Madonna: Revisit our 2008 cover story with the pop icon

Queen Of Reinvention's 2008 Birthday Cover Story: Fear, Anxiety, And Triumph

Welcome to the Archive Dive, a new series exploring the three-decade history of our print publication. This piece was first featured in our April 2008 edition.

In Madonna's private office in London, there are many personal images on the walls that she has collected over the years. These images could give insight into her thoughts and personality if they were put together in a collage. Madonna is sitting on the couch in a casual outfit of blue jeans, a simple shirt over a black bra, and minimal makeup. Her hair is relaxed and she seems calm and composed. There is no extravagance or ceremony in her appearance. If you were expecting her to be dressed as a diva in provocative clothing, you would be mistaken. Madonna looks younger and more beautiful in this intimate setting than when she is on tour or in the media. For her latest album, Madonna has worked with successful producers and songwriters, including Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, and Justin Timberlake.

Are they the most attractive creators globally?

Madonna: Are you referring to their appearance or the type of music they produce?

Madonna: (Laughs) Yes... they're attractive!

The new album's music is streaming through top-notch Bose speakers connected to Madonna's laptop. A self-portrait of iconic female artist Frida Kahlo is displayed prominently, showing her fierce and defiant pose with a mischievous monkey draped around her neck.

"Madonna croons the catchy lyrics 'sticky and sweet' as the swirling beats created by Pharrell set the tone for the opening track 'Candy Shop'."

Madonna praised Pharrell for his natural musical talent. She admires his creativity and innovative approach to playing instruments, such as using an acoustic guitar for percussion. She also appreciates his resourcefulness in the studio and his preference for a low-quality, raw music production.

"That sugar is so raw," Madonna raps.

"He is also a young and playful child... he would arrive at the office, pull out his Mickey Mouse slippers from his large Hermès bag and wear them... (chuckling) It seems like he didn't have a serious attitude towards himself."

In a photo taken by Helmut Newton, a girl who resembles Madonna from the Sex era is seen sitting on the edge of a bed with a gun in her mouth, giving off the impression that she may be considering taking her own life. The song "4 Minutes to Save the World" is a song that conveys a sense of urgency and importance. The catchy beats created by Timbaland, along with Madonna's sultry vocals and Justin's Michael Jackson-like melody, make the song truly unique. It's like a blend of Superwoman, Batman, and Robin engaging in a chaotic threesome during an apocalyptic event – this song would be the perfect soundtrack for such a scenario. At the end of the song, Justin emphasizes the message of saving the world, adding a layer of irony and double meaning.

Madonna expresses her understanding of Justin as a songwriter, saying they would collaborate on creating a concept together. They would brainstorm ideas and discuss the story they wanted to convey. They would bounce ideas off each other and experiment with words. Madonna notes that Justin enjoys playing with words and their rhythm, a quality she shares.

Watch me shake my backside," sings Madonna.

And what's the deal with Timbaland?

Madonna described him as a quiet figure in the room, but when he took off his headphones and played music on the speakers, he would give a thumbs up, like a silent leader guiding the project.

The album has a mix of simplicity and creativity to it. Inspired by the energetic future-disco vibe of Confessions, it is mainly a club album with a twist of steamy R&B dance anthems. The music is designed to appeal to the mainstream US charts, but also has a modern hip hop touch. If Dangermouse's Grey Album set the standard for blending pop and hip hop, Madonna's new album is a new chapter in music evolution. It is a fusion of styles that Timbaland and Pharrell have been working towards, capturing the essence of a content America on the brink of chaos; in other words, it is like the sound of sex without consequences.

"Having sex with you is amazing," Madonna gasps.

How would you characterize the vibe of this album?

Madonna: I felt more reflective because I was working with Pharrell and Justin. While writing all the lyrics for Confessions, I aimed to avoid anything too deep, despite the serious connotations of the word ‘confession’. My goal was to create a light-hearted dance album, but this time I had to explore deeper emotions and be more introspective. This project was a genuine collaboration, both intellectually and artistically.

The stars have aligned for a great cause with Madonna at New York Fashion Week. Gucci has set up a huge tent at the United Nations for a special event hosted by Madonna to support her foundation, Raising Malawi. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, a pregnant J-Lo, a less-pregnant Gwyneth, Drew Barrymore, and more are in attendance. But the surprise star of the night is Madonna's daughter, Lourdes, who impresses the press with her charm and poise. Madonna, dressed in a simple yet elegant grey-crepe Gucci dress, gives a touching speech about changing lives, including her own. She reflects on her career in entertainment and her reputation as a provocateur, but realizes that true success is about helping others. Madonna asks herself how she can truly be the best when so many people around the world don't have the same opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of community and taking action to make a difference for others.

What was the most unexpected thing about that evening?

Madonna: I felt very surprised by how anxious I was. When I stood up, I realized I had a lot of responsibility and pressure on me. I didn't anticipate feeling so nervous. The experience turned out to be more personal than I had expected. It was both grand and intimate at the same time.

What was the most exciting moment of the evening?

Madonna: I finally felt at ease when Rihanna's music started playing. It allowed me to let loose and enjoy myself without any worries. Previously, I carried the weight of all responsibilities on my shoulders.

The saying 'I am because we are' was clearly the theme of the evening - have you always shown care towards others, or is it something you only realized as you got older?

Madonna: I have always been caring and protective towards those close to me, such as my family, siblings, and colleagues in the music industry. I have always been willing to help people and support their well-being. However, I never considered my role in making a positive impact on the world as a whole.

A preview of the documentary I Am Because We Are, produced by Madonna, introduces us to a powerful Zulu saying that highlights the connection between poverty and the HIV/Aids crisis in Africa. The trailer is creatively edited, featuring striking black and white images of Aids victims and beautiful scenes of Malawian life. Interviews with leaders and residents are interspersed throughout the footage. There is a sense of urgency in Africa, but why did Madonna choose to focus on Malawi? In Madonna's words, "I didn't choose Malawi, Malawi chose me." She explains, "The more you learn, the more you realize how much you don't know, and how you can't ignore important issues." Madonna reflects on the distractions of the world that prevent people from taking action. She challenges us to enjoy everything the world has to offer, while also staying aware of the events happening around us.

"Protect the earth," declares Justin Timberlake in the final moments of his latest song.

How did you juggle your work on this album with producing the film about Malawi and organizing the fundraising event?

Madonna: I now see music-making as a way to deal with things that make me anxious. Creating Confessions On a Dance Floor was a form of therapy for me, and working on this new record felt the same way. I had a setup in my basement for editing the documentary, where I would watch hours of footage showing devastating scenes of people dying. It was overwhelming to see so much pain and suffering, so I decided to leave out the most distressing parts. Witnessing images of children dying and mothers grieving was heart-wrenching, and I needed a break from that. Going to the studio provided me with the relief I needed. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary for me to cope with the distressing material I was exposed to.

Madonna sings about how even with good intentions, you can end up in a bad situation.

"I believe that all fears stem from the fear of death," she will mention in a later conversation.

Is there a dream performance that you have yet to achieve?

Madonna: I have always had a desire to perform in smaller, more personal settings. My ultimate goal is to travel and perform in opera houses. However, the reality is that it's not always lucrative to perform in such venues.

If that is your aspiration, you must try it at least once.

Madonna: Definitely, when I plan my performances, they are usually very detailed. I don't like to change the size of the stage, so I limit myself to venues that can handle my large productions. I have always wanted to do big shows in small, intimate settings, but it never seems to work out.

However, isn't that the difficulty - to create a sense of intimacy with something grand?

Madonna: I am a huge fan of theater and the enchantment it brings. Watching shows like Cirque du Soleil is a favorite of mine because of the intimate experience. Being so close to the performers allows you to hear their breath, see their hard work, and feel their emotions. Despite being aware of the behind-the-scenes work, I am still captivated by the magic of the performance and the risk of live entertainment. There is a certain thrill in knowing that mistakes cannot be undone and each moment is unique. The energy from the audience also influences the performance, making each show different and exciting. This dynamic and ever-changing aspect of live theater is what I enjoy the most.

Do you believe you will continue to challenge yourself to excel in such a physically strenuous environment, especially with the focus on dance and physical appearance?

Madonna: Yes, most likely, because I enjoy pain. (Laughs)

Madonna is showcasing a stunning black and white photograph of Edith Piaf. The picture depicts Piaf as a small, illuminated figure on the Olympia stage. Taken from a high vantage point in the audience, it conveys both her strength and fragility. Madonna expresses her admiration for the image, noting how it portrays a beloved artist in a solitary moment - simultaneously connected yet distant, finding refuge in a sea of gentle admiration.

"I'm not concerned about making mistakes - I often feel anxious that others are invading my personal space. It's difficult to explain." - Madonna

When you're performing, do you feel exposed or unstoppable?

What are some of the feelings you experience while performing on stage?

Madonna: There are times when I feel unbeatable and confident knowing that I have the audience captivated. Everything seems flawless. But then there are moments of panic, where I feel suffocated by everyone's expectations and worry that I won't meet them. It's like I might collapse on stage.

How do you motivate yourself to keep going?

Madonna: When I'm on stage, I prefer to face away from the crowd, take a deep breath, and remind myself that the moment is fleeting. Is it okay to make mistakes? I'm not concerned about messing up - what really gets to me is the feeling that everyone is breathing my air. It's difficult to explain. During panic attacks, there's no rationalizing, even though I know there's enough oxygen for me. It's strange, it only happens indoors, usually in sports arenas that feel cramped... all of a sudden, I feel trapped. It's not a fear of performing.

A collection of photographs featuring female Olympic divers taken by the iconic Leni Riefenstahl adorn the wall. Riefenstahl, known for her stylized films for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, was unfairly labeled a Nazi propagandist despite her artistic talent and impartial perspective. Despite facing rejection from Hollywood, she continued to create stunning photographic series such as the Nubas of Sudan. Madonna's latest narrative feature film, Filth and Wisdom, recently debuted at the Berlin Film Festival to mixed reviews. Despite criticism, Madonna stands by the film and praises star Eugene Hutz's performance. Madonna, whether as an actress or in her role as co-screenwriter and director, has struggled to gain recognition in the film industry. However, she has delivered memorable performances in films like Desperately Seeking Susan and Dick Tracy, and had success with the musical Evita. Madonna's true artistic brilliance shines in short films like Steven Klein's X-STaTIC PRO=CeSS, featured in Jonas Akerlund's I'm Going to Tell You a Secret. In these short films, Madonna showcases her talent as a multi-dimensional artist and performer. Madonna is undeniably the star of short-form videos, elevating them to a form of fine art.

The description for Filth and Wisdom poses an interesting question: Can we reach enlightenment through either the path of wisdom or the path of filth? Do you agree with this idea?

Madonna believes that making a decision, even if it's the wrong one, will lead you to your destination faster. She doesn't think that sitting on the fence will bring any help from the universe. You have to pick a path and stick to it. If you choose the path of wisdom, you may eventually crave something more wild. But if you choose the path of wildness, you may eventually seek enlightenment. In the end, you'll find yourself in a similar place no matter which path you take.

Are you struggling to juggle both?

I never said it was impossible, but I believe it is unfair to criticize people on either side. There is valuable knowledge to gain from difficult experiences, just as there is from more enlightened settings. In my opinion, individuals who have gone through challenging times and emerged from them are often the most compelling people.

Because they have endured and have a tale to share. . .

Madonna: The brightest light often emerges from the deepest darkness.

Madonna keeps pictures of Guy Ritchie and her kids, Rocco, Lourdes, and David on her desk. She has never been one to follow the rules, and even as she approaches 50, she continues to challenge conventional thinking. As the top-selling female artist of all time, she has the power to influence public opinion on a wide range of topics, from her cosmetic procedures to her decision not to let her kids watch TV. By taking advantage of the rise of MTV and becoming one of the first female music video stars, Madonna established a strong connection with the media, her fans, and the public. She carefully maintained a separation between her public persona and her personal life in interviews, but she was always willing to push boundaries for the sake of her career. Now, as she focuses more on family and spirituality, she is trying to reclaim some privacy, but many believe it may be too late. The less Madonna reveals about herself now, the more the public seems to demand.

"If breaking the rules is a crime, then take me into custody. If you have the ability, then remove my clothes," Madonna sings in her song.

I'd like to talk to you about fear and what scares you the most. In my opinion, all fears ultimately stem from the fear of death. So, to be completely honest - death.

Can acceptance feel like a type of living death?

Madonna believes that the end of something signifies a kind of death. Whether it's the end of a relationship, a career, or life itself, it all points to the same result. She isn't actively afraid of it, but she thinks deep down, that fear is always there. When we experience moments of fear, it all comes back to this ultimate fear of endings.

Are you someone who sees age as a benefit, or do you view the process of aging as a problem?

Madonna: Having more experience is definitely a plus because you learn from your past mistakes and become wiser and less impulsive. It feels great to have that knowledge. However, working with younger individuals can sometimes make me feel like I need to work even harder to keep up. But truth be told, I can outperform them all! So, I guess I'm doing alright for now (laughs). It definitely keeps me on my toes, though.

Are the pictures from your past still able to evoke strong emotions in you, or do you feel disconnected from them?

Madonna: There are times when I look at old pictures of myself and it triggers very specific memories, and other times I barely recognize the person in the photo. It's funny to look back and think about some of the choices I made in the past. I don't regret any of it, but there are moments when I wonder, "What was I thinking?" or "Why did I wear that?" It's all part of the journey.

"I will be your only candy store," sings Madonna.

Head photographer Sharif Hamza; Camera assistants Sebastian Mader and Matt Hawke; Light specialist David Devlin; Editing done by Allan Finamore at Epilogue Imaging.