book, who she’d like to collaborate with, the importance of social media and much more.

We love your single ‘Come Around’. Can you tell us a little about the song and inspiration behind it?

Thank you! In my early 20s, I was casually dating a guy who would disappear for a while and then show back up again. I say in the song “when you come (back) around, are you still mine?” For me, the relationship was intense and notable, but for him, I think it was just convenient. I was young and naïve. It was a learning lesson.

Can you talk us through the concept behind its music video?

I wanted the video to show our relationship the way I saw it. It shows the passion we had and the way we would just hang around the house and hold each other. Then it shows those same scenes without him. I would undoubtedly miss him and feel that emptiness when he left. I wanted the video to reflect that.

You’ve also just released a video for ‘Chasing’ which looks like it was a lot of fun to film. How was the experience for you?

It was the most fun I’ve had making a video so far. My best friend Kristen, who actually wrote the song with me years ago, directed the video along with our friend Chris Fox. Despite the overwhelming heat that day, everyone involved put in an incredible amount of effort to make it the best it could be. I had a choreographer and dancers for the first time, which was exciting and new. We rented a vintage Cadillac and got to ride around in that all day. It was overall an awesome experience.

How much of your own creative input do you put into the music videos?

I am very much involved in all my creative processes. I love to collaborate with creatives over it as well, but I do usually have a vision for what I generally want the videos to look like. I am lucky to have a team that can execute those ideas along with enhancing them.

Both songs are taken from your album Open Book. For anyone who’s yet to hear the album, how would you describe it?

I would say it’s an R&B album. It has some songs that could fit into a commercial pop lane, but it’s definitely a chill and sensual R&B vibe.

Whilst you’re proud of your whole album, is there a particular song that means the most to you?

When I wrote and recorded ‘Anchor’, I really felt like I had found my style after many years of trial and error. I feel like I have always pictured myself creating a song with that specific soft tone. So, when I finally made ‘Anchor’, I feel like I had scratched an itch I’ve had for years. Plus, I wrote it about the love of my life, and that makes it special all on its own.

Your music combines pop, RnB, and jazz. Who would you say are your musical influences?

Amy Winehouse, Aaliyah, and Miguel are my biggest musical influences.

If you could pick one person to collaborate with, who would it be and why?

I would say Miguel. He’s one of the most unbelievably talented and unique R&B artists out there right now. I’ve followed his career from the beginning and would be honored to work together. It would honestly be a dream come true.

What is your first musical memory?

I remember being very young, about five or six, and going out to eat with my parents. I would just start singing to the tables next to me all over the restaurant. I remember signing my first autograph for a waitress once. It was special.

You were featured on The Weeknd’s merchandise. How did this come about?

I worked at the recording studio where he recorded all of his albums at, and one of his team members was working on merchandise designs in the room next to me. They just took a picture of my lips and edited the XO logo onto them. It was just an idea that turned out good, so they kept it.

We’ve got to say that we LOVE your Instagram layout. How important is social media to you?

Thank you! I think it’s incredibly important for any artist out there who wants to communicate with fans and be a part of their everyday lives to have and be active on social media. Instagram is my favorite social media platform by far, I use it to advertise everything.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2UPQgHqhA/?taken-by=madelinelauer

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Trust your instincts.

Do you have any touring plans? What can someone expect from a Madeline Lauer show?

Check out my social media for show dates! I perform all the time in Los Angeles. @madelinelauer

What do you have planned for the rest of 2017 and for 2018?

I’ve just begun creating my sophomore album and I’ll be dropping a ton of free music along the way.

Thank you to Madeline for her time! Make sure you follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Love Madeline Lauer as much as we do? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix

CREDIT // Photographer: Irvin Rivera // Hair: David Harrington // Makeup: Matthew Alan //Style: Anessa London

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