New Jersey born, LA based artist, Maddy Davis has released “Hey Dad“, her first original single of the year. The co-written/co-produced offering tells the story of not always living up to your parents expectations, but knowing that the path you’re on is the right one for you. Opening with honest lyrics “Hey Dad, I’m sorry that you gotta put me through school, and that I’d probably drop out if it wasn’t for you” the verses bleed with relatability, especially as Maddy prepares to walk across the stage this Friday for her graduation from USC’s Thornton School of Music.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the single, Davis explains, “My dad always wished I pursued something a bit less risky – maybe that I went to business school or had dreams of becoming a brain surgeon. However, to his dismay, at age 12 I chose to pursue music instead and never looked back. I never questioned it and always knew I’d succeed regardless of his worries, because there was no other option for me. I wrote “Hey Dad” to promise him I know what I’m doing and I’ll be okay. The song stands as both reassurance and an apology for being slightly difficult to raise, and maybe not turning out like he planned. Hoping this song gets through to him. It’s my last-ditch effort to convince him I know what is best for myself. ”
Exploring and emulating imperfection is the heart of Maddy Davis’ art. Throughout her debut 2022 EP MUD, and continuing on through this release, are her angst-ridden intonations, and the rawness of Davis’ lyrics make them universally relatable. Listeners will hear intentional distortion, timing delays, and other imperfections that you wouldn’t necessarily hear in a traditional pop, rock or punk song. As Davis’ says, “If anyone feels a pressure to prove something to their parents, friends, family, etc., or maybe apologize for not tackling a more “traditional” lifestyle, they’ll find some comfort in “Hey Dad”, knowing there’s a whole army of us out their battling to succeed in the eyes of others.
“Hey Dad” follows her latest release, a cover of Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” and marks the first of a series of singles promising the next chapter of Davis’ bops unofficially and lovingly titled “things you don’t learn in school”.