We had an amazing opportunity to interview singer Piper Madison. Check out the interview below.
Hi Piper! Thank you for granting the interview. Your music is amazing, and we’re excited to speak with you about your new single “Pumpkin Pie” was just released on iTunes to rave reviews. You also released the single “Shots Fired,” which inspired by the commonality of gun violence in the media. A portion of the proceeds from iTunes downloads goes to The Brady Campaign. Now, your newest release “Hard Feelings” is the title track of your new EP scheduled for spring release. Tell us more.
Yes, “Hard Feelings” is the lead single from my upcoming album, which also happens to be my debut album. I’ve been working on this album over the course of the last year, so I’m so excited to share it with you all!
Tell us what inspired your new album.
This album was inspired by everything in my life that has led up to now, all the events that have made me who I am today. Whenever I’m sad, angry, feeling reminiscent, in a new relationship, just out of a relationship, or even have a weird dream, I sit down and write a song. This album is a collection of some of my deepest thoughts and emotions.
You’re known as a songwriter. How important is it to write your own music?
I have always written all of my music. Singing and recording original material makes my songs feel more personal and makes me feel more proud of the product. Being in control of my sound is really important to me…if I give up control of my sound, it starts to feel fake, like I’m somehow lying. My music is my truth.
Tell us about your songwriting process. How do you choose a topic to sing about?
I don’t really choose what to sing about…the topic chooses me. I write about whatever is going on in my head at the moment, and that is usually influenced by what has happened that day or that week. Sometimes just walking around with my writing book in my hand inspires something.
What has been your biggest challenge as a singer?
My biggest challenge as a singer has probably been defining myself as an artist and putting my music in a category. It’s hard for me to simplify my sound into one word.
“Shots Fired” was inspired by the commonality of gun violence in the media. A portion of the proceeds from iTunes downloads goes to The Brady Campaign. Tell us about the campaign.
The Brady Campaign raises money to educate people about gun violence and to take legal action to help find a solution. Their three-point plan includes increasing background checks, keeping high-capacity and assault weapons off our streets, and endorsing Extreme Risk Protection Order laws. You can learn more about the campaign here: http://www.bradycampaign.org/
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
My music is on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play Music, YouTube, etc. I really appreciate every single stream and purchase. Your support for my music and my musical journey means the world to me.
What are your musical icons/influences?
Some of my biggest musical influences are Sia, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Paramore, Cage The Elephant, and Alabama Shakes.
When looking back on the production of your music, what resonated with you the most and why?
I wrote my song “Shots Fired” right after the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks. During the production of the song, we considered putting drums at the part where I sing, “This goes out to the heavy-hearted, the ones who left before they started, who gave their best, tried their hardest, a gunshot blast they had no part in…” but I felt like it would be more powerful to offer a ‘moment of silence,’ to let the words stand alone. Some people didn’t understand that choice, but it really resonated with me.
In your opinion, how could a singer make an impact on the world?
I think music is one of the most powerful tools humans have. Music gives us the power to convey emotion and make each other feel: sadness, happiness, love, lust, heartbreak, sympathy. Music shows us how to be empathetic and understand each other. It doesn’t matter your language, religion, race, gender… music is universal, and it has the power to change the world. If you sing from the heart, you have that power, too.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career? Would you do anything differently?
I would not do anything differently in choosing this career. I believe every single person’s path is different, and that is beautiful. You can always go back in your mind and think, If I had done this differently, would I have booked that job, would I have a million followers now, would I have gotten more streams and views than I did…would I be “successful”? But “success” isn’t a definable thing…it’s a state of mind. Goals are so important, but to me, happiness with where you are now is even more important than achieving one of those goals. In other words, tomorrow is important, but we can’t have tomorrow without today. So I don’t like to live in the past and think about what could have been. What was turned into what is, and I am happy with who I am and where I am on my path. I wouldn’t want to be anyone or anywhere else.
Do you have anything else you would like to share your music or acting career?
I’ll be releasing a couple more singles really soon, preceding my album release in the spring. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and other social medias @pipermadison to stay updated! 🙂 And thank you for taking this moment from your day to check out this interview.
Featured Image Credit: Brian Love.
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