Zara Hedderman
@zarahedderman.bsky.social
Listens to albums & writes (mostly) & talks (sometimes) about them in The Quietus, Aquarium Drunkard, Northern Transmissions, RTÉ Arena, The IMRO Podcast.
📩: heddermanzara@gmail.com
Newsletter: The Bad Arts
📩: heddermanzara@gmail.com
Newsletter: The Bad Arts
Spoke to Puma Blue for @northern-trans.bsky.social all about their brilliant forthcoming album, Croak Dream, out next Friday. Always a pleasure to speak w/ Jacob Allen about his songwriting process & everything that goes into the development of his music.
northerntransmissions.com/jacob-allen-...
northerntransmissions.com/jacob-allen-...
Jacob Allen On How Croak Dream Expanded Puma Blue’s Sonic Potential - Northern Transmissions
Puma Blue interview with Northern Transmissions by Zara Hedderman for Northern Transmissions. The artist talked about his new LP Croak Dream
northerntransmissions.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Spoke to Puma Blue for @northern-trans.bsky.social all about their brilliant forthcoming album, Croak Dream, out next Friday. Always a pleasure to speak w/ Jacob Allen about his songwriting process & everything that goes into the development of his music.
northerntransmissions.com/jacob-allen-...
northerntransmissions.com/jacob-allen-...
Landing in your inbox to bless the beginning of the bank holiday weekend, it’s my January Round-Up of various things I enjoyed this month over on my Substack. Read it, check some of the things out & enjoy! ✨
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 033: January Round-Up
Some January albums I've been glued to, a LoTR rewatch & completing more than one book in a month.
zarahedderman.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Landing in your inbox to bless the beginning of the bank holiday weekend, it’s my January Round-Up of various things I enjoyed this month over on my Substack. Read it, check some of the things out & enjoy! ✨
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
A dream & delight to speak with Florence Shaw & Tom Dowse of Dry Cleaning about their incredible new LP, Secret Love for @northern-trans.bsky.social. Two of the nicest people in music, we love to see it ✨
northerntransmissions.com/dry-cleaning...
northerntransmissions.com/dry-cleaning...
Dry Cleaning Talk about the New Characteristics Inhabiting Their New LP, Secret Love - Northern Transmissions
Dry Cleaning interview 2026 with Northern Transmissions by Zara Hedderman. Florence Shaw and Tom Dowse talk about Secret Love and much more
northerntransmissions.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:12 PM
A dream & delight to speak with Florence Shaw & Tom Dowse of Dry Cleaning about their incredible new LP, Secret Love for @northern-trans.bsky.social. Two of the nicest people in music, we love to see it ✨
northerntransmissions.com/dry-cleaning...
northerntransmissions.com/dry-cleaning...
Bringing back the “Introducing…” series on The Bad Arts, where I share an Irish act I’m excited by & think you should check out, with the wonderful Jean Pack. If you’re into the sounds of the ‘60s, Jean Pack’s debut EP Allora will brighten up your day ☀️
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 032: Introducing...Jean Pack
Meet Jean Pack, the Cork-based artist bringing back the sparkle of the 1960s with her irresitable chamber-pop sound.
zarahedderman.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Bringing back the “Introducing…” series on The Bad Arts, where I share an Irish act I’m excited by & think you should check out, with the wonderful Jean Pack. If you’re into the sounds of the ‘60s, Jean Pack’s debut EP Allora will brighten up your day ☀️
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
First interview of 2026 & I’m so happy that it was with a songwriter whose work I absolute adore. Had such a nice time speaking with Jana Horn all about her beautiful third album for @aquariumdrunkard.com ✨
aquariumdrunkard.com/2026/01/20/j...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2026/01/20/j...
Jana Horn :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview - Aquarium Drunkard
Over the last few years, and now three records, Jana Horn has quietly asserted herself as a songwriter of great merit amongst a vast and seemingly bottomless sea of artists also in search of answers t...
aquariumdrunkard.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:53 PM
First interview of 2026 & I’m so happy that it was with a songwriter whose work I absolute adore. Had such a nice time speaking with Jana Horn all about her beautiful third album for @aquariumdrunkard.com ✨
aquariumdrunkard.com/2026/01/20/j...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2026/01/20/j...
Trish Keenan forever ✨
January 14, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Trish Keenan forever ✨
RIP Bob Weir. Shredder of guitars, voice of an angel & wearer of denim hot pants.
January 11, 2026 at 9:50 AM
RIP Bob Weir. Shredder of guitars, voice of an angel & wearer of denim hot pants.
Reposted by Zara Hedderman
On the show today: A Cork cable car; 20-somethings staying indoors; The largest collection of socks; @patcarty.bsky.social on bond themes; Showbiz news; Wine; @zarahedderman.bsky.social reviews 'Hamnet' & 'Giant'..
January 9, 2026 at 1:10 PM
On the show today: A Cork cable car; 20-somethings staying indoors; The largest collection of socks; @patcarty.bsky.social on bond themes; Showbiz news; Wine; @zarahedderman.bsky.social reviews 'Hamnet' & 'Giant'..
First newsletter of 2026 sent out & it’s me gushing about how much I love Dry Cleaning & their excellent third album, Secret Love 👁️ With hints of XTC, Suicide & Peter Gabriel, this might be my favourite album from them.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 031:
Maybe it’s just me, but when you really like an artist or band, there’s a nervousness that can overshadow your desire to listen to their new album for the first time.
zarahedderman.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:04 AM
First newsletter of 2026 sent out & it’s me gushing about how much I love Dry Cleaning & their excellent third album, Secret Love 👁️ With hints of XTC, Suicide & Peter Gabriel, this might be my favourite album from them.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Sent out my last newsletter of 2025 🎉
A look back on 22 of my favourite albums from the year with plenty of honourable mentions.
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed, read & been nice about The Bad Arts. Looking forward to many more posts in 2026.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
A look back on 22 of my favourite albums from the year with plenty of honourable mentions.
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed, read & been nice about The Bad Arts. Looking forward to many more posts in 2026.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
December 31, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Sent out my last newsletter of 2025 🎉
A look back on 22 of my favourite albums from the year with plenty of honourable mentions.
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed, read & been nice about The Bad Arts. Looking forward to many more posts in 2026.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
A look back on 22 of my favourite albums from the year with plenty of honourable mentions.
Thanks to everyone who has subscribed, read & been nice about The Bad Arts. Looking forward to many more posts in 2026.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Talking about Brian Eno’s Discreet Music, a benchmark in ambient music, which turned the ripe age of 50 this month on RTÉ’s Arena. Say a prayer that I get the method of recording explained correctly 😅 Tune in from 7pm 📻
December 10, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Talking about Brian Eno’s Discreet Music, a benchmark in ambient music, which turned the ripe age of 50 this month on RTÉ’s Arena. Say a prayer that I get the method of recording explained correctly 😅 Tune in from 7pm 📻
Will be on @RTEArena later this evening to talk about some albums from this year that you might have missed! Guesses welcome but you’ll have to tune in from 7pm to find out my selections 😎
bart simpson is wearing headphones and pointing at something
ALT: bart simpson is wearing headphones and pointing at something
media.tenor.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Will be on @RTEArena later this evening to talk about some albums from this year that you might have missed! Guesses welcome but you’ll have to tune in from 7pm to find out my selections 😎
Enjoyed chatting the lovely lads of Whitney over on @aquariumdrunkard.com all about their brilliant new album Small Talk, returning to the genesis of the band while writing these songs and watching Poor Things on mute while recording.
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/11/10/c...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/11/10/c...
Catching Up With Whitney - Aquarium Drunkard
It feels strange to have a new Whitney record to become acquainted with against a winter backdrop. Small Talk finds the Chicago duo returning to their breezier sensibilities. Guitarist Max Kakacek and...
aquariumdrunkard.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Enjoyed chatting the lovely lads of Whitney over on @aquariumdrunkard.com all about their brilliant new album Small Talk, returning to the genesis of the band while writing these songs and watching Poor Things on mute while recording.
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/11/10/c...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/11/10/c...
Nice long read sent out on my newsletter with some of the things I enjoyed throughout Autumn featuring Geese, Cate Le Bon, Welcome To The Dollhouse, The Mastermind AND MORE!
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 029: Autumn Round-Up
A bumper selection of albums, films, some books and... A PLAY! Some things I enjoyed between August and October.
zarahedderman.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Nice long read sent out on my newsletter with some of the things I enjoyed throughout Autumn featuring Geese, Cate Le Bon, Welcome To The Dollhouse, The Mastermind AND MORE!
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Reposted by Zara Hedderman
This month's Bigger Picture pick FIVE EASY PIECES screens tomorrow!
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
October 29, 2025 at 4:25 PM
This month's Bigger Picture pick FIVE EASY PIECES screens tomorrow!
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
Enjoyed hearing Rob & Mete speak about Just Mustard’s process making their great new album, We Were Just Here for @northern-trans.bsky.social
northerntransmissions.com/its-the-begi...
northerntransmissions.com/its-the-begi...
“It’s the beginning of another era”: Just Mustard on how We Were Just Here is confidently driving them towards a new chapter - Northern Transmissions
Just Mustard interview by Zara Hedderman for Northern Transmissions. The discussed their forthcoming album We Were Just Here, and more
northerntransmissions.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Enjoyed hearing Rob & Mete speak about Just Mustard’s process making their great new album, We Were Just Here for @northern-trans.bsky.social
northerntransmissions.com/its-the-begi...
northerntransmissions.com/its-the-begi...
One of the all time greats Hilary Woods returns with an incredible new album, Night CRIÚ, next week via @sacredbones.bsky.social. Delighted to have had the chance to ask Hilary about this truly astonishing album & more over on my newsletter ✨
Read: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Read: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 028: Hilary Woods
The visonary Irish artist returns with her stunning new album, Night CRIÚ and speaks about using her voice after two instrumental LPs, recording with children & collaborating with Dean Hurley.
zarahedderman.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:20 AM
One of the all time greats Hilary Woods returns with an incredible new album, Night CRIÚ, next week via @sacredbones.bsky.social. Delighted to have had the chance to ask Hilary about this truly astonishing album & more over on my newsletter ✨
Read: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Read: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
I spoke to Charlie Kaplan all about his wonderful LP, A Hat Upon The Bed for @northern-trans.bsky.social. Loved hearing him explore the ways grief, fatherhood & community have shaped his incredible songs. He also shared some of his favourite Westerns!
northerntransmissions.com/charlie-kapl...
northerntransmissions.com/charlie-kapl...
Charlie Kaplan Celebrates Life and Death - Northern Transmissions
Charlie Kaplan interview with Northern Transmissions by Zara Hedderman, the artist discussed his new album A Hat Upon The Bed and much more
northerntransmissions.com
October 20, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I spoke to Charlie Kaplan all about his wonderful LP, A Hat Upon The Bed for @northern-trans.bsky.social. Loved hearing him explore the ways grief, fatherhood & community have shaped his incredible songs. He also shared some of his favourite Westerns!
northerntransmissions.com/charlie-kapl...
northerntransmissions.com/charlie-kapl...
You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me
October 19, 2025 at 9:13 AM
You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me
A year today since I published my first piece over on my newsletter, The Bad Arts. Have loved having a place to share lots of music & other arts-related things. Thank you to everyone who has read, shared & subscribed to it. It genuinely means the world to me! 🥲
Because...
Because...
October 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM
A year today since I published my first piece over on my newsletter, The Bad Arts. Have loved having a place to share lots of music & other arts-related things. Thank you to everyone who has read, shared & subscribed to it. It genuinely means the world to me! 🥲
Because...
Because...
Reposted by Zara Hedderman
New episode of Screenland out now. @zarahedderman.bsky.social is the guest this week talking Diane Keaton and 'Something's Gotta Give', and I'm talking about 'After The Hunt', 'Ballad of a Small Player' and the stupid bathroom renovation that is ruining my life. spotify.link/Shq9vr5juXb
'After The Hunt', 'Black Phone 2', 'Ballad Of A Small Player' + Zara Hedderman on 'Something's Gotta Give'
spotify.link
October 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
New episode of Screenland out now. @zarahedderman.bsky.social is the guest this week talking Diane Keaton and 'Something's Gotta Give', and I'm talking about 'After The Hunt', 'Ballad of a Small Player' and the stupid bathroom renovation that is ruining my life. spotify.link/Shq9vr5juXb
Had the pleasure of asking the wonderful Carson McHone all about her incredible album Pentimento for @aquariumdrunkard.com. I cannot recommend this album enough, it’s extremely thoughtful, vibrant & filled with songs that stick around your head all day. ✨
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/13/c...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/13/c...
Carson McHone :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview - Aquarium Drunkard
In her vividly descriptive lyricism, which comes alive across all her albums, but especially on her latest release, Pentimento, Carson McHone is a natural artist. Written on paintings and postcards, M...
aquariumdrunkard.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Had the pleasure of asking the wonderful Carson McHone all about her incredible album Pentimento for @aquariumdrunkard.com. I cannot recommend this album enough, it’s extremely thoughtful, vibrant & filled with songs that stick around your head all day. ✨
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/13/c...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/13/c...
I had a really insightful and enjoyable chat with Jens Kuross all about his gorgeously warm second LP Crooked Songs over on @aquariumdrunkard.com
Have a read: aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/10/j...
Have a read: aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/10/j...
Jens Kuross :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview - Aquarium Drunkard
Before recording Crooked Songs, Jens Kuross was making cabinets, teaching children how to play the piano, and having a lot of difficult conversations with himself. After a series of disappointments fo...
aquariumdrunkard.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I had a really insightful and enjoyable chat with Jens Kuross all about his gorgeously warm second LP Crooked Songs over on @aquariumdrunkard.com
Have a read: aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/10/j...
Have a read: aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/10/10/j...
Spoke to Madi Diaz for @northern-trans.bsky.social all about her gorgeous new album Fatal Optimist, our complex relationship with time and healing and more.
Full chat available to read online ☺️
northerntransmissions.com/madi-diaz-re...
Full chat available to read online ☺️
northerntransmissions.com/madi-diaz-re...
Madi Diaz remains optimistic - Northern Transmissions
Madi Diaz interview with Northern Transmissions by Zara Hedderman for Northern Transmissions. The artist discussed her new LP Fatal Optimist
northerntransmissions.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Spoke to Madi Diaz for @northern-trans.bsky.social all about her gorgeous new album Fatal Optimist, our complex relationship with time and healing and more.
Full chat available to read online ☺️
northerntransmissions.com/madi-diaz-re...
Full chat available to read online ☺️
northerntransmissions.com/madi-diaz-re...
It’s always a great day when a new Litany of Failures compilation comes out & I’m buzzed that my latest newsletter features some of the artists on it sharing insights into their tracks featured on Volume V.
Read & Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Read & Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 027: A Litany of Failures
Artists from the ever-excellent compilation of alternative and independent Irish music, A Litany of Failures Volume V, share insights on their featured songs.
zarahedderman.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
It’s always a great day when a new Litany of Failures compilation comes out & I’m buzzed that my latest newsletter features some of the artists on it sharing insights into their tracks featured on Volume V.
Read & Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Read & Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...