Neon Love, Madeline Merlo at Boots & Hearts 2018 + Interview

Madeline Merlo made her return to the Boots & Hearts main stage on Friday and had everyone falling in Neon Love.

The BC singer-songwriter was all smiles on stage, singing to and with the crowd as she made her way through her sunny afternoon set. And she was just as smiley and pleasant when we caught up with her earlier in the day for a hangout and round of 5 Quick Questions.

We talked to Madeline about the growth in her career and she told us that one of the biggest changes over the last few years are the shows she’s playing. She has found herself as a bigger name on bills, playing more shows where she is the headliner, and she likes it! We asked if it took some getting used to, and Madeline admitted that it did. She talked about one show specifically, in North Battleford, Sask. where she was the only performer on the bill. There were worries, she said, that nobody would show up. But, they did. And the opportunity to see those fans make the trip to see her, and only her was a step in reassuring Madeline Merlo that is where she’s supposed to be.

While she may not have been the only name on the bill at Boots & Hearts, the fans definitely showed up for her at the main stage. From the start with Honey Jack, the crowd was ready to jam. Voices could be heard from song to song, singing loudly and with enthusiasm as the Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year nominee and former Rising Star winner lead the way.

Madeline Merlo has been releasing fan favourites since she started her career. And as her momentum continues to grow, she’s finding more and more mainstream success along with the fan praise. Her most recent release, Neon Love, is inching closer to the Top 10, and is a serious summer jam. The combination of her commercial success, award nominations, and the love of fans from coast-to-coast will keep pushing Madeline higher and higher.

While we had Madeline with us before the day of music started at Boots & Hearts, we played our first ever round of 5 Quick Questions with the Motel Flamingo singer… check it out!

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5 Quick Questions with Madeline Merlo

Q1) Do you have a road trip album? One that you can put on and let play?

Madeline) John Mayer’s Paradise Valley (2013). Madeline called it the perfect road trip album with the right flow and songs and vibe she needs.

Q2) Do you remember the first CD/Album that you bought?

Madeline) Shania Twain’s Up! (2002)

Q3) Do you have a dream venue on your career wish list?

Madeline) The Grand Ole Opry!

Q4) Do you have a dream vacation on your wish list?

Madeline) Hawaii!!!

Q5) Is there any artist that you think that more people should be listening to?

Madeline) Jillian Jacqueline. Madeline talked about her songwriting skills, voice, everything about Jillian Jacqueline. It’s pretty clear that she’s a fan.

During our chat, Madeline confirmed that there are some exciting things coming up in the near(ish) future. She’s been writing a lot in Nashville, with her eye on more new music coming to fans soon. We didn’t get any details on dates, album plans, etc., but it sounds like we should be getting ready for something. She also told us that she’s looking forward to her dates on Tim Hicks’ Get Loud tour this November. The trio of Hicks, Tebey, and Madeline Merlo is going to result in a good time!

As we talked about her career and growth, Madeline said that a big part of things has been her becoming more comfortable with herself as an artist, her brand, and what she wants to say and accomplish. When she lit up the Boots & Hearts main stage a few hours later, it was clear that those comfort levels are in a good place.

Madeline ran up and down the catwalk. She sang her heart out. She worked the crowd, made them part of the show, and gave them everything they wanted in the bright sunshine of a festival Friday afternoon.

Madeline Merlo showed a few thousand of her Ontario friends a really good time. And we know that she’ll do it again!

Madeline Merlo Setlist, Boots & Hearts 2018

❤️ Honey Jack
❤️ Whatcha Wanna Do About It
❤️ Crush
❤️ War Paint
❤️ Welcome To The Jungle / One Dance / 51-50
❤️ Unraveling
❤️ Neon Love

Photos of Madeline Merlo at Boots & Hearts 2018

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Joshua Murray

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