Madeleine Slate
It would stand to reason that a childhood surrounded by music could create within you an appreciation so deeply infused into the fabric of your being that it could shape you, define you and even propel you toward pursuing a career in music. Such is
the case for gifted young songwriter – artist Madeleine Slate.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Madeleine began experimenting with various musical instruments at an early age. Her mother, a teacher, a children’s entertainer (and accomplished flautist) engaged her children in song. With two other siblings presently pursuing a career in music (brother Gavin Slate and sister Alexandra), it is no wonder that she would find herself expressing her perspective on life through the songs that she now writes professionally.
Madeleine Slate has been writing and performing since her first effort to play chords on a guitar at age 17. Her obsession-turned-trade led her to relocate to Nashville where she flourished. She continued to ardently pursue her craft, cultivating friendships and creative relationships, including one with her mentor and friend, noted songwriter Tony Arata (who penned Garth Brooks’ iconic mega-hit “The Dance”). Her efforts eventually resulted in signing a publishing deal and landing her the first major label cut, “That’s How I’ll Remember You,” which was included on UMG artist David Nail’s current album.
For some songwriters, having a major label cut is the goal. But for Madeleine, if you take into consideration her raw talent and honest approach to the songwriting process, it seems more like a foregone conclusion. In the spirit of many great artists with the same philosophy preceding her, she is always careful to focus on the task at hand rather than the fruit that it may bear. As she humbly states, “I have this beautiful quote hanging near my front door so I see it every day on my way to go write. It says, ‘This above all, to thy own self be true.’ I do my best to stand by that everyday. I’m just always happy when my day ends with a great song.”