Burgeoning pop starlet Madilyn Bailey unveils her latest record, “Tattoos & Therapy.” A testament to her creative progression, the single effortlessly interweaves Madilyn’s unfiltered lyrical storytelling with an infectious pop melody, making it a track as relatable as it is exhilarating.
Known for her indomitable spirit, Madilyn first caught our attention with her audacious move to audition for America’s Got Talent using a song constructed entirely from negative comments she’d received online. Such a bold and unique approach won the heart of Simon Cowell, propelling her to the competition’s semi-finals. Her transformative journey from a YouTube sensation, where she’d covered popular songs, to a rising pop star in her own right speaks volumes about her relentless drive.
With “Tattoos & Therapy,” Madilyn reaffirms her standing as a formidable songwriter and not just a cover artist. The track encapsulates all the ingredients for a chart-topper, with topical lyrics, effervescent production, and an irresistibly singable chorus. It is a candid exploration of navigating the turbulence of life, resorting to ill-advised habits, and striving for healthier alternatives.
The lyrics’ vivid honesty—”I’ve got this self-destructive energy / Text my ex and regret it immediately / End up in somebody’s bed / And wake up hating me / Instead I’ll get tattoos and therapy”— strike a chord, making the song a testament to Madilyn’s dexterity in encapsulating complex emotions.
Expanding from her humble beginnings in rural Wisconsin, Madilyn Bailey’s journey has been nothing short of an electrifying rollercoaster ride. A new anthem for a generation seeking solace in authenticity, “Tattoos & Therapy” heralds yet another milestone in the singer-songwriter’s promising career.
Hey Madilyn! First and foremost, how are you?
You know how they say life happens in seasons? Well… this is my “when it rains, it pours” season. A lot of really cool things are happening all at the same time. It feels kismet though. When I start doing more of what I love, more of what I love comes into my life.
Having cultivated this massive audience some years ago, how does it feel to grow up now, especially as a musician, navigating the public sphere? What’s it like being in the public eye, being a musician in these formative years?
Growing up with the internet has been pretty cool and weird, but cultivating an audience online has been one of the best decisions of my career. It has given me total creative freedom as an artist and a direct connection to my audience, allowing me to find my people and really build a community that has lasted. I mean, we made it through the apocalypse and the death of many apps (RIP Vine, RIP musically), and the MadFam has come out stronger than ever.
Congratulations on your new single “Tattoos & Therapy”! Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind the song?
You know, when you’re already feeling down, why is it that the urge to dig yourself deeper has an almost gravitational strength pull? I find that when I’m spiraling, bad decisions come in clusters. So instead, when I feel that overwhelming call to self-sabotage, I will do one of two things. Call my therapist or get a tattoo. This song is all about taking back control in the midst of situations that can make us feel quite powerless like anxiety and panic attacks, and giving an alternative to destructive behaviors.
Both sonically and visually, this record goes in a completely different direction in comparison to some of your past songs. What was the process like of creating the artwork and getting the tattoos, some of which I can imagine are references to other things?
Sonically I really wanted this track to feel manic, like you can almost taste the tension of this ensuing panic attack. I have also always wanted to get a tattoo, and since I am an all-or-nothing extremist, I couldn’t just get one. I had to get full sleeves. Don’t worry, they are all temporary… or are they?
You previously said that the song speaks to turning to healthier alternatives when dealing with self-destructive tendencies. Could you tell us more about that, and how you’ve navigated these personal challenges in your own life?
I have dealt with a lot of anxiety all my life, and although at times it can be debilitating, in a lot of ways it can also be a real gift. I don’t think we often see anxiety cast in a positive light but it’s a part of me and a part of why I’m so driven and detail-oriented. See, I kind of think of it as a superpower… as long as I’m in control.
Which is why it’s so important to have really good coping strategies and self-soothing techniques. Writing songs, going for head-clearing walks, grounding and breathing techniques, and therapy are a few of my favorites. Oh, and don’t forget… drink lots of water!
I feel like to some extent, your wardrobe can speak volumes in the same way that music does. Especially now that you’ve matured a bit, how would you describe your personal style?
I’d describe my personal style as sporty glam. Sporty for comfort. Glamorous for my inner diva. I love bold looks and bold colors.
As you are exploring yourself, your sound, and your persona through “Tattoos & Therapy,” who is Madilyn in this current moment and who do you hope to grow into in the future?
Oh man… the past two years of my life have been some of the hardest and most growth-inducing years. And in a really beautiful way, the person I am today is who I have always wanted to be. From health issues, to surgeries, to my IVF journey to America’s Got Talent, it has all really tested me but I have found there is clarity in crisis.
What doesn’t matter fades away to background noise, and the important things come into focus. I think who I am is made up of what’s really important to me… My husband, my family, my health, my music, and my internet fam. I haven’t thought of hardly a single thing outside of those. And I know my music will be a reflection of all my struggles and growth.
