Blending 90s Power-Pop nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling, Kat Madleine opens up about lifelong friendship, “Vocal Kinship,” and the organic emotion driving her single “I’ll Be Right There”.
1. “I’ll Be Right There” celebrates what you call “Vocal Kinship.” How did the idea of lifelong friendship shape the emotional core of this song?
Vocal Kinship is all about deep, spiritual connection. I wrote this song for a friend I’ve known for over 24 years. It’s incredible how fast time flies. We went through some difficult periods where our paths diverged and we lost contact, but she always remained in my heart because our shared history was so profound. When we finally reconnected, it felt like not a single day had passed. That’s the essence of the song: it’s never too late for a second chance. Now, when she faces hard times, I want her to hear this song and know: no matter what, I will be right there.
2. You describe the track as a high-end 90s Power-Pop revival. What drew you to the sonic spirit of artists like Bryan Adams and Celine Dion, and how did you reinterpret that sound for 2026?
That sound is part of my DNA; it comes from within. I grew up with these brilliant artists, and their music is the soundtrack to my most cherished childhood memories—I even remember singing their hits on school breaks! For 2026, I’ve reinterpreted that spirit by combining that nostalgic, handmade warmth with modern production clarity. It’s about taking the ‘epic’ feel of the 90s—the big choruses and real guitars—and making them feel fresh and urgent for today’s listeners.
3. As a musicologist and producer based in Southern Germany, how does your academic and technical background influence the way you construct melody, arrangement, and vocal performance?
My background allows me to analyze why certain songs touch us so deeply. When I construct a melody, I look for that specific ’90s DNA’—the intervals and harmonies that trigger emotion. As a producer, I don’t just layer sounds; I create a dialogue between the instruments. My academic side ensures the structure is solid, while my producer side makes sure the ‘breathing’ and the vocal performance remain raw and authentic. It’s a balance of brain and heart.
4. The production highlights authentic, hand-played instrumentation and raw vocal power. Why was it important for you to bring back this organic 90s aesthetic in today’s digital music landscape?
In a world dominated by ultra-digital, often ‘perfect’ AI-generated sounds, I felt a longing for something tangible. Hand-played instruments have ‘errors’ and soul—they live. Bringing back this organic aesthetic is my way of preserving human connection in music. I want people to hear the fingers on the strings and the real power in a voice that hasn’t been polished into a robot. It’s about ‘Vocal Kinship’ between the artist and the listener.
5. Releasing the song on February 14th adds a symbolic layer. Is “I’ll Be Right There” meant solely as a friendship anthem, or does it also speak to broader forms of love and loyalty?
While it started as a tribute to a lifelong friendship, the song definitely speaks to a broader form of loyalty. Releasing it on Valentine’s Day is a statement: Love isn’t just about romantic butterflies; it’s about the person who stays when things get loud or difficult. It’s a celebration of ‘The Soul’s Match’—whether that’s a partner, a sibling, or a friend who has been your anchor for 24 years.
6. With this single launching your 90s revival vision, what can listeners and industry curators expect from you next on this international journey?
This is just the beginning of the journey. Curators can expect a consistent revival of high-end Power-Pop. I’m already working on two acoustic versions, including my next song ‚If you knew what I knew,’ which stays true to this nostalgic yet modern path. With international radio spotlights and features rolling in, my goal is to build a bridge between the 90s heritage and the future of handmade music. The ‘Kinship’ is growing!
Thank you for your questions! It was fun answering them and I really appreciate the deep dive of the questions!
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