Slightly country, kind of pop, but mostly fun, Madi Wolf’s upbeat, positive songs are made for anyone who’s having a bummer of a day. “Lucky” is one such anthem; a reminder that once you have love, nothing else matters. (It doesn’t hurt that it’s dangerously catchy!).

Wolf, who grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, began writing songs as an 8-year-old and formed her first band at age 10. She sold out her first show when she was 13 and at 14 was offered a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. In the four years since then, she’s moved to Los Angeles; worked with award-winning songwriters and producers such as Rob Fusari (Lady Gaga), Jim Jonsin (Beyonce, Usher), and Luney Tunez (Rihanna). She’s also opened shows for Jordin Sparks (of American Idol fame) and Johnny Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls).

On Wolf’s EP Glare, the 18-year-old is documenting her journey — of pursuing her dreams, moving across the country and falling in love — in music. “Each song is an entity of me and a window into my experiences as a young artist,” she says. “I want to create music that's authentic and relatable to others.”

Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA

Homebase: Los Angeles, CA

How did you become a songwriter at eight years old? Was there a eureka moment where you knew you wanted to be a musician?

My grandfather was a musician himself, and a luthier. He built all of my guitars. He would always put a guitar in my hand from age one. I was in plays from elementary school on and loved to perform any chance I'd get. The moment I realized I wanted to pursue music was after I finished writing my first song. I was in love with the idea of being able to create something so unique to me. I just knew I wanted to continue writing.

Do you remember that first song you ever wrote?

My first song [was called] "Decisions." It's about the decisions we make in life and relationships. I told the story from the victim’s perspective. Even when everyone told them no, including their own instinct, the heart wanted what it wanted, so they have to live with their "decisions."

Describe your music to people who haven't heard it before.

Take all of the acoustic and lyrical qualities of Ed Sheeran and blend it with the fierce, moody strength of Rihanna.

What inspired your single "Hollywood Blvd"?

I had just landed in Virginia, after a trip to the West Coast packed full of LA musical culture, sightseeing and a meeting with my now-management. My mind was overflowing with inspiration. I sat down in my living room and started placing lyrics over the strum of the chords. I knew exactly what I wanted to say because every lyric was honest and about my own experiences.

Your songs sound so positive. What themes are you working on for your upcoming EP Glare?

The biggest theme that is consistent on the EP is each song is original to me. They all have their individual story and meaning. "Lucky" is upbeat and optimistic. "Crown" has dance vibes and is about being number one.

Who are your musical heroes?

Amy Winehouse was a big inspiration. I love her voice and how she sang what was authentic to her. Rihanna is another one of my music idols. She is fierce and her voice is so distinct. You hear it and you're like, "that's Rihanna."

What's your songwriting process like?

When I write by myself I sit down at a piano or with my guitar and start playing random chords to set a mood. I'll kind of hum and mumble over the chord changes until I find a melody and fit lyrics into it. It's pretty similar when I'm in the studio, except sometimes we will build the song over a track instead of a live instrument.

What do you love most about being a musician?

Being able to write music that others can relate to and be moved by.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

#Artist