FEATURED PLAYLIST ARTIST: MADELINE HAWTHORNE

Madeline Hawthorne album art for her single Ghost In a Shell

Madeline Hawthorne spent her early years singing in choir before picking up her first guitar at 16. That turning point set her on the path of songwriting, fueled by influences ranging from folk icons like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell, to pop radio, underground hip hop, and country classics like Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. Reflecting on her eclectic tastes, Hawthorne has shared that, “My daily playlist had seemingly little rhyme or reason. I was drawn to vocal melodies, powerful lyrics and groovy back beats. If a song made my feet tap or pulled at my heart strings then I’d listen to it over and over and over again.”

In college, she continued to follow her love for music by playing local gigs, providing background vocals on stage and in the studio, and eventually starting a band called The Hawthorne Roots. The recent pandemic saw The Hawthorne Roots go on hiatus, and from that pause, Hawthorne’s solo career was born.

**Madeline Hawthorne Artist Photo By Dan Bradner**

Throughout her journey, Hawthorne has remained true to her early musical influences. Indeed, they are clearly present as we listen to her latest single, “Ghost in a Shell.” Every time you listen to it, you hear a nuance you missed the time before.

On its surface, the song is a clear nod to country classics, both in theme and sound:

“This is a song my husband and I wrote together while I was on a break from the road. We had several close friends go through difficult breakups around that time and it was a painful experience for both of us.” Hawthorne shares. “We decided to write a song from the perspective of someone losing their partner to another woman, Jolene. It’s our take on Dolly Parton’s hit song ‘Jolene.’”

As you continue to listen, you notice those country sounds are paired nicely with a whisp of Fleetwood Mac, as the vocals and beat harken back to the hazy days of 70’s pop rock. Blended together, the song has laid back vibe fit for any playlist, yet feels refined thanks to Hawthorne’s crisp, authentic voice.

Without further ado, East of 8^th is proud to share “Ghost In A Shell” by Madeline Hawthorne on our Spotify playlist!