It’s the middle of summer and the heat is still rising, bringing even hotter days. Beaches and pools across the world are packed full of skin clad coeds partying around the clock and dancing to the hottest summer tracks. The latest summer hit comes from a trio that is tearing up the electronic music scene. DJ/Producer MAKJ and singer Mila Jam were working on a new song when MAKJ decided it need to be freshened up. That’s where South African born DJ/Producer/Singer multi-hyphenated MADDS comes in. The trio put their heads together collectively and delivered to the world a song that just screams ‘summer vibes‘ that is sure to be blasted on dance floors around the world.
“This record started out as a ‘90s sit-in-the-car-and-reminisce track I did with Mila”, MAKJ explains. “She and I decided we needed something fresh to mix it up a bit and who better to add to the track than MADDS? The track transformed into a positive feel-good club record that has an amazing meaning, and I feel ‘Just Sayin’’ will be a summer smash thanks to these two amazing women being on the record!”
“I have always admired MAKJ’s music and being a part of this track has been amazing”, MADDS says. “It’s one of those house tracks that you can listen to any time of day; besides the lyrics being relatable, the melody, kick drum and snare are all super clean and not too overpowering, which fits the vibe and overall sound perfectly. I’m happy to be a part of this project and excited for my fans to hear it!“
“Sometimes, we gotta be reminded of our crowns and demand what we’re worth”, Mila Jam adds. “I’m just sayin’.”
MADDS was raised stateside in Los Angeles and she fell in love with the EDM scene at 13 years old when her parents mistakenly took her to a rave. She taught herself how to write songs, DJ, and produce while in high school. From there, her career has sky-rocketed, as she has grown into a successful DJ, producer, designer, and model.
The stunning South African-born, LA-based multi-hyphenate is definitely your next artist to watch. Her essence is the perfect combo of sultry, coy, and confident, with just the right amount of tenacity and fearlessness. She just signed a two-year residency in Las Vegas and is in the midst of a 20+ date tour across the country.
I had the honor of getting to interview the ultra-talented MADDS to discuss “Just Sayin’”, dream collaborations, influences, and more.
SM: How did the collaboration with MAKJ and Mila Jam come about for “Just Sayin’”?
MADDS: MAKJ and I are actually on the same agency roster, and I’ve always loved his music and vibe, so I knew that if the opportunity presented itself, I’d jump at it. Well, MAKJ and Mila Jam were working on this track and I really connected with the lyrics- I felt like they were speaking directly to me! They asked my opinion on it, and I knew in the back of my mind that this was the opportunity to work with MAKJ- it’s time to jump, so I jumped! I wanted a positive, feel-good, summer vibe on the record to make it have more of a club feel. And since I’m playing so many shows this summer from my Vegas residency to my tour, I’ve been on some major pool vibes! It felt like a natural fit both lyrically and melodically. It’s up-beat, fun, and carefree and has this amazing message to live your fullest life unapologetically.
SM: You’ve collaborated with a lot of artists so far in your career, who are some of your dream collabs you haven’t worked with yet?
MADDS: So many! Since I love exploring different genres, I’d love to work with 3LAU, FISHER, Paris Hilton, Chris Lake…I could go on and on!
SM: You have so much you’re trying to juggle right now from producing new music, your tour, Vegas residency and your adventures outside of music. How are you able to keep everything going?
MADDS: Balance, balance, balance! And definitely some prioritizing and timing! I feel like I’m always playing a game of calendar Tetris to try to make everything work. I’m really lucky to have a team that supports my creative visions- whatever they might be that particular day- and helps me make it happen.
SM: You’ve played Coachella and numerous other festivals including Firefly later this year. What do you prefer playing more and why: clubs or festivals?
MADDS: That’s a tough one! I love them both for different reasons! I love festivals because there are thousands of people and such amazing artists on the lineups. As an artist, it’s incredible and also kind of unbelievable that I’ll get to share the same stage as artists like Billie Eilish and Machine Gun Kelly. So, I get to play and then also be a fan!
SM: You’ve had tremendous success so far in your career, what are some other goals or accomplishments you have set for yourself?
MADDS: Thank you ! I definitely want to continue touring and hitting the festival circuit globally! I absolutely LOVE performing, meeting fans, traveling, and learning about other cultures around the world.
I’d love to get into the business side of the industry and start a record label for smaller artists that are like me when I started out – just hungry and excited to make music. The music industry is tough to break into, and I’d love to help give people the opportunity to access some tools that I’ve been fortunate to use, and also hopefully help them avoid any mistakes I’ve made along my own career path.
SM: Who are some of your musical and non-musical influences?
MADDS: On the music side, I love Skrillex, Avicii, Kaskade, FISHER, Chris Lake, Calvin Harris, and so many more!
Non-musically, I love Candice Swanepoel because I always admired that she travels to tons of countries, takes in the culture, and truly appreciates it. She learns the language and really immerses herself- it’s super inspiring.
SM: Like yourself, I am a multi-hyphenated person. You’re a DJ, producer, designer, model, etc., while I’m a music journalist, podcast host, gourmet ice cream warehouse lead (shout out to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream) and recently retired-due-to-the-pandemic color commentator for independent wrestling companies. What is some advice you can give to people striving to follow in your footsteps of successfully managing multiple careers?
MADDS: That’s awesome!! Congrats! You must have tons of energy to keep it going in all of those different jobs! I also have tons of energy, so I think that helps me a lot. Seriously- I’m like a kid that’s had 12 Red Bulls running around with all of these ideas! So, while I have all of these visions and ideas of which projects I want to do and how I want to do them, I really have to sit down and focus and map out my time. My team is really amazing at helping with that and keeping a balance. Because I love working and being creative, but it’s also so, so important to have personal time so you don’t burn out.
SM: What are some songs/artists on your current playlist and who are some artist/bands people may be surprised you listen to?
MADDS: Oh wow, my musical tastes are all over the place! I listen to everything from Mac Miller, Kid Cudi, to Black Coffee, and J Balvin. I think people would be surprised that I can jump from reggaeton to tech-house in 2 seconds!
Be sure to keep up with everything going on in MADDS life by following her on all of her social media pages including Twitter and Instagram.
Steven McCash is the Music Columnist for SoBros Network, and host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast. He is the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music, in addition to the occasional live show review. Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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