Inspiring Interview With Madeline Mondrala, Songwriter And Performer

Madeline Mondrala is a Brooklyn based Experimental Pop songwriter and performer. Originally from Los Angeles, Mondrala attended the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. (photo by Elisa Quero).

I Have Career Envy.  Tell Us About A Typical Day As An Artist/Musician.

Well, career is a strong word. I don’t make any money off of my music, so don’t be too envious! I do it purely for the love of it, so I consider music to be more of a devotional practice than a career in the traditional sense.

A typical day will consist of waking up around 7am, working out, making my coffee, tackling my to do list, and then working from home as an executive administrative assistant at NYTAG, a non-profit centered around passing legislation that benefits the TGNC community.

In the afternoon I’ll sit down at the piano and play through some of my songs, and maybe start writing a new one. It really just depends on what phase I’m in at the current moment. Sometimes I’m focused on creating, sometimes I’m preparing for a performance, and sometimes I’m just sending a bunch of emails. It’s not the most glamorous existence but I love it nonetheless.

What 2 Things Do You Do To Build Your Confidence?

I work out. I do Pilates, weight training, and yoga. Building my physical strength and being consistent with it really helps put me in a positive mindset.

I also go to therapy which is so important for me too. Having someone to check in with about my mental health keeps me accountable to my own well being and  happiness. Knowing that I’m actively taking steps to strengthen my understanding of who I am boosts my confidence.

It’s really empowering to explore the unconscious patterns I’ve subscribed to over the years. Once I name them, I’m able to work towards breaking them.

How Do You Balance Work And Life And Make Time For Yourself?

With much difficulty. I’m most definitely not an expert at this. In fact I’d say it’s more of a constant struggle. I do try and block out my time to make sure I’m doing everything that needs to get done, however sometimes I over strategize and over schedule myself and realize that I need to slow down and take time to strengthen my foundation.

I will say there’s nothing like a hot bubble bath with a nice candle to zap the stress right out of me. I also love to cook delicious meals while watching my favorite reality TV shows.

Anything that allows me to be creative and in the moment is really necessary for me to center myself. You can’t be “on” all the time. You have to care for your inner child as well.

What Are Your Style Tips?

Given that we’re in a global pandemic I haven’t been very focused on expanding my personal style since I can’t indulge in my usual addiction to thrift stores. Lately I look at my closet and want to throw everything away and start over. Honestly, that might be my advice.

Get rid of a bunch of clothes and just keep what you truly like.  Lately I’ve been going for really simple basics. White tank top, black shorts, black Birkenstocks, fanny pack. I really like dressing like a clean slate. Nothing flashy, or busy. Just makes me feel clean and classy.

How Does Your Style And Fashion Influence Play Into Your Music?

I’m always striving towards authenticity and simplicity. I like to leave room for the most relevant aspect of a song or a look to stand out. In the context of a song that’s usually a lyric, or a melodic moment. In terms of a look maybe it’s a vintage necklace, or a bold lip.

When I was younger I didn’t know the meaning of the word edit. I would pile on and pile on until the meaning was lost underneath. These days I’m much more aware of how various pieces come together to make the whole picture. It really does apply to both songwriting and personal style. It’s usually a smart decision to take something away before you call it complete.

What Advice Would You Give The Next Generation Of Girls?

Never let a man change your opinion of yourself for better or worse. Know your worth. Trust your instincts. If you want something done right, do it yourself.

Know that anything worth while usually takes a lot longer to come to fruition than you thought it would or wanted it to. Be open to evolution. You won’t be the same person forever. Get a cat or dog and love them with all your heart.

What’s Your Definition Of Success And How Has This Changed Over The Years?

Interestingly this question seems to be coming up a lot for me lately. I used to think I’d feel successful when I was famous, or popular, or acclaimed by strangers. I’m only recently starting to learn that I had it backwards.

All we have as humans is the moment we’re currently in. If we have little pockets of happiness and peace in our day, that’s success. I’m working on seeing success as watering my beautiful plants, cuddling with my partner and cat, writing a song, spending time with good friends.

When the little pieces of your inner world are harmonious, then it doesn’t really matter what the outside world thinks of you. Why does it take us so long to realize that?

How Are You Hoping To Evolve In Your Music Career In The Next Few Years?

I hope to slowly and organically grow my fanbase by steadily releasing music. I used to want to get to the top of the mountain quickly. I had no patience. It got me in trouble. These days I’m taking the long way around, which Is a lot easier to do when fame isn’t the goal. I’m looking at it as more of a fun experiment. What will happen if I just keep going, keep getting smarter, keep learning… I don’t know, but I’m excited to find out.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Role Model For Empowerment And Positivity? How Do You Spread That Message To Fans?

The best way for me to encourage others to be themselves and rejoice in their individuality is to do that for myself. Knowing that I’m putting myself out there in a public way means that I have to face my own insecurities, embrace them, and move through them. I want people to know that the experience of life is one long process. We never stop changing, growing, and evolving. I think through my music I’m able to explore that message of self exploration and how it can be scary, difficult, and liberating all at once.

Bio

Madeline’s first EP “Cloud” (2013) was acclaimed by taste making blogs such as The Line of Best Fit for “blending classically nuanced pop styles to hypnotic perfection”. Her sophomore EP “Madelin” (2017) garnered attention for its feminist anthem “Good List”, appearing in a myriad of music publications including Ladygunn and Popdust.

Her subsequent music video for her single “High School Boys” premiered in Billboard and was embraced by the queer/drag artist community in Brooklyn. Madeline’s 7-track album “Then Her Head Fell Off” was released in 2019 completely independently.

Having spent the last two years writing and recording new music, Madeline is ready to take full ownership of her artistry and embark on a path of deliberate authenticity under her new moniker “That Brunette”.