MADNIK, the artist persona of Nicola Theurillat, is celebrated for his unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. His music, rich in introspection and storytelling, often delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the quiet beauty woven into life’s everyday moments. Grounded in folk and acoustic traditions, MADNIK’s style radiates raw emotion and simplicity, inviting listeners into his reflective world. With every performance, he brings an authenticity that resonates deeply, captivating audiences in Switzerland and beyond with his warm, expressive voice.
Dennis Keller: MADNIK, thanks for joining us! Let’s dive right in—your new EP Rainy Days at Home feels deeply personal. What inspired you to create this collection of covers?
MADNIK: Thank you for having me! This EP is really a reflection of my own quiet moments. When the days get shorter and the rain starts tapping on my window, I find myself naturally drawn to the piano. These songs are the ones I’ve played over and over in solitude, each bringing its own sense of warmth and introspection. I wanted to capture that feeling of being at home alone with music as company.
Dennis Keller: The EP opens with “Gramercy Park” by Alicia Keys, which is such a powerful song about identity. What made you choose this as the first track?
MADNIK: “Gramercy Park” has always resonated with me because it asks a question that I think many of us grapple with: Am I still the person I wanted to be? It’s one I’ve asked myself a lot, especially in moments of stillness. I’ve performed it on stage many times, but here, I approached it differently—stripping it back to just the essentials, almost like a private conversation with myself.
Dennis Keller: “Be Here to Love Me” by Townes Van Zandt is another intriguing choice, known for its melancholic, heartfelt lyrics. How did you approach your interpretation of this track?
MADNIK: Townes Van Zandt was such a master of vulnerability. His music always feels so raw, so human. I wanted to honor that honesty in my version. So I kept it simple, just me and the piano, letting the lyrics breathe. To me, it’s a reminder of the importance of presence and love, especially in times when we’re alone.
Dennis Keller: You also included Ben Cullum’s “These Are the Days.” It feels like a subtle uplift amidst the introspective mood of the EP. Why did you decide to include it?
MADNIK: Exactly—it’s a gentle uplift. After two deeply introspective tracks, I wanted something that reminds us to appreciate the moment. “These Are the Days” is about savoring what we have now, not in a big, dramatic way, but in a quiet, reflective way. It felt right to place it in the middle as a kind of bridge, a soft reminder of life’s fleeting beauty.
Dennis Keller: And finally, you close with Tom Waits’ “Take It With Me,” a truly emotional ballad. Why did you choose this as the finale?
MADNIK: Tom Waits’ music has always felt timeless to me, and “Take It With Me” is one of those songs that speaks to what really matters. It’s about love, memory, and the things we hold close. I think it’s a perfect close because it brings everything back to what’s essential. For me, after an evening of reflection, that’s what it all boils down to—the things we hope to carry with us.
Dennis Keller: Your style is often described as introspective and soulful, and this EP really captures that essence. What do you hope listeners will take away from Rainy Days at Home?
MADNIK: I hope it feels like an invitation to slow down and reflect. We don’t often take time to sit with our thoughts and just let the music be our companion. If this EP can offer people a moment of calm or introspection on a rainy evening, then I feel like I’ve shared something meaningful.
Dennis Keller: Thank you, MADNIK! This EP is truly a gift for the season. Any last thoughts?
MADNIK: Thank you! I’m just grateful for the opportunity to share these songs in a new way. I hope people enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed creating it. And remember—sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that stay with us the longest.
