Houston-raised singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera has released ‘Sweet Pretender’, another engaging single and video. This song, co-written with her friend Rob McCulloch, is designed to get you moving. Atmospheric guitar from Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum) simmers over urgent percussion, with a groove that matches the energy of the line dancers in the accompanying video. Madera’s voice is perfect for country tunes; her lilting tunefulness feels so natural and eases us through heartache and heartbreak. ‘Sweet Pretender’ was written after watching a friend’s marriage unravel and was, initially, a sombre ballad, full of melancholy. However, with McCulloch’s support, the song transformed into a pulsing anthem that celebrates freedom, release and moving on. The video features grainy footage of good times in a line-dancing bar – setting the scene for the relationships Madera sings about.
The single is the latest from Madera’s second album, ‘Speed of Sound’, which was produced by Dan Navarro and GRAMMY-winners Jim Scott and Ryan Hadlock. It’s a fine country record that covers universal themes through engaging melodies, all centred around Madera’s confident, captivating vocal delivery. Country fans should definitely check it out. Enjoy.
Madera shared her thoughts about ‘Sweet Pretender’ through a Q&A with AUK:
What was your inspiration for the song ‘Sweet Pretender’?
Watching a friend go through a separation. It’s a kiss off song, a song about correcting an imbalance.
You have made a series of really cool lyric videos to go with the singles on this album. Who has directed them for you? How do you pick out the footage?
Jason Lee Denton! He is the best! He picks the footage. I give him a general idea and he runs with it.
You are on tour in the states right now with Jill Sobule. How is that going and any chance you’ll be touring in the UK in the future?
Jill is a dream to tour with. She is a breath of fresh air. I would love to tour in the UK! Hoping for summer of 2025.
