At just 18 years old, New York-based R&B-pop artist Zoey Madison is already establishing herself as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary music. With a rare four-octave vocal range and a remarkable whistle tone, Madison fuses the emotional depth of ’90s R&B with sleek, modern pop production to create a sound distinctly her own. Drawing inspiration from icons like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Ariana Grande, she channels their influence while crafting a narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and the highs and lows of young love.
Her debut EP, Electric, produced by industry veteran Matt Chiaravalle and co-written with hitmaker Aimée Proal, captures these experiences in a concise but polished four-track collection. Balancing a growing music career with school, Zoey has honed her skills through training at the Berklee College of Music and private coaching with Stevie Mackey from The Voice, allowing her to deliver performances that are technically impressive while emotionally authentic.
The EP opens with “Electric,” a shimmering pop anthem that embodies the thrill of new love. Madison shares, “I wanted to capture the joy and intensity of a new connection, to celebrate it.” With driving beats, layered harmonies, and lyrics like “This love is so electric it lights up the globe,” the track captures the euphoria of the honeymoon phase while acknowledging the fleeting nature of passionate connections. Subtle references to Romeo and Juliet add a sense of timeless romance, positioning the song as both fun and heartfelt.
Another standout track, “Scars,” highlights Madison’s fearless vulnerability. Beginning with the tender line “Be gentle, I bruise easily” and closing with a dramatic whistle tone, the ballad traces a journey from heartbreak to resilience. Madison explains, “A broken heart is beautiful – that sums up the theme of this song. We all go through tough times that leave us marked, but it’s those very scars that shape who we are. Don’t be afraid of loss, no matter how vulnerable you feel – we emerge stronger, wearing our scars as marks of individuality.” Through this track, Madison demonstrates her ability to translate raw emotion into music that resonates with listeners on a personal level.
Across the EP, Madison showcases a maturity beyond her years, pairing polished, radio-ready production with expressive vocals and memorable hooks. The collection moves effortlessly between celebratory, upbeat tracks and intimate, reflective moments, creating a dynamic listening experience. Her unique blend of R&B soulfulness and pop accessibility positions her as an artist capable of connecting with audiences across generations.
Zoey Madison has built a reputation as a rising star in R&B-pop, known for her rare four-octave range and extended whistle tone. Her music blends the emotive expressiveness of 90s R&B with contemporary pop sensibilities, creating songs that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. Influenced by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, Judy Garland, and Ariana Grande, Zoey infuses her work with storytelling and authenticity. She has trained extensively at the Berklee College of Music, with classical vocal coach Craig Wich, and with Stevie Mackey from The Voice. Along the way, she has collaborated with Hollywood director Kenny Ortega and performed on stage with her childhood idol Kristin Chenoweth.
Through her debut EP, Zoey Madison establishes herself not just as a vocalist but as a storyteller, connecting with listeners through songs that explore love, vulnerability, and personal growth.
