As a songwriter, Maddy Rowe has accrued more than 50M global streams writing songs for the likes of Will Sparks, Nicky Romero, Young Franco, and Kilter.
Three years ago, Maddy decided to launch her own solo career under the Genes moniker (a deliberate nod to how her appreciation for music runs so deep it's near-ingrained into her DNA)."I knew my music was good and I wanted it to be listened too, so I thought 'why don't I just put it out there myself?'."
Genes has released a number of singles including 'Kind Of Bi' (180k streams), 'Super Single' (112k streams) and 'Cherry Lips'. While late last year, she released her debut EP 'Super Single'.
With an upcoming support slot with Client Liaison at their Brisbane concert next week, Genes' newest single is the classy, chic electronic-pop feels of 'Crumble' that fans of Carly Rae Jepsen and Broods will find attractive.
"It's about that overwhelming feeling right before the fall, before you crumble into someone for the first time.
"Do I catch myself in it, or do I let myself tip completely over the edge? It's exciting and exhilarating, and completely terrifying all at the same time.
"But to 'Crumble' is the best part. Produced by Melbourne's Ben Oldland (KYE, Ula – he also produced 'Cherry Lips', 'When I'm Around You' and 'Friendzone')."
Given her songwriting credits, Maddy knows how to spot pop talent. So we asked her to supply her five favourite trending pop stars of 2022.
Dagny
Probably my favourite Norwegian artist. Every single thing she puts out automatically becomes one of my on repeat songs. 'Somebody' and 'Come Over' were in my top 5 most listened to songs in 2021.'Love Me Like That' was actually the inspiration behind Katy Perry's 'Never Really Over' single, so much so Dagny was later credited as a songwriter.
Fun fact: Dagny actually heard my song 'Super Single' when Nic Kelly played it for her during an interview – still fan-girling over it!
Hanne Mjøen
Really cool pop artist from Norway (can you tell there's a common Norwegian theme here?) that I've been listening to for a few years now. I heard 'Sounds Good To Me' for the first time in 2018 and listened to it non-stop when I was on the bullet trains on my holiday in Japan.You can guarantee every chorus hits with those arpeggiated basslines. 'Hell With You' is also really good and Hanne's latest release 'Fall Apart' – drum and bass SLAPS all 'round!
Foley
I was lucky enough to work with Ash from Foley back in 2019 at an APRA Songhubs camp in New Zealand. Bad-ass females doing cool sh.t is what I love the most – Ash picked up the bass and slayed it, and then the guitar and slayed that too, and has a voice that melts like butter.Foley are making the slickest, grooviest pop music from across the ditch. Fave tracks: 'Cola' and 'Midnight'.
Carla Wehbe
If you love pop and you love '80s nostalgia, then Carla is for you. Do yourself a favour and go listen to 'Hurts To Love You' right now, it's one of those songs that I wish I wrote.And she's even better live. I saw Carla play an acoustic set on the Gold Coast last year and her voice alone hits in all the right places. Excited to see her rise this year.
San Joseph
Probably one of the best songwriters in the country, and I don't say that lightly. This guy has an incredible gift of penning the saddest, most heart-wrenching lyrics aka his latest release 'Everything In The Room'.But then is also one of the funniest content creators on Instagram?! Confusing but ok. Joey and I have written a few co-writes together; he's someone you desperately want in the songwriting room. For lovers of JP Saxe and FINNEAS.
Genes supports Client Liaison at The Triffid (Brisbane) 27 May. Genes also plays the Broncos halftime show at Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane) 11 June.
