Pansexual artist Madison Malone recently released new visuals for “Quiet Down.” Produced by Justin Glasco (Ron Pope, Christina Perri, The Lone Bellow), mixed by Bryan Cook (U2, OneRepublic, Radiohead) and mastered by Grammy-award winning, Hans DeKline (Diplo, Pixies), the track endeavored to paint a canvas of optimism and the various depictions of love across the world.
Malone’s musical prowess enabled her to write for artists at Sony Music and perform at some of the world’s largest music festivals, such as SXSW and SUMMERFEST, where she was voted “Favorite Emerging Artist.”
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According to Malone, her profound passion for music began in her house. She has stories as well as memories of dancing and singing around at home in front of her family and friends as soon as she started to walk. “My family was my first captive audience!”
A maker of ethereal and nostalgic pop music, Malone writes stories that makes you feel as if you are standing in your childhood home again or falling in love for the first time.
“I hope to continue to write music that connects and relates, so that we can see our similarities and differences and realize the strengths that are present in both.”
Inspired by The Beatles, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and many others, Malone’s main goal is to stay honest and genuine about her feelings about the story that she’s writing about.
With her new visuals for “Quiet Down,” Malone perfectly depicted the message of her song—to paint a picture of universal love.
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How did the idea of writing “Quiet Down” emerge?
When my girlfriend and I first met and were falling in love, she kept saying: “love is surrender & I find myself surrendering…it’s hard to give you all of me.” So, I wanted to write about that — love is surrender. However, the song took its own twist and ended up being about how if you love someone, you should shout it out from the rooftops. Never quiet down about who or how you love.
How did you first envision the music video for “Quiet Down?”
I wanted to create something that shows that love of all kinds is beautiful. I wanted to know what people thought of love and get their reactions on screen. I thought it was a pretty manageable concept, so before I left for tour, I bought a little whiteboard and went around asking people from all over the world what love means to them.
What do you want others to feel after seeing the music video for the first time?
I love watching people view it for the first time. They are smiling from the start until the end. I want that emotion of happiness and joy to follow them forever, really! I want people who may not have a voice to feel empowered and emboldened by love.
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What idea about the music video are you concerned about?
I was nervous about putting the video out because I grew up with most people thinking I only dated men. In the video, I kissed my girlfriend, and I knew that my hometown and anyone else watching would find out that I am pansexual, which is scary! It made me want to quiet down, but I know that I want to spread my love instead of hide it.
Were you affected emotionally by the music video after seeing the final version of it? Did the scenes reflect or coincide with the intensity of the lyrics?
I created the whole video by myself, so as I was working on it, I was constantly smiling. From the moment I asked that first stranger what love is to the final edit of the video, I knew that this was going to be a special piece that the world needed to see. I’m very proud of it and of those strangers who were willing to share this special moment with me.
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What is/are the most important words in the song? Why?
“I don’t believe that love could be a sin.”
Love shouldn’t be shamed, love is something to celebrate.
How do you feel this song connects with our generation?
I want to create art that brings us together—art that pushes systemic change. We need to speak positively about love, to encourage us to love and be loved.
How does the music fit the lyrics to the song?
The music is a party. It makes you want to groove and dance. It brings joy. That is how I want you to feel about love!
Is there a consistent lyrical style through the album, or a range? Are they immediately accessible, or do they require reflection? Do you sense that this is deliberate?
I’m working on an EP right now. It includes 5 songs with two versions of each song. The songs with a “1” at the end are a more stripped down version. The songs with a “2” at the end are with my band. I want to create an experience where the listener can grasp what an intimate show—with me singing solo on the piano—feels like and what a concert with my whole band sounds like.
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Does this track express the point of view of different persona and characters? Or do they seem more autobiographical?
This is an autobiographical track with observations and reflections on what we are experiencing now. I want to share how I feel with the world in hopes that others feel empowered to do the same. I want to spread acceptance and non-judgment.
What does the song’s title reveal, if anything, about your impact and themes.
I called it “Quiet Down” in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way. I don’t want people to quiet down. I want us to shout out loud about our love. However, I wanted to touch upon how I have felt in certain spaces—that I have to be quiet about being in a relationship with a woman. I think there are lots of us who have felt this way for whatever reason, but I want to lend my voice to say otherwise.
What was the most unforgettable gig you did and why?
Playing the Troubadour twice in Los Angeles has been pretty unforgettable. The history of that sacred place, the artists—my idols—who have performed on that stage, the feeling of everyone sharing that space with me is indescribable. I’m honored to have such beautiful fans, friends and family and to be able to sing in such magical places.
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What is your advice to other aspiring singers?
Find the people in your community who are interested in music. Find the people who manage the audio boards at your high school’s auditorium. Find the people who teach lessons. Find the people who write songs, play gigs. Build a community with them and let it lead to the next thing. Work with what you have, learn the lessons you need to learn early and use those tools to carry you through this crazy musical journey.
Check out Madison Malone’s music video of “Quiet Down”!
You can find Madison on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Featured image courtesy of Madison Malone
