THE MADZ EXPERIENCE.
“ I’m all about creativity. As cliché as it sounds, I refuse to be boxed in. The music I make doesn’t have to fit one particular genre, but once you hear it you’ll know it's Madz.“
Almost 5 years after his first debut project, @Madzhalflife finally hit the stage at The Lower Third last weekend to give us The Madz Experience.
Earlier in the year I was lucky enough to get a taste of Madz music, as he was the opening act for A2’s Cloud Vault show. Although I wasn’t very familiar with his music , I trusted that he would put on a good performance from what I had seen prior.
I’m sure we’re all used to purchasing tickets to the show of our most favourite artists, preparing to scream each song lyric for lyric at the top of our lungs. For me it was the complete opposite. I was actually embarrassed that I came not knowing one song, but I'm glad that I went, because I actually left with some personal favourites.
Madz style of music can not be described with just one word or genre. For me it’s a combination of 808s, conscious rap and R&B. I say this because no song is the same. The 27 year old artist adds a melodic flow to his music, paired with his immaculate rapping style.
I had the pleasure of joining Madz backstage with his close friends and family. The room was filled with good vibes and positive energy. The time eventually came for him to hit the stage for the first time in a while, and so we all gathered around, held hands and prayed for a smooth running show. I especially admired the raw emotion that was displayed in the room. Madz made it known that receiving all the support that he has thus far has helped in ensuring that he continues to work and develop his talent as an artist.
The Madz Experience was REALLY an experience from start to finish, from the backing vocalists to the instrumentalists, down to the intimacy of the show. The South London-born artist performed a plethora of tracks including Saucin’, Caution ft @Infamousizak (Unreleased), Love U Better and Slow Jamz & Wine ft Shaéuniverse
I caught up with Madz days after the show to gather his thoughts and feelings after completely shutting it down with a performance to remember.
How would you describe your growth as an artist since your first EP release to your first headline show?
Although it’s not my first time performing, this really is my first headline show. I’d say growth-wise, I think this time there were so many lessons learnt on an industry level. From rehearsals to learning how sound works, and just the overall group effort that goes into putting on a great show.
In terms of personal growth, I'd say I've grown from a boy to a man. I released my first project (L.Y.L.A) at the age of 21, 5 years later I got my first headline show! It feels great to know that people have been able to take in my first project for 5 years and be in love with it, and be able to experience it with me on stage. That was the real growth for me.
You’ve had the pleasure of Shaéuniverse featuring on two of your tracks & opening up for A2 earlier this year.. Any future collaborations you have in mind?
Unfortunately Shaé wasn’t able to make it to the show but I’m happy that people received Shaé’s verses and most of all her artistry on my tracks. I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to perform them together in the future. Opening up for A2 was a big thing for me. As anybody will know, he’s a massive inspiration. I won’t give away any names just yet but there are many artists I'd like to work with. I’m willing to let some artists into my world of music and vice versa and we can create some magic.
I’m not an artist that collaborates for the sake of it. I’m all about creativity. As cliche as it sounds, I refuse to be boxed in. The music I make doesn’t have to fit one particular genre, but once you hear it you’ll know it's Madz.
Earlier this year you released your latest single “Libra”, Are we due another EP/LP anytime soon?
What’s next for Madz?
Yes, we’re due another project next year. I’ve been working hard in making sure that the music I'm releasing is of good quality. As an artist it’s always difficult to top your last, but I'm confident that I have. I’m looking forward to giving the people some new music. Another headline show for sure, and just developing and elevating as an artist not just in the UK but overseas too. I’ve also been writing music for artists, so you’ll be seeing my name alot more.
Madz closed the show with a crowd favourite “Small Sacrifice” and a very emotional thankyou to all the people who had a hand in helping him grow into the artist that he is today. I’m looking forward to what he has in store for us in the new year.
It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t catch it on camera, so head over to my Tiktok
and take in some special moments that I managed to capture!
Keep streaming L.Y.L.A on all platforms!
