Interview & photos by Natalie Mason – Maddy O’Neal is a self-taught producer and DJ based in Denver, Colorado. I had to opportunity to meet her at Electric Forest where she was playing several different sets. I had the pleasure of enjoying her main set at Sherwood stage as well as her set in the campground at the Further Frequencies Bus. I recently discovered her music and wanted to share it with as many people as I can. I’m a little new to the scene so I can’t always describe what it is about the music that speaks to me but I love the description that Maddy gave about her music.
Natalie: How would you define your music?
Maddy: I have described it in the past as “dirty funky bass music, but make it pretty.” I also tend to categorize it as “feel good bass music” because it’s melodic and soulful, yet grimey, but I still want it to lift people up.
Natalie: What is something only your biggest fans would know about you?
Maddy: That I have been in the industry for 12 years. I was in a duo project for five and left that to start my solo career as Maddy O’Neal in 2016. It’s been a wild ride and it’s so so cool to have fans that have been around to see the whole thing and grow with me.
Natalie: Who is your biggest inspiration? This could be anyone in your life even if you don’t know them.
Maddy: Honestly, my inspiration changes all the time. I can be inspired by a message from a fan telling me how much my music has affected their life or meet new artists that just have such a unique perspective on the industry and their path that it lights me up. The coolest part about what I did is I have these interactions all the time and it’s really what keeps me going.
Natalie: Which musicians/bands/DJs are your musical influences?
Maddy: I came up in the Pretty Lights ecosystem. That whole crew – band, crew, fan base, etc. has had a huge effect on me over the years, not just musically but in seeing how they operate as a unit and a force. The family vibe there is strong and everything they do feels like it’s pushing boundaries and moving the needle forward and I will forever be inspired by that crew.
Natalie: At Electric Forest, you played 3 sets plus a set at the afters? How were they different and which one was your favorite?
Maddy: YES! I am so, so grateful that I got to participate at Electric Forest in so many different ways. I played my main set at Sherwood on Thursday to maybe one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever played for. I hadn’t been back to Forest since 2018 and that was such a special way to be welcomed back. I also played a DJ set (bass) at the GA campgrounds on the Further Frequency bus on Friday night. Then, finally I got to finish it off on Sunday at the Honeycomb which was just insane – the 360 setting in the middle of the forest just sets the vibe so high, no matter what. Unfortunately, my Grand Artique set on Saturday was cancelled due to weather, but I am fully satisfied! I got to play three different types of sets and do an artist panel and meet and greet. I feel like I did EF proper and I’m really feeling the love right now.
Natalie: Do you have a preference for the types of venues you like to play? Ex. Festival, intimate small show, outdoors, etc.
Maddy: Festivals will forever have my heart since you get to play for so many new fans. There’s built in productions and vibes all around and people set out for discovery when they go to them. It is also really fun to go back and play intimate club shows, though, because you can feel the energy and be up close and really feel people’s reactions in those environments. The balance is nice.
Natalie: What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?
Maddy: There have been so many challenges along the way it’s hard to really pinpoint but I think just keeping up is a struggle for any artist. There’s always so much pressure to always be putting things out and to be levelling up and posting on social media constantly. The game has changed, and people’s attention spans have adapted as well so you are constantly trying to keep up with an algorithm or a pace that sometimes gets overwhelming especially when you are touring, working on music and trying to maintain your personal life all at once. You just gotta find the balance and find the most authentic ways to interact with the world with these new tools at our fingertips.
Natalie: Have there been moments where you wanted to give up and what helped you get past it?
Maddy: Oh yes. I think anyone doing what I do would be lying if they hadn’t had that thought. I was close to giving up when I left my old project and had to start over again from scratch after devoting five years of my life to it. Luckily, I had such an amazing support system around me that cheered me on and helped me set goals and lifted me up in ways I am so grateful for. So many people had my back including my fans rallying around me sharing my music and my new pages when I first released my new solo stuff. I wouldn’t be out here thriving today without that!
Natalie: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
Maddy: Keep going! It’s gonna get tough and you’re gonna be broke and tired for a long time (lol). But if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out. The community is strong and people are more willing to chat and listen and give advice than you would think. You can’t do it alone. And finally, stay true to you…trends come and go, but no one can be you.
Natalie: Which up and coming artist is on your radar that you want everyone to know about?
Maddy: One of my favorite producers right now is this guy Ashez from Australia. He actually just moved to the US for the summer and he just crushes! Also, I recently discovered this collective of producers out of Boston – AG, Extrakt, Nefu and Buckten (I think he’s actually from FL) but they keep sending me all the heat that makes it into my sets here and there! Check them out!
Natalie: What is it that you love about Electric Forest that you can’t find at any other festival?
Maddy: I forgot how massive and immersive it is. There is so much happening at all times and such a unique and diverse lineup of music…those are my favorite festivals. There’s a little bit of something for everyone. You can get lost in the forest, hang by the pool and make friends everywhere you go.
Natalie: What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Maddy: I actually just rediscovered Chet Faker’s catalogue. I used to be obsessed and just about anything he does is my happy place.
Natalie: Any upcoming projects that you’re excited about and would like to give some hints?
Maddy: I am in the very final stages of finishing my full length LP that I am dropping this fall! It is 10 tracks and I’ve been working so hard on it all year. I cannot wait for people to hear the evolution of my sound. I’m actually dropping the first single on Tuesday, July 16 so be on the lookout!!
Natalie: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Maddy: Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for showing up and showing so much love this weekend…I am feeling the community love on a different level these days and it really just lights me up and keeps me going <3
Maddy O’Neal x Defunk – “Come For You” – out 5/24
Click here for the Streaming link
Click here to view Press release and upcoming tour dates
