Meet Madaline Collins | Musician/Songwriter

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

Hi Madaline, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As cliché as it sounds, I don’t think you choose an artist career, it chooses you. No one ever says yeah go out and be a musician or an artist “you’ll be successful”, and just like in any rise to fame movie there is usually someone there to tell you it’s not an intelligent pursuit. I am one of many here to fight these odds. Of course it is a challenging path but I think in any true artist there is a fire that drives you to never stop, there is no giving up, it is a livelihood and a passion and when you come across the right ones you see that they truly embody their craft. If it means 6 hours of sending emails a day to get to the next venue, 40 hours+ of practice a week to get to the next level, pouring out every inch of your soul for people to understand your purpose and artistry in life, then that is what needs to be done and you’ll do anything for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
First and foremost I am a vocalist and pianist, I started teaching myself piano at fifteen after singing to myself since I can’t even remember how long and thinking one day hmm… I sound kinda alright, I want to write songs. So that’s what I did, my sister had a nice Yamaha keyboard she wanted to pick up playing but didn’t end up getting into so I lugged it into my room one night and started to pull up chord charts, beginning with Fiona Apple’s “I Know” and thought to myself this isn’t as hard as I expected and haven’t stopped learning since. I have been writing and playing around Memphis for 8 years now and though I am not exactly where I want to be “end goal wise” I am very proud of where I am with my accomplishments.
Right now I am definitely most excited about my band “Screamer”, we have been together a little over a year and just put out our first EP , recorded with Graham Winchester at his home studio, “Devil in me”, is a four track movement of alternative/psychedelic rock, blues, and heavy mood.
The road has been long and I know it is a lot longer with even more challenges along the way but I am excited for them. Honestly most of the hard work is fun, the only scary thing is navigating through the people.
For example, I was working with a well known studio engineer/producer around Memphis for several month’s with lot’s of trust in the community and ended up spending a lot of time and money with this person who claimed to want to record and serve my art, after a while he asked for me to give up on my band and start a solo career where he would control the financial aspects and a lot of artistic creativity, and to top the cake asked for a physical relationship with me on the side of his open marriage.
This is one of many stories of my working with seedy characters but by far the one that stung most. I cannot stress enough to the young women who pursue this career you will probably experience these difficulties three times the amount of men, just watch your back and be steadfast.
Lastly, to all the independent artists, with all it can be sometimes, keep working your ass off for it.
What you have is precious and world needs it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m kind of living hipster paradise here in midtown haha so I guess if I were around my own neighborhood I’d definitely suggest checking out some of the more eclectic spots. For breakfast/coffee I’m usually at Bob’s Barksdale’s or Otherland’s coffee bar and dinner it’s got to be ECCO on Overton or Bari, both Italian, both mind blowing.
For outdoors, gosh we have so so much to offer but I’m always here for a hike so usually I’ll go out to the Wolf River and run with the river or go on the Overton park trails which are more lively.
If your here for night life, we have so much music, it’s crazy, there is live music almost every night at B-side, Lamplighter Lounge, Hi Tone, Lafayette’s, Momma’s, etc….
Also, To note some exceptional cocktail bars, Memphis Whistle is a new addition to the city and for sure something to write home about! And always here to please is also Cameo and The Cove oyster bar

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh, of course to my parents. Both have been huge contributors in support since I very first started, supplying instruments and getting me into early showcases, I even still use the Sennheiser microphone my dad got me from when I was like 15, hahaha. Then there are my best good friends in the world, Dagan, Cara, and Brandon who have been alongside me every step of the way, always with words of encouragement, love and support.
Mark Parsell is also a good friend in the music community who has helped me tremendously over the years with booking and getting in contact with other musicians.
And last but certainly not least my amazingly talented band! Lane, John, and Dee, you guys have lit up my life more than you know and I am eternally grateful.
Plus so many more, even all the kind worded strangers but I’m rambling haha.

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madaline.collins.33/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/QD1xmJ9UqpU?si=v-kQQ8NIh_xerJzy

Image Credits
Ben Wooley