"The common thread linking each release lies in that awe-inspiring voice, whether Mathews employs her full Janis Joplin-esque belt or tones things down for a more whimsical feel"

- The line of best fit 

MAWD is the moniker of Los Angeles based musician Madeleine Mathews. With a sound that gravitates toward an eclectic mix of genres including indie rock, folk rock, folk, blues rock with a bit of a 60's/70's retro twist, it's hard to pinpoint her into one musical corner. MAWD's soulful textured timbre is diverse and ranges from a breathy/sultry folk and blues vibe to a powerful belt that fans have claimed are reminiscent of Janis Joplin, Karen O, or Brittany Howard.

Born and bred in a small town in the foothills of California, Madeleine started writing music and making her mark around her hometown of Placerville at age 17. Constantly playing open mics and any small gig she could get, she eventually landed in Chico, CA for college where she fronted and wrote for numerous folk and rock bands, won songwriting competitions, and made a name for herself. While in college, she signed to a small indie label, Soundx3, who helped her put out her first EP.

After graduating with a degree in Music Business from CSU, Chico, Madeleine up and moved to Los Angeles in the Fall of 2017. She quickly hit the ground running. Within the first couple months of living in LA, she opened for Larkin Poe at a sold out show at The Hotel Cafe. Soon to follow, MAWD started creating a buzz in the music scene opening for Robby Kreiger of the Doors, touring to SXSW in Spring of 2018, playing over 10+ Sofar Sounds across California, and frequently playing local popular venues (The Hi Hat, The Satellite, Bootleg, Resident, The Hotel Cafe, Non Plus Ultra, Gibson Showroom, and more).

Her music has been played nationally and internationally on numerous radio stations including Sirius XM (Rodney Bingenheimer's Underground Garage), Buzzbands LA's show on 88.5 KCSN, KZFR, and many more. MAWD has been featured on notable music blogs including The Line of Best Fit, LA Weekly, Earmilk, Ladygunn, Live Nation's One's to Watch, and Buzzbands LA as well as played live on Balcony TV (atop the Live Nation building).

With a two year recording hiatus, MAWD is BACK and ready to launch into releasing music again. She plans to put out her first independent full-length LP within the next year (Pandemic pending) produced by co-writer and friend Josiah Mazzaschi of The Cave Studios (Deap Vally, Jesus and the Mary Chain, Soko, Kate Bush, and more). Meanwhile, she’s been recording her singles virtually/remotely with her band and Mazzaschi while staying safe yet creative at home.