IN CONVERSATION WITH HAVEN MADISON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Singer-songwriter Haven Madison scored a Top 40 pop radio hit with Castle, earned praise from Katy Perry as “the next big pop star,” and quickly built a reputation for writing songs that cut straight to the emotional core of growing up, falling in love, and breaking apart. With her diaristic storytelling and powerful vocals, Haven has carved out a sound that balances confessional honesty with bold, high-gloss pop production. Her new single Uncross Your Heart continues that evolution, a sharp, danceable breakup anthem that transforms the childhood promise “cross your heart and hope to die” into a defiant declaration of self-worth. As she continues working on new music and prepares to hit the road for a string of summer tour dates, Haven is stepping confidently into her next chapter as a pop artist unafraid to turn vulnerability into power.
You’ve achieved major milestones at such a young age. When did you first realize music could become your life’s path?
From a young age, I was obsessed with creating and performing. I always wanted to show my parents dances and songs. So much so that my brother and I requested to have a stage in our playroom. I knew it was my dream, but I didn’t realize I could make it reality until I was 13 when I released my first song for fun. Even amidst all the challenge and chaos, I feel in my heart that this is what I was born to do.
Castle became your first Top 40 pop radio hit. What did that moment mean to you personally?
Truthfully, it was just the greatest reminder that anything is possible. It was such a crazy experience taking a heartbreak, learning from it, trying to love again, writing about it all, and it is now playing on the radio when I’m driving home. It reminded me you can take pain and make it so full of purpose.
Your songwriting is incredibly personal. Do you ever feel vulnerable sharing those emotions so publicly?
Yes, it’s absolutely terrifying. But I’ve come to a place in my life where I’m willing to live with a little touch of embarrassment and fear, if it means my songs can reach people and make them feel like they’re not alone.
Your new single Uncross Your Heart flips a childhood promise into a breakup anthem. How did that idea come to you?
I am the type of person where breaking a pinky promise feels nearly illegal. So, of course, when a man crosses his heart and tells me he’ll love me forever and it was simply a lie, writing this song was the first idea that popped in my head.
You’ve mentioned loving lyrics but also wanting songs to simply feel good. How do you balance storytelling with pop energy?
I’m very anti using throw-away lyrics. If I’m putting a lyric in a song just because it rhymes and I need one more line, that’s a throw away lyric to me and I just can’t do it. Every lyric is intentional and purposeful, and all on top of music that is just as intentional. Knowing when to change the progression, knowing what chords feel good to the ear, it’s all songwriter math that I love and I’ve lived with for years now.
Growing up on tour with your father’s band must have been a unique childhood. How did that shape your relationship with music?
It was absolutely amazing and absurd all at the same time. I grew up with my mom as a teacher, a bunk for a bed, and a band for a family. I wouldn’t change anything about it. I grew up around so much genuine passion for music and it rubbed off quite a lot on me. Watching my dad fight for what he believed in, perform great shows, hard shows, and everything in between to make it, it all truly influenced my character and approach to my career.
You started writing music at 13. How has your songwriting evolved since those early days?
I like to think it’s much better than then. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about production, diving into learning different instruments, and writing with people who are so much better than me. Being in a constant state of “What can I learn?” for the last 7 years has really affected my songwriting and what I’m now capable of.
Your music often reads like a diary. Do you ever write songs just for yourself that never get released?
Absolutely I do. Sometimes songs are just my release and that’s all they’re meant to be. It’s the greatest form of therapy and something I’ve done for as long as I can remember.
You’re heading out on tour this summer. What excites you most about performing your songs live?
I’m really excited about it being acoustic. Just an intimate and honest setting, which I think will allow for really deep connections with people. That’s the goal, connection.
You’re continuing to work on new music. How would you describe the sonic world you’re building next?
I’m really leaning into honest and vulnerable topics and lyrics overtop the most pop progressions and sounds I can find. The early 2000s industrial pop is unbeatable and I’m trying to revisit those feelings and sounds from a fresh & new-generational light.
Looking ahead, what kind of artist do you want to become over the next decade?
I would love to become a legacy artist. I don’t care to be remembered as Haven Madison, I care for my songs and the way I love and connect with people to be remembered long after I’m gone. For my songs to make people feel like they can do anything.
TEAM CREDITS
talent HAVEN MADISON
photography ANDI ELLOWAY
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
