exclusive: madison mcferrin opens up about her new single ‘hindsight’

I don’t trust anyone who looks back on 2020 without some measure of regret. It’s been a year where “Hindsight” is the watchword, and singer/songwriter Madison McFerrin perfectly captures that swirling mix of regret, perseverance, cynicism, and hope that so many of us are feeling right now. Her new single is a breathtaking coda to a cruel year, building from a minimal piano line to a cathartic climax beneath her breathtaking voice. McFerrin spoke to us recently about the new single and what she looks back on and looks forward to.

What inspired you to write “Hindsight?”

It was back in May when it was clear that both A) this pandemic wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and B) Bernie Sanders, the only Democratic Presidential candidate advocating for Medicare for All (something that seems beyond important in the middle of a global pandemic), had officially dropped out of the race. I was feeling like the possibility for true progress had, once again, slipped through our fingers. That’s what’s behind the refrain of “coulda said we went for it.” Regardless, we have to move on and move forward with conviction.

How has the pandemic impacted your artmaking?

One silver lining of not touring is that I was afforded the time to really dive into production. I had always been interested in learning how to produce outside of just a cappella, and I finally had the time to find a groove. “Hindsight” is the first song I’m releasing with my own production, and that’s directly related to having the time to gain the confidence to do so.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known in January 2020?

That people don’t wash their hands as much as you think they do.

What are your hopes for 2021?

My hopes are that we actually start to care for each other on a communal level. This year has hopefully opened peoples eyes to the extreme inequities in this country. Maybe that will motivate folks to fight to change that in 2021.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do the minute this is all over?

Go to a live show and hug all of my friends!

Keep up with more from Madison McFerrin on Twitter @madmcferrin