Madison McWilliams – Texas teen creating a buzz with new singles, debut album and tour plans for 2017

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Joel Naphin

Texas teen Madison McWilliams is getting set to release her debut album this year and has already released two singles off her forthcoming (and yet to be named) album – Smell the Roses was released on September 16, 2016 and We’ve Got Today was released on January 20, 2017. Additional album tracks, including Fighter and End of theTunnel are also planned as advance album releases along with a tour to follow sometime this year.

McWilliams has been creating a buzz in the music industry since covering Nina Simone’s Feeling Good at age 14 when the video of her performance reached totals of one million Facebook views and garnering more than a half-million YouTube followers. McWilliams has since released videos for the classic Christmas favorite The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) back in December and her originals You Don’t Know My Heart and the latest, We’ve Got Today.

McWilliams will take part in this year’s annual SXSW Music Festival in early March. She will be featured in Austin’s Tribeza Magazine’s upcoming March music issue which coincides with the popular yearly music and arts festival.

Besides music, McWilliams is active in children’s charities often performing at her local Children’s Hospital. She also acts and enjoys traveling. Music Life Magazine caught up with this talented and inspirational teen to learn more about her.

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Let’s start off by getting to know you a bit. Tell us a bit about yourself. How old are you and where are you from?

I’m 15 years old and From Austin, Texas.

When did you get into music? Who or what inspired you to become a singer?

I’ve been singing as long as I can remember; my first experience with music was when I saw Celine Dion live in Las Vegas. Her performance is one of the reasons I was inspired me to pursue music.

Do you have any siblings? Is anyone else in your family in the music business?

I have two younger brothers and no one else in my family is musically inclined.

At age 14 you put out a video on YouTube of you covering Nina Simone’s Feeling Good and it generated over 1 million views. First of all, why did you choose that song? Secondly, were you surprised at the response you got from that?

I have always loved Nina Simone and was very surprised with the feedback I received.

Since that Simone cover you also put out a music video for You Don’t Know My Heart which got over 400,000 views in a few months. This, I understand, is one of your originals. Were you surprised at the response you got for one of your originals?

I was thrilled with the response.

Back in September you put out another video for your single Smell the Roses. It’s a great, catchy pop song. Did you write this yourself? What can you tell me about Smell the Roses? Will it be on your upcoming album?

Smell the Roses is about seizing the moment and enjoying what life hands you. I was a co-writer on the song; it is always so important for me to be involved in every aspect of the process. It will be in my upcoming album and my new live show.

What can you tell me as far as an album release and other singles?

This week (on January 20, 2017), I released We’ve Got Today…my newest single that I wrote on a napkin on an airplane to LA. Next month, I’m releasing a new single, Fighter, very soon and can’t wait for everyone to hear it. Fighter was inspired by the kids at my local children’s hospital.

Do you do a lot of writing? What do you like to write about mostly?

I love writing music and I write about what’s going on at the moment in my life.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you?

My music always has a positive message and is an emotion that I am feeling.

Who are your influences?

My biggest influences are the Beatles. They are such an iconic band and always inspire me to be creative.

You’re also an actress. Can you elaborate on that? What have you done other than music videos?

I love to act; I’ve been involved in musical theater my whole life. I trained on Broadway in New York and have been the lead in a number of musicals.

Where do you see yourself in the near future as far as your music career and possibly touring? Where would you like to tour?

I’m going to be touring this spring or summer in the U.S.

Is music something you want to pursue long term?

Yes, music will always be a part of my life.