Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Maddy Carty – Not A Fan (2024)

Unafraid to tackle provocative issues in our uncertain society and then meld them into moving soulful melodies, Maddy Carty releases songs that are powerful and hard-hitting both lyrically and melodically. In 2022, she touched on relationships with ‘Playing With Fire’, and earlier this year Carty explored the duality of pregnancy in ‘Little One’ – as she describes “…the feelings of super-high excitement mixed with absolute terror…”. Eager to connect with others on a deeper level, the UK-based songstress brings a flame of empowerment and hope in her music. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Not A Fan’.

Collaborating once again with producer and musician Alex Bayly, ‘Not A Fan’ skips the folk-pop sentiments of ‘Little One’ adopting a mixture of soul and RnB. Tapping her hat at vintage RnB sounds of the 1990s, hints of Mary J Blige and Lauryn Hill linger in ‘Not A Fan’; however, the mesmerising broodiness has old-school charm with a soulful modern-day lilt highlighting Carty’s innovative nature. Interestingly, while the arrangement exudes soft, soothing tones, the guitars, piano and beats bring a haunting “in your face” attitude.

As I mentioned, Maddy Carty is unafraid to tackle the less popular, grittier, unsightly stigma existing in reality. In ‘Not A Fan’, her personal narrative is a scathing commentary on misogyny in the music industry and modern-day society. It’s unfortunate to think that misogyny is still rife in the 21st century, but that’s the way it is even though it shouldn’t be. When speaking about ‘Not A Fan’, Carty explains:

“Women are often treated as less than and can be overlooked in many industries and we hear so much about it in the media. It’s so frustrating and I think the majority of women will be able to relate to this track, sadly. The more we speak about it, hopefully the less it will be able to continue.”

Sincere, sentimental, introspective and brutally honest, Maddy Carty’s ‘Not A Fan’ waves an empowering flag for women living in a man’s world. The track is from Carty’s upcoming EP Otherhood, so I’m eager to see what she has up her sleeve.


Find out more about Maddy Carty on her Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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