Meet Madison Larae

We recently connected with Madison Larae and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I believe it was a mixture of many things, but I think one of the biggest factors was my innate drive and passion; just who I am and who I’ve always been. I’ve always had this deep, inner knowing of where I’m meant to be and who I meant to be, both of which require me to, simply, make those things happen, and do what’s necessary to get there. And because I have this unwavering belief, sureness and trust in myself, it makes it easier to take those risks as they arise.

How I was raised and the people that raised me I think played a part as well. Believe it or not, neither of my parents—though out of love and well intention—really taught me to take risks. They focused more on instilling discipline and the concept of hard work in me, both of which have proven to be incredibly crucial skills, and I utilize them daily, in every aspect of my life. But when it comes to risks, they more so taught me to look at what was right in front of me, and work towards goals that I could clearly see the outcome of. And I believe this is because of how they were raised and the life experiences of the people that raised them. But as kids, we often always want to do the opposite of what our parents teach us or show us, in their behaviors. So, I think they helped me, in a backwards, reverse psychology, kind of way.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a recording artist, a producer, and whatever else I need to be to bring my vision for my music to life. Creativity isn’t just what I do—it’s how I move, how I think, how I exist. My music blends Neo-soul, R&B, and whatever else feels right in the moment. But beyond the sound, it’s about experience—something felt on a deeper level, something real. At the core of everything I do is intention, so I try to implement that same purpose and passion into the music I create.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach—both with listeners and other creatives. I recently released a three-track collection of spoken word titled “Transformations & Insights: Collection 1”, and I’m actively pushing it—getting it in front of press, playlists, radio, and anyone else who will listen. This project in particular was exciting because I had never used this medium before, but I’m so grateful I did because in doing so I’ve not only become a more versatile artist and expanded the range of my catalog, but it’s already proven to be successful in manifesting new opportunities, people and mindsets into my life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Most people trying to break into this industry and become a household name, typically are always looking for a set blueprint. And as someone who is still very much in the early stages of their journey, I too definitely resonate with searching for “the way in.” But in my experience thus far, this is what I’ve concluded: there is really only one thing you need to know in order to achieve whatever it is you’re trying to achieve. It requires you to look at your life and force yourself to find the privileges you have—even if they are few or not blatantly obvious—and then leverage those to create the opportunities you want for yourself.

Not always, but there were times when I’d look at the resources, support, and paths of others and feel envious, or complain that I didn’t have those same things, and therefore, couldn’t actualize my goals for my life until I got those same resources. But the truth is, if you really want to make something happen—and if it’s your soul’s purpose—you will find a way to make it happen. Remove excuses, control and limit doubt by loving yourself enough to believe in your own success, and then make it happen.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

For me personally, it often depends on what exactly is making me feel overwhelmed because that tends to determine my exact remedy. However, as a general practice I try to remind myself that 9 times out of 10, the emotions, thoughts, tasks, relationships that float around in my brain and cause me to feel this way, are only as big as I allow them to be. And again, this isn’t true for every instance, because sometimes it just is more than you can handle, and you need to either take a step back or bring in outside sources. But I try to remind myself often that in order for something to have power over you, you have to give it power, and that includes the never ending to-do lists, the relationship that needs mending, etc.

I’ve also found that in moments like these, it’s most important to lean into self. We have to be our biggest motivators and supporters–especially in an industry like music–so when things get to be a lot, that’s when I treat my inner child to breakfast for dinner, or my inner teen to affirmations; sometimes even just a break and a few breaths, does the trick (as corny as it sounds).

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