Madeline, one of Aotearoa’s emerging talents, delivers a potent musical experience with her latest release, “The Illawarra”. Seamlessly blending a fashionable beat with compelling lyrics, Madeline captivates listeners with her seductive vocals, marking a significant chapter in her artistic journey.

“The Illawarra” unfolds as a narrative woven from a personal encounter during Madeline’s visit to the eponymous hotel in the coastal expanse of Australia. The song emanates a profound connection to the memories and emotions stirred by that experience, a testament to the power of music rooted in genuine life encounters.

Having secured a spot in New Zealand’s Top 40 music charts last year, Madeline, with the collaborative support of Wellington producer Jake Stokes, crafts a neo-pop masterpiece. Drawing inspiration from classical art and literature, her sound paints a vivid sonic canvas akin to an Edgar Degas painting. The incorporation of rain sounds at the outset, reminiscent of the 2022 NSW rainstorms, adds a beautiful layer, providing a visual dimension to the emotions embedded in the song.

At the core of the infectious hook lies the narrative of a heart’s pain finding solace in the embrace of friends, a theme resonating with the universal need for rejuvenation and connection. The personal touch of recorded laughter from friends during their stay at the Illawarra Hotel further enhances the relatability of the song, capturing the essence of shared moments that heal and uplift.

Madeline’s musical influences, drawn from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, and Lady Gaga, infuse “The Illawarra” with a soulful sound that speaks to her vocal strength. Building on her previous single, “Consume”, Madeline establishes herself as an artist with a distinctive voice and narrative depth. With promises of more music on the horizon, she emerges as a shining example of the rich talent within Aotearoa’s young artist community, poised to leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape.