Meet Joey Madison

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joey Madison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joey, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose outside of a thrift store in the summer of 2021.

It was my first summer back home without a plan—just a notebook, some melodies, and a lot of feelings I hadn’t figured out how to say out loud. That’s where I wrote ‘Empty Pockets’, the first song I ever released. I didn’t expect it to resonate with anyone but me, but suddenly people were messaging me to say, “This is exactly how I feel.” It was the first time I realized the power of putting my truth to music—that I could write something raw and personal and have it become a mirror for someone else.

A few months later, I released ‘Therapy’, and everything shifted. People were singing it to me on the street and at shows. It became my most streamed song—not because it was perfect, but because it was honest. I wrote about what happens when two people stop communicating and start pretending: “We both say that we’re fine, we think we’ll be alright…” That song opened the floodgates. It made me realize I wasn’t just writing songs—I was giving people something to hold onto in moments when everything felt like too much.

Since then, I’ve kept writing the truth, even when it hurts. ‘I Wish You Were’ came from those quiet, aching moments after love slips through your fingers—walking Hemenway Street at 5 a.m., picking up hobbies you never thought you would but doing them becuase they liked to do it- still pretending they might come back. ‘More Than Friends’ was a different kind of story—one full of hope, of butterflies in the city, of the thrill of wondering if someone might finally see you the way you see them. It’s tender, a little bold, and so full of the possibility of love. Those two songs helped me explore every corner of the emotional spectrum, from grief to joy to longing—and they reminded me that all of it is worth writing about.

My purpose found me through these songs, each one like a breadcrumb leading me back to myself. I never set out to be the kind of artist people stop on the street. I just wanted to feel seen. And now, when someone tells me that my lyrics made them feel understood, or that they sang ‘Therapy’ in the car after a hard day, I realize that being seen isn’t just something I longed for—it’s something I can offer others too.

So here I am, still writing outside the metaphorical thrift store, still showing up for the feeling that started it all. I’ve learned that my purpose lives in the moments I almost didn’t write down—and in the people who needed to hear them just as much as I did.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a singer, songwriter, and storyteller, and what I do lives somewhere between soul, jazz, funk, and pop—but at the heart of it all, I make music that speaks to the little in-between moments. The things you feel but can’t always name. The unsent text messages. The walks home after something breaks your heart. The way your city feels different depending on who you’re in love with. I write about all of that.

What’s most exciting to me is the way people respond to honesty. I’ve learned that the more personal and specific I am in my writing, the more universally people connect to it. There’s nothing like playing a show and hearing the crowd sing ‘We’ll Be Alright’ or ‘Crush’ back to me—those are songs that started in my journal, in late-night voice memos, in conversations with friends—and now they belong to everyone who’s ever felt the same way. That’s what makes this whole thing special: the community around it. My music might start from a personal place, but it ends up being shared, reshaped, and re-experienced by everyone who listens. That’s magic to me.

I also really care about place—how our environment shapes our stories. A lot of my music is rooted in Boston, especially around the Fenway area where I lived and grew as a young artist. I just released an EP called Same Time Tomorrow, which is all about having feelings for someone who doesn’t feel the same—and making peace with that. It’s full of songs that take you through Boston streets, messy friendships, and the kind of heartbreak that makes you stronger.

Most recently, I released a live album recorded during a performance in the Berklee cafeteria. It captured something raw and electric—there was so much energy in that room, and it felt like the perfect snapshot of where I am as an artist right now. It features new material alongside live versions of fan favorites, reimagined with a full band.

Right now, I’m working on a new album called ‘Running Out of Time’. It’s about the process of moving on with your life—wanting things to slow down so you can remember every little thing, but also having that other half of you that’s ready to move forward. It’s vulnerable, reflective, and probably the most grown-up thing I’ve made so far. I’m really excited for what’s next.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been emotional honesty, community-building, and curiosity.

Emotional honesty has been the foundation of everything I do. I learned early on that people don’t connect to perfection—they connect to truth. Whether it’s writing lyrics, talking on stage, or just sitting at the piano processing something I’m feeling, being honest with myself is what creates the space for others to feel seen, too. My advice to anyone starting out: don’t worry about sounding “right” or “good.” Focus on being real. That’s where the magic lives.

Community-building has also been a huge part of my growth. I wouldn’t be where I am without the friends, collaborators, and mentors who’ve supported me along the way. From writing songs with friends in dorm rooms to performing at Sofar Sounds shows and working with Berklee Bettering Boston Club, the relationships I’ve built have made this journey not just possible—but joyful. If you’re starting out, surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and inspire you- not just in music but every day life. And be that person for someone else, too.

Lastly, curiosity—the willingness to try new things, ask questions, and keep learning—has helped me evolve as an artist and a person. I’m constantly exploring new genres, production techniques, writing styles, and ways of connecting with people. Being curious means staying open, and that’s what keeps the work exciting. If you’re just beginning, don’t box yourself in. Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you a little. Be a sponge. Learn from everything.

Every path is different, but if you lead with heart, surround yourself with good people, and stay curious, you’ll find your way—and probably discover some beautiful things you never expected.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

There have been so many people who’ve helped shape the artist and person I am today, but one person who has been especially impactful is my co-writer and friend, Elijah Baradi. His support has meant the world to me—not only in our creative collaborations, but also in navigating life and relationships beyond the music.

Elijah has this incredible way of offering perspective without judgment. Whether I’m struggling with setting boundaries, dealing with imposter syndrome, or trying to balance my creative work with other responsibilities, he always asks the right questions that help me reframe the situation and grow through it. He challenges me to think critically, but also reminds me to be kind to myself in the process.

He’s helped me understand that collaboration—and really, leadership too—isn’t just about steering the ship. It’s about how you show up for people with honesty, consistency, and heart. That same philosophy shows up in my music. Whether I’m writing about heartbreak, confusion, joy, or growth, I try to show up authentically, just like Elijah always has for me.

He’s been a steady force during a time in my life that’s been full of big decisions, uncertainty, and self-discovery. And I truly don’t think I’d be as grounded or confident in my voice—both artistically and personally—without his presence and partnership.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Joey Madison 8 Photo: Berklee Career Center
Joey Madison 6 Photo: Cole Nelson
Joey Madison 5 Photo: Dave Green
Joey Madison 3 Photo: Post Adolescence Glow Radio Tufts University
Joey Madison 2 Photo: Elia Ma

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