Madison Beer is back. The LA-based singer, songwriter and producer has released her third studio album, her most evolved, thoughtful and vulnerable collection of songs to date. Written and co-produced by Madison, locket sees the artist at her most creatively free as she explores herself and her relationships through darker synth-pop, smooth R&B and high energy-EDM. Ahead of a worldwide tour, we chatted to Madison about the making of locket, and how she's feeling now:

‍It’s been so fulfilling to see you evolve sonically. This album is so impressive. When you take a moment to check in with yourself, how are you feeling about where you’re at as an artist today?

I feel really good. I feel very excited and very proud of this project. I think it’s a solid representation of where I’m at in my life and career. It feels very honest and true to me, both lyrically and sonically. It feels like exactly what I wanted to make, without any pressure or outside influences telling me what to do or not to do. That’s probably my biggest takeaway. I’m really proud of how it shaped up. I really love it.

What was the catalyst for making the album? Were you in LA, and do you remember a moment where you thought, okay, this is starting to form into a project?

Honestly, touring was the catalyst. I finished tour and immediately felt ready to dive back in. I was riding such a creative high from being out on the road, and it made me feel really excited and inspired to make more music. When I got back to my real life, it felt like a bit of a Pandora’s box opened. A lot of things in my personal life were changing. I left on tour as a 24-year-old and came back at 26, and I think there were a lot of changes happening in every aspect of my life. You can really hear that in the album. I was just so excited to jump back in and start creating again.

I love that you’re still working with producers like Leroy [Clampitt] and Tim [Sommers]. I remember when I spoke to you a few years ago, you spoke so highly of what Leroy brought out in your music. You’ve clearly built a lot of trust with these collaborators, but how have your own production skills evolved while making this album? Have you learned anything new on a technical level?

Yeah, Leroy and Tim and there are so many people I’ve come to know, love, trust, and really want to create with. At the same time, I’ve reached a really exciting place with my own production abilities. I feel much more comfortable voicing my ideas and not second-guessing myself or worrying that something might sound silly. A lot of that comes from the people I surround myself with. They make me feel safe enough to say, “Hey, I have an idea, what do you think?” I think I used to be more nervous about that. That comfort is probably the most important thing for me. I’ve also learned more terminology, figured out what instruments I like, and become much more hands-on than I used to be. I’m not quite at the point where I’m comping my own vocals behind the computer, but I’m definitely far more involved. I really love being on the production side... it’s such a fun part of the process for me.

Which software do you use, out of curiosity?

Leroy uses Pro Tools, and Tim uses Logic. They both work in different ways.

Is there a song you’re most proud of on the album?

Honestly, I’m proud of all of them. It’s hard to pick because they all feel really special to me. I love all the music. That said, I’m really proud of how Bittersweet has been performing. It’s been amazing to see how many people are connecting with it, so that one feels especially meaningful right now. But I’m excited to see which songs people connect with the most overall. I really do love them all. If I had to choose another, maybe Angel Wings. I pushed myself the most on that one, both in my production abilities and my writing. When I look back on it, I feel like I contributed a lot, so that one holds a special place too. Still, it’s honestly hard to pick just one.

Honestly, Complexity is so good.

Oh, I love that song. Thank you, that’s so sweet. That’s exactly what I mean, though. I can’t pick a favorite because I really do love them all, and it changes every day. We made Complexity pretty early on, and it was such a free song to write. Lyrically, I usually freestyle melodies, and sometimes a word or two just comes out. Sometimes we keep it, sometimes we don’t. I think I said something like “no complexities,” and then I stopped and thought, what is complexity? Is that even a real word? I didn’t even realise what I’d said at first. But I fell in love with the word, and we ended up building the entire song around that idea. It was about being a complex person, having a lot going on, and understanding that doesn’t make you unlovable - and that you can’t expect someone to love you if they don’t love themselves. That was the whole concept, and it was so easy and fun to write. I’m really glad you love it.

I love that song because lyrically it’s so relatable, but production-wise it doesn’t completely tear you apart. You know what I mean?

Yeah. Thank you. That really means a lot. And the little Severance shout-out - shout-out to Severance. I had so much fun making this album so I'm really glad it's resonated with you.

Listen to locket HERE.

@madisonbeer