Madelyn Victoria grew up in the deep south of Texas, performing from the age 5 and earning awards and recognition as one of the area’s top young performers. She has won the vocal competition at the Modeling Association of America International Competition and Convention in New York, singing Sara Evans’ “Real Fine Place to Start”, was the Shania Twain Sing-Off Contest Winner in Las Vegas (Planet Hollywood and at the NFR Rodeo) and received accolades in both her Opera and Mariachi studies all the while honing her guitar skills. The artist was selected to perform with the Radio Disney Superstars of Dallas (2007). She has opened for pop boy band sensation, The Jonas Brothers and with her band has supported some of the biggest names in country music, including Easton Corbin, Turnpike Troubadours, Tracy Lawrence, Kevin Fowler, Clay Walker, Josh Thompson, Dustin Lynch, Zac Brown Band and The Charlie Daniels Band. Her latest single release with Star 1 Records and MTS, “He Only Loves Me on the Dancefloor” is currently in the Top 5 on national country AM/FM chart, New Music Weekly. We met this talented artist, who, not content to have sung the US National Anthem at different shows including United League games, also enjoys giving back to her community.
1inmusic: What is unique about you and your music?
Madelyn Victoria [MV]: …I feel like what makes me and my music unique is my originality. I try my best to come up with new ideas in my music and for my whole career. I want every song of mine to be different, yet stay true to my style. I also believe in staying genuine and humble, which might also help with my uniqueness… it’s not humble to talk about how humble I am, haha, but I feel like staying grounded and true to yourself really shines and matters in the long run.
1inMusic: What shaped your music and who supports you?
MV: Since I was a little girl my family has shaped me into the woman and artist I am today. They support me so much and are the reason why I do this. My mom’s side of the family is extremely musically inclined and I have been influenced by them since I was born. Hearing them sing at family gatherings, jamming out by a bonfire, and definitely having them encourage me to pursue my passion. I also have musical artist influences who I believe have shaped me such as George Strait, Johnny Cash, and Selena.]
1inmusic: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
MV: Music and singing have always been a part of my life in one way or another so I knew I’d always continue to be involved in music… but my 16th year was when I knew for a fact that I was going to pursue this career, never give up, and make it big. To this day, I remember the exact thought and feeling when I realized it: I was performing with Radio Disney Superstars as the opening act for the Jonas Brothers. Hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the rush of that sort of performance, and just the whole atmosphere really got me. I had felt a similar feeling growing up watching Selena (the late Tejano singer) sing on TV or seeing Shania Twain and George Strait perform on TV, but this was real life right in my face… and it’s been a crazy amazing ride since.
1inmusic: What type of music do you listen to apart from country music?
MV: …Is it obvious that I listen to Country music? Haha. Country music is my first love and mainly what I stick to listening to. Not just your top 40 hits though… I love me some Turnpike Troubadours, Sam Outlaw, Cody Jinks, Mike & the Moonpies, Kelsey Waldon, and I can go on and on…I’m always trying discover new bands that are making music right now that aren’t getting all the recognition as they should and I advise everyone to do the same! Because boy, there is A LOT of undiscovered talent out there. I also love Southern Rock and Classic Rock. Bands like Blackberry Smoke, Led Zeppelin, Lynard Skynyrd, CCR, The Eagles, so much more! I also love to dance to any kind of music.]
1inmusic: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
MV: I believe that there are many undervalued/underrated music artists from the past and in today’s music. In the Country music genre there have been many. From Don Williams to Dwight Yoakam, the band Asleep at the Wheel, plus the great Dale Watson. Despite not much recognition from the “big wigs”, they have all played a huge role in the country music industry.
1inmusic: How do you prepare for your performances?
MV: I pray first off- I pray to not be nervous, for a great audience, great performance, and for everyone’s safety. I also make sure to have my song lists for my guys ready to go. It’s really a pscyhe thing for me, I have to get my mind focused and thinking about what I’m gonna say or how I’ll be connecting with audience… and to show up early to study the venue, & see the crowd.
1inmusic: What ignites your (song) writing flow?
MV: There are so many things that spark my songwriting flame! It could be at a random time or random place, like taking a shower or in the middle of driving somewhere, haha. I also tend to write a lot more at night. I am influenced by so many things like people’s stories, my own experiences… a sunrise, sunset, or being on the road traveling show to show.
1inmusic: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
MV: I love to dance. I used to also be involved in dancing growing up and I absolutely love to go dancing at country dance halls. I used to choreograph a little as well. One of my dreams is to be on Dancing with the Stars! I also love to fish with my family. My dad’s side of the family are real big on fishing, especially salt water fishing since we are so close to the Gulf of Mexico. It is my escape and enjoy the time spent with my family out on the water. It also feels so awesome to eat what you caught, you know, really providing for yourself.
1inmusic: Success to you is…
MV: … achieving all your goals by letting your desire take control of your life, and gaining all the wisdom and knowledge you can contain along the way. When I’m selling out shows worldwide, and I’m getting those hits on the radio would definitely be a part of the definition of success for me. I also plan to do so many things as an entrepreneur and to give back to my community.
1inmusic: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
MV: So far I’ve had great advice from many great people in the industry, and people not from the industry which includes my mom. I may be stubborn at times and want to do it my way.. but I really do take in all the advice I can and learn right away from my mistakes. I still have a long road ahead of me and believe I will continue to grow and learn no matter what stage of my career I’m on. The best advice I can give to someone that is just starting off is to never give up… you are only three feet from gold.]
1inmusic: Any upcoming projects?
MV: I plan to start recording my first full length album this year. I’m so ready to get more of my music out to everyone!
1inmusic: Thank you for joining us for this interview. Where can we find your music?
MV: Y’all can all look me up on my website madelynvictoriamusic.com and there you can see my music, videos, tour dates, and links to my social media pages! Also please download my music off of iTunes, Amazon, or anywhere online that music is sold.
