“Country music hits the heart, and feeds the soul; it’s the story of all our lives in one way or another.” That’s Madelyn Victoria’s perspective on the depth of country music and just one of many reasons why this talented young vocalist and songwriter from Deep South Texas decided to pursue a career in the country music industry.
Her talent and desire for singing and performing was evident at an early age, with only a brush as a microphone, and coffee table as a stage, Madelyn would perform for her family singing along to George Strait, Alan Jackson, Selena, and more. “I sing because I believe I have a talent from God and hope to be like a shining light to this world, making as many friends as I can, and to be a role model for young girls and women everywhere.”
Madelyn Victoria and her own band perform at local venues, honkytonks, bars, and events in south Texas. “I hope to have my music playing in the background at backyard BBQ’s and at honkytonks, at weddings and parties… and hope my music and songs are able to show people the love of Jesus Christ.”
Q. Take me back to the beginning of your career, can you tell me how you found your love and talent for music and how you decided to make it a career aspiration?
A. “I have been singing my whole life. When I was five years old I sang at a Christmas pageant. I remember thinking how it was so natural for me and I enjoyed it so much. Since then it has been non-stop with talent shows, singing the National Anthem, church choir, lead vocalist in my church and more. I began song writing around 13 years old and my first official song was done by 15 years old. Since I was 16, I always knew I’d be involved in music somehow. I did a talent search with modeling and acting. I was cast for a couple of things, took classes in New York City and won awards there. The first time I was on the big stage, I opened up for the Jonas Brothers. When I was on stage with the roaring crowd and energy, It struck me I knew I would be a professional artist. I am thankful for all the opportunities that come my way. It’s only the beginning, there’s always more to strive for.”
Q. What or who played an important role in developing your career goals and making the decision to take fate into your own hands to pursue a career in country music?
A. “My family supports me and recognizes I need to do this. First and foremost, my mom, dad and brother have really helped me with all the tools and finances I need. This is a business as well; you’re investing in your talents and passion. My family is real big in music on my mom’s side. Hearing them growing up motivated me. No one had done it professionally yet, so I thought maybe I’m the one that needs to do this for my family. I feel like, I have this talent and I’m going to go use it, so I can let their talent soar through and be creative.”
“As far as musical influences professionally, I like to categorize my influences and myself. One being my voice and who I listen to as far as vocals go. That was a lot of female power singers like Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys. They help cultivate my voice and make my own. Another category being musicality and song writing, how I want to sound. I grew with 90’s country. With George Straight’s music you can’t deny he did something right. I look up to him and Allen Jackson, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless, just 90’s country really gets me. As far as songwriting, Johnny Cash, I love his lyrics. In preforming, I was influenced by Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and Shania Twain. They can captivate a crowd.”
Q. What do you enjoy or look forward to most about recording or performing music?
A. “I love to song write; I can articulate and express myself. In the recording process I get a little nervous. I prefer to perform live. I like the pressure of the outcome and wondering if they will like me.”
Q. What is a memorable experience for you in your music career and how has it impacted you?
A. “The first time I heard myself on the local radio. There is one big station for the whole region where I’m from. Only the big shots get to be played, not all the local artists. The musicians in my region told me, ‘You’re not going to get your music played since you’re just starting off and recorded your first song. You don’t have a record label, you’re an independent artist, you have to go find a station that plays them.’ I had faith and kept going. I would go visit the studio and make friends with them. I didn’t even ask, I just showed up, gave them my EP. They started off a Texas Saturday night special to where they play local artists and played my music. Not only did I accomplish something myself, I opened a door for local artists on a big station. I also enjoy meeting with headline artists I open up for. I take their advice, they tell me to never give up and write about what you love.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone who may have a dream or desire, but is struggling with taking the steps to make them a reality?
A. “You have to really discover your desire. Once you discover it, everyday proclaim it out loud. I use my words in prayer and talk to God about it. These words you say like, I love to sing, I am going to be a singer and do this. When you say these words out loud it all falls into place. Of course, you have to work at it and make a plan. Use the tools and people around you. I formed a band and am not afraid to talk to people. Don’t be afraid to show the world your talent. You can’t ever give up. There’s a formula. You have to proclaim the word, do the work and never give up because you never know how close you are to reaching your goals.”
Q. Can you tell me some of your exciting plans for the rest of the 2016? What goals do you have for your career?
A. “I am going to be releasing my second single at the end of the summer. That’s going out to all of Texas, Oklahoma and regions around here on Texas music charts, Texas regional radio report and new music weekly chart. I’m excited it will be going to all three charts and more people will hear my music. We will get a music video out for that song. We are updating everything on my website with graphics and photo shoots for the new single. Then I will go back to Nashville to meet new people and gain new connections. I hope everyone enjoys my new single, it will go to number one; I’m not going to give up!”
Follow Madelyn Victoria on social media to stay up to date on new music and performances:
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/madelynvictoria
Website:http://www.madelynvictoriamusic.com (Already rebuilding a new one)
CMT artist page: http://www.cmt.com/artists/madelyn-victoria/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/madelynvictoria
Instagram: https://instagram.com/madvicval/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qd_hlLELvwuYQ06z6qomQ?view_as=public
YouTube Vevo Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV4fxVi9FAKGP4XRp7BvCdA
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