Fearlessly carving her own path, Aotearoa’s MADELINE. steps into her solo career with a sound that is as introspective as it is electrifying. The singer-songwriter blends soulful neo-pop with a confidence honed from years as the lead vocalist of She Loves You, the all-girl rock band where her talent first became a fixture in the local music scene. With a foundation in jazz from her time at the Auckland University Jazz School and a deep love for artists like Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, and Lady Gaga, MADELINE. creates music that is thoughtful, seductive, and unmistakably her own.
Her newest single, “Going in Blind,” is a powerful exploration of vulnerability and emotional conflict. In this track, MADELINE. dives deep into the walls she’s built as a defense mechanism against intimacy. The lyrics paint a raw picture of the internal tug-of-war between yearning for connection and recoiling from the exposure it demands. Lines like “vulnerability just ain’t for me” encapsulate the push and pull of self-doubt and longing, offering a stark look at the challenges of navigating relationships while protecting one’s heart.
The song’s production mirrors this emotional journey, beginning with hypnotic, lounge-like vocals layered over tantalizing trap beats and building towards an expansive release. The music swells as the track progresses, mimicking the sensation of a weight being lifted—an auditory embodiment of finding release through self-expression. With every note, MADELINE. invites listeners to feel the catharsis of voicing insecurities, an act that is as freeing as it is terrifying.
“Going in Blind” is more than a song; it’s a bold declaration of MADELINE.’s artistry. Combining her jazz roots, neo-pop sensibilities, and front-woman energy, she creates a soundscape that is both intimate and commanding. It’s a testament to her ability to wrestle with her deepest fears while delivering music that resonates with honesty and impact.
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_justmadeline/