Picture auburn strands, no, “fake ginger” as she so chaotically describes through her TikTok bio, weaved into braids. And we’re beginning to rattle off a profile shot of twenty-something Madisyn Gifford. Turn back the hands of time, though, and a 17-year-old version of her may make the bottle-hair comment seem a little more sense. Dark locks cascade down her graduating gown. While those two are stark differences, what’s between them is that accidental squealing gush of an awkward crush. We’re never sure if it’s safe enough to dive right in. Perhaps that’s why on the cover for her latest single, an ode to that particular teenage year, ‘Seventeen,’ she’s out in the field. Flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots surrounding, each fallen-off petal attached to a “they love me,” “they love me not.” Youthful love tends to give you that sort of rush.
We chatted with Madisyn about the country-stylized tune, another layer of the cottage-core chic location. As well as her musical influences, of which no one’s surprised that it starts with a twangy, Swifterian ‘T,’ and how one of those exact hair colors we were talking about earlier matches her guitar.
4-1-1 Of Madisyn At ‘Seventeen’
Since the tune is called ‘Seventeen,’ can you give us a small snapshot of who you were then? Was there anything else that should’ve been confiscated besides your eyebrow pencil?
Great question! I haven’t changed in a lot of ways since I was 17, but also, in many ways, I am drastically different than who I was! I would probably like to confiscate the bottle of Barefoot Pink Moscato from my hands at 17. Seriously, that is never a good idea.
What’s a nostalgic song you remember getting you through a similar heartbreak when you were that age? When comparing the two songs, are there any lyrics connecting a conversation between past and current you?
I went through a breakup when I was 17, and afterward, all I could listen to for about a week was the Fearless and Speak Now albums and also the song “Spinning Plates” by Misty Boyce.
Musical Tastes Shuffling Throughout The Years
You’re a massive fan of Taylor Swift, and we especially adore how you’ve interwoven the message of ‘I Can Do It With a Broken Heart’ into your confessional series, where you’ve given an introspective look into usually glossy sides of the music industry. Can you follow up by dishing out one anecdote that occurred during the making of ‘Seventeen?’
Thank you so much! The making of this song has been a very fun one! I’m happy to say my outlook on making and releasing music is a lot different and much healthier now than it used to be! I’m a lot more confident than I was, which makes releasing music and filming content much more fun!
Even more so, if you could add ‘Seventeen’ to the tracklisting of any current Taylor album, which one would it be?
Great question! I’ve actually thought about this before, and I think it would fit well on Speak Now!
A lyric on ‘Seventeen’ says, “But then you walked right up and saw right through my stories.” Being a songwriter and having a discography out could feel like a potential love interest has another layer added to the parasocial mix on top of your socials. Therefore, this lyric could have a double meaning—one where he’s seen through your lies attached to running away and having an understanding of you through the depth of your lyricism. What are your feelings centered around potential soulmates having a box of songs addressed to your inner wounds?
Wow, that is very insightful; it’s cool you picked up on that! It’s something I’ve thought about a lot and something that’s always made me nervous when it comes to dating but also, I hope whoever I’m with is confident enough in our relationship to not let that bother him too much!
Carefree Youth Fire Round
Additionally, we especially love the phrase “Heartbreak junkie” so much that we’ve personified it and are picturing the said “heartbreak junkie” tearing their way through a box full of broken heart-shaped tissues. If you were the one that currently adorned that name and was stretched out on a therapist’s couch, which three television characters would you want to act as the ones giving you relationship advice?
Again, amazing question! I would probably go to Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (obviously) and Pastor June from Sweet Magnolias because I think she would give the best advice ever.
We’ve noticed that your auburn hair color matches the shade of your guitar. Was that an intentional choice? And how does your taste in fashion mesh with your music?
Definitely not intentional, but a fun coincidence nonetheless! And I would say my style and my music definitely influence each other and go hand in hand! Overall, I think both my style and my music feel the most “me” that they ever have, though!
We have to bring it up since ‘Seventeen’s backdrop is nature, so we’re technically on the theme. Why do you detest cottage cheese? And is there any sort of cheese that you do like?
I love pretty much all cheeses except for cottage cheese because there’s nothing to like about it. The texture is AWFUL!
Twining Who She Was Then With Who She Is Now
Finally, to add to your tattoo collection, what’s a lyric or even an image that comes to mind when listening to ‘Seventeen’ you’d etch on to celebrate its release?
Hmmmm, great question; I’ve always thought of getting the phrase “Dear God” on my arm, so probably that!
Has our chat with Madisyn inspired you to get your own tattoo to show off her songwriting? Let us know what words you want to decorate your body with through our Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! Or if you’re still on the fence, stream the diary-mused ‘Seventeen.’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MADISYN GIFFORD:
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