We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madstone Rowan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madstone below.

Hi Madstone, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When the pandemic hit a few years ago, I was already in a state of professional limbo. I had lost my full time job and was doing consulting work – and then the anxiety and depression came on full blown. Something told me I needed to pay attention to my creative self. That was a part of me that I had put on hold for quite some time. So I began to dive into my music. I linked up with Barb Morrison (they/them), a producer – and they became my music mentor. We worked together each week on zoom. I worked on my art – writing songs. And the songs just started pouring out of me. It had never happened like that before. I’ve written and recorded original music in the past – performed it with bands – but the songs never came like this before. It was then it hit me – I need to do this full time. That might look like a big risk from the outside, but from within it felt natural and right. I honored that voice inside me, and next thing I knew I was writing and recording my debut album: a 13 song record all written and recorded within a few months. It’s the best decision I ever made.

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 a singer, songwriter, filmmaker and performer. As the lead singer/songwriter of the NY-based band Tripping Jupiter, I have written the music and crafted the songs, along with my producer Barb Morrison, into something that is artistic, unique, and speaks to people on a different level. Since releasing my 13 song debut record independently, I’ve put together a band for live perfomances – we’ve gigged in the NYC area and are looking to take the show on the road and tour beyond the New York area. I’ve also produced a few short films and videos based on our music that have been official selections at film festivals around the world. The academy-award nominated animator Bill Plympton did hand drawn animation for one of the songs – it’s called Lipstick of the Brave. That short animated musical film has played at festivals around the country and has really drawn an audience to our music. The film and song represent one particular message of the band – a message that pushed gender and identity boundaries and honors the icons of years gone by like Bowie and current icons like Lady Gaga who have inspired me. I identify as beyond the binary – I see all of us as being much more than we are expected to be. In that way, the music of Tripping Jupiter is liberating, to myself as an artist an to the audience who are a crucial part of the experience.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal and mission driving my creative journey is to be authentic with myself in my art and authentic with my audience – and to present a vision of art that pushes boundaries and inspires people to connect to the world in a more authentic way. One of our songs – We Are Starlight – is based on the understanding that humans are all made of the same stuff. The most common active elements that make us alive – carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen – all came from the stars. And we, and the universe that surrounds us, are all made of the same things. It’s an important message, especially now when the world feels upside down and there is so much hate and misunderstanding. Through our music, we connect with our audience, using melody, dance and rhythm – to get that message across. It’s not heady, it’s visceral. And, of course, it’s fun.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

You know, I think we are all born creative. Imagination is a foundation of how we see the world as children. Somewhere along the line, in our education in school and through the expectations of parents and society at large, we are told to leave that imagination behind. To “act like an adult” and put away the ability to dream. I think people who see themselves as “non-creative” could benefit from getting back in touch with the essence of imagination that they had as children. It doesn’t matter what you do – if you sell things, market things, whatever, anyone can benefit from approaching their work in a different way. Taking time to meditate, even if you just close your eyes for 3 minutes at the beginning of the day, clearing your mind, can help a lot. And being playful throughout your day – about the way you see your work, your role there. It really can make a difference. Steve Jobs didn’t get where he was because he toed the line. He was creative, he pushed back, and he founded the biggest company in the world. Also, don’t underestimate the idea of magic. I know, it sounds “wu wu”, but really – this world we live in, this universe, everything about it is magical. Think about that when you start your day. Look for signs that you are on the right path. Allow yourself to think crazy thoughts and approach things differently – not only will it help you in your work, it will make your life better. And of course, if there’s a creative urge inside of you – pursue it. Now’s the time. What are you waiting for?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/trippingjupiter
• Facebook: Facebook.com/trippingjupiter
• Twitter: twitter.com/trippingjupiter
• Youtube: YouTube.com/@trippingjupiter842

Image Credits
Main photo: Drey Kaun Second photo (like first, praying hands): Drey Kaun Photos in blue outfit: Jessica Bartow Final photo (live singing): Meredith Garrison