With Intent

Madison McFerrin

You + I

Madison McFerrin has been taking a measured and steady approach to success, as the daughter of jazz legend Bobby McFerrin and sibling to producer/DJ Taylor McFerrin. You + I follows the buzz for her a cappella Finding Foundations EPs. This six-track effort serves up a musical background to her unique vocal abilities and heightened social consciousness. The jazz-bop of “No Room” speaks to isolation in a modern world and the feelings of disconnect within a connected one. “Try” throws us a line, tethered to a quiet dance groove. Of mixed African and European heritage, McFerrin identifies as a Black woman, and creates sounds that adhere to the principles of selfexpression and resistance. McFerrin’s vocals contract and expand in waves, expertly using up as much space as required to transmit the message: “Unwise” speaks to unspoken truths, the old school blues of “Know You Better” slaps, and “Fallin’” whispers of new beginnings. The jazzy soul of You + I represents steps to a fruitful and hopefully forthcoming full-length release. (Independent)

How do you create your own legacy with a famous father?

I think it’s impossible to separate his influence from my music. We grew up listening to him. We come from the same DNA, so we are going to inherently have similar styles and influences. I think that if you couldn’t hear his influence, that would be the bigger surprise.

How are you defining your own style and sound?

I’m at a particular place in my life where being a Black woman in America is very important to me. Particularly as someone who grew up in predominantly white spaces, it’s important for me to really dive deeper into my identity in my country. It’s about making sure the aesthetic represents that — even down to the fact I’ve been hair natural for the last couple of years. Being intentional with that is important, especially in our era when Black people are being afforded more space to be themselves.