Exclusive Interview: Haven Madison Talks ‘Turn Off All the Lights’ EP, Pushing Her Artistry, and More

Haven Madison has quickly established herself as one of her generation’s most exciting songwriters. Her ability to craft poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners, combined with her innovative approach to melody and composition, sets her apart in today’s music scene.

This April, she comes out of the gate strong with her debut EP, Turn Off All the Lights, a five-song collection that showcases Haven’s artistry and versatility. Each track is a testament to her ability to seamlessly blend genres and emotions, taking listeners on a captivating journey. From upbeat pop anthems to stripped-back ballads, Haven effortlessly navigates a range of sounds while maintaining a cohesive and compelling narrative thread.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Haven about Turn Off All the Lights, how she continues to push herself in her craft, and more.

PC: There’s so much versatility that you can hear on your debut EP, Turn Off All the Lights, where every song is so unique and different, but it feels so cohesive. It really takes listeners on this emotional roller coaster. What was the process like putting it together where you have these upbeat pop anthems as well as those stripped-back moments? I imagine as a songwriter you’ve written hundreds of songs. How did you settle on these five?
Haven: I actually had a completely different setup for the EP originally, but when I was recording one of the songs, I felt like something was off. So, I called my managers and the head of the label. They came down to the studio that I was in, and we turned the whole thing around because I wanted to come out of the gate with the strongest things that I had written.

I wanted it to be like, “Here we go. This is it.” I’m glad I did it because now I’m writing for the next project. In terms of writing, I’ve already surpassed what’s come out of this EP. It’s about continuing to raise the bar.

In terms of the sound, I didn’t want all the songs to sound the same. I wanted it to be human, honest, and raw, whether that’s a female rage song or a cry-on-your-couch song.

PC: That contrast is so compelling to listen to. There’s also such a universal quality to your songwriting where it feels so personal to your own experiences, but listeners are able to take it and apply it to their own lives. Is that contrast something that you’re mindful of during the songwriting process? How have you been able to toe that line so seamlessly?
Haven: The songs that are more personal have definitely become more popular recently. Artists like Taylor Swift and Brandon Lake have made it popular to be super honest, and that’s incredible. What’s really important is that you can make a really, really personal song, and I guarantee you’re not the only person that feels that way. I do little tweaks to try and make it more relatable, but at the end of the day, we’re all human, and people who are listening to my music are around my age, and they’ve probably felt the same way, so I don’t have to try too hard to make it relatable. I just trust that I’m not the only person who’s gone through this.

PC: There’s also such vivid imagery that you create through your songwriting. Do you have a favorite lyric off the EP?
Haven: That’s a good question. The entire second verse of “Claw Marks” is just imagery. It’s stacked with sweetly painful and gut-wrenching lyrics: “If you watch me with the captions on, you can see that I’m not okay.” I used to hate subtitles, but then I’ve gotten really fond of them. For some reason, that helps me understand a lot more. So I feel like if I had subtitles, people would have a whole different view of me; if they really knew what was going on.

PC: This is going to be a strange question because every song off the EP is so personal, but if you had to select a song off of it that best encompasses who you are as an artist at this moment, which would it be and why?
Haven: That’s a great question. Right now, I’m going to say “Kiss the Ground.” It’s got these strong pop elements, but you can’t compare it to anything. It’s so unique and it has such an angst to it. You can hear it and feel it in different ways. But to me, I didn’t write it as I’m the best. I wrote it as I’m going to work harder than everybody. I’m not the best singer in front of you. I can’t be the best artist in front of all these amazing and important people. But what I know is I’m going to be the hardest worker. When I find someone that works harder, I’m going to level it up and work harder. It’s really a diligence anthem. If you want to live like a rock star, you got to work like one.

PC: With this being your debut EP, what was the most surprising part about putting it together? What was the biggest takeaway that you’re going to bring to future bodies of work?
Haven: Putting it together, the biggest surprise was how different all the songs are from the grooves to the time measurements to the keys to the riffs to the lyrics. But what’s amazing is that there’s not a comparable song, which I think is incredible. You could say that there’s a song that has Olivia Rodrigo elements or one that has Taylor Swift elements, but at the end of the day, all biases aside, I haven’t heard anything like it. It’s a super interesting and unique project.

As far as what I’m taking to these next batch of songs, it’s continuing to be human. We all crave humanity. I wrote a song called “F-you, Cupid” a couple of weeks ago. It’s having that internal dialog and letting it out.

PC: So often when artists drop projects, they hit the road to support it. Are there plans to tour in 2024?
Haven: We’re looking at hopefully a fall tour. I’m excited to see what pans out.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Haven: ZZ Top.

PC: First album you bought or streamed?
Haven: Kari Jobe.

PC: First concert you attended?
Haven: Alessia Cara.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Haven: There have been so many. I’d say Dear Evan Hansen. Those songs are so insanely written and they have resonated with me so much. I was a theater kid.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Haven: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Haven: Throat Coat® Tea.

To keep up with Haven, follow her X, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Listen to Turn Off All the Lights today.

Photo Credit: Robby Klein