It’s a normal Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, except for pop star Madison Beer, who is on a Zoom call while driving. Having recently turned 26, she humorously reflects, “We are old now, dude.” Her busy life revolves around the promotion of her newly released album “locket,” which launched on January 16.

Madison Beer rose to fame at 13 through her well-received YouTube song covers. By 2018, she gained recognition for her original music, particularly with her debut album, “As She Pleases.” Her first Grammy nomination came with her 2021 album “Silence Between Songs,” followed by another in 2025 for her hit single “Make You Mine.”

With “locket,” Beer aims for another breakthrough despite not having yet achieved the same cultural impact as some of her contemporaries. The album rollout began with the upbeat track “yes baby,” followed by the synth-pop “bittersweet” and the classic pop sound of “bad enough.” Fans can catch her live performance when she embarks on tour in 2026, with a stop at the Kia Forum on June 24.

In a conversation with The Times, Beer discussed the evolution of her artistry since her last release, stating that she has learned the importance of emotional honesty and vulnerability in her songs. She expresses amazement at how fans connect to her personal experiences through her music, noting that “writing something that you think no one will get” can resonate deeply with crowds.

The album “locket” showcases her recent foray into a “hyper pop” sound, influenced by her desire to create fun music for her upcoming tour. Beer acknowledges her childhood inspiration from the 2010s, particularly referencing Gwen Stefani and recognizing that the album carries a nostalgic feel reminiscent of that era.

When discussing the writing process for “locket,” Beer notes it’s evolved but often begins with chords, followed by melodies and then lyrics. Initially, the album almost took the shape of a concept piece viewed through a robotic lens, which she later decided to abandon in favor of drawing on personal narratives.

Beer reveals that pressures to surpass her previous work weighed on her during the creative process, but eventually, she focused on the joy of writing music rather than commercial success. This shift allowed her to explore her creativity more freely and authentically.

In contrast to her beginnings, Beer’s work on “locket” exemplifies an artist committed to growth and genuine expression, eager to share her journey with her audience while embracing both her past influences and her evolution as a musician.