By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Whether it’s her songwriting notebook or custom purple cheetah print Telecaster, the self-described “Rock ‘n’ Roll glitter princess” Maddy Wood, 21, knows how to make a statement.
The singer-songwriter’s new single “If I Could Move,” serves as a culmination of her love of both classic rock and modern pop, with some strong lyricism and calculated vocals displayed.
According to the artist, the song is centered around mental games that keep a toxic relationship exciting, because the thought of being alone is worse than unhappiness.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Wood about “If I Could Move” and more.
Music Bugle – What made you want to release “If I Could Move” as a single?
Maddy Wood – I was really moved by the response I got from posting a clip of the song on TikTok. When I posted the video, I had only written that small part and didn’t really think much of it. I wasn’t even necessarily going to make it into a full song at any point soon, but after seeing how much it affected people, I knew it had the potential to be something special. From there, it just kind of flowed out of me. I think “If I Could Move” really showcases how much I have grown and expanded as an artist since my first release and captures my versatility.
Music Bugle – What makes you the most proud about where you come from?
Maddy Wood – I grew up in a very creative environment. My dad is also a musician and my mom has always been a big lover and supporter of the arts. Providence has a very vibrant arts scene and I was very lucky to always be going to lots of concerts and events and art galleries, etc.. There were always a lot of really special and creative people around me, in my parents’ circles and amongst my peers. I am really proud of the really kind, intelligent and talented community that I come from in Providence.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Maddy Wood – I feel that I am constantly exploring outside of the boundaries of genre, which is really exciting to me. I am making rock music at a time where the definition of what that is and who is the face of the genre is changing and evolving and opening up in a really cool way and I am really excited to be part of this moment. I am able to keep what I love about rock music in my music, while making it my own and pulling in folk and pop elements and really placing a spotlight on my lyrics, which are more singer/songwriter style. I like to think of myself as a rockstar who knows no bounds of genre.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Maddy Wood – I always have Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers, Stevie Nicks, Maggie Rogers, Haim and The White Stripes in my rotation. Right now, I am also really into Donna Missal, Adam Melchor, St. Vincent, Rina Sawayama, Lianne La Havas, Olivia Rodrigo, Tennis and MICHELLE…
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Maddy Wood – In terms of the lyrical and emotional content, I would say my songs “From The Ocean Floor” and “Ghost” were the hardest to write. They both deal with feelings that I was only able to come to terms with through writing the songs. I learned a lot about how I felt in the situations that lead to the songs and through that, was forced to assess myself in a new way. In terms of time that it took, my song “Enough For Three” probably took me the longest to finish writing and get right.
Music Bugle – Do you feel your young age gives you any sort of creative advantage?
Maddy Wood – Absolutely! I think my generation is one that does not feel as restricted as the generations that came before us. We have a lot more freedom to explore ourselves and our interests. I feel that being 21 right now means that I am able to explore myself freely without fear of being labeled or boxed in. Creatively, I do not feel that I have to stick to one aesthetic or style of music making. People are finding so much more depth and relation to the creative processes and songs that go outside of the box.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Maddy Wood – “But never have I been a blue calm sea, I have always been a storm,” by Stevie Nicks.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for from the rest of 2021?
Maddy Wood – I am hoping to record my debut EP this Summer and keep releasing things throughout the rest of the year. I hope to reach and connect with a wider audience, as well as collaborate with other musicians!
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Maddy Wood – When I am home in Rhode Island, I usually go away to my best friend’s house in Newport when I need a little break. When I am at school in Bennington, Vermont, I go down the road to this beautiful trail and sit with the horses there. Also, I just generally hide in my bed.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Maddy Wood – I am currently in college, so during the initial lockdown, I went back home and was living with my parents again and doing school from my computer. I have been lucky enough to be able to be back on campus full-time as of last semester, but things have definitely been very different. Socializing looks very different now and a lot of campus events and academic classes have had to be modified to comply with the COVID CDC guidelines. I released my debut single about a month before we went into lockdown, so I didn’t have the opportunity to promote it with my live shows or play any shows in general. In a positive light, I feel that being in lockdown and being forced to spend so much more time alone led me to be really introspective about my writing and creative process and I also spent a lot of time focusing on my guitar skills and really honing in on that. Both of those things led to brand new ways of songwriting that have brought me my favorite stuff I have ever written.
