Pop singer-songwriter Maddy Hicks took a voyage into the unknown, and she documented her thoughts and feelings in her latest single “Forget Me (Not).”
While developing a crush for someone a while back, Maddy felt a huge sense of excitement, but also uncertainty about what would follow. To her, it almost felt like plucking petals from a flower and asking, “Does he love me, or does he love me not?”
Click here to listen to “Forget Me (Not)” on your favorite streaming service!
In 2018, Maddy moved from upstate New York to Nashville to attend Belmont University and pursue her career as an artist. Her music is an outlet to convey the young adult experience in an extravagant way, with relatable lyricism and polished melodies. In 2022, Maddy found two of her unreleased songs going viral on TikTok, which eventually led to a record deal. After multiple singles and EPs, Maddy is back in 2026 as an independent artist with “Forget Me (Not).”
Read our Q&A below to learn about the story behind “Forget Me (Not)” and about what Maddy has been up to lately!
Describe the process of writing and recording “Forget Me (Not)”
I wrote “Forget Me (Not)” with Autumn Buysse and Josh Ronen back in 2022, which was still the early days of me doing cowrites with producers in the room. There is something so magical about hearing a song come to life with a full track while you’re writing it! At the time, I was in a major “will they won’t they” with a guy, and I felt really hopeful about it. I remember this session being so much fun – Josh was building the bounciest, brightest track in the background while Autumn and I were just going back and forth about what it’s like to have this kind of delusional crush. Even recording vocals that day, I remember trying not to laugh between takes because the energy in the room was just so joyful. Josh sent the day-of demo afterward, and it was my favorite unreleased demo for years after that.
Since this song was written 4 years ago, how has your artistic approach evolved since then?
When it comes to making music for myself, I’ve learned I can burn out on cowrites eventually. From 2022-2023, I was constantly writing with new people, and we were always writing for my project. There was such a joy in that for a while, and I had so much to write about at the time. But it led to me having a pretty alarming spell of writer’s block from 2023-2024. I wasn’t writing by myself much at all, and it felt like there was a lot bottling up but with no safe place to put it. My new approach is to prioritize writing by myself, and to say yes to more cowrites for other artists than for myself. Then when those sessions for my project come around, they feel special and exciting, and I’ve been generating lots of ideas by myself to pull from.
What moved you to release this track in 2026?
“Forget Me (Not)” has always felt like a song I wanted to release, but it hasn’t quite fit on any of my past projects. But when I started writing toward a new album last year, I realized that this track could be a great first single. It feels like closure to bring this one back from the past and finally give it its moment, and it feels like the perfect segue into this new chapter of music. As much as I am known for my sadder, angrier songs, I am a happy and hopeful person at heart! There’s room for all of it in my artistry – but it feels right to start this new chapter with a positive song.
As a newly independent artist, what are some things exciting you the most about this chapter of your career?
Moving into this new era has been really creatively inspiring – I’m writing more than ever, and I feel so proud of the music that’s on the way. I released two albums independently in college, and that was such a huge learning experience. It feels like I’m relearning a lot now, but with a wider network, an amazing fanbase, and a lot more general knowledge and experience. I think I’m most excited about the possibilities! I’m in a place where I can grow in whatever direction feels right.
What are some memories from the past year that you will (not) forget?
I had some pretty magical songwriting moments this past year, those are always so special to me. And the past few months have been a whirlwind of connecting with my music community here in Nashville. I invited some music friends to come pick tulips with me and help each other make content to promote our songs. I’ve been going to lots of my friends’ shows around town. The time I’ve gotten to spend with friends this past year has been so meaningful to me.
Tell me about your current musical obsession!
Well first and foremost, I’m desperate for Maisie Peters’ new album, and I’ve been loving all of the singles. She is at the top of her game right now! And “Truth of Pursuit” by Sarah Kinsley has been on repeat for me. The energy in that song is insane – it makes me want to sell my car, move to New York City, and buy a walkman. That’s a GOOD song.
Check out “Forget Me (Not)” below, and keep up with Maddy Hicks on Instagram and TikTok @maddyhicks13!