Madeline Leman – Ripen On The vine

A beautifully rich and sonically distinct collection of alt-country and indie folk tracks, Ripen on the Vine explores themes of longing, disillusionment, hope and change. Writing this album helped Madeline navigate her Saturn return and grief for a world falling apart.

Written partly during lockdown and then during her journey toward motherhood, this album has survived a pandemic, pregnancy, matrescence and a sea change. Recorded in Leah Senior’s stone shack in Anglesea, it is a symbol of hope and of maternal strength. As much as the world may have wanted her to fade into motherhood, this album became an anchor that allowed her to use motherhood as a vehicle for rebirth and creative evolution.

“This album is a step closer to the sound I’ve always been chasing. It represents a musical maturity that I’m really proud of and a vulnerability that is slightly terrifying but ultimately really powerful.”

Drawing on inspiration from the likes of Judee Sill, Carole King and Todd Rundgren, Madeline strives to balance the playfulness and storytelling of country music, the warmth and familiarity of vintage pop hooks with the lyrical depth and pathos of the folk tradition. What has resulted is an album that is as modern as it is timeless.

Madeline’s songs are brought to life by her rhinestone studded band. With harmonies by Ruby Jones, drums by Dylan Young (Way Dynamic), lead guitar by Jesse Williams (Leah Senior), bass by Alex Bleakley (Sal Wonder, Chinabeach, Pat Wilson) and drums by Nat Riley (Baby Blue) Madeline is backed by some of the most innovative and beloved players out of Melbourne.