“Every song is a page from my story.” — Maddisun on Her New Album

There are artists where you can feel that their personality stands right there on stage — not an artificial figure, which has its own charm too, but something with no distance between person and art. The young artist Maddisun is one of them. Her artistic self is simply an extension of who she is. “I don’t have much difference in how I show up artistically vs my daily personal self,” she says. “I suppose I’m just a little more shiny and exaggerated online and on stage, but I’m a very positive and empowering person. I’ve been told that I have ‘best friend energy.’”

Born in the mountains of British Columbia, Maddisun has carried her music far — from Cranbrook to Dublin to Los Angeles. Her new album The Pages feels like a musical journal, reflecting moments of love, loss, growth, and connection. Each song captures a different phase of her journey, a reminder that resilience and openness can coexist. And we gladly follow her on this journey — sometimes intimate, sometimes a pure pop song.

In our interview, she talks about the stories behind the songs, the power of authenticity, and the calm that comes with accepting all our different seasons.

header photography by Justin Friesen

Hey Maddisun! Congratulations on your new album! The Pages is structured like a musical journal. Did you approach the writing as a personal record for yourself, or more as letters meant to speak and inspire others?

Thank you so much! Yes, it certainly is! I think it’s a blend of both. There are some deeply personal songs on here, like Open Door, To Heal and Your Muse — but these songs also have general themes that relate to the basic human experience. Love, loss, resilience and the courage to do something bigger and unconventional with your life. To follow your dreams and not let anything stop you. Especially on To Heal, the end lyrics really hit home with that sentiment.

Each song is a “page” from your story. I am curious, if someone could only read one of them, which track would you hand them as the best reflection of who you are right now?

Probably Big Star or The Pages. Both songs really represent my current sound and energy. Big Star is like my childhood rock and roll musical theme song.

You’ve been described as blending the spirit of ’70s rock theatre with modern folk and Americana. Do you feel a special connection to the past in that sense?

Yes! Wow, I feel such a crazy connection to the past, like I almost time travelled. I drive a 1976 Chevy Chevette and most of my clothes are vintage, I mostly listen to music from the ‘90s or earlier. I really long for a more simple and classic time. A time where everything was slower and more intentional. That’s why I first and foremost released this album on physical copy. I love holding the music in my hands, and I love the experience that it brings for listeners.

“I really long for a more simple and classic time. A time where everything was slower and more intentional.”

There’s a beautiful duality in your work: strength and resilience, but also openness and vulnerability. Is this something that reflects your personality in daily life as well? And do you ever feel the need to hold on to being strong? I sometimes struggle with resilience myself—especially when it doesn’t come at the right moment.

Aw – thank you for mentioning this! It definitely comes out in my “regular” personality. I don’t have much difference in how I show up artistically vs my daily personal self. I suppose I’m just a little more shiny and exaggerated online and on stage, but I’m a very positive and empowering person. I love to raise up all the people in my life and make them feel important. I’ve been told that I have “best friend energy”.
I do of course struggle with getting down and disappointed when at times my efforts aren’t recognized or supported. It’s hard to be vulnerable and expose your soul artistically. In the past, I have played shows where maybe people aren’t listening, they are making comments or aren’t fully into it, and it’s hard to just continue on and hold your head high even when people are judging you, but once you overcome those obstacles, that’s when you find your true people.

I felt especially drawn to Basil—it has such a beautiful energy. Can you share what inspired it and what it means to you?

You and many others have been drawn to Basil and that is so special to me. I wrote it with Julian (my partner in music and life). We wrote it in the first couple weeks of us spending time together, so it really captures that sweet, exciting energy of meeting a new love. The song sounds like a blossoming and budding relationship. It’s about finding someone and something to hold, and cherishing the time together, wanting to grow old, but also wishing that time could stand still and you could hold onto that feeling forever.

“Being on stage feels like being home and being in my shining glory.”

And speaking of moments that stayed with me, closing with To Heal is wonderful. What was your intention in ending the record with this beautiful piece?

Thank you! I recorded this song almost two years ago now (Feb 2024) with Ian Docherty in Toronto. I knew the song was special, and I didn’t want to just release it as a single, so I sort of held onto it until it had the right moment to shine. When I was putting the record together, I listened to this song at the very end, and just knew it was a perfect way to close the chapter. This song starts a little somber, and then it builds with inspiration and empowerment, eventually leading to that huge uplifting hook. It reminds us that things all happen exactly when and as they are meant to – a theme I am constantly reminding myself in my career and life.

Your journey has taken you from Cranbrook to Dublin to Los Angeles. Many people say it’s the people who make a place feel like home. Would you say that’s true for you as well?

Yes, 100%, but also music. That’s why I titled my second album Home Is Where The Music Is. When things get crazy and overwhelming, and oftentimes lonely, I turn to my music, and I feel myself again. Music is a home for me, and it brings me back into my body – truly the best form of therapy. I am always searching for deeper and more passionate experiences in my life, and travel certainly brings that.

Performing more than 500 shows in five years is no small feat. Do you still get nervous before going on stage, or does it now feel more like routine?

(Laughs) – now it feels like routine! I never really got nervous. I get excited, anticipation, like I just can’t WAIT to get up there, and I’m always absolutely buzzing before being on stage. Being on stage feels like being home and being in my shining glory.

Finally, what is the most important thing in life to you right now?

Right now, I’m trying to stay connected to myself and keep my mental and physical health strong. I also just really value normalcy in between my crazy entertainment world. I love spending time with my family/friends, hiking, being in nature, camping, and playing music by the campfire. I think I’m ready for a cozy winter with a little less crazy.
So, here’s to all our different phases and seasons. Radiate genuine energy.