It’s the kind of self-discovery that happens in songwriting. Madison Baker knows it well.
AMM Aug. 22 2024
Madison Baker single release show Saturday at Antone’s, with Skateland and The Past Lives.
There’s a sense of regret on Madison Baker‘s “WANNABE” that will clutch your heart, but Baker brings it from an intriguing perspective.
They were playing with some ideas on a little secondhand keyboard when a very specific vision came to mind. Harkening back to a theme from their 2019 release “Evidence,” Baker created a story from the P.O.V. of a heartbreaker, rather than the inconsolable heartbroken. The process led Baker to an unsettling reexamination of what they’ve described as some of their worst character traits from previous relationships. “My fear of being forgotten follows me like a shadow and is on full display here for all to see,” Baker says. “Funny how songs can really become a mirror.”
But these are universal human traits, with all the mistakes and visceral reactions in tow. And this kind of songwriting has Baker excited for whatever lies ahead. “I think it is some of my most vulnerable and honest lyricism,” they said. “It’s also a step in a new direction sonically, introducing more R&B/indie undertones to my music than I’ve really done before.”
“WANNABE” is out tomorrow on all platforms, and Baker’s having a single release show this Saturday, Aug. 24, at Antone’s. Doors at 7 p.m. The line-up features sets by songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and KUTX Artist of the Month alumnus Skateland, and rock’s purveyors of Purple Dreams, The Past Lives.
