Madaline Zaragoza’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Madaline Zaragoza. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Madaline, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think that others , me included struggle with the idea of perfection with whatever that may be, for me I spent the longest time delaying things or being extremely critical of myself and my art to the point where it would take so long for something to get done because I wanted everything single thing i created to be “perfect” which is so limiting to our creativity and our joy and people Iv learned over these years of making music and art to just let things flow and there is no real perfection but when you strive for perfection you get excellence which is perfect lol.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hii guys My name is Madaline my artist name is Shxpe shifter ( it used to be killmxddy) but i changed it because i feel like shxpe shifter really defines me as a artist and a person I also have another artist name call ( amekos voice ) iv been working on making beats and digital art under that name these days which is a fun project iv been working on. So much has changed since our last interview I live in Southern California now, Im 22 years old, my hairs long now and I live with my dad it feels good to be in the sun again. I took a big break from making music and performing this year and took some time to really rest and reflect inward and just process my life the past few years and I feel like i found my spark again and also make peace with a-lot of things from the past as well. Im very grateful to have gotten the chance to have that rest I feel like with that Ill now create some of the best work yet to come. Iv been working on creating a world to bring you guys inside the art and the music are all connected and i cant wait to show you guys the progress.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
There was a part of me that was so afraid of communicating, like i would genuinely freeze or be a people pleaser or worst case scenario I would ghost and so many times not communicating how i truly felt or what i wanted has gotten me into trouble in the past and i think that part of me was a version of me that was attempting to protect myself and keep the peace in many situations but the reality is you just end up hurting yourself and others. That version of me is definitely gone now every time i communicate and set boundaries etc I literally feel so proud of myself because I literally can FEEL AND SEE the growth within myself its a great feeling. Not only that but its so important and you should respect yourself and bow you feel first everything should be done with respect.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh absolutely Its a hard conversation but I know I’m not the only one,At the beginning of this year I attempted suicide and Its horrible because In the moment you think that the way to end all your problems is to end yourself which is absolutely not true. I have struggled with depression heavily for many years and I honestly just felt so lost and over everything I lost a-lot of friends and just felt so down and critical of myself and there would be days were I would just rot in bed in a dark room. Not good times and Iv had friends tell me their stories of similar experiences and people have been so supportive and kind and Im so grateful to be alive and iv learned so much from that experience I feel like suicide is a very selfish thing to do your not only destroying yourself but a piece of everyone who knew you as well, Theres always a light and we are all here for a reason everything happens for a reason and Im sending love and support to everyone who struggles with depression.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family, my friends, myself, God , Music, Art, freedom of expression and freedom to create and my cats

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Im definitely doing what I was born to do the path has definitely been a wild road and sometimes i cant even see where the path is leading but the journey is what is important, Im so serious when I say that i know im supposed to be a singer, since i was a little girl its been my dream and when i think of anything else it just feels wrong ( I still have a normal job and stuff lol ) but Music full time is the dream and what truly makes me happy. My parents have always been supportive of my dreams but of course they want me to be safe and secure and just want whats best for me there has been the occasional “ when will you make money off your music” or “ music doesn’t pay the bills” but I’m sure we all go through that hahaha.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyshapeshifter?igsh=MW1wamo4anNmNnZ3aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shxpeshifter?si=s9q3VXlwwwt_fS3O
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/rctaUAZ7Or500fMzXX

Image Credits

Instagram: oh.no.its.nat