We were lucky to catch up with Pheobe Madison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pheobe, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is actually my current project, the creation of my first album.

When I was a younger harpist in college, there were so many things I wanted to do with the harp. I could see myself doing them, I told people I was going to do them, though I had such a hard time actually making those visions real.

I struggled across the board, with consistency in practicing, and in taking real action to put my plans in motion. I had a lot of fear around failure and really hid in a sense.

It took seriously hard work for me to build my life as a harpist, with so much trial and error. Over time, I was able to prove to myself that I was capable of playing gigs, capable of teaching, and finally capable of recording for other artists.

At long last, I’m actually at the point where I’m making my own album of custom arrangements. I’ve been pushing against that old self defeating voice. While it hasn’t gone away completely, it has lost some power each step of the way.

Pheobe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a professional harpist. I started playing the harp when I was 6, due to a fascination with the beautiful instrument. I went on to get my degree from the Berklee College of Music in my home state of Massachusetts before moving to LA.

Today, I specialize in creating live custom performances for events.

I perform for life’s significant occasions. Examples of my clientele include newly engaged couples planning music for their wedding, as well as those who have lost a loved one and seek the solace of harp music for the memorial service.

I work with many professional event planners, who know well that the elegance and rarity of the harp is a definite way to elevate the atmosphere of private parties or red carpet events.

I love being able to help clients solve their problems. People hire me because they want their guests to feel at ease, and be immersed in a beautiful atmosphere. They want to avoid their event feeling awkward or boring in any way.

Another problem for many is that they have never hired a musician before, and feel overwhelmed by the unknowns around the entire process.

As a professional who has been playing events for a lifetime, the clarity I provide to new clients serves as relief.

I’m so grateful to say I have complete confidence in my ability to make the music magical. Since I’m not worried about that aspect, it’s easy to walk clients through the logistics required in terms of planning and music selection.

Today, many people want contemporary music as opposed to traditional classical repertoire, but don’t know what’s possible on the harp. They are often amazed to learn that their favorite modern songs can actually be played.

I would say that’s where my speciality lies, in playing and arranging contemporary music on the harp. I love rock and hip hop, pop too, so it’s really fun for me to perform Eminem or Beyoncé or Led Zeppelin covers.

If people really want to amp up their event, or show people something they’ve never seen, I offer to incorporate custom backing tracks into my set. The fullness of sound can create an instant party feel, and is a head turner as most people have never heard or imagined the harp accompanied by beats.

I’m most proud of my current work, the six pieces (spanning from Baroque to Romantic periods) that I have arranged for my first album. Each piece is interwoven with drums and various instrumentation to create modern, beat driven offerings on timeless pieces.

I am planning on a fall release, complete with music videos for each track. The final stage will be taking that material on the road for my first tour.

That’s the main thing I would like for my clients and potential fans to know, that I’m expanding the scope of my work from primarily event music to concert style performances.

I want to show people that they can hire me to put on a full production, complete with lights and visuals, of high entertainment and artistic value.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission can be summed up perfectly in the words from one of my all time favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. “Truth, beauty, freedom and love” are the sentiments I strive to bring to the world with my music.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a musical artist is connecting with the world and my fellow human beings from a place of love, with no need for words or common spoken language.

These past years have been filled with unspeakably difficult challenges for so many of us. Knowing that I can go out into the world and create even a small spark of light or magic in someone’s day is what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pheobemadisonmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pheobeharpist/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pheobemadison3909?si=acT5-1ySg-7H9Ifu

Image Credits

Jon Bangle, Michael James Hull