Bill Madden is an American singer-songwriter, also regarded as an

indie Indie is a short form of "independence" or "independent"; it may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Gaming *Independent video game development, video games created without financial backing from large companies *Indie game, any game (board ...

and an activist. Madden is best known for his environmental song and music video ''Gone'' which was in rotation on television networks,

MTVU MTVU (formerly stylized as MtvU and mtvU) is an American digital cable TV channel owned by the MTV Entertainment Group, a unit of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global. The channel was first known as VH1 Uno from 2000 to ...

in America and

MuchMusic Much (an abbreviation for its full name MuchMusic) is a Canadian English language specialty channel owned by BCE Inc. through its Bell Media subsidiary that airs programming aimed at teenagers and young adults. MuchMusic launched on August 31 ...

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 Folk rock is a hybrid music genre that combines the elements of folk and rock music, which arose in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in the mid-1960s. In the U.S., folk rock emerged from the folk music revival. Performers suc ...

neofolk Neofolk, also known as apocalyptic folk, is a form of experimental music blending elements of folk and industrial music, which emerged in punk rock circles in the 1980s. Neofolk may either be solely acoustic or combine acoustic folk instrumenta ...

. Vocally, Madden's voice has been described as a "deep breathy voice

hat A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against weather conditions, ceremonial reasons such as university graduation, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats which incorporate mecha ...

serenades listeners," full of range, melodic, and "reminiscent of Jeff Buckley." In his

lyrics Lyrics are words that make up a song, usually consisting of verses and choruses. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist. The words to an extended musical composition such as an opera are, however, usually known as a "libretto" and their writer, a ...

he often uses

metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. It may provide (or obscure) clarity or identify hidden similarities between two different ideas. Metaphors are often compared wit ...

verse Verse may refer to: Poetry * Verse, an occasional synonym for poetry * Verse, a metrical structure, a stanza * Blank verse, a type of poetry having regular meter but no rhyme * Free verse, a type of poetry written without the use of strict me ...

and poetry, to articulate his socio/

political Politics (from , ) is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status. The branch of social science that studies ...

and spiritual themes. Madden currently resides in the

Lower East Side The Lower East Side, sometimes abbreviated as LES, is a historic neighborhood in the southeastern part of Manhattan in New York City. It is located roughly between the Bowery and the East River from Canal to Houston streets. Traditionally an im ...

Chinatown A Chinatown () is an ethnic enclave of Chinese people located outside Greater China, most often in an urban setting. Areas known as "Chinatown" exist throughout the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Austra ...

neighborhood of New York City.

Musical Career: Original Indie

Madden was originally signed by Paul Atkinson, former guitarist for

The Zombies The Zombies are an English rock band formed in the early 1960s in St Albans and led by keyboardist and vocalist Rod Argent and vocalist Colin Blunstone. The group had a British and American hit in 1964 with "She's Not There". In the US, two fu ...

. When

RCA The RCA Corporation was a major American electronics company, which was founded as the Radio Corporation of America in 1919. It was initially a patent trust owned by General Electric (GE), Westinghouse, AT&T Corporation and United Fruit Comp ...

shelved Madden's project, Madden co-founded MADMUSE and released ''Chillin' In Hades'' in 1995, ''Samsara's Grip'' in 2004, ''Gone'' in 2006, and ''Child of the Same God'' in 2008. In September 2014, Bill Madden released his fifth studio album, which was recorded with long-time partner, multi-instrumentalist/producer

Billy Mohler Billy Mohler is a Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was raised in South Orange County and is Bill Medley's (of the Righteous Bros.) godson. He attended and graduated from Berklee College of Music where he stud ...

. The album cover and insert features the artwork of Mexican artista plástico Héctor Falcón.

Activism and Environmentalism

Some of Madden's 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 MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...

's Real World Boston (Episode #20), Madden sings about the 1992 Los Angeles riots in the aftermath of the

Rodney King Rodney Glen King (April 2, 1965June 17, 2012) was an African American man who was a victim of police brutality. On March 3, 1991, he was beaten by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers during his arrest after a pursuit for driving whi ...

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 Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush family, and son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, he ...

. Madden spoke out in opposition to the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq in print and on the 2004 album '' Samsara's Grip'' in ''

Om Tat Sat Om Tat Sat ( sa, ओम् तत् सत्, ) is the group of three mantras in Sanskrit found in verse 17.23 of the Bhagavad Gita. "Om Tat Sat" is the eternal sound-pranava. "Om Tat Sat" represents the unmanifest and absolute reality. The ...

'', ''Consequence of War'', and ''World Just Is.'' Wim Boluijt of Real Roots Café writes "Madden ... placed his finger on the world's most vulnerable spot when, in ''Dangerous Game'' from ''Gone'' (2006) he asked: 'How many barrels of / Blood does it take / To fill an SUV / These days'." On the title track of his 2014 album ''New Religion'', Madden rails against unfettered capitalism and greed, telling a story about a family having everything taken away from them: "The white shirts / Arrived today uninvited / Without any shame / They took everything... / Money, more money, more money, more / Hail to the kings of malfeasance... / God is greed, meet the new religion." In a 2014 interview, Madden spoke out for the need of more women in leadership roles in the world, "… when it comes to inequality, historically, no group of people have been discriminated against more than women. Men have been fucking up the world for thousands of years. It's time we give more women a chance to lead." In 1995, Madden launched the progressive news website ''activist360'' which curates news stories, opinion pieces, periodicals, and research with a focus on current and breaking news dedicated to environmental issues, and climate change.

Philosophy

Madden's music is influenced by

Eastern Philosophy Eastern philosophy or Asian philosophy includes the various philosophies that originated in East and South Asia, including Chinese philosophy, Japanese philosophy, Korean philosophy, and Vietnamese philosophy; which are dominant in East Asia, ...

, the teachings of

Krishnamurti is a South Indian name. It has several spelling variants. Variants The following is a non-exhaustive list. Some spellings separate the name elements , e.g. . Etymology and usage Derived from the Hindu deity Krishna and the Sanskrit term murt ...

, and

existentialism Existentialism ( ) is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the problem of human existence and centers on human thinking, feeling, and acting. Existentialist thinkers frequently explore issues related to the meaning, purpose, and valu ...

. ''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.''"Justin Kownacki: "Splendid Reviews: Bill Madden – Samsara's Grip"
. Splendid Magazine, November 12, 2004 Madden's poetic influences include poet

Dylan Thomas Dylan Marlais Thomas (27 October 1914 – 9 November 1953) was a Welsh poet and writer whose works include the poems "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "And death shall have no dominion", as well as the "play for voices" ''Under ...

: ''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''.

Discography

Albums

*''Chillin' In Hades'' (1995, MADMUSE) *''Samsara's Grip'' (2004, MADMUSE) *''Gone'' (2006, MADMUSE) *''Child of the Same God'' (2008, MADMUSE) *''New Religion'' (2014, MADMUSE)

Video

*''Gone'' (2006, MADMUSE) *''Unfair'' (2008, MADMUSE) *''Francesca'' (2014, MADMUSE)

Contributing Musicians

Drew Hester Drew Hester (born August 26, 1969) is a drummer, percussionist, and record producer, winning two Grammy Awards with Foo Fighters. He has played drums with Joe Walsh (1999—2016) on drums, Stevie Nicks (2017–present) on drums, Beck (2014) ...

: Percussionist for the

Foo Fighters Foo Fighters are an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. Foo Fighters was initially formed as a one-man project by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Following the success of the eponymous debut album, Grohl (lead vocals, guitar) re ...

;

co-producer A film producer is a person who oversees film production. Either employed by a production company or working Independent film, independently, producers plan and coordinate various aspects of film production, such as selecting the script, coordina ...

Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders was an American rock band founded by Taylor Hawkins, drummer for Foo Fighters. Hawkins was the drummer and vocalist for the trio. Other band members have included Chris Chaney on bass, Gannin Arnold on guit ...

; and drummer for Eagles guitarist

Joe Walsh Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In a career spanning over five decades, he has been a member of three successful rock bands: the James Gang, Eagles, and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr B ...

. *

: Bassist and multi-instrumentalist for

The Jimmy Chamberlin Complex James Joseph Chamberlin (born June 10, 1964) is an American drummer and record producer. He is best known as the drummer for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Following the 2000 breakup of the band, Chamberlin joined Pumpkins fro ...

; Mohler co-produced ''

Life Begins Again ''Life Begins Again'' is the debut studio album by the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex (side project band of The Smashing Pumpkins/Zwan drummer Jimmy Chamberlin). It was released on January 25, 2005 and as an Enhanced CD. The album stars several gue ...

''; former member of The Calling; bassist on

Liz Phair Elizabeth Clark Phair (born April 17, 1967) is an American singer-songwriter. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Phair was raised primarily in the Chicago area. After graduating from Oberlin College in 1990, she attempted to start a musical career ...

album ''

Somebody's Miracle ''Somebody's Miracle'' is the fifth album by Liz Phair, released on October 4, 2005 (see 2005 in music) on Capitol Records. From September 2004 through April 2005, she composed fourteen tracks spanning from lo-fi guitar-driven to high-gloss produ ...

''. *

Jack Sherman Jack Morris Sherman (January 18, 1956 – August 18, 2020) was an American guitarist, best known as the second guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, between Hillel Slovak's departure and return. He played on the band's debut album, and ...

: Guitarist on the albums:

Red Hot Chili Peppers Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...

''The Red Hot Chili Peppers'',

Bob Dylan Bob Dylan (legally Robert Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture during a career sp ...

Knocked Out Loaded ''Knocked Out Loaded'' is the 24th studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on July 14, 1986 by Columbia Records. The album was received poorly upon release, and is still considered by some critics to be one of Dylan's leas ...

'', and

Peter Case Peter Case (born April 5, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. His career is wide-ranging, from rock n' roll and blues, to folk rock and solo acoustic performance. Biography Early career Case was born in Buffalo, New York, B ...

The Man with the Blue Post-Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar ''The Man with the Blue Post-Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar'' (often called simply ''Blue Guitar'') is an album by American singer-songwriter Peter Case, released in 1989. Its title is a reference to the Wallace Stevens poem "The Man ...

''. *Cameron Stone: Cellist on the albums:

Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman (born March 30, 1964) is an American singer-songwriter. Chapman is best known for her hit singles "Fast Car" and "Give Me One Reason". Chapman was signed to Elektra Records by Bob Krasnow in 1987. The following year she released ...

''New Beginning'' and ''Collection'', Ann Danielewski, also known as Poe, ''Hello'';

Anna Nalick Anna Christine Nalick ( ; born March 30, 1984) is an American singer-songwriter. Her debut album, '' Wreck of the Day'', featuring her first radio hit, "Breathe (2 AM)", was released on April 19, 2005. Nalick left her label under Sony in 2009 ...

''Wreck of the Day'',

Lana Lane Lana Lane is an 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. She is married to music producer Erik Norlander, who co- ...

''Secrets of Astrology (Think Tank)'', and

Jeremy Camp Jeremy Thomas Camp (born January 12, 1978) is an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter from Lafayette, Indiana. He has released eleven albums, four of them RIAA-certified as Gold, and two live albums. Camp's original musi ...

''Restored (Deluxe Gold Edition)''. * Adam Watts: Drummer, solo artist and producer; Watts co-produced three

albums: ''

Stay Stay may refer to: Places * Stay, Kentucky, an unincorporated community in the US Law * Stay of execution, a ruling to temporarily suspend the enforcement of a court judgment * Stay of proceedings, a ruling halting further legal process in a tri ...

'', '' Carried Me'', and ''

Restored ''Restored'' is the fourth studio album by American contemporary Christian music musician Jeremy Camp. It was released on November 16, 2004 by BEC Recordings. Track listing Standard release Enhanced edition Deluxe gold edition Standard ...

''. *

Jimmy Chamberlin James Joseph Chamberlin (born June 10, 1964) is an American drummer and record producer. He is best known as the drummer for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Following the 2000 breakup of the band, Chamberlin joined Pumpkins fro ...

: Drummer for

The Smashing Pumpkins The Smashing Pumpkins (also referred to as simply Smashing Pumpkins) are an American alternative rock band from Chicago. Formed in 1988 by frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, guitarist James Iha and drummer Jimmy Chamb ...

and

. * Gannin Arnold: Guitarist for

and

. *Sean Woolstenhulme: Guitarist for

and former member of The Calling. *Jonathan Dresel: Drummer for

Cleto and the Cletones Cleto and the Cletones is the moniker of the "house band" on the ABC-TV late-night television program, ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' (2003–present). Overview Cleto Escobedo III is the leader of the sextet, and plays the alto, tenor, and soprano sax ...

, "house band" of

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Footnotes

External links

Bill Madden – Official Site
{{DEFAULTSORT:Madden, Bill American folk singers American folk guitarists American male guitarists American rock guitarists American rock singers American rock songwriters American male singer-songwriters Singer-songwriters from California American indie rock musicians Living people University of Texas at Arlington alumni Year of birth missing (living people) Guitarists from California