Madalen Duke: Soundtracks for Finding Your Inner Strength
From Rainy Streets to Global Beats
In the bustling city of Vancouver, amidst the rain-kissed streets and vibrant culture, Canadian singer and songwriter Madalen Duke found her voice. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for crafting compelling narratives, Madalen has emerged as a formidable talent in the music industry. Her unique blend of pop, rap, and cinematic textures, coupled with empowering lyricism, has gained attention worldwide.
With a string of successful releases under her belt, including her debut EP "Talking To Myself" which has garnered over 20 million streams, Madalen's music has made waves across the industry. As an integral part of Rareform Audio's roster, Madalen Duke's talent shines through in both singing and rapping, elevating the essence of every project she touches.
“Two armies are coming at me
Their flags and weapons look the same
One tells the truth, the other’s lying
And they’re both calling my name”
In Tune with Television
Madalen's achievements include an impressive list of sync placements throughout her catalog. From the infectious beats and angst of "Run Boy" in Showtime's Shameless to the hauntingly beautiful vocals of "Born Alone Die Alone," the main title song for Netflix's The Old Guard, Madalen's music has become synonymous with captivating storytelling on screen. Her songs, such as "How Villains Are Made," featured in The CW's Batwoman, and "Part Goddess Part Gangster," heard in Love Island, serve as sonic backdrops, elevating some of television's most compelling shows.
But beyond Madalen’s accolades and achievements lies a genuine love for narratives and self-expression. I recently had the chance to ask her some questions about her creative process, her aspirations for the future, and the power of her music to empower and inspire:
How did growing up in Vancouver influence your music style and lyrical themes?
“I’m really in touch with the energy of a city. There’s something about the gloom and incessant rain in Vancouver that inspires me. The city brings out the storyteller and the dreamer in me. I used to walk around the University of British Columbia campus where I studied Creative Writing, and listen to Youth by Daughter on repeat. The lyrics of Youth remind me of the city and make me feel like I can do anything. I am forever inspired in Vancouver.”
"Snakeskin," your newest release, explores themes of longing for acceptance and love. Could you share any insights about making this song, and what it means to you personally?
“I’m a concept writer more than a literal writer. My love for themes and clever storytelling comes from my passion for literature. Snakeskin is the second single off my upcoming EP From The Tower. Each of the 5 songs on the project represents a different stage of coming into your power, a different stage of what that journey looks like. The idea of coming into your power to me really means becoming the best version of yourself. I think that’s the most powerful thing you can do as an individual. Snakeskin symbolizes a fall from grace. When you’ve changed who you are, and in doing so lost the love you once had with someone, you would do anything to be accepted by them again. That in essence is what Snakeskin is about. My producer BEZA took my idea and really brought it to life, and I’m so grateful for her vision and talent.”
Your music has been featured in notable TV shows like Shameless and Batwoman. What was it like seeing your songs enhance the storytelling of these series, and did the visual context of these placements influence your perception of your own music?
“It’s always so exciting to hear my music on TV or in films. I grew up acting and have always been really passionate about film and TV. Having my songs paired to screen definitely influences how I perceive my music and how I approach writing new songs. Because I have a natural tendency to write conceptually, creating an idea of a scene in my mind helps direct my songwriting and touch on relatable themes.”
Your voice and empowering lyricism have resonated with fans globally. What message do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially in terms of empowerment and self-expression?
“My mission as an artist is to empower. I think empowerment is the most powerful human emotion. I owe my drive and discipline and belief in myself to the artists I grew up listening to, that made me feel like I could do anything or be anyone. I believe in the ability to unlock your potential. You have the power within, mindset is everything.”
You and Nathan Fields have a bunch of unreleased tracks together, how did that connection come about and what has the collaboration process been like?
“I met Nathan through another collaborator of mine, Mark Evans who’s an incredible producer. Nathan and I started working on a song together and before long he became one of my favorite collaborators. He has an amazing understanding of music especially in terms of creating ideas that feel fresh and innovative. It’s been really fun working with Nathan! Definitely more to come!”
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their careers and want to get into the world of sync placement?
“Keep going. Keep writing. Keep honing your craft. Create what you genuinely love and figure out what your message is.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your music, and what can fans expect from you in the coming months or years?
“My sophomore project From The Tower releases May 3rd. I’m really proud of this body of work and so excited to share it with the world. I’m hoping to tour more this year and next, and manifesting a placement with Adidas :)”
Charting the Future
Madalen Duke's journey is a testament to the power of music to inspire, empower, and connect. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons, her music remains a beacon of creativity and authenticity in an ever-evolving industry. With her upcoming EP "From The Tower" on the horizon, fans can expect a captivating journey through the stages of empowerment, showcasing Madalen's unparalleled talent and compelling vision.
As Madalen Duke's music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Rareform Audio stands ready to facilitate collaborations that span across genres and challenge the status quo. Want to check out more of her work and license her tracks? Connect with us today! Discover the transformative power of music in storytelling.
Let’s Collaborate!
Need help building the tone for your production? Hit us up – the Rareform Audio team would love to help you create the perfect soundtrack that speaks to your audience and enhances the power of your visual storytelling to new heights!
