Send us Fan Mail Eight years ago, Canadian country singer Madeline Merlo moved to Nashville to follow her musical dreams. Now, with a new single, an album on the horizon and a baby on the way, she's preparing for one of the biggest chapters of her life. Madeline joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast, following our previous conversation at Country Calling, to talk about new music, life in Nashville, becoming a mother and some rather questionable food combinations! How are fans reacting to I Think You're in Love with Me? When I last spoke to Madeline at Country Calling, she told me how much she enjoys sharing new music with fans before it's officially released. Whether that's performing an unreleased song live or posting a little teaser online, she loves seeing how people respond. So naturally, I wanted to know what the reaction had been to her latest single, I Think You're in Love with Me. We discussed how valuable that connection with fans can be, particularly when you're deciding which songs to share with the world. And there's plenty more music on the way. Sweet Tooth arrives in 2027 Madeline's upcoming album, Sweet Tooth, is due for release in 2027. We talked about the new project and how her music has developed over the years, particularly since making the move from Canada to Nashville. Eight years is a long time to spend building a career in a city where so many talented musicians arrive hoping to make their mark. So I asked Madeline whether, after all this time, she finally considers herself a Nashville local. We also looked back at what she's achieved since making that move and how her perspective has changed along the way. Canada, America and Britain: who makes the best country audience? Having performed for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, Madeline has experienced some very different country music crowds. We discussed the differences between performing in Canada, the United States and Britain. It's something I always enjoy asking country artists, particularly those who've experienced the enthusiasm of UK fans. Does the audience react differently to the lyrics? Are some crowds louder than others? And does the atmosphere change depending on where you're performing? Madeline shared her experiences of connecting with fans in different countries. A new chapter: becoming a country music mum Away from the music, Madeline is preparing for another major milestone. She's about to become a mum! We talked about what motherhood might mean for her life and career, and how country music often celebrates family, relationships and the different stages of life. But while becoming a parent is an exciting new chapter, it also brings plenty of unknowns. Will it change how Madeline approaches touring, writing and performing? And might becoming a mother influence the stories she wants to tell through her music? It's a fascinating time for an artist who's already experienced so much change over the past eight years. Diet Coke, sweet treats and cheese on sushi?! Of course, it wouldn't be a proper MarshyCast conversation without heading off on a completely unexpected tangent. When we spoke previously, Madeline told me about her love of Diet Coke and fizzy drinks. This time, we discovered that she's been trying to find healthier alternatives, although her love of sweet treats hasn't disappeared! With an album called Sweet Tooth, perhaps that's quite appropriate. We also got talking about the food in Nashville and how different it can be from what Madeline grew up eating in Canada. Which somehow led us to cheese on sushi. Yes, cheese. On sushi. I'm not entirely sure the Japanese would approve, but it certainly gave us something to discuss! What would you tell your younger self? I finished our conversation by taking Madeline back eight years, to when she first arrived in Nashville. Imagine being able to sit down with that younger version of yourself, full of ambition but with no idea what the future might hold. What would you say? Would you offer advice, reassurance or simply tell yourself to enjoy the journey? I asked Madeline what message she'd give to the young woman who first moved to Nashville to chase her dreams. And her answer was one of the most touching moments of our conversation. With a new album on the way, a growing career and motherhood just around the corner, it's a reminder of how much life can change in eight years. And how sometimes we don't fully appreciate how far we've come until we stop and look back. 🎧 Hear my full conversation with Madeline Merlo now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh