Hamilton, ON’s Madam Sad is the six year long project of Maddison Schrieber, a name created by combining the names Mads and Adam. They are a disabled, traumatized, and queer person. Making whatever they have access to, while still keeping it small, they focus on Americana and folk styles of music, guided by the vulnerability and sincerity they see in those styles. They hope their music can help other marginalized individuals take solace.  

As part of a psychological horror concept album titled Paradise, that is inspired by the cold reality of capitalism, their latest track “Accepted” is about the main character in the album’s narrative finally becoming accepted in the story. The symbolism behind violence being a key for acceptance comes from the idea that extortion in capitalism gets you accepted or admired. It’s a purposefully bare bones recording with back-up vocals by Connor Marquis-young and saxophone played by Connor Bennett.

We caught up with Madam Sad, below.

What can you share with readers about your new project?

my new project is an ambitious experiment for me, including a narrative story, intense content, and layers of ambient noise and collaborations. I am most excited over the fact that its a horror story, with chronological events and puzzle piece like lyrical layouts. Beyond the gruesome nature of the tale, its a good metaphor for how capitalism and colonialism victimize and harm people.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

My past projects were only live floor, vocals and guitar, with no layers or added pieces. As well the content on both my past albums are personal songs about struggles I directly experienced. This musical work of fiction required a lot of planning and collaborating, that is difficult as a person with disabilities. We (the two connors and i) were able to achieve a harmonious mix of saxophone and vocals.

What about this single makes you most proud?

I am very proud of the ambition behind getting people together for this song. Relating has been a big struggle for me my whole life, and it feels really nice to have successfully brought people into a music space. Both the Connors did amazing work (Connor bennett and connor marquis-young)

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Theres lots of goals here! However, I feel most attached to the idea that I enjoy creating music, releasing it, and getting rid of it mentally. I’m so proud of the lyrical narrative and the personal artistic growth, but I’m also stoked to move on.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I dont know how to not make music! Making music feels like a part of me, another maddison, and if I dont meet with that part regularly then I lose myself entirely. I believe its the somatic nature of creating music, mixed with the disassociative disorder I suffer from. I create music off of the intense emotions I flow through regularly, and since this last project, I also create off of thrilling imagination. Mixing fantasy with personal experience is healing. I have no other motivation other than I like it

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I would say kevin sullivan from field medic. I feel a parasocial kinship to him most, from the little I know. Its most important to me in music and art to be close to or similar in values with another artist. I struggle to tolerate an indifference in personality when making art. I appreciate his style of songs as well as some of the storys he’s told with his lyrics.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

I have “not a lot, just forever” by adrianne lenker on repeat right now, because I’m in love with a girl. Naturally. Favourites would be lomelda, twain, field medic, palm, andy sahuf, current joys.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram! Current handle is madamsadsad.

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

I appreciate you!! Hope everyone keeps making music. Never enough music