(September 26, 2025) Earlier this year, SoulTracks had the pleasure of introducing the independent vocalist/producer Madeleine Johnson – who goes by MADZ – guiding us through a funk on the floor track, “Feel the Vibe.” With a wealth of musical experience from gospel to rock operas before she started recording two albums and several singles, MADZ made an massive impression in the D.C. area a decade ago as a finalist for the region’s Wammies Awards and founding the annual Soul Funk Jazz Summer Festival.
In a change of pace from the funk base of “Feel the Vibe,” First Listen delivers a breezy mid-tempo old school track, “The Sun Inside,” co-written by MADZ, Maria Antonietta Touré, and Ricky Bolognesi. MADZ taps producer/musician Bolognesi, who sets a symphonic tone anchored by strings ushering in and framing this love connection that merrily grooves along.
Complimenting the soundtrack is Pietro La Pietra gently sprinkling his guitar strokes. And MADZ’s underlying soulful narratives paints a romantic scenario at its peak: “I will be forever on your way/Walking to the brighter day/Singing with the sun inside/We will be the space of all the time.”
Simply let the romantic vibe on “The Sun Inside” wash over your ears while listening up!
By Peggy Oliver
