Opening up fearlessly once again, Los Angeles-based vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rett Madison unveils “Kiki (Rett’s Take)” today. Listen HERE.
“Kiki” originally graced Rett’s acclaimed 2023 sophomore album and Warner Records debut, One for Jackie, as a collaboration with Iron & Wine. However, she opted to strip the song back to its bare essence with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a plaintive, pensive, and powerful solo vocal performance.
Her vulnerable delivery instantly strikes a chord as she assures, “Kiki, don’t you listen to their lies. It was a gift being the mother in your life.” As a tribute to her late mom, Jackie, the Mother’s Day release of the track proves significant for the songstress.
About “Kiki (Rett’s Take),” she said, “When I was growing up, my mom nicknamed me “Kiki”. After she passed away unexpectedly, I didn’t have closure. I wrote “Kiki” from my mom’s perspective and imagined what she’d want to tell me if she could speak with me now.”
It lands on the heels of the recent fan favorite “Apocalyptic Folk Song.” Upon arrival, Rolling Stone touted the latter among “Songs You Need To Know.”
Next up, Rett will appear on CBS Saturday Morning/Saturday Sessions on June 1 for an interview and multi-song performance. Later in the month, she’ll be supporting Trousdale in Chicago at Lincoln Hall before her performances at Americana Music Fest and Austin City Limits this fall.
Madison has continued to incite tastemaker applause. A Book Of featured her on its digital cover and attested, “Rett Madison, artist on the rise and a deeply emotive singer-songwriter known for her poignant lyrics and captivating blend of folk, rock, Americana and soul is making waves in the contemporary music scene with her heartfelt storytelling and powerful vocal performances.”
Keeping busy this year, she just performed a string of shows alongside John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and Bailen, in addition to a headline tour throughout the Midwest. In February, she notably graced the stage of Carnegie Hall at The Piano Recital with Mandy Moore, Margo Price, Meg Duffy, and others.
In 2023, she delivered One for Jackie, featuring lead singles “One for Jackie, One for Crystal,” “Skydiving,” and “Fortune Teller.” Watch Madison’s performance of standout “Flea Market” on Late Night with Seth Meyers HERE. She was also spotlighted in a Mixtape Moments segment on CBS This Morning. Stay tuned for more music soon.
Rett Madison Tour Dates:
June 29 — Chicago, IL — Lincoln Hall* (Supporting Trousdale)
Sep 17-21 — Nashville, TN — Americana Music Fest
Oct 4-6 — Austin, TX — Austin City Limits Music Festival
“Kiki (Rett’s Take)” Lyrics:
Kiki
It’s been a few years since you’ve seen me
but I still see everything
Maddie
I’m so happy that you’re happy
And all your dreams
Are blossoming
Honey
I’m proud you finally found somebody
I knew to send someone honest and funny
Cause I hear you talk to me
when you think you’re on your own
But you’re not alone
Sweetie
You were my life and my reason
I lived 84 more seasons
I’m sorry
I didn’t stay to watch your story unfold
But truth be told
I hear you talk to me
when you think you’re on your own
But you’re not alone
Darling
You’ve been stronger than you realize
Look at who you’ve become
And all you’ve survived
Kiki
Don’t you listen to their lies
It was a gift
Being the mother in your life
“Kiki (Rett’s Take)” Credits:
Music and lyrics by: Rett Madison
Produced by: Tyler Chester
Recorded at: Sonic Ranch – Tornillo, TX
Recorded and Mixed by: David Boucher
Assistant Engineer: Felipe Castaneda
Mixed by: David Boucher
Mastered by: Kim Rosen
Rett Madison: acoustic guitar, vocals
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