I Ascend: Please share with us, who is Ms. Maddie Poppe?

Maddie: I am a singer and songwriter originally from Iowa. I have dipped my toes in all kinds of genres and finally landed on an acoustic, R&B kind of pop style. I have recently released new music that I am really excited about. This new project really represents me well as an artist and I am really excited for everybody to hear it.

I Ascend: How many years have you been in this profession as a singer and songwriter?

Maddie: I grew up in Iowa and my dad was always heavily involved in music. Whether it be at church, or his bluegrass band, country band, or soft rock band, I mean, he kind of did it all. I was always around that growing up. My father always had studio recording equipment in the basement. When I got older, probably around fourteen, or fifteen years old, I started experimenting with my father’s equipment. It was then that I began making my own music in the basement and writing my own songs. I performed locally in Iowa until I was about twenty years old that was my job. I was going to school too at the time and then I tried out for American Idol which literally took my career to the next level. I am performing nationally now, which is really cool.

I Ascend: What has the process of “Becoming” on this journey been like for you?

Maddie: Well, it has definitely expanded my horizon. It has given me a little taste of everything. I have learned so much along the way, just within the industry that is. Some of it is mind boggling, things that you do not think about until you are in it. I have learned so much about music in general. There are so many styles that I used to shy away from or was not interested in at all. It was not until I felt the pressure, from producers that were challenging me to step outside my comfort zone. It was then that I realized I had gone to a different level by experimenting with and trying new things musically. This has allowed me to finally find what I really love.

I Ascend: Where did it all begin for you?

Maddie: The first time I sang solo, was at a local talent show. It was actually kind of traumatizing because I was so nervous. I even brought the words up with me on stage on a piece of paper. I could not play the guitar yet, so my dad played for me. I had on a dress I thought I should wear, but not what I wanted to wear. I got up there and I started singing the song. It was an outdoor stage and a big gust of wind came and took the paper with all the words. I was already so nervous, I was looking at the ground trying not make eye contact with anybody because I was so uncomfortable. I could not remember the words of the song and I started crying on stage. It was very embarrassing it was not a good experience. However, I guess it got me to where I am today. It was a trial that let you know what not to do next time and to always be prepared.

I Ascend: What hardships have you faced in Ascending to where you are?

Maddie: I know it is not right to compare your situation or your story to other people. I really have been very blessed in my journey. There has been road bumps and hiccups along the way. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I try to have that kind of optimistic attitude when those road bumps and hiccups come my way. If I had to say what kind of hardships I have been through, I would just say feeling like people have given up on you at times. That is it, plain and simple, those are the times when I felt really discouraged. When people said “You are not good enough,” or “We don’t like this,” or “We do not believe in it,” or they had a real lack of passion about me or about the stuff that I was putting out. It was those moments that were tough. I had to be my own cheerleader. In reflection, it is a time when you are all you have. Your close family and friends can always be there for you, but they cannot really help you in the ways that you need to help yourself. I have learned that I am the only one who can get me out of those ruts. Nobody is going to do it for me and that is kind of how this industry works. There is something very rewarding about being able to do it for yourself and picking yourself up in those situations. When you look back you can say, “I did that.” I am very proud of myself for not giving up.

I Ascend: Who served as your Cushion and Support Team during the hard times?

Maddie: My family has seen me at every point, they saw me when I gave up, they saw me at my lowest point, my highest point, and they remained through it all. There is nothing quite like the unconditional love of your family. My dad, especially because we both have music flowing through our veins. We are very passionate about music and we are so much alike. We can almost read each other’s minds without even saying anything. Then Caleb, who is my boyfriend, and also my best friend. He really has been the person who has inspired me to really dig in and keep going. He is that voice that kept saying “I do not care what the popular thing to do is, go with what your heart feels.” For the longest time, I questioned what should I be doing; what do the people want? Caleb finally told me, “You need to not care about what people think but do what you want to do, because at the end of the day, your name is on this.” He is one of my biggest cheerleaders and has been there through it all every step of the way. Caleb helped me get the ball rolling again, there were times when I wanted to give up and say I cannot do this, and I do not want to do this. He was that voice of reason that said “It is going to be okay.” I am thankful for that.

I Ascend: How do you juggle your time with home life while pursuing your career?

Maddie: I almost feel like in the beginning, I had a little bit too much home life, because I was so close to my family, and I still am. I did not want to leave Iowa. I was so homesick I wanted to be with them all the time I felt like I was missing out. Then the longer I stayed home, I guess the less productive I felt because they were all going to their jobs and pursuing their careers. I was not working on my music like I should have because I was not in Nashville anymore I was in Los Angeles.  It felt like I was really missing out on my career. I realized that there are moments where I need to really dig deep and go hard at my career and moments where I can take a break. I feel I found a pretty good balance of those two things now.

I Ascend: Congratulations on Ascending and standing in your Truth and Pursuing Destiny. What do you want people to remember about you?

Maddie: Something that is very important to me is not feeling like I have to fit the mold of the industry. Not even the mold the world has created for people and especially young women in the industry. I hope to be a role model for young girls. When I see women who kind of stepped outside the box, and are doing their own thing it is so inspiring. It confirms that it is okay to be different. It is okay to do your own thing and march to the beat of your own drum. I hope to be that inspiration of light for someone.

I Ascend: What word of advice would you give to readers to have them continue to Ascend in pursuit of their dream, no matter where they are currently?

Maddie: I would tell them to be “Yourself” I know, that is pretty cliché, but I still stand by that. Something I stand by even more that I tell myself often is to “Keep Going” and try to be optimistic in any situation. That has gotten me a long way. There has been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of unexpected doors being slammed in my face, a lot of people just dropping off like flies. However, through it all I have kept an optimistic attitude. In return, there has been many positive things that have happened, and many unexpected doors that have opened.  I would say, optimism is key even in the most horrible situations, because that is what will get you through to your next! You never know what is waiting on the other side.

I Ascend: Please share some of the projects you’re currently working on and how to follow and stay abreast of all that you are doing.

Maddie: I am really excited about my new project. It has been so long since I have put out new music. It is available now you can get it on all Music Streaming Platforms. You can follow me on social media platforms @ Maddie Poppe. You can also obtain information about contacts, booking and updates on my website at Maddiepoppe.com