Madison Park: finding purpose through music

In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few artists embody the spirit of self-discovery and reinvention quite like Madison Park. Her journey into the industry is not just a story of musical transformation but one of personal growth, resilience, and passion. From her early years immersed in hip-hop to her awakening in the house music scene, Madison has followed an unconventional path that has led her to become a defining force in Miami’s underground scene and beyond.

Her trajectory has been shaped by pivotal moments—from playing lacrosse in Florida to studying psychology in Barcelona, from late nights at Pacha to closing out marathon sets in Miami’s most celebrated venues. She has taken each experience and channeled it into her artistry, crafting a sound that is as dynamic as the journey that brought her here. Madison’s story is not just about music—it’s about the pursuit of something greater, the courage to chase a dream, and the willingness to sacrifice in order to create something meaningful.

“Naturally with age, my taste started to change, and I kept growing further and further away from the music I knew in my adolescence. I remember being in very dark house parties in high school and wondering if this is how it's always going to be—almost as if I knew there was something better to discover later down the road. Even though my first time experiencing house music, I had no idea what genre it was or how to find it; it just felt comfortable.”

Madison’s first brush with house music wasn’t an intentional pursuit—it was an organic discovery that resonated deeply within her. That sense of comfort led her to explore new sounds, ultimately sparking a passion that would define her career. However, it wasn’t until her time in Barcelona, studying psychology and immersing herself in the city's international music scene, that she began to truly understand the emotional and cultural depth of electronic music.

“Playing a sport in college requires an extreme amount of discipline and dedication. My early college years playing lacrosse consisted of running sprints, 6 AM lifts, study hall—overall very minimal partying. It taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to while also being an active voice for those around me. I've always been a people person and had an interest in understanding emotions and communication. Studying abroad in Barcelona not only opened my eyes to different cultures but also to the music scene and nightlife, being such an international hotspot. Slowly increasing my Spanish skills and meeting new people from all over the world has really helped shape me and my outlook.”

Her time in Barcelona played a crucial role in shaping her worldview, but it was a night at Pacha that cemented her decision to pursue music full-time.

“I'll never forget walking around Pacha alone for a few minutes, admiring the DJ, witnessing smiles and all the hands in the air—that adrenaline, I was hooked. Looking back at the DJ and knowing that's what I was going to do with my life. I still have that same feeling every day when I wake up; I just believe now I'm becoming more fluid in understanding what it means and how I let a passion burn into what now is my reality. I sacrificed quitting lacrosse my senior year and faced the fear of judgment from family and friends. But it was the best decision I ever made for myself. I left something that had already served its purpose in my life for a bigger one.”

That bigger purpose would soon take her to Miami’s underground scene, where she carved out a space for herself among the city’s most respected selectors.

Madison quickly became a fixture in Miami’s club culture, earning residencies at venues like The Trip and 1-800 Lucky. These spaces became her training ground, allowing her to hone her skills and develop a deeper connection with the crowd.

“Miami is such a beautiful city with so much rich culture. Each place has a role locally and provides a different atmosphere for what the audience wants. The Trip, known to be an after-hours spot, is the first club I ever had the opportunity to play in. I laugh with Tony, the manager, about remembering my first opening B2B set to now closing out playing 3-5 hours, with complete freedom of expression and confidence to do so. 1-800 Lucky is the spot on a Sunday; Human’s Alike label has grown tremendously over the years and has made it become a ritual Sundays at Lucky. Over the years growing and continuing to play, I've felt the support feeling like family.”

Her involvement with Miami’s We Belong Here Festival became a defining moment in her career, reaffirming her place in the local scene.

“Before playing We Belong Here Festival, I was a bit hesitant about feeling like I belonged or was accepted in Miami. Looking back, I think I was just frustrated about things in the industry that I didn’t have experience in or couldn't change. We Belong Here festival was so solidifying for me. I’ll never forget this couple who came up to me while playing and said, ‘We saw your name on the flyer and got FOMO, so we got out of bed, got ready, and rushed here.’ My mom was also there and cried and said she liked being on the ground better! This helped me knock that chip off my shoulder and knew I was meant to do this.”

Her career took another major step forward when she embarked on a mini-tour through Europe, playing in legendary spaces like Ibiza and Pacha.

“Europe and Miami have widened my mind and greater understanding for the world and people entirely. Being in Ibiza, you're exposed to the best in the game and what is most relevant. I'm such an observer while clubbing. I am constantly watching the DJ, the crowd, how the club is being run, the energy backstage or in the crowd. Observing while partying has helped me a lot while playing and being able to adapt to different environments.”

Ibiza reinforced her belief in the power of community and connection, but it also made her aware of the challenges artists face in a fast-paced, often overwhelming industry.

“Ibiza is the best place, but there is a balance to every location and how you live your life on and off stage. I love the energy of Ibiza but am always very happy when the season is done and it's time to organize and go back to Miami. I believe in each location, you can lose yourself if you don't know what you stand for or if you're around the wrong people. I prefer to have a very small group of real rather than a lot and fake. This goes for life, not just the music industry.”

As a young woman in the industry, Madison understands the importance of representation and creating space for others to follow their dreams.

“Women are crushing it lately, and I believe we will keep striving for equality in the industry and beyond. I like to be an advocate on my social media, not only highlighting the amazing parts of life but the real and raw stuff that happens, hoping it helps anyone who can relate or not feel alone. As people, we are put on this earth to discover what our role is and what makes us happy. I’ve hit the jackpot being able to do something I love and want others to follow their dreams as well.”

Her journey is far from over, but what drives her remains the same.

“Passion and setting achievable goals. Nothing can take my passion away from me, and that almost provides me enough comfort knowing I can do anything. Any fears that arise, I usually take time to understand and dive deeper into what may be causing me to feel a certain way. I'm human, and it's important to feel what one is going through. Sometimes it's needed to slow down in order to speed up.”

Madison Park’s story is one of determination, growth, and unshakable belief in herself. Her music is an extension of that journey, a testament to the power of pursuing what truly sets your soul on fire.