Before anything else, we’re clingers to sad ol’ songs. And it only took about three seconds for Madison McCoy’s new single, “One Heartbreak Away,” to captivate us. A piano lick, and acoustic waltz melody and tasteful fiddle hooked us before McCoy’s delicate vocal sets the scene for country heartbreak at its finest.
The Alabama native, who grew up listening to the greats of country music, got her start playing piano at just six years-old, eventually becoming classically trained. All the while, she was developing a love for songwriting in her middle school years and fostering her musical dreams.
We chatted with McCoy about “One Heartbreak Away,” her debut single, “Oh Susanna,” her early start on the piano, her recent one-year Nashville anniversary and more!
Pro Country: Your bio mentions drawing influence from classic country greats like George Strait, Dolly Parton and Alan Jackson. What was it about those artists, and their way of presenting country music, that struck a chord with you?
Madison McCoy: I owe much of my love for country music to my Dad. My grandparents on both sides lived a good 12 hours away growing up, so we would spend a good chunk of the long car rides cycling back and forth between the Strait Out of the Box CDs and The Genuine Alan Jackson Story, with the rest of the greats mixed in depending on what was in the CD sleeve at the time. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I started listening to country on my own, but those artists laid the foundation for everything I’ve been drawn to since. I’m a sucker for honest storytelling with a fiddle behind it.
PC: You began taking piano lessons at just seven years-old and became classically trained. What was it about the piano, and music, that struck a chord with you so early in your life?
MM: I was introduced to the piano for the first time at my Great-Aunt’s house when I was six. She taught me a few notes to “Silent Night,” and I was hooked. Now, almost 15 years later, piano is what I come back to when I need a reset. Studying classically taught me so much about how music can be used to portray feeling and emotion in a way that can’t always be shown with words. It was also the first time I experimented with writing my own music; making up little melodies to show my parents and teachers.
PC: With that early start with playing music, when did you realize that music was something you wanted to, and feasibly could, pursue?
MM: It’s hard to say exactly. Music for me was always more of a “when” rather than “if” from the get go, even if I didn’t know exactly what that was going to look like. I fell in love with songwriting in middle school, and it’s kind of snowballed from there. I have the most supportive family in the world who have barely blinked at finding ways to help me nurture and pursue this passion.
PC: You went to Belmont University for one semester before returning home, and eventually made your move to Nashville full-time about a year ago. What was it that drew you back to Nashville?
MM: The community was definitely what I missed most in those two years away. There’s something that lights a fire under you being surrounded by people with like-minded goals and passions, not to mention the insanely inspiring talent everywhere you turn, and I couldn’t stay away. I’m so blessed and humbled to have been welcomed back with open arms both by old friends and new.
PC: You released your debut single, “Oh Susanna,” in January. Can you talk about the emotions that came with releasing music for the first time?
MM: It felt like such a full-circle moment. I can get in the habit of talking about doing things long before actually taking the steps to do them, and being able to release this song alongside so many good friends felt like the first step in a direction I’ve wanted to go for so long.
PC: You co-wrote your newest single, “One Heartbreak Away,” with Brenna Wheeler and Cole Terry. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
MM: I remember listening to a LOT of Tammy Wynette the day before that write, and then bringing in a rough idea about what it feels like after experiencing heartbreak, but wanting to love again. The three of us sat down, and the pieces came together beautifully. Sometimes there’s just a level of vulnerability a song needs, and I remember it feeling like we were all just trying to ask a centuries-old question in our own way.
PC: You mentioned on social media that “One Heartbreak Away” was written over a year ago and that the song is very special to you. Can you talk about what the song means to you?
MM: There’s a few reasons I love this song so much. First, it lets me ask a question that I and so many of my friends are asking/praying: “Why is love so hard to find when it’s what we’re all looking for?” The second is it truly came together in a way that represents me as an artist. My producer and the players on this track did a fantastic job capturing that classic country sound I grew up on and love so much, and I am so grateful for them.
PC: “One Heartbreak Away” is a fantastic, classic country heartbreaker. Can you tell us a few of your favorite sad country songs?
MM: My top five sad country songs, in no particular order, would probably be “The Grand Tour” by George Jones, “Last in Love” by George Strait, “When I Call Your Name” by Vince Gill, “Gone Crazy” by Alan Jackson, and “I Told You So” by Randy Travis. Of course I have a playlist’s full, but if I had to choose, these definitely top the list.
PC: With two single releases this year, what information can you give about what will follow “One Heartbreak Away”? What can listeners expect to hear?
MM: Right now, I’m in the process of planning the next project. As an independent artist, I can’t say exactly what that timeline will be, but I am excited nonetheless! In the meantime, there will always be sneak peaks of what’s in the works on my socials.
PC: You just surpassed your one-year anniversary in Nashville. Can you talk about what the last year has been like for you, the relationships you’ve made and being present in a city with so much collective talent?
MM: This year has been more than I could ask for! It’s easy to be discouraged, especially this early into a journey, by what everyone around you is doing/achieving, but when I look back on this year, I am so grateful for each little step along the way, and I thank Jesus for each answered prayer. It’s so easy to take for granted the opportunity to chase down this dream, and I’ve been so blessed with fellow writers/producers/friends that believe in me and push me when things get tough.
PC: With both singles now released, what do you have planned for the rest of 2026?
MM: I am currently still in the process of figuring out what’s next. My goal has and always will be to be the best songwriter I can be, because I believe that’s truly the heart of country music, so writing more and better is the focus right now. That said, I’m hoping to have new music in the works soon, as well as some shows on the calendarm so keep your eyes open!
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