Bill Madden

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", a "metaphorical environmental warning alert" [ [http://www.tulsauncensored.com/tuff_4.0.html Tulsa Uncensored Film Festival, "2006 Official Selection Short Film 'Gone', Tulsa Uncensored Film Festival, September 30, 2006] ] which sparked debate internationally and aired on U.S. [ [http://www.mtvu.com/uber/index.jhtml?vid=117447 MTVu: "Bill Madden - Gone", MTU Main Playlist, November 2006-Present] ] and Canadian [ [http://www.muchmusic.com/tv/thewedge/ MuchMusic: "Music Video Bill Madden - Gone", MuchMusic: The Wedge, November 2006] ] music video television networks and film festivals [ [http://www.festivalenvironnement.com Festival International du Film d'Environnement: "2006 Official Selection Short Film Bill Madden - Gone", Festival International du Film d'Environnement- Paris, France, November 22, 2006] ] as well as won numerous awards [ [http://www.secretcityfilmfestival.com/WINNERS.html Secret City Film Festival: "2006 Third Place Music Video Bill Madden - Gone", Secret City Film Festival, October 13, 2006] ] [ [http://www.pastemagazine.com/action/article?article_id=3303 Paste Magazine: "The 2006 Paste Rock N Reel Audience Runner-Up is Bill Madden - Gone", Paste Magazine, September 30, 2006] ] and commendations. [ [http://www.ashevillefilmfestival.com/pages/shorts.htm Asheville Film Festival: "2006 Official Selection Short Film Bill Madden - Gone", Asheville Film Festival, November 9, 2006] ] [ [http://www.earthvisionfest.org EarthVision International Environmental Film Festival: "2006 Fall Celebration Bill Madden - Gone", EarthVision International Environmental Film Festival, November 9, 2006] ] [ [http://www.evilcityfilmfest.com/schedule.htm E.Vil City Film Fest: "2006 Official Selection Music Video Bill Madden - Gone", E.Vil City Film Festival, October 14, 2006] ] [ [http://www.swanseafilmfestival.com/home07.htm Swansea Bay Film Festival: "2007 Official Selection Music Based Video Bill Madden - Gone", Swansea Bay Film Festival Dylan Thomas Centre - Swansea, Wales, June 1, 2007] ] [ [http://www.mtvu.com/uber/index.jhtml?vid=117447 MTVu: "Winning Freshman Video Bill Madden - Gone", The Freshmen, November 13, 2006] ] Madden's music is typically labeled as alternative folk rock or neofolk. Due to his use of metaphor, poetry and the socio/political and spiritual content of his lyrics, he’s been compared to Bob Dylan. [ [http://www.musicforamerica.org/music/artist/12386 Mandy Feingold: "Artists to Watch", FMQB pro.qb, March 2006] ] [ [http://www.nudeasthenews.com/rants/31 Mark Donohue: "Bill Madden - Gone" Nude as the News, September 1, 2006] ] [ [http://www.popmatters.com/shorttakes/2006_07_16_archive.shtml Jason MacNeil: "PopMatters Music Short Takes: Bill Madden - Gone", PopMatters, July 20, 2006] ] Infobox musical artist
Name = Bill Madden

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Img_capt = Bill Madden
Img_size =
Landscape = No
Background = solo_singer
Origin = Costa Mesa, California United States flagicon|USA
Instrument = Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Genre = Singer-Songwriter, Folk rock, Indie rock
Years_active = 1995 – Present
Label = MADMUSE
URL = [http://www.billmadden.com www.billmadden.com]

Musical Career: Original Indie

Madden was originally signed by Paul Atkinson, 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. [ [http://www.1340mag.com Mark Fisher: "Bill Madden - Why: Find out what goes on in the mind of one of today's premier artists", 1340mag.com, 2004] ]

Activism

As an indie, Madden freely and passionately expresses himself. Some of the frequent and recurring themes in his music include heavy anti-war sentiment, anger towards the harm caused by guns and violence, distaste of poverty, a plead for ethics and accountability by politicians and business leaders, need for ethics and welfare of the global community as a whole, and crys against the harm to our environment.

Environmentalism

In the title track "Gone", Madden is tough on politicians and writes:

Mother Earth's a mess from pollution and war Pillaged like a disposable whore Environment is a news byte at best A pile of paper on a bureaucrat's desk One day we're gonna wake up To the damage that we've done One day we're gonna find everything Gone, gone, gone from the damage done

Guns and Violence

Madden also expresses anger towards the harm caused by guns and violence. From the album "Chillin’ In Hades", in "Here And Now", which debuted on MTV's Real World Boston episode #20, [ [http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/realworld-season6/series.jhtml The Real World (Boston), Episode #620, November 19, 1997] ] Madden sings about the 1992 Los Angeles riots in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict: "The verdict wasn’t good / So we burned down the neighborhood."

In "Murder" from the album "Samsara's Grip", Madden writes about the alcohol and drug induced hit and run homicide of a child and other acts of violence. In "Fools' Parade", he writes about the frequency of violence in every day life, "It's become a common occurrence / Nobody respecting nobody else."

Poverty and Materialism

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), [ [http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/realworld-season6/series.jhtml The Real World (Boston), Episode #614, October 8, 1997] ] Madden cautions "And not judge others / By race or wealth." Additionally, in "World Just Is" from the album "Samsara's Grip", Madden writes:

Among the dust and ruin Are diamonds in the ashes And flowers in the weeds Young souls in soiled linen Of smiling dirty faces Who dare to believe In miracles and incredible things

In "Experience", also from the album "Samsara's Grip", Madden writes:

There’s nothin’ really To acquire Everything’s rented When you expire You don’t need All this material shit Simplify Get rid of it

In the album "Gone", he expands his views in "What In The World", "It’s a preoccupation of powerful nations / To award the rich in exchange for donations."

War

Madden actively opposes war in his songs. On the album "Gone", Madden's anti-war sentiments are evident in "Dangerous Game", "Everything And That", "Gone", "Weight of His Words", and "What In The World". [ [http://www.americana-uk.com Paul Kerr: "Political and spiritual musings from California songwriter", AmericanaUK, March 21, 2006] ] In "Dangerous Game", Madden refers to 'black gold' [ [http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/38113/Bill-Madden---Gone-Review.htm Luke Beach: "Political arguments? Check. Regretful love songs? Check. Thoughtfulness on the meaning of life? Check. Great music? Check.", 411mania, February 24, 2006] ] and infers that oil played a larger role than President Bush admits [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ] by questioning "How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?" and demanding an honest explanation from the Bush administration as to why America invaded Iraq. [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ]

Currently, anti-war sentiments in song are prevalent; however, in 2004, Madden was among the minority of musicians who challenged President George W. Bush’s "You're either with us or against us" [ [http://archives.cnn.com/2001/US/11/06/ret.bush.coalition/index.html Washington(CNN), "Bush says it is time for action", CNN.com, November 6, 2001] ] rhetoric. [ [http://rimone.org/archives/2004/09/06/the-way-back-to-our-puritanikal-roots-ix Rimone: "The Way Back To Our Puritanikal Roots IX", "Dateline: Bristol", September 6, 2004] ] 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."

Praise and Criticism

Madden's outspoken and controversial style has resulted in his being the subject of multiple non-trival published works. Accordingly, he has either been praised for his passion, insight and conviction or criticized for his opinions and experimental nature. On the one hand, critics have labeled his work, particularly the album "Gone", a critical triumph, [ [http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/38113/Bill-Madden---Gone-Review.htm Luke Beach: "Political arguments? Check. Regretful love songs? Check. Thoughtfulness on the meaning of life? Check. Great music? Check.", 411mania, February 24, 2006] ] [ [http://www.lamusicawards.com/about.html Los Angeles Music Awards: "2006 Folk Rock Album of the Year", November 9, 2006] ] [ [http://www.hanx.net/jaarlijstjes2006.htm#boluijt Wim Boluijt "Best Albums of 2006", Hanx, December 2006] ] [ [http://www.dailyvault.com/article.php5?id=84 Benjamin Ray: "Notable Albums 2006", The Daily Vault, December 2006] ] noting "the title track in particular [as] marvelous." [ [http://www.nudeasthenews.com/rants/31 Mark T.R. Donohue: "Bill Madden - Gone", Nude As The News, September 1, 2006] ] On the other hand, others have been less favorable. Appreciation of his work might be based on the listeners own views. [ [http://www.fileunder.nl/archives/2006/09/bill_madden_gon.php Ewie: File Under, September 19, 2006] ] [ [http://www.folkforum.nl/content/view/7449/55 Mirjam Adriaans: "Kritische boodschap verpakt in ruige muziek", FolkForum, September 5, 2006] ] [ [http://www.heaven.be/2006_4/extra_2006_4_bill_madden.htm Eric van Domburg Scipio: "Een ander soort singer-songwriter", Heaven, June 13, 2006] ] [ [http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/bill-madden/gone Maurice Dielemans:"Vroeger was alles beter", KindaMuzik, July 26, 2006] ] Perhaps the harshest criticism of Madden was his album "Samsara's Grip". "Samsara’s Grip" was controversial not only for its lyrics and anti-war stance but also for its album cover which shows a boxer brief clad three year old (Madden), innocently and unbeknownst to him, exposing his manhood. Consequently, some radio stations that considered the cover to be lewd and indecent, refused to play the album. [ [http://rimone.org/archives/2004/09/06/the-way-back-to-our-puritanikal-roots-ix Rimone: "The Way Back To Our Puritanikal Roots IX", "Dateline: Bristol", September 6, 2004] ] [ [http://www.btinternet.com/~moderndance/reviews4.htm Dave W. Hughes: "Bill Madden - Samsara's Grip", modern-dance, 2005] ] [ [http://pastandpresent2.tripod.com/id23.html Hans Jakup Eidisgard: "Bill Madden - Samsara's Grip", Past and Present Webzine, October 17, 2004] ] [ [http://www.phenomenews.com/dec2004/0d3.htm Greg Ozimek: "Samsara's Grip - Bill Madden", PhenomeNews, 2004] ] However, radio stations had reacted differently with "Chillin' In Hades", as it made several Top 25 lists on adult album alternative (Triple A) and college radio stations across the U.S., and hit No. 1 at KSJD in Colorado. [ [http://www.ocregister.com Robert Kinsler: "Bill Madden - Chillin' In Hades", Orange County Register, November 1998] ]

Vocally, Madden's voice has been described as a "deep breathy voice [that] serenades listeners," [ [http://www.thehurricaneonline.com Joanna Davila: "Tune your iPod into these new, alternative sounds", The Hurricane Online of University of Miami, April 11, 2006] ] full of range, [ [http://www.valleyscenemagazine.com/music Janie Franz: "Bill Madden - Gone", Valley Scene Magazine, April 24, 2006] ] melodic, and "reminiscent of Jeff Buckley." [ [http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/38113/Bill-Madden---Gone-Review.htm Luke Beach: "Political arguments? Check. Regretful love songs? Check. Thoughtfulness on the meaning of life? Check. Great music? Check.", 411mania, February 24, 2006] ] Some are less enthusiastic about his vocals; noting "his vocals occasionally straining". [ [http://www.americana-uk.com Paul Kerr: "Political and spiritual musings from California songwriter", AmericanaUK, March 21, 2006] ] Nevertheless, the consensus appears to be his strength in lyrics and writing [ [http://www.technicianonline.com Dan Strobel: "Madden isn't quite Dylan", Technician Online, North Carolina State University, April 18, 2006] ] and the existence of meaning in each of Madden's songs, "thoughtful and sensitive." [ [http://www.musicsteak.com/category/reviews Chris Worfolk: "Bill Madden - Gone", Music Steak, July 27, 2006] ] "Every song here [in "Gone"] is vital, and it is the strength of the body of work which is most startling." [ [http://www.heathenangel.co.uk Haydon Spenceley: HeathenAngel, April 2006] ] Madden has been described as "idiosyncratic" [ [http://www.dailyvault.com/article.php5?id=84 Benjamin Ray: "Notable Albums 2006", The Daily Vault, December 2006] ] and his eclecticism is widely recognized resulting in Madden not being pigeonholed into a set genre. [ [http://www.eomentertainment.com/review.asp?id=312&order=Madden,%20Bill&style=Rock%20Alternative Jacob Richardson: "Bill Madden - Rock Alternative", Evolution Of Media, March 10, 2006] ]

Philosophy

Madden's music is influenced by Eastern Philosophy, the teachings of Krishnamurti, and existentialism. Lessons from these teachings are prevalent in Madden's work. "Path of the Heart" blends metaphor (“your guru’s been waiting for eyes unclouded by fear”) with Eastern Philosophy (“truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing,” from the Tao Te Ching, and “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear,” a Buddhist proverb). [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ] In it “satchitananda,” a Hindu term which translates into “sat” (truth), “chit” (consciousness), “ananda” (absolute bliss). The state of “satchitananda” is the state in which Atman (self) merges with Brahman (God). [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ] "Art Of Being" was inspired by "Zen in the Art of Archery" by Eugen Herrigel and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig. [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ]

"Shrink The Guru", from the album "Samsara's Grip", reflects a Madden struggling with his thoughts:

Learning to quiet A violent mind through zen I was looking on the outside When the answer was within

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", on which he observes, 'The world just is what it is/What’s it ever gonna be but this.'" [ [http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=10990444671169126 Justin Kownacki: "Splendid Reviews: Bill Madden - Samsara's Grip", Splendid Magazine, November 12, 2004] ]

In "Only Us" from the album "Chillin' In Hades", listeners hear the secular teachings of Krishnamurti:

It’s time we sow A seed of love A seed of hope It’s time we trust Just because There’s only us

Lyrics or Poetry?

Madden's activism and philosophy are prevalent in his lyrics. In addition, Madden frequently delivers social commentary. In any case, Madden is regarded as a poet [ [http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/05/16/155238.php Connie Phillips: "In Gone Bill Madden delivers politically charged social commentary...", Blogcritics.org, May 15, 2006] ] and recognized for his natural talent for writing poetic and profound lyrics. [ [http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1198 Libby Wait: "Bill Madden - Gone", CD Reviews, March 29, 2006] ]

Madden's poetic influences include poets Dylan Thomas and Hart Crane. "Right In The Head", from the album "Samsara's Grip", was based on the Dylan Thomas poem "Love in the Asylum". "Friend", from the album "Gone", was inspired by the Dylan Thomas poem "To Others Than You". [ [http://www.hanx.net/madden2.htm Wim Boluijt: "Bill Madden: How many barrels of blood does it take to fill an SUV these days?", "Hanx", July 6, 2006] ]

Discography

Albums

*"Chillin’ In Hades" (1995, MADMUSE)
*"Samsara’s Grip" (2004, MADMUSE)
*"Gone" (2006, MADMUSE)

Video

*"Gone" (2006, MADMUSE)

Contributing Musicians

*Gannin Arnold: Guitarist for Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins' band, Taylor Hawkins and The Coattail Riders and the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
*Jimmy Chamberlin: Drummer for the Smashing Pumpkins and the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.
*Alan Deremo: Bassist on the albums: Sting "" and Dave Alvin "King of California"; Band member of Colin Hay.
*Jonathan Dresel: Drummer for Cleo and the Cletones, the house band on the ABC-TV late-night television program, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Keiko Matsui.
*Ludvig Girdland: Violinist for Sting, Diana Krall, Macy Gray, and Vanessa Carlton.
*Jason Halbert: Organist, pianist and musical director for Kelly Clarkson; Halbert played piano on Clarkson's multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning album "Breakaway".
*Drew Hester: Percussionist for the Foo Fighters; co-producer of Taylor Hawkins and The Coattail Riders; and drummer for Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.
*Jimmy Messer: Guitarist and producer for Kelly Clarkson.
*Ian Miller: Co-producer of Jann Browne album "Missed Me by a Mile".
*Billy Mohler: Bassist and multi-instrumentalist for the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex; Mohler co-produced "Life Begins Again"; former member of The Calling; bassist on Liz Phair album "Somebody's Miracle".
*Edmund Monsef: Engineer on the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex album "Life Begins Again" and the Depeche Mode double A-side single "John the Revelator / Lilian".
*Charlie Paxson: Drummer on James Blunt album "Back to Bedlam" and Tina Turner/Elisa duet single "Teach Me Again"; recorded with Enya, Tom Rothrock, and Colin Hay.
*Jack Sherman: Guitarist on the albums: Red Hot Chili Peppers "The Red Hot Chili Peppers", Bob Dylan "Knocked Out Loaded", and Peter Case "Blue Guitar".
*Cameron Stone: Cellist on the albums: Tracy Chapman "New Beginning" and "Collection", Ann Danielewski, also known as Poe, "Hello"; Anna Nalick "Wreck of the Day", Lana Lane "Secrets of Astrology (Think Tank)", and Jeremy Camp "Restored (Deluxe Gold Edition)".
*Adam Watts: Drummer, solo artist and producer; Watts co-produced three Jeremy Camp albums: "Stay", "Carried Me", and "Restored".
*Sean Woolstenhulme: Guitarist for the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex and The Calling.

Comparisons

Bill Madden has been compared to these musicians and singer-songwriters:
*Jeff Buckley
*Leonard Cohen
*Gavin Degraw
*Bob Dylan
*George Harrison
*Willy Mason
*Conor Oberst
*Tom Petty
*Dave Pirner
*Elliot Smith
*Paul Weller

Footnotes

External links

* [http://www.billmadden.com Bill Madden Official Site]
* [http://www.andrewdavidwatson.com Andrew David Watson - "Gone" music video director]