Juliana Madrid Grabs Ahold of a Glimmer of Hope in "Big Plans"
Photo: Josefine Cardoni
Texas-based singer-songwriter Juliana Madrid fights her introverted nature in her latest single, "Big Plans," the second single from her upcoming sophomore EP. With this stunning blend of melodies and lyrics, she gives life to a unique and inviting track, finding the perfect balance of emotions and aspirations that lets her voice shine through and speak to each listener from beginning to end.
"Big Plans" opens with lo-fi electric guitar riffs atop city street foley, hooking the listener in for what awaits. Seconds later, the song bursts into its robust production, with Madrid's vocals confidently taking the spotlight. Her delicately layered harmonies add a magical element to the vocal delivery. The call-and-response vocals during the refrain are equal parts divine and dynamic, seamlessly shifting between verse and chorus.
"'In "Big Plans' I explain how my behaviors are acting as a catalyst for distance, even though I long to be out in the world and with the people I love," shares the singer. "I have always been introverted, even a recluse during some lower points in my life, but when I listen to or sing this song - especially the chorus - there is this ephemeral glimmer of light, airy hope, and it feels good. I hope when others listen to this song, they can catch that feeling and hold onto it as long as they can."
"'Big Plans'" was one of those miracle out-of-thin-air-ideas that happens pretty much never for me and artists alike," she continues. "It's like my subconscious had been working on it for weeks and was just waiting for me to play the right chord progression. Once I found it, the core melodies and lyrics came out of me like a magic fountain. Immediately I put it into my voice memos and continued to edit it with my producer Ben Ruttner. This is also the song I think that made me fall in love with the sound of the MS20. I am obsessed."
After her 2022 self-titled debut EP, she returned with a deeper, more expansive sound on her previously released single "Afterlife," with heartfelt lyrics like, "Hey! I'm not great / But I might be alright / So kiss my perfect afterlife goodbye," oozing with relatability. Madrid also toured North America supporting The Knocks and indie band Cannons and has graced the stage with Anna Shoemaker and Matt Maeson.
Watch the "Big Plans" lyric video below:
