Madeline
Athens, Ga. native Madeline Adams has been writing and performing her own songs since the age of 15, self-releasing her first album, “Kissing & Dancing,” in 2002 - just two years into her career. A few short months later, the LP was picked up by the punk label Plan-It-X Records. “Kissing & Dancing” is now in its fifth pressing, and has earned her national recognition and a solid fan base. Madeline recorded one more album for the label, before moving on to Athens label Orange Twin, who have released works most notably by Sibylle Baier, Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Vic Chesnutt. Her 2006 Orange Twin release “The Slow Bang,” was produced by Matthew Houch (Phosphorescent), and recorded at his house in Athens. Though described in the past as a cross between The Softies, Kimya Dawson, and The Carter Family, Madeline now shares more in common with ’70’s superstars Joni Mitchell and Karen Carpenter. On her third full-length album, “White Flag,” Madeline securely sets herself apart from her peers through her intelligent, emotional lyrics, her clear, haunting voice, and her unique song writing.
Produced and recorded by Jason Robira (The Ginger Envelope) at The Bakery in Athens, Ga., as well as by Asa Leffer (Dark Meat, The Whigs) at DARC, “White Flag” represents three years of hard work and musical growth for Madeline and her band of backing musicians. Madeline herself has been traversing the country both with The White Flag Band (made up of members of The Music Tapes, Don Chambers + GOAT, and Elf Power) as well as solo, strengthening her already solid fan base. She plans to continue this spring with muc anticipated European and North American tours. While making “White Flag,” Adams enlisted the help of a multitude of talented Athens-based musicians to perform as special guests. These included Claire and Page Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer) on backing vocals, Matt Stoessel (South San Gabriel) on pedal steel, and Elephant 6 mainstay John Fernandes (Olivia Tremor Control) performing on violin.
Band Buzz
You Ain't No Picasso writes about Madeline's new album “White Flag”
Shortly after posting on Madeline the first time, here I am doing it again. Cable and Tweed has a lot of info on Madeline’s new album White Flag, due out on Orange Twin March 10, including two sample songs.
- You Ain't No Picasso
Flagpole names Madeline the "Cream of the Crop" in Athens
MADELINE
White Flag
The University of Georgia turns out some decent academic thought, but what we need right now is for a sociology student or somesuch to take a long hard look at our country and write a dissertation on exactly what the fuck is the problem with this nation that Madeline Adams is not one of the better-known songwriters around. That same could be said about many underappreciated talents, but it's especially true of the native Athenian with the gorgeous, arresting voice. Of course, Madeline has always kept things DIY and has only recently tapped into the big national complex of publicity, booking agents and all that. Fly that White Flag high, then, Madeline, because the album released earlier this year reflects a songwriter with all of her many strengths on display, delivering pointed observations and witty wordplay uncomplicated by maudlin emotion and accompanied for the first time by a full band. [Chris Hassiotis]
- Chris Hassiotis
Fense Post loves Madeline's new "Tour EP"
"What’s surprising about Tour EP is how amazing the songs are, from opening track “Boy You Love To Make Me Cry” to the orchestral romp “I Waited All Day”. Tour EP blends the lo-fi genius of K Records with the post-Elephant 6 brilliance that populates Orange Twin. “I Waited All Day” leads into the exceptional slow duet “Unbind These Roots” featuring Your Heart Breaks. The EP concludes with the haunting “Post To Wire”, performed by Madeline and Blau."
- Fense Post
Madeline featured on NPR's Second Stage
Like the title suggests, White Flag, the latest album from neo-folk singer-songwriter Madeline, exudes an air of quiet resignation. On "Telephone Daydream," for example, the Athens, GA artist sings of death, feeling alone and inadequate. But the hopeless album title may be a bit deceptive.
- NPR
Paste Magazine is Getting to Know... Madeline
“I didn’t know how long it took to take a picture,” says 24-year-old singer/songwriter Madeline Adams of her recent first official photo shoot. “I just kinda thought, ‘Oh, how funny. I’ll just wear whatever they want to and it’ll take a second.’ But really, it ended up taking all day... Everyone involved was really sweet, but I don’t think I’m going to try to be a model anytime soon."
- Paste Magazine
