Madison McFerrin

Madison McFerrin is a singer, songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. In December 2016, her solo debut EP, Finding Foundations: Vol. I, introduced her R&B/soul take on a capella to the world. Critics and crowds quickly took note. Leading up to her sold out show at Joe’s Pub, the New York Times remarked how her sound “shows wonderful vocal dexterity, deftly swerving from sharp, clearly enunciated staccato bursts to fluttery, free-form melismata.” After one listen, tastemaking DJ, Gilles Petersen, snatched up her standout track, “No Time to Lose,” for his latest installment of his Brownswood Bubblers series. This landed her radio play on Jamie Cullum’s BBC Radio show and the chance to perform at the inaugural Arroyo Seco Weekend music festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Later this year, Madison plans to give her growing community of listeners more of what they love with Finding Foundations: Vol. II. 

Madison bears the torch of three generations of vocal pioneers. As the LA Weekly noted, she employs her jazz virtuoso father, Bobby McFerrin’s vocal techniques “to more soulful ends.” Her use of the synthesizer during her live shows reflects the influence of her brother, Brainfeeder producer, Taylor McFerrin. However, her collage of artistic influences that include the Beatles, Radiohead, Hiatus Kaiyote, Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott emerge in her multilayered lyrics that rest in a bed of harmonies uniquely her own. She honed her performance chops on world tours with her father’s band, SpiritYouAll, that includes dynamic, multi-instrumentalist Louis Cato. Prior to launching her solo career, Madison co-founded the funk band, Cosmodrome, while completing her studies at Berklee College of Music. 

Madison delves into the core of these influences on Finding Foundations Vol. II. The EP features an updated recording of “Can You See,” a track that was 1 of 4 selected finalists among thousands of entries in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest this spring. Drawing inspiration from Erykah Badu to Nina Simone, Madison offers a soulful meditation on the painful legacy of police brutality in the United States. She balances out the mood of FF: Vol. II with reminders to tap into your inner light and make time for sexy time. 

With this next release, Madison intends to explore more ways to create experiences that engage and empower her community. As a female, independent artist of color, she sees this as vitally important to her practice.