MAEDON has built her identity around the tension between machine precision and human vulnerability.
Photo credit: Marie Staggat
MAEDON, a rising figure in the electronic music scene, has beautifully fused hardware synths, drum machines, and effects to create vibrant live experiences. Her artistic journey has taken her from Baltimore to New York and now to Berlin, where she holds a residency at the iconic Tresor while spearheading her own label, Rant and Rave. A landmark in her career was the collaborative album Maedon-X with Adam X on Tresor, establishing her voice firmly within the industrial-leaning techno genre.
Beyond her musical accolades, MAEDON’s recent chapter has been profoundly colored by personal grief. In a reflective conversation, she delves into her unique relationship with sound, the ongoing struggle with gender imbalance in the music industry, and the transformative power of music in her healing journey.
EG: Hi MAEDON, welcome to Electronic Groove! Before we dive in, where are you today, and what kind of headspace are you arriving in right now?
MAEDON: Thanks for having me. If you had asked me this a month ago, I would have said I felt great. Everything I had been preparing over the past two years was finally materializing; my release on Rant & Rave was met with positive feedback, and I had just completed another eight tracks. Sadly, my Mother passed away during this period. She was my biggest supporter, and the loss has been devastating.
Despite the sorrow, I just returned from my first tour of the year. I initially wondered if I was ready to perform. However, now I feel rejuvenated—surrounded by music, friends, and dance has helped me regain my footing. My mother would have wanted that for me. I’m feeling on the brink of reaching a broader audience, ready for takeoff.
EG: When you look back at your earliest relationship with music, is there a moment that still informs your creative process?
MAEDON: My early exploration of music led me to love concepts akin to Counterpoint or Contrapuntal music. Being a classically trained pianist, I discovered a deep appreciation for Bach while in college. Today, I still focus on musical lines, honing in on creating effective hooks and grooves.
EG: Your work exudes a strong sense of intention and control. At what point did you realize you wanted to create music that feels deliberate rather than instinctive?
MAEDON: It dawned on me when I realized my personal life was driven by instinct and emotion. I claimed autonomy and recognized the need to heal from toxicity in my life. I was instinctively producing music that mirrored my inner struggles. When I chose to change my direction, this decision altered not only my personal narrative but also influenced the sounds I sought to create. I focused on music that embodies healing, evolving from harsh sounds to deeper, more hypnotic layers.
It’s all about frequency—some frequencies uplift while others bring us down. My goal is to heal through music, creating an atmosphere that positively touches the dancers in the crowd. From the very start of my journey, I intended to inspire and heal through my sounds.
EG: Every artist has moments or individuals that propel them forward. Can you recall the first time someone you admired validated your work?
MAEDON: Many individuals have supported me, but the most pivotal moment came when two remarkable women—my manager and publicist Carola Stoiber, and my agent Tina Panitzke—decided to champion my career. To have other women believe in my work was incredibly validating and inspiring.
“Music is really what keeps me grounded; creating is the ultimate grounding.”
EG: When you’re in the studio, what do you listen for in yourself before embarking on a new creation?
MAEDON: I begin by asking myself what I want to express. Every track starts with a simple idea or even a single word. Using my drum machine, I assign a name that captures the essence of the emotion or concept I wish to convey.
EG: As a producer, how do you distinguish between a track that feels technically complete and one that resonates on a deeper plane?
MAEDON: A fully complete track carries a profoundly human touch—an element intentionally imperfect. To be honest, a track is never truly finished; it reaches a point where I choose to let it go and share it with the world.
EG: This latest chapter feels more focused and self-assured. What part of yourself became clearer during its creation?
MAEDON: I gained more confidence in my abilities while reconnecting with my child-like curiosity for discovery.
EG: How does touring change your perspective on your music and creative exploration?
MAEDON: Touring invites risk-taking and improvisation. Many upcoming live sets will be longer, typically two hours. I’m excited to dive deep and explore how stripped-back I can take my sets. Adapting to the audience allows for storytelling through music—creating a shared experience with the crowd.
Just recently, I returned from Freedom Festival in Medellin, Colombia. Remarkably, performing in front of a large audience boosted my confidence, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone and improvise with my sequencer in ways I hadn’t done before.
EG: The electronic music industry evolves rapidly. What pressures do you think artists face today, and how do you maintain perspective?
MAEDON: The greatest challenge lies in the multifaceted demands of the industry. DJs and curators must continuously discover and keep up with new music, while producers are pressured to release new sounds consistently. Managing social media feels like a full-time job in itself, requiring constant audience engagement and growth.
Another pressing issue is the booking landscape. As a woman navigating this industry, it’s disheartening to see promoters consistently favor a limited number of female artists, often overlooking emerging talent. The few women who get booked can feel like tokens, which is ultimately dehumanizing.
To maintain my perspective, I prioritize moments of stillness—taking time to breathe and resetting my mind. I often disconnect from media and social media to focus on my growth and creativity.
“Growth and healing is my intention; to heal myself through music and hope that it serves in a positive way to those dancing and listening.”
EG: If you had to summarize your creative journey in a single word, what would it be and why?
MAEDON: Fortitude—it has taken immense courage to persevere and advance in this path.
EG: Outside the studio and club, what experiences ground you and keep you connected to yourself?
MAEDON: Music is my grounding force; creating is essential. However, when I step outside that realm, it’s often the mundane activities that keep me connected—like taking a walk for errands or enjoying a solo dinner at a favorite restaurant. Cherishing moments of solitude, whether it’s pampering myself or buying an outfit that makes me feel fabulous, keeps my spirit uplifted. I always advocate for doing what brings you joy.
EG: Looking ahead, what new questions are you excited to explore through your music?
MAEDON: I’m curious about how we can inspire a global dance movement to shift energies of division and fear towards love, acceptance, unity, and growth. If everyone could just dance, perhaps many of the world’s troubles would lose their grip.
MAEDON’s ‘Matter & Form’ is out now on Rant & Rave Records. Stream and download here.
Follow MAEDON: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
