Bill Madden
Encyclopedia
Bill Madden is an American
singer-songwriter
, also regarded as an indie
and an activist. Madden is best known for his environmental song and music video
Gone which was in rotation on television networks, mtvU in America and MuchMusic in Canada. As a short film and music video, Gone also won numerous film festival awards and commendations. Madden's music
is typically labeled
as alternative folk rock
or neofolk
. In his lyrics
he often uses metaphor
and verse
, rather than traditional poetry
, to articulate his socio/political
and spiritual
themes
.
, former guitarist for The Zombies.
When RCA
shelved
Madden's project, disillusioned with the major labels, Madden co-founded
MADMUSE and released Chillin’ In Hades in 1995, Samsara's Grip in 2004, and Gone in 2006.
In October 2008, Bill Madden released his fourth studio album, Child of the Same God which was recorded with long-time partner multi-instrumentalist/producer Billy Mohler
. The album cover and insert features the "Street People" art of Parisian photographer Rodolphe Simeon.
Madden also expresses anger towards the harm caused by guns and violence in community. From the album Chillin’ In Hades, in Here And Now, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston episode #20, Madden sings about the 1992 Los Angeles
riots in the aftermath of the Rodney King
verdict.
Another recurring theme of Madden's is poverty and materialism. In Here And Now from the album Chillin’ In Hades, Madden sings "hungry people need jobs and shelter." In Reconcile, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston (Episode #14),. In 2004, Madden was among the minority of musicians who challenged President George W. Bush
. Madden spoke out in opposition to the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq in print and on the album Samsara’s Grip
in Om Tat Sat
, Consequence Of War, and World Just Is.
Vocally, Madden's voice has been described as a "deep breathy voice [that] serenades listeners," full of range, melodic, and "reminiscent of Jeff Buckley."
, the teachings of Krishnamurti
, and existentialism
. Shrink The Guru, from the album Samsara's Grip, reflects a Madden struggling with his thoughts. As noted by Justin Kownacki of Splendid Magazine, "The inherent paradox in Madden's work, and in Eastern philosophy in general, is summed up in World Just Is.
Madden's poetic influences include poet Dylan Thomas
: Right In The Head, from the album Samsara's Grip, was based on the poem Love in the Asylum; Friend, from the album Gone, was inspired by the poem To Others Than You.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
, also regarded as an indie
Indie (music)
In music, independent music, often shortened to indie music or "indie" is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing....
and an activist. Madden is best known for his environmental song and music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
Gone which was in rotation on television networks, mtvU in America and MuchMusic in Canada. As a short film and music video, Gone also won numerous film festival awards and commendations. Madden's music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
is typically labeled
Labelling
Labelling or labeling is describing someone or something in a word or short phrase. For example, describing someone who has broken a law as a criminal. Labelling theory is a theory in sociology which ascribes labelling of people to control and identification of deviant behavior.It has been argued...
as alternative folk rock
Folk rock
Folk rock is a musical genre combining elements of folk music and rock music. In its earliest and narrowest sense, the term referred to a genre that arose in the United States and the UK around the mid-1960s...
or neofolk
Neofolk
Neofolk is a form of folk music-inspired experimental music that emerged from post-industrial music circles. Neofolk can either be solely acoustic folk music or a blend of acoustic folk instrumentation aided by varieties of accompanying sounds such as pianos, strings and elements of industrial...
. In his lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of...
he often uses metaphor
Metaphor
A metaphor is a literary figure of speech that uses an image, story or tangible thing to represent a less tangible thing or some intangible quality or idea; e.g., "Her eyes were glistening jewels." Metaphor may also be used for any rhetorical figures of speech that achieve their effects via...
and verse
Verse (poetry)
A verse is formally a single line in a metrical composition, e.g. poetry. However, the word has come to represent any division or grouping of words in such a composition, which traditionally had been referred to as a stanza....
, rather than traditional poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
, to articulate his socio/political
Music and politics
The connection between music and politics, particularly political expression in music, has been seen in many cultures. Although music influences political movements and rituals, it is not clear how or even if, general audiences relate music on a political level...
and spiritual
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
themes
Theme (music)
In music, a theme is the material, usually a recognizable melody, upon which part or all of a composition is based.-Characteristics:A theme may be perceivable as a complete musical expression in itself, separate from the work in which it is found . In contrast to an idea or motif, a theme is...
.
Musical Career: Original Indie
Madden was originally signed by Paul AtkinsonPaul Atkinson (guitarist)
Paul Atkinson , born Paul Ashley Warren Atkinson, was a pop guitarist in the legendary pop/rock band The Zombies. Born in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, and educated at St Albans School, he later became an artists and repertoire executive, discovering and signing such bands as ABBA, Bruce Hornsby, Mr...
, former guitarist for The Zombies.
When RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
shelved
Shelved
In politics, the term can be used for policy drafts, that have never been officially brought into legislation.In the film industry, a film is considered shelved if it is not released for public viewing after filming has started, or even completed....
Madden's project, disillusioned with the major labels, Madden co-founded
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
MADMUSE and released Chillin’ In Hades in 1995, Samsara's Grip in 2004, and Gone in 2006.
In October 2008, Bill Madden released his fourth studio album, Child of the Same God which was recorded with long-time partner multi-instrumentalist/producer Billy Mohler
Billy Mohler
Billy Mohler is an L.A-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was raised in South Orange County and is Bill Medley's godson. He attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music where he studied electric and acoustic bass...
. The album cover and insert features the "Street People" art of Parisian photographer Rodolphe Simeon.
Activism and Environmentalism
As an indie, Madden freely and passionately expresses himself. Some of the frequent and recurring themes in his music include the quest for spiritual fulfillment, inequity between the wealthy and shrinking middle class, a plea for ethics and accountability of politicians and business leaders for the welfare of the global community as a whole, and calls against the damage being done to the environment. With the U.S. and global economic collapse in 2008, from the 2006 album, Gone, Madden presciently writes in the song What in the World: "I see the human cost / Lives ruined, jobs lost." In the title track Gone, Madden is tough on politicians and writes: "Mother Earth's a mess from pollution and war."Madden also expresses anger towards the harm caused by guns and violence in community. From the album Chillin’ In Hades, in Here And Now, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston episode #20, Madden sings about the 1992 Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
riots in the aftermath of the Rodney King
Rodney King
Rodney Glen King is an American best known for his involvement in a police brutality case involving the Los Angeles Police Department on March 3, 1991...
verdict.
Another recurring theme of Madden's is poverty and materialism. In Here And Now from the album Chillin’ In Hades, Madden sings "hungry people need jobs and shelter." In Reconcile, which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston (Episode #14),. In 2004, Madden was among the minority of musicians who challenged President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
. Madden spoke out in opposition to the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq in print and on the album Samsara’s Grip
Samsara
thumb|right|200px|Traditional Tibetan painting or [[Thanka]] showing the [[wheel of life]] and realms of saṃsāraSaṅsāra or Saṃsāra , , literally meaning "continuous flow", is the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth or reincarnation within Hinduism, Buddhism, Bön, Jainism, Sikhism, and other...
in Om Tat Sat
Om Tat Sat
Om Tat Sat is a mantra in Sanskrit IT MEANS THESE ARE THE THREE WORDS OF THREE GOD’,*Om refers to the Supreme Infinite Spirit or Person. Om represents the Shabda Brahman....
, Consequence Of War, and World Just Is.
Vocally, Madden's voice has been described as a "deep breathy voice [that] serenades listeners," full of range, melodic, and "reminiscent of Jeff Buckley."
Philosophy
Madden's music is influenced by Eastern PhilosophyEastern philosophy
Eastern philosophy includes the various philosophies of Asia, including Chinese philosophy, Iranian philosophy, Japanese philosophy, Indian philosophy and Korean philosophy...
, the teachings of Krishnamurti
Jiddu Krishnamurti
Jiddu Krishnamurti or J. Krishnamurti or , was a renowned writer and speaker on philosophical and spiritual subjects. His subject matter included: psychological revolution, the nature of the mind, meditation, human relationships, and bringing about positive change in society...
, and existentialism
Existentialism
Existentialism is a term applied to a school of 19th- and 20th-century philosophers who, despite profound doctrinal differences, shared the belief that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual...
. Shrink The Guru, from the album Samsara's Grip, reflects a Madden struggling with his thoughts. As noted by Justin Kownacki of Splendid Magazine, "The inherent paradox in Madden's work, and in Eastern philosophy in general, is summed up in World Just Is.
Madden's poetic influences include poet Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas
Dylan Marlais Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer, Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 11 January 2008. who wrote exclusively in English. In addition to poetry, he wrote short stories and scripts for film and radio, which he often performed himself...
: Right In The Head, from the album Samsara's Grip, was based on the poem Love in the Asylum; Friend, from the album Gone, was inspired by the poem To Others Than You.
Albums
- Chillin’ In Hades (1995, MADMUSE)
- Samsara’s Grip (2004, MADMUSE)
- Gone (2006, MADMUSE)
- Child of the Same God (2008, MADMUSE)
Video
- Gone (2006, MADMUSE)
- Unfair (2008, MADMUSE)
Contributing Musicians
- Drew HesterDrew HesterDrew Hester is a drummer / percussionist / record producer who plays drums with Joe Walsh , Jewel drums, Foo Fighters percussion, Chicago drums and percussion, Lisa Marie Presley drums, Common Sense drums, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders drums and percussion and many others.In...
: Percussionist for the Foo FightersFoo FightersFoo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
; co-producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
of Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail RidersTaylor Hawkins and the Coattail RidersTaylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders is a band founded by Taylor Hawkins, drummer for the Foo Fighters. Hawkins is the drummer and vocalist for the trio. Other band members include Chris Chaney on bass and Gannin Arnold on guitar...
; and drummerDrummerA drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
for Eagles guitarist Joe WalshJoe WalshJoseph Fidler "Joe" Walsh is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been a member of three commercially successful bands, the James Gang, Barnstorm, and the Eagles, and has experienced notable success as a solo artist and prolific session musician, especially with B.B...
. - Billy MohlerBilly MohlerBilly Mohler is an L.A-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was raised in South Orange County and is Bill Medley's godson. He attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music where he studied electric and acoustic bass...
: BassistBassistA bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
and multi-instrumentalistMulti-instrumentalistA multi-instrumentalist is a musician who plays a number of different instruments.The Bachelor of Music degree usually requires a second instrument to be learned , but people who double on another instrument are not usually seen as multi-instrumentalists.-Classical music:Music written for Symphony...
for The Jimmy Chamberlin ComplexJimmy Chamberlin ComplexThe Jimmy Chamberlin Complex is an alternative rock/jazz fusion band, founded by Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Mohler. Their debut album entitled Life Begins Again was released on January 25, 2005...
; Mohler co-produced Life Begins AgainLife Begins AgainLife Begins Again is the debut album by the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex . It was released on January 25, 2005 and as an Enhanced CD...
; former member of The CallingThe CallingThe Calling is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, best known for their hit single, "Wherever You Will Go." The group formed in 2000 and have released two albums. They have been on an indefinite hiatus since 2005.-Band history:...
; bassistBassistA bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
on Liz PhairLiz PhairPhair's entry into the music industry began when she met guitarist Chris Brokaw, a member of the band Come. Brokaw and Phair moved to San Francisco together, and Phair tried to become an artist there...
album Somebody's MiracleSomebody's MiracleSomebody's Miracle is the fifth album by Liz Phair, released on October 4, 2005 on Capitol Records. From September 2004 through April 2005, she composed fourteen tracks spanning from lo-fi guitar-driven to high-gloss produced tracks...
. - Jack Sherman: GuitaristGuitaristA guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
on the albums: Red Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili PeppersRed Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob DylanBob DylanBob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
Knocked Out LoadedKnocked Out LoadedKnocked Out Loaded is singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's 24th studio album, released by Columbia Records in July 1986.The album was received poorly upon release, and is still considered by some critics to be one of Dylan's least-engaging efforts...
, and Peter CasePeter CasePeter Case is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has had a wide-ranging career ranging from new wave music to folk rock to solo acoustic performance.-Early career:...
Blue GuitarBlue Guitar"Blue Guitar" is the name of a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. In 1963, Richard Chamberlain released it as the lead single from his album Twilight of Honor...
. - Cameron Stone: Cellist on the albums: Tracy ChapmanTracy ChapmanTracy Chapman is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her singles "Fast Car", "Talkin' 'bout a Revolution", "Baby Can I Hold You", "Give Me One Reason" and "Telling Stories". She is a multi-platinum and four-time Grammy Award-winning artist.-Biography:Tracy Chapman was born in Cleveland,...
New Beginning and Collection, Ann Danielewski, also known as PoeAnn DanielewskiAnne "Annie" Decatur Danielewski , professionally known as Poe, is an American singer and songwriter. She first hit the modern rock charts in the mid-1990s. Poe is the daughter of Polish film director Tad Danielewski and his second wife, Priscilla Machold. She is the sister of author Mark Z....
, Hello; Anna NalickAnna NalickAnna Christine Nalick is an American singer-songwriter. Her debut album, Wreck of the Day, featuring her first radio hit, "Breathe ", was released on April 19, 2005. Nalick left her label under Sony in 2009 after a falling-out surrounding the release of her second album...
Wreck of the Day, Lana LaneLana LaneLana Lane is a North American rock singer. She sings lead in her eponymous band, and has sung backing vocals for the band Rocket Scientists and guest sung on Ayreon and Erik Norlander albums....
Secrets of Astrology (Think Tank), and Jeremy CampJeremy CampJeremy Thomas Camp is a contemporary Christian musician from Lafayette, Indiana. Camp has released seven albums, four of them RIAA-certified as Gold and two are live albums, and 17 number-one hit songs...
Restored (Deluxe Gold Edition). - Adam WattsAdam WattsAdam James Watts is an English footballer who plays for Lincoln City as a defender.He has previously played for Fulham, Milton Keynes Dons and Northampton Town.-Fulham:...
: Drummer, solo artist and producer; Watts co-produced three Jeremy CampJeremy CampJeremy Thomas Camp is a contemporary Christian musician from Lafayette, Indiana. Camp has released seven albums, four of them RIAA-certified as Gold and two are live albums, and 17 number-one hit songs...
albums: Stay, Carried MeCarried MeCarried Me: The Worship Project is the third studio album from contemporary Christian musician Jeremy Camp. It was released on February 10, 2004, and entered the Billboard 200 at #102.- Track listing :# "Trust in You" – 3:40...
, and RestoredRestored-Enhanced edition:-Deluxe gold edition:-Standard Australian release:-Awards:In 2006, the album was nominated for a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 37th GMA Dove Awards. The song "Lay Down My Pride" was also nominated for Rock Recorded Song of the Year....
. - Jimmy ChamberlinJimmy ChamberlinJimmy Chamberlin is an American drummer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known as the former drummer for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. After a drug-related incident with touring keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin in 1996, Chamberlin was fired from the band and joined The Last...
: DrummerDrummerA drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
for The Smashing Pumpkins and The Jimmy Chamberlin ComplexJimmy Chamberlin ComplexThe Jimmy Chamberlin Complex is an alternative rock/jazz fusion band, founded by Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Mohler. Their debut album entitled Life Begins Again was released on January 25, 2005...
.
External links
- Bill Madden - Official Site
- Andrew David Watson - Official Site "Gone" music video director