MAAD

Embracing music as her destined calling at a single digit age opened MAAD’s eyes to her own limitless potential as an artist, setting her on a lifelong path of self-discovery, determination and relentless drive. Born in New York as Natasha Ferguson, MAAD was raised in New Jersey where she first became enamored by the world of entertainment and self-expression, finding inspiration in her mother’s charismatic work as a stylist and her father’s talents as a musician.

Encouraged to explore her creativity in a multitude of ways growing up, MAAD attended the Harlem School of the Arts, where she studied dance and eventually got into modeling. These invaluable hands-on experiences further solidified that music will always be the core driving force behind her impassioned vision, while also helping her to discover different ways to connect with others and learn more about herself.. With a strong foundation rooted in emotive vocal delivery, polished songwriting and a luminous dedication to her craft, MAAD began opening up herself up to the coveted art of collaboration. Initially, she focused on her creative output as a songwriter, an entry point to the industry at large that culminated in working behind-the-scenes with an array of esteemed musicians including GRADES (Dua Lipa, NAO), The VAMP (Ne-Yo), Deputy (Rihanna, J. Cole) Ro James, Midas Hutch, and The Stereotypes (Bruno Mars, Fifth Harmony).

Though songwriting helped strengthen her pen game and expand her network, MAAD found herself eager to seek out other avenues to build her artistry, develop her own voice and independently support her creative endeavors. While working on original music and finding her footing as a self-employed artist, DJing emerged as an organic next step, serving as a way for her to deepen her musical knowledge, captivate live audiences and gain visibility in a competitive space. A quick study to the ins and outs of DJing, MAAD has since garnered a notable client list comprised of renowned brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Instagram, Samsung, Snapchat, Beautycon, Laura Mercier, Piaget, PopSugar x Coachella, and Spotify at Cannes Lion where she opened up for Nas, Swizz Beatz, Bebe Rexa and Tove Lo.

In tandem with her work as a DJ, MAAD remained steadfast in her journey to establish herself as a recording artist in her own right, releasing two EPs to genuine acclaim. Following 2017’s Lè Funk and 2018’s Technicolor, MAAD went on to perform at LA Pride, World Pride in Times Square with MNEK, as well as made her anticipated debut at SXSW as part of WFNM’s showcase, TGE Festival and Selfridges’ Music Matters in London. In addition to accumulating a wide range of accolades as a singer-songwriter and DJ, with outlets such as Highsnobiety and Billboard praising her catalog, MAAD has also modeled for and been featured by VFiles, i-D, Wonderland, Schön!, Notion, ELLE, NYLON, Seventeen, Anastasia Beverly Hills and A Peace Treaty x Vogue.

Approaching every gig, brand partnership and collaboration as an opportunity to live her purpose and continue growing, MAAD is winning over new audiences with her undeniable talent, infectious charm and the welcoming sincerity she exudes. Currently based in Los Angeles, MAAD is happily navigating a sonic landscape accented by R&B, soul, funk, pop and contemporary dance music, creating a distinctive sound that is reflective of her overall radiance.

From finding motivation in the wise words of Will Smith to being inspired by the tastemaking of Kelis to studying the legacies of icons such as Diana Ross, Chic, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson, MAAD looks to those who have informed her perspective as a reminder to pay it forward to other creatives. As she takes pride in the experiences and accomplishments shaping her story, MAAD is currently readying her next release, due out June 2020. In addition to polishing her upcoming project, MAAD can be found accompanying Luke James on tour for select dates.