Madison Rose Gets Real About the Plights of Being an Independent Artist: ‘I’m Not Going to Suffer in Silence’ (Exclusive)

Madison Rose, an independent artist, has opened up about the challenges she faces in the music industry in an exclusive interview. The artist shared with PEOPLE how her queer identity, experiences with mental illness, and navigating the music industry have influenced her latest project, ‘MONOCHROME: The White Album’.

The 29-year-old artist has been making her mark in the music industry for the past decade, performing in various venues in New York City and beyond. Despite the hurdles she’s faced, Rose has remained resilient in pursuing her passion for music. She explained, “I had to decide that I wasn’t going to wait for anybody to give me a yes, because I just learned really quickly, and frankly, the hard way, that the industry was not going to give me the yes I wanted.”

Rose’s latest project, ‘MONOCHROME: The White Album’, is a 21-track collection of high-energy dance music inspired by her personal journey and experiences. Born in Cincinnati to hardworking parents, Rose developed a love for music at a young age and honed her craft through dedication and hard work. She credits artists like Lady Gaga, Robyn, and Beyoncé as some of her main influences.

The artist’s music career truly took off when she embraced her queer identity during the pandemic. This newfound self-awareness propelled her artistry to new heights, leading to the release of her debut album, ‘TECHNICOLOR’, in 2022. Rose’s move to New York City opened up a plethora of opportunities for her, including performing at notable events and venues.

‘MONOCHROME: The White Album’ delves into Rose’s personal journey of self-discovery, particularly her experience with bipolar disorder. Through her music, she aims to showcase the complexities of living with mental illness and finding strength in vulnerability. She explained, “It’s an album about self-discovery and transmuting these things that people say are your weak points into your strong points.”

In addition to her music, Rose has been vocal about the challenges faced by independent artists in the music industry. She has openly discussed the mental and financial tolls of being an independent artist, sharing her experiences of rejection and resilience. Rose emphasised the importance of speaking out against injustices in the industry and supporting fellow artists on their journey to success.

Looking ahead, Rose remains determined to maintain ownership of her music and creative direction. While she is open to exploring opportunities with larger record labels in the future, she is firm in her commitment to upholding her artistic integrity. Rose’s unwavering confidence and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists navigating the complexities of the music industry.

Through her music and advocacy, Madison Rose continues to break barriers and challenge norms in the music industry. Her authenticity and fearlessness in sharing her story serve as a beacon of hope for independent artists striving to make their mark in the industry. As she paves her own path to success, Rose’s journey embodies the power of resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion in the face of adversity.