MAAD
Heard the phrase ‘don’t get mad, get even’? We’re making an exception in the case of New York-based MAAD and her slick pop sounds, tinged with soul and r’n’b. We chatted with the rising star to talk her musical influences, the songs that make her cry and her incredible style.
Hey MAAD! How did you get into music?
I was obsessed with music, my father was a musician so it was always around me. My mother used to play Luther Vandross, Diana Ross and Nancy Wilson every morning before we left the house.
Did you used to sing along?
When I was five, my father was like ‘I think our daughter is singing in her room’. I kept it a secret, I didn’t want everybody to know, but it got to a point where I thought I should, because I love it. It was cool to grow up in that musical household, and then I started songwriting.
Do you remember writing your first song?
I feel like I’ve always written little poems that could be turned into records. It’s a good outlet for me.
What’s the biggest song you’ve written so far?
I’ve written a lot for other artists, but the most popular ones are my own, like Black Ice which I wrote with Trey Campbell who’s based in LA. Then there’s 90s Love which I wrote with a friend of mine.
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Is that collaboration something you enjoy?
I don’t think there’s anything better than being able to share your ideas with someone else, you never know what’s in their heart to get out. I’d love to collaborate with Pharrell and Nile Rodgers.
Who are you inspired by?
Growing up, I loved Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, all the favourites basically. I did a show the other day with a lot of awesome British artists, there was a rapper called Che Lingo and I love Nao.
And who are you loving right now?
I love listening to Kaytranada, he’s a dope DJ, and put out a project recently that I love. I’m really obsessed with Vanity 6, I know they’re not a new group but I love them. Ro James’ album is fantastic, I actually have a song with him on my upcoming project.
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Your style is incredible - where do you shop?
I feel like every time I shop online I order the wrong sizes, so I’m the girl that has to go to the store. I shop everywhere, Zara, Topshop, a cool vintage store… When I travel, I don’t feel like I have enough suitcase space for my shopping and I have to ship stuff back, it’s ridiculous. I went to Brick Lane this trip, and Topshop - it was on so many levels, that’s kind of scary.
What’s the first and last gig you went to?
The first was Janet Jackson, my cousin surprised me when we were walking down the street and said ‘Janet Jackson’s playing at Madison Square Garden’. I didn’t think anything of it, then we started walking in… it was a huge surprise. The last gig I went to was Coachella, so I saw Calvin Harris and a few more.
What’s the first and last album you bought?
A Mariah Carey album, I can’t remember which one. It was probably her Number Ones. The most recent album I bought was Frank Ocean.
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What song makes you cry?
I really love Ladyhawke, her song Paris Is Burning, and Michael Jackson She’s Out Of My Life. The emotion in that song is just… you really feel that she’s gone.
What would you be doing if you weren’t making music?
I don’t think I’d be doing anything else! That’s the honest truth. There was a time when I was asked what my Plan B was, and I really don’t have one so I’m banking on this working out.
So what’s next for you?
I’m releasing my EP, Le Funk, which will be out later this year. I definitely think I’ll be in and out of London, the audience out here is great. As an artist, when you’re working on something from scratch, it’s amazing to see it become a song and people start dancing to it. I’m so excited and grateful.
Continued below...
90s Love is out now. Le Funk is due out later this year
Get MAAD: InStyle Introduces Pop’s Edgiest New Voice
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