Maddie Zahm Talks Grappling With a Loss of Identity on ‘Where Do All the Good Kids Go’?
We first fell in love with pop singer-songwriter Maddie Zahm's music with the release of her viral TikTok hit "Fat Funny Friend," and we haven't looked back since.
Today, Maddie announced the release of her debut album, Now That I've Been Honest, which drops Oct. 20. She also marked the important occasion with the release of a new single, "Where Do All The Good Kids Go?" which will kick off the vulnerable, autobiographical album. This stunning, piano-driven intro recounts her own story of becoming a worship leader at 13, before growing up and feeling fully unprepared for life in the real world. We can't relate more to that strange sense of feeling like an adult as a child, yet still feeling like a kid once you've grown up. From the moment we first heard it, we knew we had to learn more, and Maddie was generous enough to tell us all about it, and what's coming next, in the interview below.
The Story Behind 'Where Do All The Good Kids Go?'
Maddie Zahm: "Where Do All the Good Kids Go?" is one of my favorite songs on the album. There's something so terrifying about being stripped of all of your identities. Entering into the real world with very little education on how to be queer, deconstruct and live as an adult who was raised as a good kid. I wanted the song to encompass that feeling—the chaos.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'You Might Not Like Her' Singer-Songwriter Maddie Zahm
What 'Where Do All the Good Kids Go?' Means
MZ: This song means a great deal to me. I think it's the first time I've admitted that I don't know what the hell I'm doing. This year has been so scary! I love that we were able to capture that feeling.
('Where Do All the Good Kids Go?' via Dollgirl Records)
Maddie's Favorite Lyric
MZ: My favorite lyric is "I can't tell the difference between fun and danger" —that's the truest line. Moving to Los Angeles was such a transition from Boise, Idaho. I hadn't been raised to function well in a city. I didn't know the line until I crossed it. It was a lot of trial and error that led to myself being in a lot of painful situations.
Also read about: How Kayden Found Her Place in New Single 'Meant to Be'
'Where Do All the Good Kids Go?' and Now That I've Been Honest
MZ: It serves as an introduction. The album is written and released in order from when I wrote them to now. I think it's important to tell a story in chronological order, and that's exactly what I aim to do with this album!
It's gonna take you on a rollercoaster! From mental health to body image to sexuality to the first time I kissed a girl! We're gonna get to know each other really well.
(Photo credit: Gus Black)
Final Thoughts
MZ: I'm just thankful for the people who have cared enough about my music to follow along through this crazy journey. I hope I make them proud.
For more on our favorite music from the week, click HERE to read our interview with CMAT on "Where Are You Kids Tonight?" featuring John Grant.