CREDIT: Madison Bequer
Madison Bequer shares her inspiration behind “Bitter” and her experience as an indie artist.
Meet Madison Bequer, a burgeoning singer-songwriter whose music resonates with heartfelt emotion and authentic storytelling. Inspired by personal experiences and driven by a passion for connecting with listeners, Madison’s latest release, “Bitter,” showcases her compelling artistry and musical evolution. In this interview, Madison offers insights into her creative process and the personal journey that inspired this evocative track.
Singular Culture: How long have you been creating music, and what inspired you to begin your journey as a music artist?
Madison Bequer: Music has been an integral part of my upbringing. Most of my earliest memories involve music, and I can recall specific moments by listening to certain songs. Car rides with my parents were filled with ABBA or Queen, while my grandmother’s apartment resonated with various other genres. Despite my love for music, I was extremely shy about singing in front of people and even made a teacher turn around during a school musical audition. In high school, I turned to music as a way to cope with my circumstances and eventually worked up the courage to perform a few times during school concerts. Ultimately, in 2021, I decided that music was something I wanted to pursue as a career and completely changed my path. I transferred schools to study music, and with encouragement from peers and professors, I began sharing my own music.
As a music artist, what significance does music hold for you personally? Is there any specific message or feeling you hope listeners take away from your music?
Music holds immense significance for me personally—it’s the key to expressing how I feel. Growing up, I often felt disconnected from my emotions, leaning towards more “logical” thinking. However, music has been transformative; it has a unique ability to bring out and clarify my emotions like nothing else. Many of my cherished memories revolve around music: from car rides with my parents, to dancing with my sister to songs on the radio, to late-night discoveries on my laptop. My greatest aspiration is that my music resonates deeply with listeners, evoking their own memories or helping them feel understood through my lyrics. I believe this connection is what every musician strives to achieve.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie artist, and how have you tried to overcome them?
I would say the hardest part has been dealing with mental health while still trying to share music and juggle all the responsibilities that come with being an independent musician. I create all of my own cover art, design my own website, promote myself, book gigs for myself, and sometimes these tasks become overwhelming in the face of mental illness. Having this level of control is wonderful because it allows me to make decisions that are best for me, but it can also be daunting during a mental health crisis. My main strategy has been to persevere and do what I can with the resources I have, both mentally and physically. I’m still learning and working on how to better manage everything while trying to give myself grace.
CREDIT: Madison Bequer
Are there any particular artists or bands that influenced “Bitter” or your music in general?
I draw a lot of inspiration from singer-songwriter pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Holly Humberstone. Their ability to experiment with genres and writing styles is something I admire. Olivia, especially, has a knack for keeping her songs both enjoyable and substantive without veering into clichés. I aspire to achieve that balance of depth and fun in my songwriting. Additionally, Holly’s skillful incorporation of various instruments into her sound is something that resonates with me. Both artists have a distinctive sound and a fearless approach to experimentation, which greatly inspires my own music.
What was the inspiration behind your song “Bitter”?
The inspiration behind “Bitter” stemmed from a deep-seated desire to liberate oneself from grudges and lingering resentment. Especially in the tumultuous events of the last four years, we’ve collectively faced numerous challenges, making it particularly challenging to fully release these feelings of bitterness.
We would like to know more about your writing process for “Bitter.” From the song credits, we noticed you co-wrote the song with Tanner Katich. Could you share some details, including any memorable moments or challenges you faced during the writing and production process?
The process for “Bitter” was quite magical. I initially had some chord ideas accompanied by a simple drum beat. When I presented them to my collaborator, Tanner, he crafted the track and randomly suggested “Bitter” as the title. Instantly, I connected with the theme and felt inspired to write the lyrics. Everything flowed naturally, and I completed most of the song within an hour, although refining the second verse took more time.
Recognizing the song’s potential, I pushed myself to develop it further—a significant step given my usual self-criticism. Working with Tanner has been incredibly rewarding; he not only nurtures my creativity but also provides unwavering support during moments of uncertainty. The collaborative process felt akin to hanging out with a friend while crafting something meaningful together, for which I am truly grateful.
What are your short-term and long-term goals as a music artist? How do you see your music evolving in the future? Are there any new genres or styles you’re interested in exploring?
My immediate goal is to establish music as my full-time career and achieve financial stability through my art. I’m currently concentrating on writing more music, and aiming to release a project in the near future. My primary ambition is to capture significant moments and emotions in my work, creating a meaningful body of music that reflects my personal journey.
As for musical evolution, I am open to exploring new genres and styles to evolve my sound. While I’m uncertain where my music will take me, I am eager to embrace new influences and push the boundaries of my creativity. My ultimate goal is to continually surpass my previous work, striving for artistic excellence and leaving a lasting impact through my music.
Madison Bequer’s journey as a singer-songwriter is a testament to her resilience and artistic growth. Her latest release, “Bitter,” showcases her ability to craft meaningful lyrics and evoke deep emotions through her melodies. As Madison continues to carve her path in the music scene, her authenticity and passion shine through in every note. Experience the world of Madison Bequer by listening to “Bitter” and discovering firsthand the captivating storytelling and musical prowess that define her artistry.