Meet Naeemah Maddox | Composer /Singer Songwriter/Teaching Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naeemah Maddox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naeemah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, it feels like it was inevitable, given my upbringing. I grew up in a very creative household—my father was a musician, and my mother, a master tailor and jewelry maker, was also incredibly resourceful and artistic in her own right. From a young age, I was surrounded by music and creativity, and it naturally became a part of who I am.

Music captivated me early on. I was singing before I could talk and playing instruments like the violin as soon as I could. Music has always been a way for me to connect with my emotions and the world around me. The joy I find in creating and expressing myself has been a constant throughout my life, even when I entertained other career possibilities, like becoming a brain surgeon. But music was always there, a steady presence that I kept coming back to.

For me, creativity is about bringing people together and transcending material limitations. You don’t need much to create—a guitar, a voice, or even just your imagination is enough. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to a creative path. It’s not just a career; it’s a way of life that allows me to continually explore, rejuvenate, and inspire.

As a teaching artist, I also work in education, fostering imagination in young children before societal pressures start to limit their creative thinking. It’s a challenging path, full of hard work, but for me, it’s as vital as breathing. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the core, I see myself as a melody writer—a dweller in sound and harmony. For as long as I can remember, the sounds around me have sparked melodies and songs in my mind. I’ve always been inspired and thrilled by the curiosity that melodies evoke. This is what drives me as a songwriter. What sets me apart is the unique blend of styles I incorporate into my music. I draw from Motown and R&B harmonies, classical influences like Prokofiev, and the cinematic power of composers like Danny Elfman and John Williams, the playful genius of duo Sondheim and Lapine, and the raw influence of 90’s grunge /alternative bands, just to name a few. I love how music can transform a scene or a mood—it’s like magic, creating emotion from sound. While I’m a singer-songwriter, I’m loose with the definition of what a song can be. I don’t confine myself to traditional structures; I see each piece as its own unique entity, allowing for exploration both within and beyond my influences. Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. In the past, I worked hard, but not always smart. I had to overcome the challenge of realizing that the only gatekeeper in my way was myself. Learning to let go of perfectionism and embrace the idea that ‘perfect is the enemy of good’ has been crucial. I’ve learned to trust that my music is good enough as it is, and to not overanalyze every idea. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of surrounding myself with great people—those who are focused and excelling in their fields. They inspire me to keep improving as an artist. As for what I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that I’m continuously unfolding and evolving. I’m a bit introverted, yet I love being on stage. I’ve struggled with social media and engaging with the world in that way, but I’m turning a corner. I’m not afraid to embrace my quirks and be myself—a quirky, weird, funny, cat-loving artist who is inspired by the world around her. Right now, I’m particularly excited about the new iteration of my band. We’ve really elevated my music, and I’m working on a full-length album set to release next year. After that, I’ll be releasing music more frequently. What I’m most proud of is the uniqueness of my music. I don’t follow trends, which I believe makes my work timeless. Some of the songs I’m releasing now were written 15 years ago, and they still feel relevant. I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of what I can create and to see how I can further elevate my music.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
New York City is a place that’s constantly evolving—whether you’ve been here for a week or a decade, there’s always something new to discover. The city offers a wide range of experiences, from high-end activities to countless free or low-cost adventures. For instance, exploring the city’s incredible museums and parks is a must. One park I’d highly recommend is Little Island. It’s a beautiful, architecturally unique space that feels like a little wonderland within the city. Another fantastic spot is Brooklyn Bridge Park. The views are breathtaking, with the Manhattan skyline so close it feels almost within reach as you look out across the water. When it comes to food, one of my top picks is a placed called Taqueria Maria and Ricardo in the Cortelyou neighborhood in Brooklyn. They serve some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. There’s also a great taco truck in williamasburg called Birria Land. Also, you can’t forget Mamoun’s falafel in the West Village for a great low cost vegetarian option. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my original hometown, Philadelphia, which is just a short trip from New York—less than two hours away. Every time I visit, I make sure to stop by Tiffany’s Bakery in the Gallery and Penang, an amazing Malaysian restaurant both in downtown/Chinatown Philly that I’ve been going to since I was 12. For music and nightlife, New York has so much to offer. I love catching shows at Nublu and TV Eye. Both venues have an incredible atmosphere and often feature more experimental bands, plus they have great sound systems. These are just a few of the places I’d recommend to show someone a great time in New York and beyond.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Matt Hollenberg, a composer and guitarist whose support has been instrumental in refining my live and recorded sound. Matt has mixed my last few singles and his expertise has been invaluable. He’s a true wealth of knowledge and an inspiring example of someone who constantly pushes the boundaries of music. His sincerity and uncompromising approach to creating art make me a dedicated fan of his work. On a practical level, Matt is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever met. His tips and techniques have greatly enhanced my own playing, and having access to his mastery of the instrument has been incredibly beneficial. His virtuosity and unconventional thinking enable him to explore new musical territory with high technical skill. I deeply respect Matt not only for his musical talent but also for his innovative approach, which continues to inspire and challenge me.

Website: https://linktr.ee/naeemahzmaddox?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=681984f2-caf6-4559-a832-e5de215b9236

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Image Credits
John Singletary
Kevin Steele
Alexa Gold
Naeemah Maddox