- Words Notion Staff
Los Angeles-based folk-pop artist Rett Madison reflects on her new album, One More For Jackie, how to live your best tour life and why it's important to be vulnerable.
In a vibrant celebration of music and artistry, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Rett Madison has taken a bold step with her latest release—a heartfelt cover of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1987 hit, ‘Everywhere’. The track reimagines the classic with Rett’s emotional depth and acoustic charm. This new version comes as part of the expanded digital deluxe edition of her acclaimed 2023 album, One for Jackie, aptly titled One More For Jackie, which will be released on 25 October to mark the album’s first anniversary.
Rett’s interpretation of ‘Everywhere’ strips the song down to its emotional essence, featuring a subtle percussive groove and soft acoustic guitar that underpin her delicate vocals. The accompanying music video showcases her in a series of looks during an intimate photo shoot, reflecting her unique blend of visual and musical artistry.
As Rett prepares for an extensive tour with The Fray and The Crane Wives, she continues to captivate audiences with her deeply personal and evocative storytelling. From her performance at Americanafest to her upcoming appearances at the Austin City Limits Festival, her presence in the music scene is as dynamic as ever.
In this Q&A, we delve into Madison’s creative process, her approach to reimagining classic songs, and her reflections on the past year. We also explore how she balances a demanding tour schedule with creative inspiration, her songwriting process, and her future aspirations.
You’ve just released your cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Everywhere’. How did you approach reimagining such an iconic track, and what drew you to this particular song?
‘Everywhere’ was the favourite song of my late mum, Jackie, and me. I wanted to celebrate the upcoming anniversary of my album One for Jackie with a song we both loved. When I brought this cover to my producer, Tyler Chester, I knew I wanted to highlight the emotion of the lyrics with a slightly slower tempo and add a folky twang with instruments like the mandolin.
The music video for ‘Everywhere’ showcases you in various looks during an intimate photo shoot. How do visual aesthetics play into your music and overall artistic vision?
I’m trying to have more fun with my style these days! The sparkles and big hair help me lean into a new side of myself and I’ve noticed this aesthetic has been inspiring the songwriting process of my third album too.
Your new expanded edition, One More For Jackie, celebrates the anniversary of your 2023 album. Reflecting on the past year, how has your artistry evolved since One for Jackie was first released?
The songs I wrote on One for Jackie were mostly drawn from a lot of personal experiences in my life or the lives of my loved ones. I’ve noticed that the songs I’ve been writing after One for Jackie are leaning more into storytelling and a bit beyond just using songwriting as my own diary. I’m sure I’ll continue to write songs based on my life, but it’s fun to step into the mindset of characters and make things up for these new songs, which is a very different approach than my style on One for Jackie.
Your tour with The Fray and The Crane Wives is a significant part of your plans for the rest of the year. How do you stay creatively inspired and maintain energy throughout such a demanding tour schedule?
As much as I love being on the road it can also be exhausting, but I try my best to capture little ideas whenever I can while I’m on tour. If I have time to take walks on my days off, I’ll listen to songs I haven’t finished yet and edit the lyrics or melodies while exploring whatever city I’m in that day. My main priority while touring is to give the audience my best vocal performance every night. With that in mind, I try to prioritise rest and sleep as much as I possibly can while on the road.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from another artist or musician?
The best advice I’ve received as a musician was from my friend, Theo Katzman, who emphasised how important community building is for young artists. Make music with your friends and you’ll have a lifelong career.
You’ve been recognised for your storytelling. Can you share a specific story or moment from your songwriting process that deeply resonated with you?
A moment of the songwriting process that resonates with me the most is workshopping new songs at shows. Discovering if the story in a song resonates and connects with folks with similar experiences is one of the most important steps in my songwriting process.
Your lyrics often delve into personal and sometimes painful topics. How do you approach writing about such intimate experiences, and what role does songwriting play in your healing process?
When I first began writing songs as a tween, it was like writing in my journal. I’ve always been vulnerable in my writing because it was truly just a therapeutic and cathartic way for me to process my own emotions and experiences as a kid. I feel very grateful that I’ve had songwriting as a tool to navigate the most difficult times in my life. In addition to actual therapy, music has always helped keep me afloat.
You’ve mentioned the influence of various genres in your work. Are there any particular artists or albums that have shaped your sound or inspired you in recent times?
I’ve been listening to a lot of ‘70s soft rock and ‘60s orchestral country this year and I’m noticing that I’m becoming very inspired by the artists of those genres and eras lately in my writing.
Is there a particular venue or city that holds a special place in your heart? What makes it memorable for you?
I’m very fond of The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. It’s one of the first venues in LA that really welcomed me into the community as a songwriter and artist. I cut my teeth there, playing tens and tens of gigs between 2016 and 2018. Everyone that worked there genuinely loved music too. Some of the collaborators and friends that I still work with today are people I first met at Hotel Cafe.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I’d just like to continue making albums and playing shows for as long as I can.