ME: you’ve been making music for a while now, how has that journey been for you?
MADI MAI: i’ve been making music since i was 11 so the journey has definitely been a long one. i started off singing in pubs and competitions when i was 6 and went from there really, writing my first original song when i was 11. i’ve always adored writing so that part came quite easy for me, but it took a long time for me to gain confidence. that confidence came when i started working with a producer called major. he found me after i wrote a song in tribute to jodie chesney, a childhood friend who lost her life to knife crime. major and i worked together to raise awareness for knife crime through this song. years later i was signed to his company at instinctive behaviour and now we work regularly together!
M: I’ve seen the bts of you filming mvs. What does filming music videos feel like?
MM: i love filming music videos! the whole process is so rewarding but also very tiring. at first i was quite nervous and awkward but i soon realised that everyone around me was so supportive, and it makes the process so much easier.
M: where do you get the inspiration when creating music videos?
MM: i work together with a team of creatives to come up with ideas for the videos. my music video for anti-clockwise was inspired by the fact that i never had a prom due to covid! when i write songs i always have a story in mind, so it’s easy to pitch ideas and storyboards for them.
M: you have a very specific aesthetic which I really like. Where did the pink feminine mixed with goth aesthetic come from?
MM: i’ve always experimented with fashion and clothes. as a young child i was bullied for the way i acted or dressed, but i really see it as a form of self expression. i’ve always been fascinated by creepy things- things that are dark and scary and weird. but i also find comfort in pastel colours and soft aesthetics and cartoon characters. i thought, why not combine the two? putting creepy and cute together is probably my favourite way to dress, it combines two of my favourite things.
M: you talk very loudly and proudly about things such as autism and pcos (of which I myself suffer from, and endometriosis, so it makes me very happy to see such awareness). Why are talking about these things so important to you?
MM: i believe that a certain stigma exists with autism. my whole life i’ve been told that “i don’t look autistic” which always infuriates me. there’s a certain way people with autism are expected to look and behave, and if they don’t conform to these damaging stereotypes, they are often dismissed. because of this, i’ve been very passionate about speaking up and breaking autism stereotypes, as well as talking about my own experiences with being on the spectrum. the same goes for pcos- i didn’t even know what it was until i got diagnosed! there’s certainly a lack of understanding and coverage on the condition, and i think it’s so important to be able to understand each other.
M: you have a lot of pics and vids in studios recording. Do you write in studio or prefer to write your lyrics elsewhere?
MM: i write anywhere and everywhere. a lot of the time, i like to write in my bedroom. it’s small, quiet and comfortable which means i can really focus. however sometimes inspiration hits in the studio and we end up creating a song right there on the spot.
M: you’ve also already performed gigs. What have these experiences been like for you?
MM: performing gigs have been a great experience for me! it’s so amazing to see the support and feedback from the crowd, and i can never stop thanking everyone who attends! live performances seemed daunting at first, especially in front of large groups, but now i look forward to every gig i do- i think it just comes with practice!
M: people have drawn you and show their love for you and your music a lot. What is the connection like with your fans or supporters atm?
MM: I have so much love and appreciation for everyone who supports my music. I’ve had people draw me, send lovely messages, sing my songs, attend gigs- sometimes I can’t really believe it. I love connecting with the people who support my music. They’re all such interesting people who I often relate to- they may also have autism, pcos, or just love the same music as I do. My fan base is small but we’re growing!
M: you were also interviewed on the radio. What was that like for you?
MM: Radio interviews have been a great way for me to promote my song and also discuss autism acceptance. I’m still a new artist so these are all very new experiences for me. Having opportunities like this has been incredible so far! Due to coronavirus restrictions, most of my interviews have been online or over the phone, but I hope to get back to doing face to face interviews soon.
M: I like to end on a fun one. If you could be any character for a day who would you be?
MM: that’s a difficult question for me- i love cartoons so there’s a lot i could choose from. i think i’d be totoro from my neighbour totoro, or alice from alice in wonderland. i want to go somewhere weird and colourful!
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