From life on the road to national TV, Haven Madison talks creative process, sonic inspirations, and what it really takes to stay true in today’s music industry.

American singer-songwriter Haven Madison is no stranger to the spotlight. At 16, she stepped onto the big, bright stages of American Idol in pursuit of a lifelong – and almost blood-bound – dream of becoming music’s next big thing. But long before reality TV, national exposure, and a Katy Perry co-sign as “the next big pop star,” there was a little girl in Tennessee, tagging along on a tour bus as her dad played shows from city to city. “I just remember being so obsessed with the energy in the rooms,” she recalls. “To see the words that he was writing being sung back to him was everything I wanted.”

Now, as her latest track “Castle” storms the charts – climbing to Top 40 Radio as the #2 most added song in the US earlier this summer – she sits down with Wonderland to talk lifelong dedication to her craft, leaning into vulnerability to find her sonic essence, and the exciting days that lie ahead. Keep scrolling to read the full interview…

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Haven, it’s such a pleasure to have you with us, thank you for making the time. How are you doing today? What’s been keeping you busy or inspired lately?

Hi! Oh, my goodness, I’m so excited to chat with you! I’m at the beach right now, which has been so nice and restful. I’ve been the busiest ever — writing songs, recording them, getting ready to play some shows over the summer, just having a great time. I think what’s keeping me the most inspired right now is other artists around my age killing it! I’m loving Tate McRae and Jessie Murph, and I’m so inspired by what they’re doing!

Before we dive into your latest single, let’s take a step back to your early years. You’ve had a passion for music since you were a kid and knew early on that you wanted to turn it into a career. Who or what inspired that dream for you?

Honestly, I grew up on a tour bus and watched my dad on stage every night, and I just remember being so obsessed with the energy in the rooms. To see the words that he was writing being sung back to him was everything I wanted.

How do you approach songwriting? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or a feeling?

Honestly, it’s pure chaos. I do hear melodies quite often, so my voice memos app on my phone is a crazy collection of anything I hear. And then, yeah, whatever I’m feeling, I usually can’t describe until I put it into a song.

Not too long ago, at just 16 years old, you auditioned for American Idol. What was that experience like, and how do you think it’s shaped your career so far?

Gosh, honestly, it was like a fever dream. It all happened so fast, but it was such an amazing experience and really put me in the deep end of the industry. I feel like I wouldn’t know who I am as an artist right now if I didn’t do Idol then.

Your new single “Castle” is gaining impressive traction – congrats! Can you walk us through the message behind the song and what inspired it?

Thank you so much! This song is basically an anthemic song of love but dressed in past heartbreak. It’s about building up walls and finding the person worth tearing them down for.

You’ve grown so much as an artist in a short amount of time. How would you say your sound or message has evolved since your first songs?

I think I’ve really leaned into vulnerability and honesty. I’ve always been a super sensitive person, and allowing myself the space to feel that in my music has been a game changer for me.

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or goals do you have coming up? Are there any new directions or collaborations fans should watch out for?

Oh my gosh, there’s a whole lot on the horizon. I will say the song I’m diving into right now is one of my favourites I’ve done, and I’m super excited for fans to hear this sound from me.

You started young and stayed committed to your path. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to another young artist trying to break into music today?

I mean, I would say first, if you truly love the art, it doesn’t matter the timing or the width of the success that could come with it. And if you can master that — do it because you love it and not for the result — you’ll have the time of your life.

Words – Duda Albonico
Photography – Andi Elloway