Artist Glimpse: Madison Galloway
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In a music world often chasing the next big sound, Madison Galloway is carving out something timeless. With roots in Fergus, Ontario, she blends blues, folk, and rock into a soulful mix that feels both familiar and fresh. Her voice carries the grit of lived experience, and her lyrics invite listeners into a space of reflection, resilience, and raw emotion. Whether she's wielding a slide guitar or penning verses that cut deep, Madison is an artist who leads with heart. I am thrilled to share this conversation that dives into the soul of her craft.
ROB AGUIAR - Your sound is a rich blend of blues, folk, and rock. Who were the artists or albums that first connected with and how have they shaped your musical identity?
MADISON GALLOWAY - My parents are big music fans, so I listened to a lot of music growing up, whether it was records, cassettes, CDs or tuning into Q107, we would always listen to music. Two artists in particular that really inspired me though were Joni Mitchell and Jimmy Page/Led Zeppelin. They heavily influenced my playing, singing, and writing. Key albums: Hits - Joni Mitchell, Physical Graffiti - Led Zeppelin, No Quarter - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant. On the harmonica side, I taught myself by learning “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young, which also became the first song I ever posted a cover of on YouTube. Fun fact: that video ended up winning me Scorpion tickets when I was 15!
RA - I read somewhere that ‘Freedom’ is about the moment you decide to leave what’s been chaining you down. In the lyric, ‘I’ve been drifting since the sun stumbled down / Gonna find tomorrow in another town,’ there’s a sense of movement, escape, and quiet hope. What do you want listeners to feel or reflect on when they hear that line—and does it speak to the kind of freedom you were chasing when you wrote it?
MG - When writing “Freedom”, Jason Hamor and I wanted to write a story about a free-spirited girl who finds her freedom by hopping a train and leaving everything behind, including the relationship she was in. The story in “Freedom” was inspired by my inner wanderer and how I felt leaving a bad relationship, though no travel and trains were involved in my case. Many of us have been there, but I also wanted the song to be able to speak to more than just relationships, and inspire others to take a leap towards their freedom, whatever that may mean to them.
RA - Every song has a journey—from the first scribble in a notebook to the final performance on stage. Can you walk us through the evolution of one of your original songs, and share how it transformed creatively along the way?
MG - I always love looking back at a song’s journey. Songs just start with an idea - whether it’s a chord, riff, melody or lyric. Sometimes those ideas come easily and flow quickly, but sometimes it can be hard to make a start on a song, the latter was the case with my song “Open Your Eyes”. This song was a co-write with Jason Hamor and initially we were both stumped on what to write. Eventually, I picked a book off my shelf and read a line at random. It inspired the first lyric and from there, we wrote “Open Your Eyes. When I brought this song into the studio, Ross Hayes Citrullo and I were workshopping the song before recording it and he suggested I use my current chorus as a pre-chorus and write a new chorus. With the new chorus written, we recorded the song. We created a lot of really cool parts and layers with the rest of the band, but even after recording and releasing a song, it still goes through changes. This past summer, my band and I performed “Open Your Eyes” at the Line Spike Frontenac festival. When I was planning our show, I had the idea to extend the outro. We worked it out in rehearsal, thought it was great, and kept it in the show. So, a song never really stops growing.
RA - Let’s dream big: if you could collaborate with any artist, living or gone, who would it be and why? What kind of song would you hope to create together?
MG - This is a really tough one, there are so many incredible artists whom I would absolutely love to collaborate with. I’m torn between Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and Joni Mitchell. I love the music each of them create and are a big inspiration to me in my music. I would hope the song I created with any of them would be a unique blend of our own styles, but it’s hard to say what that would actually look like until it happens… Hopefully I’ll get to find out one day!
RA - Your songwriting feels deeply personal, like pages from a journal. How do you stay grounded in your truth while navigating the pressures of the music industry?
MG - I think being authentic is really important, not just for yourself, but I think others appreciate it as well. Honestly, I’ve always just kind of done my own thing, and although I’ve definitely been too stubborn or hard-headed at times, I’m proud that I’ve always tried to stay true to myself. Luckily, I have grown a lot over the years and have become a more open person. I do believe there is merit in doing things that will make your music widely-appealing though, which doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your artistry. I’m grateful to work with a lot of talented people who understand my vision.
RA - With “Freedom” and your 2024 self-titled album making waves, what’s next on your journey? Are you exploring new sounds, planning a tour, or diving into something unexpected?
MG - I actually had two other songs I had recorded when recording my album that I’m planning on releasing this year, so I’m excited about that. I’m also currently working on booking up my 2026 and am hoping to make it back to the UK and US, as well as do lots of shows here in Ontario, of course!! I also really want to visit Eastern Canada, so I would love to work out some shows there too.
RA - Madison Galloway isn’t just writing songs—she’s writing chapters of a story that resonates far beyond her hometown. Her music is a reminder that vulnerability is strength, and that authenticity always finds its audience. As she continues to evolve, I will surely be listening closely.
Madison will be part of the incredible lineup on February 1st for the next GLIMPSE INTO THE HEART OF A SINGER SONGWRITER, LIVE MUSIC EVENT. Happening at the Rec Room, Mississauga.
