Review Fix Exclusive: Madeline Castrey Talks Origin in Music And More

Review Fix chats with Madeline Castrey, who discusses her career, future and more.

Review Fix: How did the project start?

Madeline Castrey: 2020 has been a crazy old year, but it’s one I will always be grateful for. With a bit of time and space to reflect as the pace of life has slowed, I’ve managed to be creative in a way I haven’t been before, and I’m thrilled to be able to share the outcome with you now!

I was born in Surrey and I’ve always been a lover of music from a very young age. If you’ve heard my songs, you might not believe it, but my background is actually in classical singing. I have a strong background in West End Theatre and television, but then I fell in love with opera and began to train as an opera singer.

I was seriously ill as a teenager, and the silver lining of this was being able to spend lots of time on music and finding the style I really loved. I was thrilled to become the first ever 16-year-old admitted onto an undergraduate degree course at The London College of Music, and I then went on to gain a distinction in my master’s degree specialising in opera. 

My heart has always been with jazz music, and over the early part of this year, I was trying to find a way to marry together the vocal prowess of greats like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald with something a little more modern to create my own pocket of smooth and soothing jazz. Over the course of lockdown, I really found my feet with this, and I hope that my new releases are something you enjoy! 

What’s also been great is creating this new music alongside writing my PhD in music…it’s safe to say I don’t cope with boredom very well!

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Castrey: Well, as with many artists and composers, my experiences drive much of my creative output. It’s hard to compose under pressure and to deadlines, so whenever I sit down with the mindset of of “I have to write a song now” the result is never as effective as stumbling across a lyric or a melody from exploring how you’re feeling at that particular moment. Sometimes things do just arrive in your head and sometimes things take on more of a journey. My second single ‘London’ is actually two different songs merged together. I had one piece fully written that I loved the verses of, but the chorus wasn’t quite right, and then I had another song that I felt needed a little extra something in the verses and the bridge. As I was playing around one day, it occurred to me that the two might work well together…and then I guess the rest is history!

In terms of some of the challenges I’ve faced; as a classical musician first and foremost, I’ve found that I have a tendency to get carried away with instrumentation and textures so sometimes I do have to reign myself in a little bit – otherwise you’ll be listening to a symphony and not a song!

Review Fix: What’s your standout song? How was it written?

Castrey: All of my songs are deeply personal and reflect my thought processes or experiences at one time or other. In terms of my standout song, I’d have to say my newest single ‘Brand New’ New’ is the one I have become most attached to. I remember sitting on this little patch of green by City Hall and Tower Bridge in London and feeling so reinvented. In fact, I remember saying to myself “I’m going to write a song about this”I had no idea of how it would be, but I just knew that that particular moment would inspire me to create something. Compositionally, it was interesting because although it’s got a very uplifting sentiment, the verses were actually written in a minor key – so that was something new for me. 

This song itself talks about finding new love … (who…well that would be telling!) but the underlying message is one of empowerment, excitement and that rush of cautious thrill at facing the unknown – something I think we’re all seeking to find after this year! For me, it’s not only marked a shift in my musical style, but also a shift in my outlook which I have found particularly refreshing. 

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?

Castrey: It’s been a funny old year, hasn’t it?! What has been amazing for me is shifting from the mindset of “let’s just get through it” to “let’s see what I can do with it!” 

As there’s not much left of 2020, I’d say my broader goals for the year are to release a couple more singles and then an EP. Then of course there is the live side of things. The global situation at the moment makes this all a bit difficult, but I’m a performer first and foremost and I love nothing more than engaging with audiences of all sizes. I’ve performed at quite the variety of events in my time; my background is in West End Theatre, so I’ve had the opportunity to perform in some fantastic shows including The Lion King, Les Miserables, Evita and more. What’s different about performing my own songs in front of an audience is being able to sing as myself and really relate to people as individuals. That’s really what I’d love to do more of next year, just as soon as we’re able!

Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?

Castrey: Creating songs that are relatable is the key thing for me. My songs are very lyric focused, so I’m always thrilled if listeners can relate to my own experiences through my lyrics. With my style of jazz that combines modern pop beats with more classical elements, I hope to bring more listeners to the jazz style to make it more accessible as a genre. In the past jazz and indeed classical music has had an air of “exclusivity” about it, so I’m hoping to elimate this with a message of inclusion and relatibility through my music. 

In terms of the emotional connection that I’d love listeners to have; I strive to keep my music uplifting – and so I hope that my music inspires a message of joy and empowerment for all. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Castrey: I’d love to release an EP in the next year alongside a few more singles. Then looking ahead to 2021/22, I’d love to think about getting a label involved…the sky’s the limit really!