When you hear the name Madison Beer, some people might remember the young girl that was discovered on YouTube or see her as the pretty face that makes music. What seems to be overlooked is the brilliance behind the beauty, you will not discover only by looking at what certain media outlets cover. Fans describe the girl from Long Island as an older sister, a long distance best friend, an inspiration and role model. And who knows an artist better than the ones who have experienced her positive impact first hand?
As a young female artist in the music and entertainment industry, you are not being taken seriously most of the time. Instead, you are being objectified and undervalued. And when you stand up for yourself against a male dominated industry, you will most certainly experience a high wave of resistance. Throughout her career, Madison hasn’t felt heard, but she never backed down or let men in higher positions demean her. As a result of that, she was dropped by her first label and left in cold waters. Madison knew that – in order to take back her true image – she had to be fully involved in every aspect of her career. From writing on all her songs on her debut album, directing and having creative involvement in every music video, to designing entire tours and more. No one was going to tell Madison Beer who she is or isn’t and what she should or can’t do.
As much as her past has been difficult at times, Madison always had a strong fan base to rely on. While the media have portrayed her superficially based on what they saw as outsiders, fans describe her as a visionary and the future of the music industry. Two quite different perspectives, right? Public perception and the truth are very rarely the same thing. When you take a step back, you will realize that her fans are absolutely right. There is a whole generation out there she has influenced through her mental health advocacy, transparent character and incredibly well written lyrics. When you know her story, you start to understand the meaning between the lines. Wouldn’t you agree that relatable music is what heals people the most? There’s a huge difference between listening to a song you don’t personally connect with and music that makes you feel understood. It’s the artists behind the art, giving each musical creation its meaning.
Whenever someone asks me how I would convince someone to listen to a certain artist, I recommend seeing them in concert. There’s no better way to feel a connection than hearing the vulnerability, strength and passion live through a microphone. No production, no screen in between, just the artist and their lyrics. Knowing about the mental health struggles Madison has dealt with and acknowledging how she is processing her past experience through her art, you start to realize the importance of representation. Everyone is going through something and has felt mentally heavy from time to time. Musicians and people in the public eye in general are often masking up and not showing the brutal reality behind the perfectly covered up face. Some make music, some create art.
When you listen to Dear Society, you notice how Madison really captured what an intense and sometimes toxic relationship we can have with the internet and especially social media. The pressure to be perfect is what destroys a lot of minds and young people’s connection to the importance of self-love. With this song, the well-known beauty wanted to give fans an anthem to let them know that they are not alone. She seems like a flawless fairy from a children’s book, but the actual reality describes a young woman with flaws, insecurities and life struggles. She’s an ordinary girl just like you and me. And that’s what makes her so special and her presence in the music industry extremely important. Think about it. Wouldn’t you rather connect to someone you can relate to who is going through the realest and most human things too?
With her debut album Life Support, she has given fans a list of songs written during a time that personally required support, lots of therapy and overcoming self-doubt and heartbreak. The title itself speaks volume and has been exactly that for a lot of fans who got through their own difficult times. Some found hope and closure thanks to Madison Beer and her transparent discography. Her fans are beyond grateful to have her in their corner, because she openly talks about her struggles and how she has dealt with it over time. Songs like Homesick and Effortlessly are named as what you could call story-telling therapy. Not feeling like you fit in and dealing with mental health issues are common reasons young people lose track of the real value of life. When you don’t feel comfortable in your own body, the world around you becomes a strange place and music turns into a safety blanket. Female artists like Madison Beer play a significant role in the music industry today and it is so important to make sure women like her are reminded of their positive influence and value.
Just like her fans have mentioned, Madison truly is the future of the music industry. While she has been in the game for quite some time now, the world we live in today is in need of truthful story-telling through music more than ever before. What a lot of people seem to forget is that women like her are shaping the young generation and are making sure they get through the darkest days safely. Madison Beer didn’t want to live anymore at a certain point in her life, but because she didn’t give up on herself, a lot of hearts were healed. Whenever her fans thanked her for saving their lives, she said that she didn’t. They saved themselves. And yet, her fans found that spark within themselves again, because she was there to guide them back home.
ROARA Magazine 