We had the good fortune of connecting with Madi Hendry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Madi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is all about perspective. When I view risk as an opportunity to try something new, it gives me a newfound appreciation for my career. To me, risk is placing a bet on yourself in hopes of the situation turning out in your favor.

I have had to take so many risks as a musician. I took a risk when I went to Belmont University as a Songwriting major, then again when I moved to LA for a couple months to meet more writers and producers. I take risks in my everyday life too, such as reaching out to people I want to work with, knowing I might never hear back. One of the biggest risks that I take is releasing really vulnerable songs for the whole world to hear in hopes of people connecting with it. Not every risk will be successful, so I have learned to allow myself grace. But, risk has also led me to some of the most pivotal moments in my career. I have taken some really cool meetings, played some awesome shows and become a more well rounded artist by taking a risk on myself.

It has also taught me that if I am not willing to take a risk on myself, no one will! Life is surrounded by choices and decisions, and learning to step into those with confidence makes a world of difference.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist/ songwriter, I pride myself on writing my own songs, either by myself or with friends. I also believe that this does set me apart, because my writing style and perspectives will fluctuate but I am still the same person writing these songs I put out. I am proud of myself in the aspect of managing my career solo, as I do all my own management, marketing, booking, graphic design, etc. I am really excited about the music I have yet to put out and doing more live shows. I have been writing so much recently, and am really happy with the songs I am taking to the studio. I also just love performing live, and am always excited for shows and looking for more opportunities. Getting to where I am at currently was not easy by any means. I knew what I wanted to do from a young age, and so I have been honing in on my craft for years. Developing my brand and writing style not in the public eye has helped me, though. Social media is one of the best ways for your career to skyrocket, and I have not had luck with that. However, I have learned what true work ethic looks like and how that speaks measures. My day-to-day looks like writing lyrics, finding inspiration, taking meetings with industry professionals, creating content, and also getting my schoolwork done. A slow and steady career takeoff has taught me balance and determination.
I want the world to know that I write music to process my emotions, and I hope that the stories I tell through songwriting impact people. Behind the intentions of writing a catchy hook or captivating lyrics, is the desire to be honest so that the whole world will one day hear my songs and truly connect with them. It has been a long journey to get to where I am today, and there is still a while to go, but I don’t plan on ever stopping!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! There is simply so much to do in Nashville – it’s the best! We would have to go to a Sounds game! I love watching baseball and love the community vibe at the games.
A concert at the Grand Ole Opry – it is my dream to step into the circle one day.
Hike at Radnor Lake – that is where I go to take “think walks”
Explore the Wedgewood- Houston area – I used to live there and loved it! Some of my favorite spots over there are Dozen Bakery and Dicey’s Pizza!
I am definitely taking my people to Franklin as well. That’s where I grew up and I have so many good memories in the Franklin area. We would need coffee from The Coffee House at Second and Bridge, lunch at Merridee’s Cafe and an afternoon pick me up from 1819 Coffee.
I also love a good farmers market. The Factory at Franklin has one, as well as the 12 South Farmers Market.
I also would take them to my grandparents farm in Murfreesboro, TN area. It is so pretty and peaceful to get out of the city!
If my visitor is from out of town, I would also take them to Fifth + Broadway, as well as Broadway in general to get the OG Nashville experience!
One thing I have always wanted to do is go to Whiskey Jam, and I just turned 21, so now I can finally go! I think me and my best friends would have a great time at Winner’s, especially for Whiskey Jam.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my parents for always believing in me and investing in my dreams! Without their support, I would not be where I am today.

There are a couple other people/ organizations that played a pivotal role in my music career! I attended the Country Music Hall of Fame Songwriting Camp in high school, and it was there that I knew I wanted to write songs for the rest of my life. I want to thank the program as a whole for investing in the next generation of songwriters. Thank you to my middle school choir teacher, Mrs. Benton, for believing in me and teaching me so much about musicality. Thank you to Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy, and Jannah Bolin, for making me a better singer and performer. And thank you to Belmont University for teaching me all about the music industry and giving me so many opportunities!

Website: https://linktr.ee/madihendry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madihendrymusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madihendrymusic/?ref=bookmarks&_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwMoGGDDUXHDIcl0Mxd0LdQ

Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/madi-hendry/1547384432 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7i0lsGRGM9JSqC5PMfNPl6?si=gRfm2E0DQfuFwE1r_7U7Ug&nd=1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madihendry?ug_source=op.auth&ug_term=Linktr.ee&utm_source=awyc6vc625ejxp86&utm_campaign=tt4d_profile_link&_r=1

Image Credits
Ainsley Barousse Nikiah Perry

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