The reality of life as an upcoming musician: Q&A with Madeline Fletcher

Madeline Fletcher performing. CREDIT: Beth Hannaway

Madeline Fletcher is an independent musician, based in Leeds, whose incredible voice is like no other. The 17-year-old has built herself a platform on TikTok, with a 2k+ following, by posting covers with a unique twist. On top of this, she writes her own music. Her lyrics are honest, relatable, and poetically captivating. She is also part of an all-girl band "The Mile"!

Her alternative style has even caught the attention of some of the biggest names currently in the music industry. Madeline covered the track “Homesick” by Noah Kahn, featuring Sam Fender, prior to the song's release. Fender commented on her “impressive work”. If that wasn't validating enough for the young artist... listen to this. Noah Kahn also commented, crediting her for her work.  

Tune in to learn all about Madeline's life as an independent artist... 

What age were you when you first decided to pursue music? 

I've been singing my whole life. When I was 7, my mum put me into TLA drama school. That's when I started to pursue music.  I started vocal training at 11. Going to theatre school was the pivotal point it kicked off. 

When it comes to writing your music, what's the process?

If something inspirational or sad happens, a lyric will come to me. If I'm purposely trying to write a song I start by finding a chord and deciphering how it makes me feel.

My songs tend to be honest. Many artists write songs about falling in love, but they've never actually been in love, whereas I must write something that's happened to me. If it is not honest it doesn't feel true to me.

You've shared some originals on TikTok... What's the best song you've written?

It's called "Drown". It's about watching my friends struggle with their mental health, feeling a bit angsty and angry at the world. Whilst trying to be there for people, I was feeling pissed off at the lack of support for young people's wellbeing.

What do you find most challenging about being a singer/songwriter?

The not knowing where to start. There's so much pressure to be massive. Artists are expected to stay in a certain realm, but music is supposed to be creative. A lot of what I write is different. I pursue music because I love it, I don't care about fame. 

How do you feel about social media's impact on the music industry?

I'm on the fence with both sides. You used to play gigs and eventually get signed. Nowadays, it's very much social media-based, you have to have a certain amount of followers. It's hard to commit to posting, it's not what I'm about.  

I struggle with the influencer trend of deciding to go into music. It's great for some, music is meant to be experimental, like Addison Rae's track ("2 die 4") with Charli XCX. Though social media can be very toxic. It's a lot harder for independent musicians to get noticed.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

My band is playing the KEY club on the 20th of May! It's such an iconic venue, I'm very excited.

What are some goals that you have for this year? 

I want to release music and play gigs. However, I don't want to do that without knowing I have an audience that will listen. That may sound self-involved but fanbases are important. I'd love to do a support gig. Jack Foz offered me one but I couldn't get to London.

It's an expensive process. I'm trying to set up a home studio, the cheapest I can do it is around £700.