Madison Beer has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade. From her early online fame after a cover of Etta James’s “At Last” caught the attention of Justin Bieber, to the release of her well-received debut album, Life Support, in 2021, Beer has been steadily building her career and gaining recognition. However, it’s her latest album, Silence Between Songs, that truly showcases her growth as an artist and her willingness to be vulnerable.

In a recent interview with Vogue, Beer opened up about her journey towards more openness and authenticity in her music. She explained that writing her memoir, The Half of It, had a profound impact on her, allowing her to reflect on her teenage years and her mental health journey. This introspection and self-discovery translated into her music, resulting in the deeply personal and introspective lyrics of Silence Between Songs.

But it wasn’t just the lyrics that set this album apart; Beer sought to create a sonic landscape that nodded to her musical influences from the past. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like the Beach Boys and the Beatles, she aimed to capture the timeless essence of their music. The result is a lush and mature sound, with retro strings, doo-wop layered vocals, and captivating rock guitars.

The standout track on the album, “Home to Another One,” showcases Beer’s growth as an artist and her willingness to experiment with different sounds. With psychedelic guitar licks reminiscent of Tame Impala, this song takes listeners on a journey through Beer’s evolving musical style.

In discussing her songwriting process, Beer revealed that the album was a culmination of songs written over the course of several years. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her timeline, blurring the lines between when certain songs were written. Nevertheless, Beer seamlessly weaves these songs together, creating a cohesive and compelling album.

While there may not have been a specific moment where Beer identified a clear theme for the album, she allowed it to organically take shape. By remaining open to inspiration and not boxing herself into one idea, Beer was able to create a collection of songs that flowed together naturally.

The release of “Home to Another One” earlier this year served as a teaser for the album, offering fans a taste of what was to come. It was an exciting pop song that showcased Beer’s versatility as an artist and set the stage for the rest of the album.

Ultimately, Silence Between Songs is a testament to Madison Beer’s growth as an artist and her willingness to share her most vulnerable self with her audience. Through introspective lyrics and a stylistically diverse sound, she invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery and musical exploration.

As Madison Beer continues to evolve and share her story, one thing is certain – she is just getting started. With each new release, she pushes the boundaries of her artistry, cementing her place as a talented singer-songwriter in the music industry.

**Unexpected Surprises: The Journey of an Album**

As summer approached, I couldn’t help but feel the need for a final single that truly encapsulated the essence of my upcoming album. While “Spinnin” seemed like the obvious choice, I knew deep down that “Home to Another One” held a special place in my heart. It may not have been a perfect representation of the album’s overall tone, but I couldn’t resist the urge to release it sooner rather than later.

At first, “Home to Another One” was a departure from my usual sound. It took people by surprise, defying their expectations of what they thought my music would be. It’s refreshing to see that even industry professionals sometimes assume they know what type of music I make, only to realize they were wrong once they listen to it. I’ve always been drawn to songs that take listeners on a journey, songs that are intricate, a little weird, and constantly change as they progress. And that’s precisely what I aimed to achieve with this album as a whole.

A significant factor in creating this album was my desire to capture a timeless sound. As someone who appreciates music from every decade, I’ve always been drawn to music that withstands the test of time. I wanted anyone who picks up the record to wonder, “What year is this from?” I wanted to capture the essence of music that lives on, regardless of the era it was created in.

The album delves into personal subjects, touching on romantic relationships and family dynamics. “Ryder,” for instance, is about my brother. Writing my memoir undoubtedly influenced my songwriting process. Over time, I’ve become more open, and many of the songs on this album wouldn’t have been written if it weren’t for the introspection that came with writing my book. It was a reflective time for me, a period of self-discovery where I faced some harsh truths and opened mental doors that had long been closed. The journey has been transformative, and I’ve grown to appreciate honest and raw music that speaks to the soul. “Ryder” holds a special place in my heart. It’s a song that I needed to write for myself, but also in the hopes that others can relate to the emotions it portrays.

As I prepare to release the album into the world, it’s certainly a strange feeling to spend so much time with songs I wrote years ago. It’s a mix of emotions, both overwhelming and surreal. Releasing music is always an experience that leaves me in awe. While I’m ready to share these personal experiences with the world, it can also be challenging. These songs are deeply rooted in my life, so when unexpected situations arise, especially when performing live, it can be difficult to get through certain songs without breaking down. I’ve had those moments on tour, and while it’s an intense experience, it’s also a beautiful one. Even if I cry on stage, it’s a testament to the raw emotions that my music evokes.

Taking time away from the industry has become increasingly important to me. It allows me to have the necessary material and experiences to create authentic music that resonates with people. It’s a balance between immersing myself in my artistry and taking time for self-reflection and growth.

As I embark on this journey, I am filled with excitement, nerves, and gratitude. Sharing my music and personal stories with the world is both a vulnerable and empowering act. I hope that listeners can find solace and connection in my songs as they navigate their own journeys. Together, let’s embrace the unexpected surprises that life brings.

Growing up in the music industry, I was always taught that there will always be someone waiting to take your place. This fear of being replaced drove me to avoid taking breaks and constantly work, thinking that there is always someone out there who will work harder and be better than me. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to let go of this guilt and embrace the importance of rest and being human.

I remember hearing a Melanie Martinez lyric that resonated with me deeply. It made me realize that I’m not the only one who has felt this pressure to constantly compare myself to others. And the truth is, comparing ourselves to others only steals our joy. There will always be someone who is technically better, looks better, or dresses better than us. That’s just a part of life.

Instead of comparing myself to others, I choose to be proud of my own journey and story. I don’t want to look back one day and realize that all my dreams came true, but I didn’t have a life outside of work. This industry can be intense and cutthroat, and it’s easy to feel guilty for wanting to simply be a human being. But I refuse to subscribe to that mindset anymore. I prioritize doing what I want and taking breaks when I need them.

Now, let’s talk about my excitement for taking the album on tour and performing it live. I cannot put into words how thrilled I am. I have dreams about it every night. I am counting down the days until I can see my fans again and hopefully perform at festivals next summer. Playing Coachella has always been a dream of mine, and I hope this year is the year I can make it happen.

But more than anything, I hope my music reaches and touches people the way it has touched me. That is the true measure of success for me. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

– Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue