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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with London based artist MADDU to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I come from South-West London but have roots in Romania, where I was born and raised. Music has been an integral part of my life since childhood, owing to my family’s strong musical background. My father, a professional singer and keyboard player, played a pivotal role in inspiring my early interest in music. Growing up, I had the privilege of observing his band rehearsals, which amplified my passion for music. As time passed, my enthusiasm for music deepened, and I eventually joined my father’s band while nurturing my dream of becoming a performer. It was during this period that I made the firm decision to pursue a career in music.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
In my formative years, I drew inspiration from traditional Romanian music, particularly the genre known as “muzica populara,” with my father serving as a notable influence. As a teenager, my musical tastes expanded, and I fell in love with jazz, blues, soul, and pop and R&B. Adele stands out as my primary contemporary inspiration, but I also hold a deep appreciation for artists like John Legend, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, Beyonce, and Celine Dion, Billy Joel and Mariah Carey.

How would you describe your sound?
My music embodies a multifaceted approach, where on one hand, it carries a gentle, soulful, and emotionally charged essence, seeking to touch the hearts of listeners and evoke profound feelings. On the other hand, there’s another side of me that loves to uplift people and get them dancing. I strive to strike a balance between evoking deep emotions and, when the moment calls for it, igniting the spirit of celebration and introspection through my music.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My most recent release is titled “GOODBYE.” This soulful Pop track with subtle Jazz influences draws its inspiration from a close friend’s tumultuous relationship journey, highlighting the importance of self-love over trying to make a wrong relationship work. This song, much like my previous release “NOW,” serves as a reflection of personal growth and resilience.

What’s your local music scene like?
The South-West London music scene is lively and diverse, with a mix of venues catering to various musical genres. It’s inclusive, welcoming artists from all backgrounds, and benefits from an engaged and supportive local audience. This environment offers great opportunities for musicians to perform, collaborate, and connect with fans.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
Over the next year, I’m focusing on composing an album. I’m excited to share that I’ve already laid down the themes and main melodies for the first five songs. While I don’t want to make concrete commitments, recognizing the unpredictability of life, my goal is to eventually release the album and plan live performances to share this new music with my audience, both from the UK and Romania.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Collaborating with Adele remains a cherished dream. Her music has been a constant presence throughout my life, and she epitomizes musical perfection in my eyes.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I have a memorable one to share. One night, I was performing at a restaurant with a good friend of mine, where we did piano-voice covers that drew a crowd. As I geared up to deliver the heart-wrenching final chorus of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” fate had a surprise in store. I unintentionally inhaled a fly. Picture this: for a solid five minutes, I choked so dramatically that the entire room thought I was auditioning for a new role – “The Choking Pop Singer.” What makes this memory a comedy goldmine is the irony. Earlier that day, my friend and I had watched a YouTube video featuring a tenor whose voice took an unexpected twist mid-song. My response? “Well, that won’t happen to me, no way.” Little did I know, karma had a hilarious plot twist ready and waiting.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I want readers to understand that my connection to music goes beyond mere performance. I sing because I deeply love and live to touch people’s hearts through my music. My greatest achievement is bringing smiles to people’s faces. My music is imbued with emotion and meaning, often inspired by the stories of people I encounter, always with their consent.

You can find out more about MADDU via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify or YouTube.