Photo Credit: Jared Sislin
[Maddie Logan](https://www.instagram.com/maddienicolelogan/?hl=en) is your new favorite singer-songwriter, blending the genres of country-pop into her own smooth and sultry sound. Born in Phoenix, Arizona but currently splitting her time between Nashville and Los Angeles, the “Little Toy Soldier” artist has been recording her own original songs in the studio at just 9 years old.
At 13, she began to hone in on her songwriting, which eventually led to working with the elites. Collaborating with the likes of Aaron Chmielewski and Jimmie Lee Sloas has given her both the confidence and talents to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the greats.
While Maddie has spent the majority of her years performing and entertaining, she actually prides herself on being a human like the rest of us. She states, “I’m a professional short person, someone who thinks they’re funny. I’m 21 years old and a dog lover.” With 3 dogs of her own, “it’s never boring.”
Now, Maddie returns with the official music video to “Stay Home” — a mantra she’s been living for way before quarantine. Flaunt caught up with Maddie via Zoom to discuss how she landed in Nashville, biggest influences, inspo behind “Stay Home,” studio essentials, and more!
Photo Credit: Jared Sislin
**How long were you in Phoenix for before you moved?**
My parents lived there for 11 years, I only lived there till I was 6. I remember growing up there very well, it definitely didn’t make me any better at handling the heat. \[laughs\] It’s so hot outside and I’m complaining, my mom’s like, “Well, it’s 116 degrees in Phoenix.”
**What made you move to Nashville and Los Angeles?**
We moved to California and I started going to Nashville because of country music actually. It’s been really weird living in so many different places. I lived in California and Nashville practically at the same time, went back and forth for a while, it’s been a crazy life. Being in quarantine and having to mostly be in California is weird.
**Biggest influences growing up?**
My brother is a huge influence in my life, he’s in medical school right now. He’s always been my hero. Musically, I’m very inspired by Brad Paisley, he’s a big one. He’s really funny, a great songwriter and guitar player. He’s the reason I fell in love with country music. Also Miranda Lambert. Everything Miranda Lambert is, I want to be that.
**What were you aspiring to be coming up?**
I was always going to be a singer. When I was 5 years old, I told my mom it was my destiny to be on stage. I never thought of anything else. My whole life, it’s the one thing I always knew for sure. I don't know where I’m going to live or what I’m going to do, or even if I physically can make money from this, but I know I’m going to be a singer.
**Was there a moment where you first tasted success?**
The moments I always felt I was succeeding the most was when I was playing in Nashville, anywhere. If I had a big crowd, this is it. If I could get people to sing along, I’m succeeding. That started when I was 14 or 15. Turning 18, I toned down for a little while because I was feeling like an adult. Now, I’m back up. \[laughs\] I always push myself to be more and do more as an upcoming artist, I’m still getting there.
**“Stay Home” is something we can all relate to currently. You say it has nothing to do with quarantine, when did you record it.**
We recorded it last year. It’s about how I hate parties, being dragged to parties. I wrote it when my friends dragged me to this USC frat party. I went and cried on the way home, I was so miserable. They were miserable too. but still wanted to stay. These guys are making you uncomfortable, we can't afford any of the drinks. We’re 20 at the time, so we couldn’t even drink ourselves. Everybody’s making us uncomfortable, it’s overcrowded. They didn’t like any of the people there, why are we here? We should have stayed at my house. We could’ve all stayed home and been much happier. It’s become so much more relevant this year since it’s our only option.
**Were you home a lot before the pandemic hit?**
Yeah, I’m not a big go-out type person. I’m definitely someone who likes to stay home and have more intimate conversations with people, hang out with a few people. Me and my friends even, we usually didn’t go to parties. We’d go to everybody’s houses. I like to be in my room and seclude myself, write, and be creative.
**What are your favorite things to do at home?**
I watch way too much YouTube, it’s so bad. I love _Supergirl_ movies, I’ve seen every one ever made. I love baking and hanging out with my friends and my family. Recently, we got two new dogs. So much of my life is taking care of them, I adore them.
**How often are you dancing around your house?**
A lot. My parents probably don't even know how much because I usually do it when they leave. \[laughs\] I’m home alone and I dance around in my room. That’s how I get most of my exercise. It’s funny because with dancing now, a lot of people think TikTok dances. No, those are for people who are good at dancing. I love to dance around my room, right here.
**Would you call yourself an introvert?**
I’m both. I’m definitely more extroverted when I get on stage, you’ll see me completely open up. I love to talk to people, I love telling people my stories. Once you start talking to me, I’m extremely talkative and open. Overall, I can be very introverted. I like to speak to myself, I don’t like to ever bother people.
**How are you adjusting as you get bigger and gain more attention?**
Always looking forward to the next thing, the next way to succeed. The music industry can either make you feel on top of the world or can really humble you. You always have to choose the path that humbles you. Never let people tell you that you’re perfect, that there’s nothing you could work on. Everybody has a way to practice, a way to keep moving and do better.
**What was it like working with Aaron Chmielewski?**
He’s really great, he has such a long discography. Working with him, I got to record at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, which is Reba McEntire’s studio. It was huge, it was so cool. He was really nice, he had a vision. I’d take him songs and I never felt like he turned them into something they weren't supposed to be. He’s good at keeping them level with what I envisioned for them, which is a sign of a great producer who can take your art and improve it.
**What about Jimmie Lee Sloas?**
As an upcoming artist, you’ll get a producer and they’ll bring their musicians. You don't get to pick who’s there. While I was recording that day, everybody’s like “that’s Jimmie, oh my God!” I’m like “what?” He was CMA Bass Player of the Year for two straight years. Oh, he’s just sitting over there. He’s so talented, Nashville’s full of really talented musicians.
**What can we expect from the “Stay Home” visual?**
Colors. I actually shot it twice, there’s a scene where we chose to go back and reshoot because I wanted it to be brighter and more colorful. There’s a party scene where we act out all the reasons I don't like parties, it was so well-shot. My director Jordan is so talented, he came up with so many ideas. It’s the most fun video I’ve ever done, it’s fun to watch.
**You mention you have the perfect pair of sweatpants on your hip, how would you describe your fashion sense?**
If you mix surfer, Southern California style with Malibu Barbie with country girl, you’d get all that. I wear different stuff. I love pink and sparkles. I love cowboy boots, I love flip flops. I love sundresses, girly but Western-ish. It’s all its own.
**Three things you need in the studio?**
Water. My phone because I’ll somehow write a song and forget the words. I can remember the words to anything except the songs I just wrote, I can't really explain it. And a snack. The last time I was recording, I brought Sunchips and carrots. The time before that, we brought in Shake Shack. I did better last time. I have to eat better in the studio but between every take, usually eating a snack.
**Goals for yourself as an artist at this point of your career?**
I really want to be able to perform more places when the world reopens, perform more music festivals and start opening up for people. I really want to get more streams, start getting those really high streams because that’s the big thing nowadays. It’s not iTunes downloads or CD sales, it’s all streaming. I really want to hit those numbers because even now, I don't have nearly as many as other people do. I still think, “wow this many people liked my song, listened to it this many times.”
**Anything else you’d like to let us know?**
“Stay Home” music video is out now! I’m creating a bunch of new music so there will be a lot of that soon, I’m very excited.
