Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Krumm (Hilton).
Hi Madison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve played music my whole life – from playing piano with my Gramma during summer visits to getting my first guitar at 10 years old. I joined my first choir class when I was 7. Instrument wise, I am all self taught, my parents couldn’t afford music lessons for me.
Music was my solstice during my parents divorce. I always found peace in sitting down at my piano or with my guitar after school, but I was too shy to play in front of anyone. I was elected to sing my first solo at a choir concert when I was 13 (Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley). I was very shy and didn’t want to do it, but I was forced to. After that performance, I had the confidence to sing in front of people. I started doing more solos in high school. My teacher took me under her wing and we did shows together at local churches and at the Artis Naples.
I ended up going to college for elementary education and dropped out when I was 21 to pursue a music career, thanks to my husband being so supportive and persistent. I have now been a solo artist for almost 5 years!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Career wise, it hasn’t been the easiest road. My job is not guaranteed. There are months where I have struggled to pay my bills because I didn’t have enough gigs. Competition is also growing – there’s artists out there who will go behind your back and steal gigs from you – I guess that’s the name of the game though. Everyone has to make a living.
Another struggle I run into is being a female artist. There are venues where I’m from that are known for being “boys clubs” – they will only hire male musicians.
I struggled when I was pregnant with my daughter as well. I was so ill during my pregnancy that it was tough to get through some gigs. There were two in particular that I had to leave early, which I absolutely will not do unless I have to. And in both cases, I was not hired back afterwards, which was so disappointing. Thankfully, I was able to play throughout my whole pregnancy with my son!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a SWFL local musician. When I perform, I play guitar and sing. I specialize in classic rock, oldies, and top 40 hits. I love to play folk/indie/alternative music, but that’s not what I normally play out because of the demographics of Naples. I’m not really sure what I’m known for. Maybe my personality – I’m always really kind to service industry people because I was in the restaurant business before I pursued music. I am probably most proud that I was able to make a career out of something I love, and that I’m able to support myself and my family doing what I love. What sets me apart from others in my career is my ability to adapt to the environment I’m in, and teach myself new things without help, whether it’s songs, chords, styles to play, etc. I’m also one of very few young female artists in my area. When I first started 5 years ago, I was the youngest one at just 22 years old
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Since I am closest to St. Pete, I’ll refer to there since I’ve never actually spent time/been in Tampa.
I love the nightlife! I actually eloped in St Pete 2.5 years ago because we love it so much up there. I specifically love the music scene up there. Every block there is a different style of music happening. One of the first times I visited, I went to rubys elixir, and it was jazz night. They had a band playing, and people from the crowd were getting up one at a time to join the band for a song. It was so soulful, it was electrifying.
I sincerely can’t think of anything I don’t like about st. pete. Maybe that you have to pay so much to park? Haha.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: madihiltonmusic
Image Credits
Chelsey Perez
