Q&A: Maddie Regent Talks Feelings and Emotions on Her New Single “The Wolf”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANY MIRELES ☆
“I WANTED THE IMAGERY TO REPRESENT ME” — Indie pop artist Maddie Regent just released her single “The Wolf” and is set to release her debut album “On the phone with my mom” on May 16. This song describes the anxiety and fear when you encounter someone you once loved but now feel estranged from in an irresistible beat.
The Luna Collective had an opportunity to chat with her about memorable moments while creating this album, unexpected changes and more!
Photography Credit: Anna Koblish
LUNA: What inspired the album's title, and how does it tie into the project's themes?
REGENT: This album is about my experience growing up and entering adulthood. I struggled with lots of complicated feelings during all of these pivotal life phases and one of the things they had in common was my relationship with my mom. Or rather, me calling her to vent, cry, or share good news. I was an anxious kid, and I'm still a nervous adult. So, I think the image of me on the phone with her, regardless of my age or what’s happening, felt like a great way to describe my journey in the album.
LUNA: Can you describe a memorable moment or breakthrough you experienced while creating the album?
REGENT: Delving into my childhood is always nerve-wracking. I think I’ve always kept my guard up a little regarding certain topics. There’s a song on the album where the process began as a retelling of a movie my boyfriend and I had watched. That movie had significance to a moment in my past, so we thought it would be cool to write about that experience from the perspective of a character in the movie. But eventually, I realized that if I'm going to write about something personal like this, I shouldn't be hiding behind a character. I needed to go all out. So while the song still references the movie, I chose to change it so it's more focused on me as opposed to them. I think it changed the whole song for the better and it’s one of my favorite songs on the project now.
LUNA: The title on the phone with my mom feels deeply personal. How does family influence your creative process and storytelling?
REGENT: I’m so lucky to have a family who supports and believes in me. My family has always encouraged me to process my emotions through art and creativity.
LUNA: Can you tell us about the visual concept for this album? How do you translate the music into imagery?
REGENT: I wanted the imagery to represent me. The cover art is me in a forest wearing a blue dress and lying on a bed with pink silk sheets. I spent many of my summers in the more rural parts of Northern Canada, so I wanted to try to evoke that environment in the cover art. I also wanted to convey the idea that you can be in such a serene place and look so put together while still being riddled with anxiety on the inside. The videos also build on that idea—they're simple but vulnerable. I'm excited to expand more on that once the album is out!
LUNA: Did you face any unexpected challenges while creating 'On the phone with my mom?’ How did you overcome them?
REGENT: As an independent artist this project was entirely my own, which gave me a lot of freedom but also a lot of anxiety. It felt at times like no one cared and that it was pointless to put out a body of work at the stage I’m at in my career. This was just self-sabotage, of course, because my work does matter. And there’s a freedom in not making work for anyone else. I’m proud of myself for finishing what I started and so grateful for those who are excited about it.
LUNA: “The wolf” touches on the tension of facing someone you were once close to. How do you process and channel those emotions into your art?
REGENT: I wanted this song to feel cathartic. The chorus shouts “I don’t wanna be afraid of you” and I used that almost as a manifestation. Sometimes I write songs about how I want to feel instead of how I do feel. It helps me move forward.
LUNA: What's the significance of the title "The wolf”? How does it tie into the song’s narrative or themes?
REGENT: We played on the saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”—meaning someone is not who they appear to be. I wanted to talk about feelings of betrayal and this kind of just came up as we were writing the lyrics. I think it’s a cool image and helped a lot when it came to the chorus.
LUNA: Are there specific lyrics from “The Wolf” that feel especially powerful or meaningful to you?
REGENT: “You may as well bite me to kill if you can’t love me, maybe no one will” was a really important lyric to me. It takes the song into being about the other person and turning it on me. The insecurity someone’s actions can cause.
LUNA: What's been the most rewarding moment in your music career so far, and how does it compare to releasing your debut album?
REGENT: I honestly think having people DM me about my music will still be the most rewarding part. It means a lot to hear from people who have connected with my music. I hope when I release this album people can relate to it and that it can start a conversation and enhance my community. I’ve always wanted to connect with people, and this is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been. I’m ready!
LUNA: What's your creative process like when you’re stuck or feeling uninspired?
REGENT: I take a break and watch movies or read a book. Turning off my mind and returning fresh is key for me. I’m such an over-thinker, I could overanalyze every single line I write forever. So I need to know when to stop. And consuming other forms of art always inspired me.
LUNA: With the release of this album and “The Wolf,” what’s next for you in 2025? Any plans for touring or collaborations?
REGENT: I’m focusing on the album release and making visuals, but I hope to do some performances in the latter half of the year! Touring is a dream and something I will be ready for when the time is right. I can’t wait!
