About the Event
About Madison McFerrin
Questlove dubs her sound “soul-appella,” AdHoc to describe her work as “an oasis of serenity,” and The FADER notes how Madison’s “warm harmonies feel effortless.” Madison’s distinct vocal and meticulously layered stylings of a capella and self-harmonizing culminate in work that blends the genres of R&B, pop, soul, and jazz, all with a sense of softness. The through line of Madison’s work is independence and inner liberation, whether she is writing about understanding one’s intuition and inner beauty or the cyclical violence of anti-Blackness and sexism, Madison explores how to get free and how to care for oneself along the way. Her songs are often developed by looking back and honoring the Black musical canon while creating her own unique style, utilizing her voice as a central instrument and drawing upon lifelong inspirations like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, Pharell, Missy Elliot, and the Spice Girls.
In addition to her musical career, Madison has served as a curator for numerous venues including C’mon Everybody, the WNYC Greene Space, and the BRIC Jazz festivals, prioritizing the work of women and people of color. The result of Madison’s collaborative and creative output is an enduring commitment to finding ways to think better, express ourselves honestly, and nurture a sense of possibility.
