It might be just two songs so far, but indie folk singer-songwriter Madison Steinbruck knows how to soundtrack summer on her two new singles, “Could We Still Have Sex?” and “Sick in the Summer,” both from an upcoming EP.
It’s been some time since the Melbourne-raised artist last dropped, having first made a splash in 2022 with a slew of singles and her debut album, Australia’s Lonelier, written mostly in 2020 and released in early 2023. The project is an especially telling glimpse at how she uses pop as a vehicle for exploring other styles, trojan horsing into sounds and moods some might not expect.
Despite being based in the heart of country music, Nashville, she always combines genres that recall artists like Chappell Roan, albeit with her own personality evident in the songwriting. Of the two most recent singles, “Could We Still Have Sex?” exemplifies how much Steinbruck has grown within the past few years of making music, becoming more comfortable as an artist.
“I would’ve never considered writing, let alone releasing, this song a few years ago, mostly out of fear of what others would think or assume about me,” said Steinbruck. “I’ve finally gotten to a point where I realize people will think what they want regardless of the art I make or the things I say.”
Both singles signal how Steinbruck has come into her own in a short amount of time, showing off her ability to craft songs engineered to get stuck in your head. “Could We Still Have Sex?” finds Steinbruck softly singing in the midst of subtle yet shimmering synths surrounding a gentle guitar underlining her voice; it’s the kind of combination that rightfully becomes an artist’s most popular song. The chorus also shows a slight country angle to her approach, ripping and roaring out of the carefully constructed atmosphere that is reliant on vocals not overly gloomy or sunny.
Cool Gifts for Music Lovers
The best concert earplugs to protect your hearing
This guitar is adorable! Aspiring musician?
Style & Function: Impress friends at your next party
Steinbruck just performed in NYC at Brooklyn Music Kitchen on Aug. 20. While there is no word on any tour plans or if an LA show is in the near future, her pop-leaning folk music is the type that garners wider crowds for how it attracts a multitude of tastes while also revealing personal stories for Steinbruck.
“I think this has come with age and taking myself (and life) way less seriously. Music used to be a place to put all of the sadness I felt, but I’ve finally found a way to put my happy feelings there too.”
Words: David Sosa
“Could We Still Have Sex?” and “Sick in the Summer” by Madison Steinbruck are out now on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and her website.
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
