Madam Who? is one of the most unique artists on the modern pop scene at the moment, as I found out when I discovered her new tune, Peter Meter. It’s a track that mixes a few genres together, reminding me a little of Garbage’s music at times. Why not give the track a stream at the end of this interview?!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new single titled Peter Meter. What can you tell us about the track?
Yes! Peter Meter is one of my favorite songs I’ve written. It is fun, a little shocking, and based on something my grandmother said to me on the way to my freshman year at college. I extrapolated from that conversation that this might have been her advice on how to keep a man. I’ve had the chorus since then and could never settle on the verses.
I tried for YEARS to find the right verses to match the chorus, since I knew it was going to be a banger, but didn’t give up. Last year I started attending a weekly songwriting workshop/club. The leader, Marissa Levy (an artist too), just said the right things and I had it finished and recorded in two weeks.
How has the reception to Peter Meter been so far, and where can it be purchased?
It’s been really great, but I’m not surprised. That’s why I couldn’t give up on it! I also made a video for it in which I played Grandma Rita, and cast my daughter as my younger self. You can watch the video here: youtu.be/CnQ30PAPeeg
You can purchase the mp3 on iTunes or at my website.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP in the near future?
Yes, I’m always looking forward to the next thing. I have enough songs right now, but I think I’ll keep doing EPs. They are quicker to get done and that is the name of the game these days: A constant stream of music.
Do you have any other singles planned for release soon?
Peter Meter is part of my latest self-titled EP. The last single of 4 is being released on March 15. It is called LLAP (Live Long And Prosper). The first verse is from Mr. Spock’s point of view on why we should take care of the earth. Hint: It’s the only way we humans will LLAP.
You’ve had quite a lengthy career within the music industry, with a 20 year gap in the middle. What has been the biggest highlight so far?
I have three contenders:
1. Playing on the TV show Farmclub.com in L.A. with Creed and Godsmack.
2. Playing at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC for the American Music Awards New Music award nomination
3. 2023 Good Morning America broadcasting my story and snippets of songs to their 1.7 million viewers.
Peter Meter is an interesting song mixing a few genres together. What/who are you most influenced by?
My foundational influence is the Beatles. I’m a superfan. There are other bands who influenced my sound in certain ways like the B-52’s, the (early) Cure, the Go-Go’s, Bjork, then later Cake and the Beastie Boys to an extent. More often I am inspired by other songs.
You studied Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville. How much did the experience prepare you for your musical career?
Surprisingly, not much at all. When I got to college I had already devoured many books about the music business and knew most of what they were teaching. It did help me make connections and find bandmates among the student body. Now my degree is all but useless since the music business has changed so drastically in the last 10 years. However, with the knowledge I have, it leads me to believe that the music industry is circling the drain.
Where are you based? What is the local music scene like in your area?
I am based near a resort town on Maryland’s eastern shore equidistance from Philadelphia and Baltimore. There is no original scene here at all. In the summer, it is all cover bands. If you do covers, you can make some extra cash here, but I’m not interested in that – even though it really is the only way for an indie artist to make money these days.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up in the next few months?
I may be on a reality show. Fingers crossed!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Nope, but book me a few and I will see what I can do… lol
Any last words for the fans?
I love you all and don’t forget to love yourselves!