The Girl's Guide
Issue 97: Interview with Madison Hughes
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Interview with Madison Hughes
This week’s Girl’s Guide is a little unusual — because I’m interviewing Madison Hughes, a singer-songwriter with an inside look at the music industry! You might recognize Madison from her time on The Voice on Team Blake. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and Spotify.
How did your childhood influence your music?
I grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, off the coast of Jacksonville. There wasn’t a big music scene there, if any, so I explored music in my own home, middle school theater plays, and through small charity gigs until I attended Episcopal High School, a boarding school in Alexandria, VA. During my time at EHS, I partook in a couple of theater roles and joined the choir, where I eventually gained enough confidence to play solo in front of the entire school at our weekly chapel service, just me and my guitar. Episcopal helped me embrace myself and encouraged me to be vulnerable in situations out of my comfort zone. Aside from high school, I always have held a special place in my heart for Jacksonville and the beaches because it has always felt like a safe oasis, or an artistic escape, from any pressure I feel or hold on myself… it’s been a consistent, reliable source of inspiration, energy, and comfort throughout my life.
What does your life look like right now?
In my spare time apart from music, I work with journalist Gabriella Hoffman for the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, CFACT, on a YouTube video series that I film and edit called Conservation Nation. As for my music career, I've currently been recording a few singles, an EP, and an album that will be coming out soon! I’ve been doing everything independently and have recently dipped my toes in the water by playing with a band, but I would love to play more live music and tour around soon. When playing live, I feel like there's such an immediate, intimate connection that I experience with the audience, so I definitely want to play more in live settings. I love the energy a crowd brings, big or small!
What's your advice to a young woman who wants to break into the music industry?
You must forge your own path and not only be true to yourself, but be your own #1 supporter. I think there’s a big difference between hearing what people say versus listening, so don’t listen to everyone or everything you hear, and don’t ever compromise your values, goals, and beliefs… even if you think it will benefit you now, it won’t in the long run. There will be people, and at times your own self, that will tell you you won’t make it or to just give up. I tell myself everyday to keep going because life is too short to not follow your dreams, so if somebody is going to make fun of you for following your passion and doing what you love, then that’s their problem, not yours. There are no overnight successes, and “success” looks different for everyone. Don’t limit yourself to one category or label yourself as good or bad. Everybody is so different with a unique story to tell; you will reach your full potential and target audience when you just keep creating, putting music out there, and staying true to your character.
What's a skill you have that's surprised you by being useful for your music career?
I studied Digital Media Production during my time at Florida State University, which has helped me tremendously! In the words of many people and professionals in the music industry, “content is king,” so filming my own social media videos has been a big reason why people have discovered and started listening to my music. I’ve had several videos go “viral” on TikTok which funnel over to my Spotify listeners, but on such a saturated app, it’s definitely difficult to stand out or find your targeted audience. I know that consistency is key when navigating the digital landscape with apps like TikTok and Instagram, so I need to always keep posting and creating so that more and more people can hear me!
What artists are you obsessed with right now?
I currently have these artists on repeat! Brent Cobb, Ella Langley, and the Bishop Gunn band.
Job Hunting?
Are you job searching? There’s an opening at ACC: “The American Conservation Coalition is seeking a Social Media Director to lead our digital strategy on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. We're looking for a creative self-starter and conservative environmentalist.” Learn more and apply here.
The Haps
It’s Spooky Season
Halloween is around the corner, and I for one can’t wait to see what creative political costumes the denizens of DC come up with. I have a feeling we’re gonna see quite a few Patrick McHenry’s (bowtie, gavel, and boom, you’re done). Need a couple’s costume idea? Bob and Nadine Menendez would be sooooo cute — don’t forget the gold bars. The Washingtonian has the scoop on more costumes perfect for any DC Halloween party.
Have a clever political or pop culture costume? Send me a pic to include in the next Girl’s Guide by replying to this email.
Here are more links to what I’m reading lately:
Katy Faust for Big Marriage: Carmel Richardson with a great profile in The American Conservative.
The 8 best places to buy Christmas cards online in 2023: Some options you may have never heard of! It’s never too early to order your Christmas cards.
Ask Evie
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This is fabulous! So glad you interviewed Madison.