Redland songwriters Michael Quinn and Michael Stewart have found a voice for their songs in Madeleine Young, 22, of Thornlands.
The trio recorded the song Fire of Light and Shadow in what proved to be a serendipitous collaboration, with both video and audio recorded at Capalaba College on one day.
“We wanted to capture a sound that was not just catchy but also emotionally resonant. And when we found Madeleine, we were blown away – not just by her incredible voice but also by her wonderful demeanour, her focus, and her sheer determination. We can’t wait to do so much more with her,” Michael Quinn said.
Madeleine was recommended for the recording by her former singing teacher and Redland City choir conductor Anita Taylor.
“The boys hadn’t even heard me. They just trusted Anita’s word,” Madeleine said.
“When we heard her sing, we realised this was the voice we want. We are already working on a second song for her,” Quinn said.
Madeleine said she had a wide taste in music, from soft rock to ballad, with Fire of Light and Shadow falling somewhere in the middle.
“There is a certain quality to the song. It’s about people who hide their fire on the inside. There’s a lot to the music that isn’t immediately obvious. It’s a reflective song – streams of consciousness,” she said.
Madeleine said recording was “really fun” and she enjoyed putting some of her own ideas into the harmonies.
“We just kept playing around with the harmonies until something worked. I asked Michael what the sound was like and he said it wasn’t as he imagined it to be, but much better,” she said.
Madeleine said she was happy to use her voice and see where it led her.
“I will take any opportunity to sing. Just singing is my reward,” she said.
Madeleine currently has lessons with Patrick Robbins and teaches voice as required at Strictly Dance.
“At an age when most individuals are finding their footing in the world, Madeleine Young has already discovered her true passion. Her love for melodies, and harmonies runs deep, and her determination to pursue her dreams is inspiring. But what sets Madeleine apart is her extraordinary talent and her unwavering commitment to honing her craft,” Quinn said.
As Madeleine’s debut single, Fire of Light and Shadow is a testament to the powerful partnership between Madeleine and the two Michaels. The track is now available on Spotify and YouTube under the banner of SM2 Productions.
“As Fire of Light and Shadow continues to make waves on streaming platforms, it’s clear that Madeleine Young is an artist from the Redlands to watch. Her unique blend of talent, determination and youthful exuberance promises a musical journey that will leave an indelible mark on the world of music, and fans can’t wait to see where her path leads next,” Quinn said.
“Ultimately our goal is to give confidence and support to young musicians. There is so much untapped talent.”
