Madison Kozak
Boots & Hearts
“Sharp, swooning,
and all the right kinds
of sentimental”
(Rolling Stone)
Madison Kozak, born the 7th of 8 children in small town Lindsay, ON has blossomed into one heck of a country-music story teller. With songs like “First Last Name”, “Loud House”, and “If We Were a Country Song” Madison Kozak has quickly become a household name.
We had the chance to chat with Madison after her performance at Boots and Hearts 2022 and she filled us in on what it was like to grow up with such a huge passion and told us about following her dreams to make professional music her reality.
Madison’s passion for music was sparked at a young age and she pursued that passion with vigor, learning to play the guitar early-on. With names like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn on her musical radar at home, Madison’s love for country was grown from classic roots. Today her music is known for its soulful and compelling lyrics and her passion for performing shines brightly every time she steps on stage.
Performing for a crowd began at an early age; she won a Talent Showcase and performed at the Havelock Country Jamboree at just age 10, she played at fairs and festivals and fundraising events, and eventually all paths were pointing to Nashville. At 14, Madison took the leap and went to Nashville to pursue her dream. After finishing high school, she went on to attend Belmont University and their Music Program where in her 3rd year, she had the opportunity to perform her now well-known song “First Last Name” to a panel of publishers. From there she was signed as a song writer to publishing Label ‘Big Loud’ and has gone on to become the flagship artist for award-winning songwriter Nicolle Galyon’s new female-driven label, ‘Songs & Daughters’. Kozak graduated from Belmont with a music business degree, and has since toured the U.S. and Canada with Morgan Evans, Aaron Watson, and Mason Ramsey, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut to a standing ovation.
When asked what it was like performing at this years Boots and Hearts Festival, Madison said it felt like coming home. She was definitely looking forward to this performance and spending time with her family here in Cottage Country. “I was hanging in the wings and peeked between the monitors before I went on, it was amazing to see so many familiar faces in the crowd,” said Madison. She said she recognised faces from her elementary and high schools in Lindsay, and with 15 members of her family in attendance it was a lovely homecoming. Even Madison’s 5-year-old niece was in attendance for her first ever concert – the hometown support made it a memorable performance.
One of my favourite questions to ask an artist is, what music are they listening to at the moment. Madison said the last couple of years – maybe due to the pandemic – she’s been listening to more emotional, heartfelt, singer songwriter music; music she describes as homey, nostalgic and really picturesque. She also pointed out that she loves the work that goes into the creation of a song, and went on to emphasize that songwriters are the unseen heroes behind the songs we hear on the radio.
Madison Kozak has proven that she is a Nashville singer/songwriter force, and like a cool breeze she eloquently weaves together emotions and stories that you feel directly in your heart.
Madison Kozak Photo Credit: Lee Zavitz
