Artist Advent Calendar - Day 16: Madison Steinbruck

Written by: Keyali Mikaela

Welcome to Day 16, where we shine a spotlight on Madison Steinbruck, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter who’s mastered the art of turning life’s quirkiest moments into deeply relatable tracks. Whether it’s writing songs inspired by binge-watching TLC shows or hanging out with her mom’s chickens (yes, really), Madison’s storytelling is as charming and unpredictable as she is. Her track “Eva” has been stealing hearts, even earning a spot on a Katie Gavin-inspired playlist—an honor that left her totally fangirling.

This year, Madison has embraced growth, learned the art of saying no (sometimes), and sprinkled her signature humor and heart into everything she touches. From dreaming of collabs with Medium Build to decking out her house for every holiday, Madison’s vibe is unapologetically fun and refreshingly real. Dive into her music and get ready to feel all the feels—plus a few laughs along the way!

NW: What's the weirdest thing that’s inspired a song?

Madison: Mmmm this isn't that weird, but my roommate creeped on a guy I was seeing and his mom was on TLC!!! We binged the whole series before I went out with him and it ended up inspiring a song... 

NW: Who’s an artist you've recently discovered?

Madison: Katie Gavin! I had listened to Muna (the band she's in) but never her solo stuff. I’m actually obsessed now. I recently saw “Eva” was on a playlist called “Katie Gavin Fall” and I was so honored. 

NW: What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?

Madison: I feel like this is a lesson I've been learning for a while, but I realized I can’t be everywhere and do everything FOR REAL this year. Sometimes you have to make a choice or say no. It’s really a wonderful thing to have options. It’s a gift! Sadly my body can’t handle being nonstop 24/7 365 days a year, but I get as close as I can. 

NW: What's the strangest place you've ever written or recorded music?

Madison: Probably outside with my mom’s chickens haha. I feel like that makes sense though! Cute country vibes. Or while I’m driving on the highway…not strange but very unsafe.

NW: If you could collab with any artist right now, who would it be?

Madison: Medium Build. I would absolutely love that. 

NW: What was your most-played song this year?

Madison: Embarrassingly probably one of my own.. or “Beach Chair” by Medium Build

NW: Do you have a favorite fan interaction from this year?

Madison: At a New York show, a person after was begging me to do standup because she thought my banter was so funny. I was honored but like mmm no girl I’m not funny without this guitar haha. Also, I was playing a gig at a winery and someone requested a song from my old album that hardly anyone has even heard. That was really special.

NW: What's a lyric from another artist that hits you hard every time?

Madison: “I want you to disappoint me, on and on until we’re old. I’m inside folding laundry, you’re outside fixing the hose.” This is a Katie Gavin lyric that has been playing over and over in my head. The whole song is insane and it is so sad but so so relatable. I’ve been single for years and I think you always hope for that movie love, but the reality is that most people don’t have it. Maybe love is mundane, maybe not? It's a universal experience. 

NW: What song of yours do you feel proudest of?

Madison: Oh my gosh that’s tough…Of the ones that are out probably “Eva”. It just feels really special. Of all time? I have one I wrote about my brother that I really like. It’s called “here you are”

NW: Who’s the most unexpected artist on your playlist right now?

Madison: Mmm maybe Addison Rae?? I like her stuff but I feel like it’s a different vibe than what I usually listen to. 

NW: Do you have a favorite holiday movie?

Madison: I love “The Holiday”. It’s actually my dream scenario. 

NW: Are you more of a ‘decorate everything’ or ‘less is more’ type of person?

Madison: Oh my gosh let's DECORATE! I bought a house last year in Nashville and I decorate for pretty much every holiday. Even now my house is already Christmas'd out! I just haven't put decorations outside because I don't want to get on the roof.

NW: What's the coolest holiday decoration you've ever seen?

Madison: I saw a really cool house decorated for Halloween and they made it look like it had teeth… 

NW: Is there a city you’d love to spend the holidays in?

Madison: I would love to spend the holidays anywhere in Europe. Maybe somewhere in Germany. New York would be fun too. 

NW: If you could invite any musician to your holiday dinner, who would it be?

Madison: Maybe Phoebe Bridgers, I feel like we’d be friends! Or Charli XCX or Chappell Roan.