Haven Madison Shares the Story Behind Her Coming-of-Age EP, Turn Off All the Lights

After being thrust into the spotlight as a finalist on Season 21 of American Idol, Haven Madison's life was changed forever—for better and for worse.

Of course, with recognition of her talents came the musical opportunity of a lifetime,  but it also meant growing up under public scrutiny. Haven shares those experiences and more on her new five-track EP, Turn Off All the Lights, which was released on April 26. The 18-year-old pop artist's latest project is a raw and open reflection on how it felt to grow up in front of the world before finally learning to let go of societal expectations to embrace her most authentic self. We had the opportunity to chat with Haven to learn all about the coming-of-age EP, what it means to her and what's next in the interview below.

Sweety High: What does the EP title Turn Off All the Lights mean to you? How do you feel it sums up its five songs?

Haven Madison: The title actually comes from the second verse of "Claw Marks." Conceptually, it's as if all the pressures of how each person and place expects me to be were all removed. I got to write and create what was authentic and real to me when everything is turned off.

(Photo credit: Robby Klein)

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

HM: I think the themes are empowerment, love, self-awareness and confidence. My goal is that when you push play and listen top to bottom, you'll experience and feel every emotion unapologetically.

 

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SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

HM: I think each track is very unique, but I would say the up-tempos are hard-hitting pop, while the ballads are creative and gut-wrenching.

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?

HM: I think they're such a great representation of what I was feeling and experiencing as a high schooler on TV. I've grown a lot since writing these songs, but if read between the lines, these songs will tell my story.

 

SH: What's your favorite song on the EP? Why?

HM: I love them all, obviously, but I think "Kiss The Ground" is so empowering and reminds me that no one can take my hard work from me.

 

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SH: How do you feel your singing and artistry have evolved since your time on American Idol?

HM: Oh gosh, I feel like I've grown so much in everything. My lyrics lapped everything I had before the show, my voice has found its place and my artistry has become unapologetic.

(Photo credit: Robby Klein)

 

SH: Is there anything you took away from the competition that you still hold near and dear to your heart?

HM: My friends, for sure. I still talk to several contestants, but especially the minors. I went from being incapable of fitting in at my high school to a room with 30 other kids who had the same passion. It was very needed, and I'm so grateful for them.

 

SH:  Is there anything else you'd like to add?

HM: Thank you so much for having me 🙂 There's so much on the horizon and so many pages filled, but for now, I hope you love this EP the same way my team and I have since the moment we pieced it together.

(Photo credit: Robby Klein)

 

For more interviews on the hottest new music, click HERE to read our piece with Delilah Montagu on her latest single, "Orange."