We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maddison Ogden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maddison, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up my response was always “I want to be a rockstar!”

Getting older it was always that same answer and I was never met with a suggestion to try something else and my parents always supported me in my passion. They raised me listening to a wide variety of music but I didn’t always love it. We would listen to ABBA during spring cleaning, classic rock in the car, and hip hop in the basement with dad while he worked.
I, like most teen girls, went through a Justin Bieber obsession and was more interested in whatever song was on billboards hot 100!
My parents always bought me the CD I wanted or iTunes gift cards so I could buy Teenage Dream or My World. Still while they weren’t always excited to hear “First Dance” for the 10th time, they let me because they could tell I was so happy to sing to it.
By the time high school came around I finally started to listen to more of the music my mom loved which was exciting for her. They enrolled me in lessons with School Of Rock, bought me a guitar, and we started playing “who was this song by?” in the car. With all of their support of me and my passion for music I feel it really started to come together by the time I graduated School Of Rock and High School and started my first band!
I look back on my growth as a musician and I can honestly say that I would not be where I am without them and everything they have done for me. Paying for SOR, a sound system and lights, merch for old bands, booking gigs for us when I was too young to, being our sound guy and cheerleader, coming to as many gigs as they possibly could, and even now with traveling out of state to see me perform.
I get to learn what it’s like to be a musician through my parents support and I’m so so thankful for them.
Thanks to them when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I got to say “a rockstar!” and it came true and now when I’m asked “what did your parents do right?” I can say “their never ending support”.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Maddison Ogden! I’m a performing musician and tour around the US. My band Madd Honey and I offer services like weddings and private events. We also perform around the US at places that feature live music.
I think what sets Madd Honey apart from other bands is our setlist and our friendship.
On and off stage we have a friendship that helps us to make decisions that we all feel comfortable and happy with. We also have a setlist that we think gives everyone in the room an opportunity to dance to whether they enjoy country, pop, or rock!
I personally am most proud of our growth as a band! We came together quickly in a really hard time and bonded. What we went through together could’ve made it hard to be successful but we all care for each other and support each other and that is what has given us the ability to push forward with big goals!
If you are looking for a fun and lively band for any live music needs I feel that Madd Honey would be a great option for you!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creator for me is the sense of community! That means many things for me. I have found community in learning from people around me and making so many friends in Kansas City’s music scene. I had no idea how vast the scene was until I was introduced to all of the local jam nights and met musicians with talent so amazing I often am blown away!
I also find community in performing. Being on stage and singing to people and having them sing with me feels like the band has brought people together to enjoy something I find so important which is music. That is community.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

A way that society could best support artists and creatives is to SHOW UP! Show up for your friends and support them in their success! I know many musicians that would tell you the same thing. Being there means more than you know, whether it’s a band/singer, an artist, a dancer, and so on. Just show up for your community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddhoneyband?igsh=MTcwMHhlZGp2dDgydg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554704310842&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://linktr.ee/maddhoneyband