Exposed Vocals · Interview
Madison Binstock
“You are and forever will be the best thing for yourself.”
Madison Binstock doesn’t write around the truth — she writes straight through it. The Atlanta-based R&B artist and Georgia State University student, signed to MTM Standard (GSU’s student-run record label), has built her sound around personal experience, emotional honesty, and the kind of raw 90s-influenced production that lets a story breathe. Her latest single “Shoulda Known” is her most intimate work yet — a diaristic look at heartbreak, self-realization, and the moment you realize your own strength was never in someone else’s hands to begin with. We caught up with Madison to talk about the day that sparked the song, the artists in her corner, and what’s coming next.
Exposed Vocals
“Shoulda Known” feels incredibly personal — what was the moment that sparked this song for you?
Madison Binstock
The moment that sparked this song for me was the moment I heard the production. I knew it had to be something storytelling and deep.
Exposed Vocals
How did writing this track help you process the heartbreak and betrayal you sing about?
Madison Binstock
Writing this track helped me process the heartbreak by honestly having to tap back into that very day I talk about in my song. Also talking with my producer about the situation really helped me shape the lyrics.
Exposed Vocals
You describe the song as one of your most intimate records yet — how vulnerable was it to release this side of yourself to the world?
Madison Binstock
This song was pretty vulnerable for me in terms of how raw and honest it is. The way I like to portray my music to listeners is through personal experiences so they can relate, so it wasn’t as hard for me to release this song in terms of vulnerability.
Exposed Vocals
The production feels stripped back yet powerful — what was the creative vision sonically for this release?
Madison Binstock
The creative vision sonically was for the production to give that 90s raw sound — that’s the vision I’ve been having for recent and future projects.
Exposed Vocals
How has your experience at Georgia State and with MTM Standard shaped your artistry?
Madison Binstock
My experience with Georgia State’s MTM Standard has helped me shape my artistry in many ways — helping me be more hands on the business side but also giving me many experiences with networking and shows.
Exposed Vocals
Do you find songwriting to be a form of therapy or more of a storytelling craft for you?
Madison Binstock
Honestly songwriting for me is both therapeutic and a storytelling craft. One of my favorite things to do is songwriting and it helps me get my feelings out more than talking sometimes. It’s one of the best ways I express myself.
Exposed Vocals
If listeners could take away one feeling or message from “Shoulda Known,” what would you want that to be?
Madison Binstock
I would want that to be that regardless of how someone loses you, the strength and power that you hold for yourself will never fade — and that you are and forever will be the best thing for yourself and whoever that has had you.
Exposed Vocals
Who are some R&B artists or writers that have influenced your sound or lyrical approach?
Madison Binstock
Some artists and writers that have helped influence my sound are definitely Ariana Grande, Summer Walker, Mariah the Scientist, Drake, and Kehlani. They are forever in my rotation of influence.
Exposed Vocals
Was there a moment during the creation of this song where everything “clicked” — lyrically or emotionally?
Madison Binstock
The moment where everything clicked was when my engineer and producer heard it and he was in awe. I enjoy the first couple of people loving the art I create because they also helped me along the way. Also when the song was finished I had it on repeat for weeks.
Exposed Vocals
What’s next for you after this release? Can we expect more in this emotional lane or a shift in sound?
Madison Binstock
What’s next for me is of course making more music but trying to form it more emotional and lyrically with a more contemporary R&B feel. An EP is on the way soon as well, along with a new idea visually with this next era of my brand.
