The evolution of Maddie and Tae
Hi everyone,
I'm not sure where these months have gone, this year has been a bit full on with my day job as a marketing manager so I've not had much spare time. Luckily, I've always had time to listen to country music on my long daily commute. I love nothing more than listening to a random country playlist on Spotify to hear new music.
One thing that has struck me recently is the new music from Maddie and Tae. I was lucky enough to meet them at my first Country to Country festival in 2016. They were both lovely, friendly, welcoming and so gracious and excited to play in the U.K.
I enjoyed listening to their early hits including the number 1 'Girl In A Country Song' and 'Shut Up And Fish'. However, despite early success, I think they were easily dismissed by many, likely because of their age and how they appeared, unfortunately they were not the first ones to fall foul to the same issue. Their music was fun but the lyrics of their songs had true meaning in there; about the supporting acts of the role of women in traditionally male dominated country music.
"Being the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong
Like all I'm good for is lookin' good for
You and your friends on the weekend, nothin' more"
- Girl In A Country Song
Despite their early popularity in the states, the last few years have been a rollercoaster for both Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye. In 2017, their record label Dot closed down and they both had some personal struggles. I remember reading that that they had been dropped by their label and they weren't sure what the future held for them as artists. Luckily their deep bond, first as friends then as a band mates and the support from loyal fans got them through it. They were signed by Mercury Nashville, under Universal Music Group Nashville and toured with Carrie Underwood on her Cry Pretty tour earlier this year.
Their new songs that I've heard recently have really shown just how far Maddie and Tae have evolved as both songwriters and artists. Each song has a completely new depth and meaning to it, from 'One Heart To Another', to 'Friend's Don't' and the deeply heartfelt 'Die From A Broken Heart' and 'Bathroom Floor'. These songs are simply stunning and despite being only in their mid- 20's both Maddie and Tae have really grown and can truly relate to their audience.
They both write their own music along with songwriters including Justin Ebach, Jon Nite, Deric Ruttan, Jonathan Singleton and Josh Kerr amongst others and I've really enjoyed listening to their latest work and I'm excited to hear more from these women in country in the future. It's exciting to see them grow and share their voice and their stories through their beautiful voices.
Coincidentally, I've been meaning to write this post for a few weeks now and I saw the lovely news that Maddie got married this weekend to her high school sweetheart Jonah Font. Congratulations to them and this exciting new chapter!
My Top 5 Maddie and Tae songs:
1. Die From A Broken Heart
2. One Heart To Another
3. Friends Don't
4. Girl In A Country Song
5. Bathroom Floor
I hope you get chance to listen to these songs and enjoy them as much as I have.
Have a good week all,
Sammi x