Hult Center: Where did your early “soul-appella” inspiration come from?
Madison McFerrin: I was raised surrounded by vocal harmony, not just in my own home, but in the music that I heard on a regular basis. From Jill Scott and Stevie Wonder, to *NSYNC and Destiny’s Child, I was always most intrigued by how the artists I loved used vocal harmony.
Hult Center: Was there ever a time as you were learning your craft where you noticed that you just had something special going on?
Madison McFerrin: When I started doing a cappella looping, I realized early on that what I was doing was unique. It takes a lot of precision to get all of the loops to blend together in an interesting way, and I think I honed that skill pretty well.
Hult Center: Have you all developed any fun habits or traditions when you’re touring?
Madison McFerrin: If I have the time, I love exploring the city I’m in and having some good food. Finding good food on the road is always very important!
Hult Center: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Madison McFerrin: Ownership. Artists should always own their art. Period.
Hult Center: What’s next for you?
Madison McFerrin: I’m going on the road, which is always exciting! I’ll definitely be making some more music too.
Hult Center: What is your favorite song to perform?
Madison McFerrin: “God Herself” makes me feel incredibly empowered. It’s definitely my favorite song to perform off my new album, I Hope You Can Forgive Me.
Hult Center: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Madison McFerrin: My music is a lot of things. It has R&B, jazz, neo-soul and experimental influences, but I think you could ultimately call it soul-pop with a splash of house and electronic.
Hult Center: What is your creative process like?
Madison McFerrin: It varies, but it usually involves tea, my journal, and space to myself.
Hult Center: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Madison McFerrin: I would love to collaborate with Erykah Badu, Thundercat, Hiatus Kaiyote and Pharrell.
Hult Center: If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Madison McFerrin: Erykah Badu.
Hult Center: What is one message you would give to your fans?
Madison McFerrin: Never give up on what makes you happy.
Hult Center: Your music has been featured in music has been featured in episodes of Comedy Central’s Broad City and HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness — where else would you like to see your music featured?
Madison McFerrin: I would love to see it in whatever Michaela Coel’s next creation is.
Hult Center: Could you tell us more about your Mad Love initiative with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy where you provided some much needed space for healing from the collective trauma of the pandemic? Will you be continuing works similar to that since we’re transitioning into a more post-pandemic time?
Madison McFerrin: After 2 full pandemic years, it was clear that we all needed some release. I honestly wanted to simulate the type of joy that you feel as a kid at the playground. We had bubbles, hula hoops and great music. Just being able to have space to be free with friends seemed so necessary. I definitely want to continue to bring those spaces to life as we continue to recover from what continues to be a traumatic moment on a global scale.