PRINCEVILLE — In the last few weeks, a young North Shore girl bursting with talent has made an impact with her touching lyrics and melodic voice. “I’m the happiest when I’m sharing my music,” said Madison, a 13-year-old girl with
PRINCEVILLE — In the last few weeks, a young North Shore girl bursting with talent has made an impact with her touching lyrics and melodic voice.
“I’m the happiest when I’m sharing my music,” said Madison, a 13-year-old girl with a volcanic talent ready to erupt anytime.
She has been performing in island venues since last summer. Lately, she has had a gig twice a week in Princeville. But Madison’s popularity on Kaua‘i — and overseas — has jumped considerably after a couple of original video clips and videos of her performance were posted online.
Madison’s grandmother, Tonni Riley, began uploading Madison’s videos to YouTube in the last two months. She said Madison’s videos have had 33,000 hits. Besides showcasing the young musician’s talent, the videos, shot since last summer, show how she has been grown and matured in just one year.
“Shy Girl,” an original song played in a clip shot by Joel Guy and produced by Riley, has reached more than 7,731 hits since March 15, when it was originally uploaded to YouTube, according to Riley.
A second clip, from an original song called “Those Boys,” was uploaded May 4, and has already gotten more than 1,800 hits, Riley said.
To those close to Madison, her increased popularity in the last two months is no surprise.
Riley, a seasoned music producer and songwriter, has been investing all of her time and energy since last summer in her granddaughter’s career as a musician.
The collaboration between Madison and Riley has already resulted in more than a dozen authentic songs.
As a larger success waits just around the corner for Madison, who has performed with several established musicians on Kaua‘i, she says on her website she is “just a normal 13-year-old girl.”
Riley said that despite the sudden popularity, Madison is still a “real girl living a real life.” She still goes surfing with her 21-year-old uncle, who plays drums in Madison’s band.
Many in Kaua‘i’s musical community have come across Madison’s young talent, and talented musicians such as Jeff Caldwell have even taken active part in her career, helping to compose songs and to introduce her to crowds.
“Jeff (Caldwell) is like an uncle to Madison,” Riley said.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, Madison plays at Princeville Shopping Center’s food court, hypnotizing everyone form 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This Sunday she’ll be in KKCR’s Kaua‘i Live.
On June 2, Madison will headline a music-writing festival, playing from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shutter’s Lounge at Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
Visit www.madisonparadisefound.com to experience the young talent art. Or tune in to www.thegardenisland.com to view a short video of Madison at Princeville Shopping Center.
