Following a string of sold-out London shows and a rising buzz around her debut EP, Madeleine Rose Witney unveils her luminous new single 'Shine'. At first listen, the track glows like a late-night lullaby, but beneath its dreamy surface lies a haunting truth. Written from the perspective of a woman walking home alone at night, 'Shine' pairs vulnerability with defiance, offering a celestial chorus as protection in a world that too often denies safety.
With her distinctive mix of retro glamour, West End shadows, and raw emotion, Madeleine Rose Witney is quickly establishing herself as one of the UK’s most compelling new voices. Comparisons to Jessica Pratt, Weyes Blood, and Aldous Harding are inevitable, but Witney’s world is very much her own; rich with drama, honesty, and striking originality.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Other than my voice (which sounds weird) Ukulele. My sister bought me my first uke before lockdown because she knew I’d go mad without something to do and I wrote most of my tunes on it. It’s such an underestimated instrument because it has both simplicity and depth. I feel like people immediately think “When I’m cleaning windows.” when they hear the strum of a uke but it can be so harp-like and angelic when handled delicately.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Jazz, Blues, 50s/60s Rhythm & Blues.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The real answer is Nellyville by Nelly which I got for Christmas from my dad when I was like 6 which had the parental advisory explicit content label on it but my first ever vinyl album was Calendar Girls, Julie London which I got from a charity shop in Kentish Town, the cover was all taped up saving bits of Julie’s pin-up shots. It was completely scratched up but I still listen to it like that now.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Les Fleurs – Minnie Riperton. I can’t fault this song in any way. It’s basically pure perfection.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Breaking up with someone helps.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I don’t really listen to many people who are alive but current people, currently would be… Jessica Pratt, Alice Phoebe Lou, and Weyes Blood.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I mean Bobbie Gentry if she’s still around, but she disappeared didn’t she, so I don’t know if that counts.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Just having a vessel to get the stuff in my head out, I would be unimaginably strange without somewhere to put my angsty thoughts.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Opinions.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Nothing easy is worth doing.
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Madeleine Rose Witney's new single 'Shine' is out now. Check it out in the player below.