Good morning. Good morning. Thank you so much for joining me today. Do you give me permission, Margaret Maynard for Truth Sarah Media and Publications on behalf of I ascend magazine to record this interview today? Yes. And your name is? Maddie Poppy. Okay.

My last question is, do you give us permission to utilize this particular interview footage to be able to create many clips just to share some of the cool nuggets that you may drop with our readers? Yes. Awesome. Okay. All right.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mrs. Poppy. How are you today? Good. How are you? Excellent. Excellent. I can’t complain. I’m honored to have this opportunity to interview you today. One of our first questions, which is always a real go getter and in terms of giving people an idea of who someone is, is who is Maddie Poppy?

Well, I’m, I’m a singer and a songwriter. I’m originally from Iowa. And, you know, I’ve been I’ve, I’ve kind of dipped my toes in all kinds of genres. And I finally have landed on sort of an acoustic, r&b kind of pop, if that makes sense. And, yeah, I’ve got new music coming out that I’m really excited about. And that really represents me well as an artist. And I’m really excited for everybody to hear it.

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. How many year have you been in this particular profession as a singer and songwriter? Or is it something that you’ve done all your life?

Yeah, it’s I grew up in Iowa. And my dad was always really heavily involved in music, whether it be at church, or he was always in a bluegrass band, he was in kind of country bands, kind of soft rock band. I mean, he kind of did it all. And I was always around that growing up. And, you know, he always had like studio recording equipment in the basement. And as I got older, probably when I was 14, or 15, you know, I started experimenting with that kind of stuff and making my own kind of stuff in the basement. And, of course, writing my own songs. And I did that locally in Iowa until I was till I was 20. I just gigged around Iowa. And that was, that was my job. And I was going to school too that I tried American Idol and was able to take my career to the next level. And I’m, I’m doing that nationally now, which is really cool.

Awesome. Awesome. So pretty much this has been a journey. I’m certain, you know, new things, new opportunities, what has the process of becoming been like for you?

I’m sorry, repeat back to that question again.

what has the process of becoming been like for you? In other words, over because we are in the process of being made daily, right, new, new things are happening, new experiences. And as you said, you know, just kind of being a part of American Idol has given, has kind of like really shifted things in such a way. So just from where you began over the course of time, what has the process of becoming been like for you?

Yeah, well, I mean, it’s definitely expanded the horizon I guess for me, it’s it’s definitely given me a taste of everything. I’ve learned so much along the way, just within the industry that is, some of it is just like mind boggling, that are things that you know, you didn’t think about until you were in it. And, but also, I’ve learned so much about music in general, you know, there’s so many styles that I used to shy away from or not be interested in at all and until I kind of felt the pressure you know, from producers kind of challenging me to step outside my comfort zone. I I’ve realized like, Oh man, I’m I’ve kind of taken it to a different level and I guess just by experimenting with things that you know, trying new things, I’ve I’ve kind of finally found what I really love.

Awesome, awesome. So I know that you did share some things in terms of dad kind of hanging with him being being in the scene of things, seeing things for so long. Can you really, really kind of pinpoint or think where you would say that it all began for you?

Yeah, yeah, I would say. The first time I sang solo, I guess it was one of the first times I ever sang Solo was at a talent show a local talent show. And it was actually kind of traumatizing in a way because I was so nervous that I brought the words up with me on stage. And I couldn’t play guitar yet. So my dad was playing guitar for me. And I was dressed, I was in some sort of dress that I thought, Oh, this is what I should wear, not really what I want to wear. And I got up there, and I started singing the song. And they, the words were on the stage, and it was an outdoor stage, and a big gust of wind came and took all the words. And I and I was already so nervous, just like looking at the ground, trying to not make eye contact with anybody because I was so uncomfortable and so nervous. And then when that happened, I was just like, I don’t, I don’t know the song. And so I started like crying on stage. Oh, it’s very embarrassing. And and, yeah, that was that was like the first time I really, I guess that I, I sang solo, and I kind of did it. And it was not a good experience. But you know, it, I guess it got me to where I am today. Yeah, it

It was a trial but it was also something that let you know what not to do next time. Be prepared. Yeah, that’s all that’s all that but you’re here now and I’m really, really excited about it. I heard you, you have a beautiful voice, you have a very unique style as well. And it’s always excellent to be unique, in essence, because it separates you from all of the normal sounds that we hear. So people when they hear your voice, they know that is huge. That’s that’s like like Aretha Franklin. Or a What is that young lady’s name? Or what is her name? Julie garland? Like there are there are some that are there is a unique sound. And you definitely have that from the rest. Absolutely.

What have been the hardships you have faced in ascending to where you are.

You know, I I know it’s not right to compare your situation or your story to other people’s, but I really have been very blessed in my journey. And obviously, there have been, you know, road bumps and hiccups along the way. But you know, everything, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. And I try to have that kind of optimistic attitude when I guess when those road bumps and hiccups come my way. I try to just look at it as like, is happening for a reason. Instead of Oh, my gosh, I lost everything. And, yeah, I mean, I would just say, if I had to say what kind of hardships I’ve been through, I would just say just people given up on me, you know, and that’s just kind of plain and simple is those have been, those have been the times when it felt really discouraging. It’s just when people have, you know, either said, you know, no, you’re not good enough, or we don’t like this or we don’t believe in it, or just had a really lack of passion about me or about the stuff that I was putting out. And yeah, I would say those are the those are the times when it’s tough because you have to be your own cheerleader. And you’re all you have because everybody else even if it’s you know, your close family and friends can always be there for you, but they can’t, you know, they can’t really help you in in the ways that you helped me to help yourself, I guess. And I’ve learned that I’m the only one who can get me out of those ruts. Nobody’s going to do it for me and that’s kind of how this industry works. And but you know, there’s also something very rewarding about being able to do it for yourself and being able to pick yourself up when you’re in those situations, because you can look back and say, you know, I did that, and I, you know, I’m, I’m proud of myself for kind of having the, um, you know, just for not giving up.

Right, awesome, that is good. Well said, very, very good nugget. Who served as your cushion and support team during these difficult times?

Well, I mean, number one, is my family. And just because they have seen me at every sort of point, they saw me when I gave up, they saw me at my lowest point. And they saw me at my highest point, too. And they’ve been there through it all. And just, there’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of your family. And my dad, especially just because we have the music, kind of the music vein in common, and we’re very passionate about music. And also, we’re just very, we’re so much alike, that we can almost kind of read each other’s minds without without even saying anything. And so I would say them first off, but secondly, not even Secondly, just another person is Caleb, who’s my boyfriend, but also my best friend. He really has been the person who has inspired me to really dig in and keep. He’s somebody who’s always been like, I don’t care what’s the popular thing to do, I need to go with my heart kind of thing. And for the longest time, I kind of was just like, Oh, why don’t people want to hear what, what should I be doing? And he’s the person who finally told me like, you need to not care about what people think you need to do what you want to do, because at the end of the day, your name is on this. And he’s somebody who’s just, I truly think he’s my biggest cheerleader and has just been there through it all and seen every step of the way and been there. And, you know, just really encouraged me to dig in deeper to what I love. And I guess he kind of got the ball rolling, as you know, as there were times when I was just like, I can’t do this, I don’t want to do this. And he’s, you know, kind of told me like, you can do it. And it’s you know, you’re, it’s gonna be okay kind of thing.

That’s a good thing Caleb is sounds like a very, very loving, concerned, compassionate, young man. And that’s a great person, or great spirit to have in your corner at all times. Yes, yes.

So my next question is, how do you juggle your home life or your, you know, time when you take care of you and you think, you know, you kind of it’s Maddies moment, you know, how do you juggle your time with home life, while pursuing this craft?

Um, well, um, I almost feel like in the beginning, I had a little bit too much home life, because I was so close with my family, and I still am. But I didn’t want to leave Iowa. And I was I just got so homesick and I wanted to be with them all the time and I felt like I was missing out. But, you know, then the longer I stayed home, I guess the less productive I felt because they were all going to their jobs and careers and I was not working on music because I wasn’t in Nashville, I was in LA. And I felt like then I was really missing out on my career. And so obviously, my family and I are very close. But I think I realized that there’s moments where I need to really dig deep and go hard at my career. And, and there’s also moments where I can take a break. Right now is not one of those times, unfortunately. But I mean, I feel like I finally found a pretty, pretty good balance of those two things.

Awesome. Awesome. Congratulations on ascending and standing in your truth and pursuing your destiny. We always say that because it takes courage. We want you to know that we acknowledge that. So again, congratulations. What do you want people to remember about you?

Um, I guess something that’s important to me is not feeling like I have to fit the mold. I guess that to the industry and even the world has just created for people and especially young women in the industry, I, I hope to be a role model for young girls. I think that’s really important just because I remember being 10 and 11. And feeling like, you know, I, I wished I had somebody. And then when I did, you know, when I did see those girls who kind of stepped outside the box, and were doing their own thing that was so inspiring, and it made me feel like, it’s okay to be different. And it’s okay to do your own thing and kind of march to the beat of your own drum. And so I always hope to be that for someone.

Awesome again, what word of advice would you give to our readers, to have them to continue to ascend in pursuit of their dream, no matter where they are currently?

You know, my old advice used to be be yourself. And I know, that’s pretty cliche, but I still stand by that. But something I stand by even more that I have kind of had to tell myself a lot lately is to keep going and try to be optimistic in any situation, because that has gotten me a long ways. Just recently, there’s been a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of downs, actually, a lot of just unexpected doors being slammed in my face. And you know, just a lot of people just dropping off like nothing. And I’ve tried to keep an optimistic attitude about all of that. And in return, there has been so many positive things that have happened since those things have happened. And so I would say, just always try to stay optimistic, even in the most horrible situations, because that’s what’s gonna get you through. And you never know what’s waiting on the other side.

Excellent, excellent. Please share some of the projects you’re currently working on or what’s forthcoming. And last, but not least, because we’re going to combine the two is also let us know how the readers are able to stay connected with you in how many want if they wanted to book you, how are they able via social media, if you have a booking email address, just a combination of all that together new texts and how to stay in touch with you.

Yeah, so I’m really, really excited about my new project that I’m working on. It’s been so long since I’ve put out music, but I’m working on it right now. And I have an album that I’m releasing this year. And I’ve got some singles coming up quicker than almost a little too almost a little too quick. So I’ve got I’ve got new music coming out really soon. And and an album to follow and you can follow me on social media. I’m Maddie Poppy, on all platforms, and it’s just like Poppe, just like the flower but change the why to any and, and you can find all the details about contact and booking and updates on my website. That’s just Maddiepoppy.com

Awesome. Awesome. That concludes this interview. Stamp.