NXTSTYLE’s 2020 Songs of the Summer: Madi Wolf “Control”
INTRODUCING NXTSTYLE’S ‘SONGS OF THE SUMMER,’ HIGHLIGHTING OUR FAVORITE TRACKS WE’VE DISCOVERED THIS SUMMER. OVER 70 SONGS FROM NEW AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS FORM OUR SUMMER 2020 SOUNDTRACK. TODAY WE FEATURE MADI WOLF. THE L.A.-BASED SINGER/SONGWRITER HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF OURS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. EARLIER THIS YEAR SHE MADE OUR LIST OF 100 ARTISTS FOR 2020 AND SHE DIDN’T DISAPPOINT AS SHE BROUGHT HER SIGNATURE R&B VIBE TO OUR PLAYLIST THIS SUMMER.
YOUR LATEST SINGLE “CONTROL” FOCUSES ON ATTRACTION AND FEATURES THAT SIGNATURE MADI WOLF SOUND WE LOVE. TAKE US BEHIND THE CREATION OF THE SINGLE AND YOUR CONNECTION TO IT.
First off, I’d like to say thank you so much for your continued support. I wrote this song about the intimidation a woman can often have over a man and have him embrace her strengths rather than fear them. In any relationship. “Give me a reason to stay” type of thing.
THIS SINGLE SEEMS LIKE A GREAT FIT FOR A TENSE/SEDUCTIVE TYPE SCENE IN A TV SHOW. IF YOU HAD A CHOICE WHAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE SYNC PLACEMENT FOR “CONTROL”?
When I wrote this song. I knew exactly how I wanted to make the listener feel. For me as a writer, each song I create is meant to gratify the ears in a specific way. I think about how it will be interpreted to others and use that as my road map for how I want the emotions to be conveyed. A motion picture or show placement would be a dream come true for me as an artist. When I’m making music I see visuals as the song unfolds. It’s part of the process. When you can visualize it, you know it’s special. I’d love to have “Control” on the show Euphoria or the movie After. I feel like it’s very fitting.
AS MENTIONED, WE LOVE THIS SIGNATURE R&B SOUND YOU’VE CREATED FOR YOURSELF THAT’S HEARD ALL THROUGHOUT YOUR MANY SINGLES RELEASED THIS YEAR. IN THE NEXT 100 FEATURE YOU MENTION YOU’RE VERY HANDS ON WITH YOUR MUSIC. DO YOU FEEL YOU’VE FOUND THE SOUND AND STYLE THAT FITS YOU BEST AND HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF YOUR UPCOMING MUSIC?
Absolutely. It took me many years to parlay into who I am today. It’s very authentic. As far as my upcoming songs, I have so many in the vault and with each new one comes another evolution of me as a songwriter and artist and my fans are part of that growth as well. I couldn’t be more appreciative, excited and pleased with how my fan base is undeniably grassroots and loyal.
MADI WOLF
AS WE DEAL WITH ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING YEARS AS A SOCIETY, DO YOU FIND THE MAJOR EVENTS OF THIS YEAR HAVE CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS? HAS IT PLAYED AN INFLUENCE ON YOUR SONGWRITING?
It’s changed my perspective in the sense that it’s heightened how important music is for our emotional stability. Especially in times like this and I think everyone on a whole would agree. Music is a vibration of your soul and for me it’s my safety net in this tight rope of life we live in. This time has turned me into a music slot machine. I just want to be creating. I’m so inspired. When I talk to total strangers about their struggles and they tell me how a song has helped them, it just amplifies my artistic drive.
WHETHER IT’S AN ALBUM, BEING AROUND CERTAIN PEOPLE, OR AN ACTIVITY, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT HAS HELPED YOU MOVE FORWARD DURING THE PANDEMIC? ANYTHING YOU CAN SUGGEST FOR OTHERS?
For me it’s been my health, fitness and home cooked food. Spending time interacting with family and friends and knowing people love and appreciate my music has also been a saving grace. When I pull up to a stop light and hear my song bumping or walk into a local store and they’re playing my song it brightens my soul. Of course I’ve had plenty of time to sharpen my Rummy and Checkers skills.
IN THE NEXT 100 YOU TOLD US YOU’D LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH TRAVIS SCOTT, LANA DEL REY, KANYE WEST AND MAX MARTIN. ONCE LIVE EVENTS ARE BACK ON WHO WOULD YOU MOST LOVE TO TOUR WITH?
Touring with Drake would be a vibe. Selena Gomez would be dope too.
AS WE HEAD INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOU FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020?
Creating and dropping more music until the entire world knows my name.
IS THERE A CHARITY OR ORGANIZATION THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU THAT YOU URGE OTHERS TO LOOK INTO? ANY PARTICULAR CONNECTION YOU HAVE TO IT?
My family has always wanted to have an animal rescue of our own.
MADI WOLF’S
SONGS OF THE SUMMER
- 1) If I’m getting ready or in the shower its “Greece” by Drake.
- 2) “Go Crazy” by Chris Brown & Young Thug, I’m in the car cruising with my besties for a fun night.
- 3) “Past Life” by Selena Gomez & Trevor Daniel, I’m working up a sweat.
- 4) “Body” by Summer Walker, feeling myself and I just might kiss you.
- 5) Same goes for “Play Fight” by THEY. & Tinashe.
Listen to all of our featured artist’s favorite songs of the summer on our special Spotify playlist.
Discover New Music
THE ‘NEXT IN MUSIC’ PLAYLIST
Discover a wide range of new music we love from artists located all across the world. Follow the ‘NEXT in Music’ playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
MUSIC IN 2020 INTERVIEW SERIES
WE INTERVIEWED MUSIC PROS AND TASTEMAKERS TO GET THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE MUSIC IS HEADED AND TO DISCOVER WHAT NEW MUSIC THEY’RE LISTENING TO.