Digital Cover: Haven Madison
Talent: Haven Madison
Photos: Steven Meiers Dominguez
Stylist: Britton Litow
Stylist Assist: Wendy Gonzalez Vivano
Hair: Will Carrillo using Philip B @philipb for The Rex Agency @therexagency
Make-Up: Christopher Miles using Tom Ford Beauty @tomfordbeauty for The Rex Agency @therexagency
Music Editor + Words: Do Young Kim
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Fashion Editor: Juri Watanabe
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Fashion Credits: Bodysuit + Garter Shorts: Sculptor Worldwide / Leggings: Kwame Adusei / Necklace: Pond in the Fish / Necklace + bracelet: Eliburch / Rings (Ring hand worn throughout): Eliburch / Rings (Left hand worn throughout): Keane New York
The neon sky-blue lights of West Hollywood’s historic venue, Troubadour, decorate the iconic stretch of Santa Monica Blvd. Inside, dim purple lights shine over an eager crowd. Unannounced, a shimmering strike of an electric guitar and a sharp flash of colored lights cut open the moment for nineteen-year-old Haven Madison’s powerful, soul stirring voice. Following the success of her new single “Castle,” which claimed the No. 2 spot for most-added tracks on Top 40 Pop Radio, the Tennessee born artist took her talent to the stage on the night of October 30th.
From growing up on tour buses with her father’s band to her acclaimed run on Season 21 of American Idol, Haven Madison’s voice and story have been ones that many have followed. Two years later, now signed to BMG, her creative prestige blooms into reign once again with her debut EP Roses. For our November artist interview, GR8T Magazine sat down with pop music’s new forerunner to dive deeper into her character, message, and the world of Roses.
Fashion Credits: Top: Belle Anna / Underwear: Nes Club / Tights: Hue / Shoes: Juanita Studio / Earrings: Elibirch
It’s great to have you on GR8T. What’s the most recent song you listened to, and why?
Hi, I’m so excited to chat with you! The last song I listened to was “Die On This Hill” by Sienna Spiro, because that girl can sing. I’m obsessed with her voice and vibe.
What made you decide that it was time for the release of Roses?
Honestly, my friends’ reactions made me realize how important some of these songs really were, and I spent a lot of time being super intentional with my fans to learn more about them. What they love, where they are in life, and what songs I wish I had in those times.
Was there a personal boundary in your songwriting that you’ve chosen to cross for this project?’
Absolutely, yes, I think these songs are a different level of personal for me. It’s honesty that I’ve been afraid of for a while, but I’m so grateful I explored in this project.
Coat: Cultnaked / Top: Belle Anna / Underwear: Nes Club / Tights: Hue / Shoes: Juanita Studio / Earrings: Elibirch
Is there a line from Roses that you were hesitant to write at first but ultimately made it onto the EP?
Probably “and just some mediocre head.” For obvious reasons, but it was the perfect amount of unhinged and funny so I had to put in the final cut.
Can you tell us about the creative direction behind the cover art? What is Haven Madison, in the world of Roses, taking a peek at?
I love that you asked this. It’s symbolic of the moment of contemplation before letting yourself cross the boundary you set for yourself. Looking out to where you’re going and letting that set in.
Bodysuit + Garter Shorts: Sculptor Worldwide / Leggings: Kwame Adusei / Necklace: Pond in the Fish / Necklace + bracelet: Eliburch / Rings (Ring hand worn throughout): Eliburch / Rings (Left hand worn throughout): Keane New York
With “Castle” becoming the second most-added song at Top 40 pop radio, have there been any other surreal moments in your career lately that you’re still processing?
So many moments. Just trying to take it all in and remembering that I’m standing in blessings that I prayed for years ago. Hearing my song at the airport while boarding my plane was one of the coolest moments, because I used to daydream about that exact scenario.
How is being on tour with Stacey Ryan? What’s one experience from this run that you see influencing your next steps as an artist?
It’s been so much fun. I think a big experience so far has been being a huge part of the crew. Each night I help load in, set up, and patch everything, which has been super interesting to learn. I think it will forever influence my gratitude for the little things people do that can be easy to forget!
Fashion Credits: Blouse: Katalyst / Bra: Kat the Label / Skirt + Belt: Maroske Peech / Necklace: Marland Backus / Boots: Damaya
What’s a genre or a concept you’d never put out but secretly listen to all the time?
I listen to rap more than people would probably guess, and I have actually created some of my own rap songs for fun.
Nashville must have had some influence on your artistic DNA, but what’s one thing from Music City that's irrelevant to your career but key to the type of person you are?
I think maybe the importance of family. It’s so common to make a friend and end up meeting their whole family and then some, which is so key to who I am. Without my family I would never have gotten this far in life. I’m so grateful for them.
Fashion Credits: Top: Nichego / Skirt: Bella Anna / Short Skirt: SALVATORE VIGNOLA / Shoes: Dirt / Necklace: Marland Backus / Earrings: Elibirch
Do you have any hobbies that help you stay refreshed between studio sessions and shows?
I love workout classes so much: Pilates, hot yoga, weightlifting, running if I’m feeling athletic. It’s such a nice reset and reminder to take care of myself.
What's one item that you always carry around and why?
Hand sanitizer. I’m actually quite the germaphobe so I burn through those spray.
Fashion Credits: Blouse: Katalyst / Bra: Kat the Label / Skirt + Belt: Maroske Peech / Necklace: Marland Backus / Boots: Damaya
With winter slowly creeping up, could you share three tracks from any artist that capture your ideal winter vibe?
Probably Baba O’Riley by The Who, Ribs by Lorde, and Northern.
Lastly, what’s something you hope listeners will say about your music a couple years from now?
I hope people say it makes them feel like they have a group of people who understand and feel the same. That the music makes them feel safe, understood, and allowed to be whatever they need to be. GR8T
Top: Belle Anna