June 2021

That’s wonderful!!! Now so far, I see that you have 2 singles out. Outside of “People Are Strange” you also have “Skeletons”. Give us the details on how that song got worked into the mix? They are quite different songs! I like that “dark” instru - mental sound so I’m very proud of “Skeletons”. They both represent honest sides of myself. “Skeletons” came out of betrayal, and not from just one relationship in particular. It makes me think of high school. Going through love for the first time, putting all your vulnera - bility and trust in someone and being let down. Being lied to, cheated on. Because none of us totally know what we want during that time. I’ve felt that disap- pointment just throughout growing up, and I put that side of myself into that song. It was very empowering to put those emotions into something that felt strong, and I hope my listeners feel that way when they hear it! Well as one of your listeners now, I’ll tell you great job and yes, we can feel it. So, we only have 2 tracks to rock out to now, any details on when we can expect more? Hopefully very soon. I can’t give you explicit details, but I’m incredibly happy with what I’ve been working on. I’ve had some great opportunities to work with some producers I really respect, all while working on my own production. I write songs all the time, but I’m very picky. I want my passion and hard work to shine through. So even though there are periods of silence in between my releases, they’re filled with a lot of hard work on my end to bring my listeners something they can love and relate to. Anyone can follow me on my socials (all @madfvn) or join my email list through my bio to always stay up to date! Love it!!! Now many solo artists will use their own name or some version of it as branding. What made you cho- ose the name MAD FVN? It came after a lot of experimenting!! I used to go by Jenni Rose, which also isn’t my real name, but came out of a childhood nickname. My true name’s Stepha- nie Bourland, which I love as my day-to-day name, but it didn’t have that artistic ring that I wanted. I’m above all an artist, and I wanted that to shine through. My favorite childhood story is Alice in Wonderland. It’s all about imagination and being totally whimsical! I have the quote “we’re all mad here” tattooed on my arm, a little reminder that we’re ALL a little mad on this Earth so we might as well embrace it and have fun! Or rather, MAD FVN! Nice, I love that you have such meaning behind it. Now you have the two lyric videos, will you be turning those into official videos at all? I would really love to. I’ve even had some video produc- tion company offers. But I haven’t had the resources to make what I really want just yet, and with COVID I’ve become more entrenched in writing and producing more music. So other priorities have taken over. As the world returns to normalcy, you’ll be sure to see the mu- sic videos and art in general that I want to showcase! Very cool, now we have something dope to look forward to. So, let’s drop this on you quick. You have an unlimited budget, and connections to anyone you would want to perform with. Who would you put on the bill with you and why? And what venue would you like to have it at? WOW. Talk about the dream!!! The venue is easy, Ma- dison Square Garden. That’s THE venue. As I’ve said I love to perform so I’d be lying if I said I haven’t fanta- sized about performing there!! And I’d want the works. Dancers, light show, different staging, and aerial silks. I’ve performed on aerial silks before and ever since I’ve wanted to have them in a big performance. Like Cirque du Soleil, but a MAD FVN show! My dancing and theater days haven’t totally left me behind! As far as who I’d perform with, right now I really respect and look up to Halsey. As I’ve said I like that dark sound, which she does well, and you can tell through her wri- ting that she’s a poet that writes from experience. I love her music so to perform with someone that I’m a fan of would be such an honor. I can see that. You and Halsey would be a pretty dope show. Hopefully, that can happen one day!!! Well Stephanie I want to thank you so much for speaking with us today. Is there anything else you want to say to the Ryze-Fam before we go? Just that I’m thankful for this opportunity!! Music is a hard industry to make it in, but moments like these re- mind me of my passion. If your readers take anything from this interview, I hope it’s that life is meant to be enjoyed!! Be authentically you and pursue whatever it is that drives you. I can only hope my music reminds you of that. Thanks again RYZE-UP!! Check out the video for “People Are Strange” on P. 30