Unfazed by the relentless grit needed to construct an ample fortress of safety, Haven Madison has in turn weakened our own walls with her clever yet unguarded lyricism. With a total of 10 singles and two EPs, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter recently made a crash-landing into the number two spot for the most added song in the U.S. on Top 40 Radio, situating herself just behind Morgan Wallen and ahead of Rihanna. It seems that Katy Perry was on to something when dubbing Madison as “the next big pop star” during season 21 of American Idol, where Madison eventually placed within the top eight contestants. Though this doesn’t come as a surprise, as it takes one to know one, right?

The track that placed Madison on the Top 40 Radio map is called “Castle,” a stormy pop ballad that walks the fraying tightrope of the vulnerability felt when warring with the thought of whether to let someone in or not. Whilst serving up Madison’s inner turmoil on a silver platter, the poignant tale told in “Castle” tells of the beautiful yet hardship-ridden progression of finally breaking down those stone walls and defeating the monster that is self-isolation.

Growing up surrounded by music and the artistry behind it has lent Madison the gift of balancing what can be dubbed as heavy topics with blustering instrumentals and a sonically uplifting atmosphere. Madison spent the first few years of her life on the road with family, being homeschooled by her mother while her father, Jason Roy of Building 429, toured across states.

As for the future, Madison is riding high on the wave of her childhood dream coming true, and rightfully so. Her dexterous way with words and instrumental backings that seem to perfectly scratch the itch in our brains leave nothing but excitement behind for her upcoming projects.

In conversation with Madison, she speaks on healing through writing, sharing the stage with personal influences that helped shape her future and how her surroundings guide her artistry.

What’s something you’re proud of that’s not on a tracklist—not a song or a stat—but something internal that’s changed in the last year?

Wow, that's an amazing question. I would say I’m proud of the effort I’ve put into healing and changing the perspective of what I’ve been through. It’s cliche, but it takes a lot to decide that you’re not going to let the things that hurt remain in your head. 

The Spotify and Apple playlists really embraced “Castle.” How has it felt seeing that level of validation at this point in your career?

It’s been so special, this is genuinely my dream and I’m so honored that other people believe in it too. 

You’ve hinted at a new single being released in July. Without giving too much away, how would you describe the energy of the song?

I would say it’s pure pop, fun, clever, and honestly has been such a blast to create. 

Your songs like “Why Do The Pills Work” and “Castle” are deeply personal. Is songwriting a form of healing for you? Or is it something else entirely?

Oh absolutely. A lot of time, the song I’m writing any given day actually reveals to me how I feel about something. It’s the strangest but most powerful form of therapy. 

You are a Nashville-based artist, but you're clearly not making “Nashville Pop.” How has the city shaped you as an artist?

I think Nashville has really refined me as a songwriter. They don’t play when it comes to intricate concepts and out-of-the-box chords, which I feel is pretty prevalent in my writing. 

You performed at Audacy’s Leading Ladies alongside Gwen Stefani and Lainey Wilson. What did that night mean to you as a rising artist?

That night was genuinely so special. Lainey has been such a role model, Gwen is literally a pop icon, and also Alessia Cara, I’ve been a fan of for as long as I can remember. To be on stage with those women was the most empowering thing ever.