Ben Madden
@benmaddenwriter.bsky.social
Australian music journalist. The AMP judge. Bylines for Esquire Australia, Guardian Australia, Junkee, NME Australia + many more.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Hatchie about her new album, 'Liquorice', dealing with burnout, and slowing down. Really fun chat!
Spin To Win #66: Embracing The Butterfly Effect With Hatchie
A chat about respecting burnout, and small decisions.
benmadden.substack.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:42 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Hatchie about her new album, 'Liquorice', dealing with burnout, and slowing down. Really fun chat!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Daniel Devlin, the drummer from in-demand Australian band The Belair Lip Bombs. They've just released their new album, 'Again', and it's a highlight of the year. Really fun chat!
Spin To Win #65: Being A Halloweenie With The Belair Lip Bombs
Honestly, that's not really what the interview is about. I didn't want to make an 'Again'-related pun.
benmadden.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Daniel Devlin, the drummer from in-demand Australian band The Belair Lip Bombs. They've just released their new album, 'Again', and it's a highlight of the year. Really fun chat!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to hyperpunker KAI CULT about his experiences with throwing DIY/house shows. One of my favourite chats to date!
Spin To Win #64: How To Put On Socially Unacceptable Live Shows With KAI CULT
I spoke with the DIY/house show veteran, and he told me some wild stories.
benmadden.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:18 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to hyperpunker KAI CULT about his experiences with throwing DIY/house shows. One of my favourite chats to date!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Noah Learmonth, vocalist/guitarist for Radio Free Alice, about the band's rise in 2025, and what comes next. Fun chat!
Spin To Win #63: Radio Free Alice Are Planning A Global Takeover, And They Gave Me The Blueprint
A chat with vocalist/guitarist Noah Learmonth about their mammoth 2025, and what's next.
benmadden.substack.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:30 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Noah Learmonth, vocalist/guitarist for Radio Free Alice, about the band's rise in 2025, and what comes next. Fun chat!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I caught up with art-pop auteur ROMAEO to chat about her new project, 'Eternal Recurrence'. In the process, I had to pick up a bit of knowledge about philosophy. Really fun chat!
Spin To Win #62: I Tried To Learn About Philosophy For This Interview
A chat with Naarm art-pop artist ROMÆO about her new EP, 'Eternal Recurrence'.
benmadden.substack.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:43 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I caught up with art-pop auteur ROMAEO to chat about her new project, 'Eternal Recurrence'. In the process, I had to pick up a bit of knowledge about philosophy. Really fun chat!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I caught up with Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander, to chat about AI, Taylor Swift, and much more. Enjoyed hearing how they're helping the music industry respond to the climate crisis.
Spin To Win #61: The World's Burning, And Green Music Australia Are Trying To Help
I spoke with Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander about their work, AI, and more.
benmadden.substack.com
September 21, 2025 at 7:34 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I caught up with Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander, to chat about AI, Taylor Swift, and much more. Enjoyed hearing how they're helping the music industry respond to the climate crisis.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Kimberley Wheeler, founding member of Musicians Australia, the union for Australian musicians. If you've ever wondered how a union can support you as a musician, then you should check this out!
Spin To Win #60: Did You Know There's A Union For Australian Musicians?
A chat with founding member of Musicians Australia, Kimberley Wheeler, about the work of the union.
benmadden.substack.com
September 13, 2025 at 7:42 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Kimberley Wheeler, founding member of Musicians Australia, the union for Australian musicians. If you've ever wondered how a union can support you as a musician, then you should check this out!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Australian viral sensation Sweet Boy about his new EP 'the machinist'. If you're a fan of shoegaze or slowcore, you'll dig this.
Spin To Win #59: Sweet Boy Gave Up On Going Viral. Then He Did.
A chat with the rising slowcore artist about his new EP, 'the machinist',
benmadden.substack.com
September 5, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Australian viral sensation Sweet Boy about his new EP 'the machinist'. If you're a fan of shoegaze or slowcore, you'll dig this.
For The Urban List, spoke to Bad//Dreems about how they've been perceived throughout their time as a band, when we can expect new music, and their performance as part of HoMie's Store Sessions!
Australian Rock Stalwarts Bad//Dreems Reflect On Masculinity, Music And HoMie's New Store Sessions
Off the back of their performance at HoMie's new Tiny Desk-inspired Store Sessions, Bad//Dreems chat to music writer Ben Madden about playing stripped-back music, writing a new record and finding rapport with a certain ilk of Aussie male.
www.theurbanlist.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
For The Urban List, spoke to Bad//Dreems about how they've been perceived throughout their time as a band, when we can expect new music, and their performance as part of HoMie's Store Sessions!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I put forward a way triple j can help better support Australian music media. Interested to hear what people think!
Spin To Win #58: It's Another Grab Bag Newsletter
I have a lot of deadlines, and my inbox is scaring me.
benmadden.substack.com
August 20, 2025 at 8:33 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I put forward a way triple j can help better support Australian music media. Interested to hear what people think!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Les Thomas about his upcoming anti-genocide fundraiser/single launch, and why the gig was cancelled by its original venue.
Spin To Win #57: This Musician Organised An Anti-Genocide Fundraiser. Then The Venue Cancelled It.
A chat with Les Thomas about his upcoming single launch/fundraiser, and what happened with The Wesley Anne.
benmadden.substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 10:06 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Les Thomas about his upcoming anti-genocide fundraiser/single launch, and why the gig was cancelled by its original venue.
For HeapsNormal, I spoke to Ninajirachi about how she's built online worlds for her fans to enjoy, and how that's helped her find her audience. I'm a believer in the power of Discord, and Ninajirachi uses it to full effect. Had fun with this!
How Ninajirachi Built An Online Community
Ninajirachi’s debut album I Love My Computer explores internet culture, fandom, and connection, cementing her as a rising force in electronic music.
heapsnormal.com
August 12, 2025 at 8:39 AM
For HeapsNormal, I spoke to Ninajirachi about how she's built online worlds for her fans to enjoy, and how that's helped her find her audience. I'm a believer in the power of Discord, and Ninajirachi uses it to full effect. Had fun with this!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I ask a question that's been on my mind a lot. Might do more of these types of newsletters in the future.
Spin To Win #56: Where Are All The Real Music Journalists?
Did I get side-tracked and forgot to organise an interview? You be the judge.
benmadden.substack.com
August 11, 2025 at 9:35 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I ask a question that's been on my mind a lot. Might do more of these types of newsletters in the future.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to @actualmontaigne.bsky.social about their new album 'it's hard to be a fish', and being an independent artist. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
Spin To Win #55: How Montaigne Made Going Independent Work
Their new album, 'it's hard to be a fish', is out now.
benmadden.substack.com
August 5, 2025 at 11:27 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to @actualmontaigne.bsky.social about their new album 'it's hard to be a fish', and being an independent artist. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to VJing maestro Passive Kneeling about the dark art of live visuals. A pleasure to tap in with one of the minds pushing Australia's rap underground forward.
Spin To Win #54: Learning How To VJ With Passive Kneeling
Comment "Passive Kneeling" on Passive Kneeling's Instagram for seven years of good luck.
benmadden.substack.com
July 21, 2025 at 9:18 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to VJing maestro Passive Kneeling about the dark art of live visuals. A pleasure to tap in with one of the minds pushing Australia's rap underground forward.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Naarm troubadour Seb Szabo about all things busking. For those that live in the best city in the country, you may have seen him tearing up the city's streets. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
Spin To Win #53: Unpacking The Art Of Busking With Seb Szabo
If you've ever wanted to learn how to busk, here's a guide.
benmadden.substack.com
July 13, 2025 at 3:43 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Naarm troubadour Seb Szabo about all things busking. For those that live in the best city in the country, you may have seen him tearing up the city's streets. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with visual artist, John You. We spoke about creativity, visual identity, integrity, and more, and I think anyone who creates any sort of art will get a lot out of this chat.
Spin To Win #52: Finding The Why In Everything With John You
A chat about visual art, creative collaboration, and much, much more.
benmadden.substack.com
July 7, 2025 at 10:56 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with visual artist, John You. We spoke about creativity, visual identity, integrity, and more, and I think anyone who creates any sort of art will get a lot out of this chat.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to electronic trio Miramar about their live music series, Club Miramar. They've just celebrated the series' third anniversary, and we spoke about the financial realities of putting on gigs. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
Spin To Win #51: How To Put On A Live Music Event With Miramar
Chatting about their Club Miramar series, and what it means for their city's nightlife.
benmadden.substack.com
June 30, 2025 at 11:26 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to electronic trio Miramar about their live music series, Club Miramar. They've just celebrated the series' third anniversary, and we spoke about the financial realities of putting on gigs. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Joe and Caitlin from @sydneymusic.net, following the news the gig guide's wrapping up in a couple of weeks. I also put a few questions to Sound NSW about SydneyMusic.net, and music media. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
Spin To Win #50: A Chat With Joe And Caitlin From SydneyMusic.net
Talking about Sydney's music community, and the wider music industry.
benmadden.substack.com
June 26, 2025 at 10:16 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Joe and Caitlin from @sydneymusic.net, following the news the gig guide's wrapping up in a couple of weeks. I also put a few questions to Sound NSW about SydneyMusic.net, and music media. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
For my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Western Sydney singer-songwriter Ama about her new EP, 'Julie's House'. If you've ever found yourself chasing love online, this EP is for you.
Spin To Win #49: Living, Laughing, And Loving Online With Ama
Her debut EP, 'Julie's House', is one of the strongest Australian pop releases of the year.
benmadden.substack.com
June 25, 2025 at 11:30 AM
For my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Western Sydney singer-songwriter Ama about her new EP, 'Julie's House'. If you've ever found yourself chasing love online, this EP is for you.
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I faced every freelancer's fear, and spoke about taxes. I chatted with Lucas Morrison from Darkwave about making the most of tax time, and learnt a heap!
Spin To Win #48: Talking Taxes With Lucas Morrison From Darkwave
As Posseshot famously said, it's time to get the money up.
benmadden.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:10 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I faced every freelancer's fear, and spoke about taxes. I chatted with Lucas Morrison from Darkwave about making the most of tax time, and learnt a heap!
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Korean-Australian firebrands 1300 about their new single, 'BANGALANG'. A lot's changed since they dropped their 2024 mixtape, 'GEORGE', but they're back, and ready to get the bread. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
Spin To Win #47: It's Time To Get The Bread With 1300
A chat about their new single, expelling negative energy, and their new label home.
benmadden.substack.com
June 15, 2025 at 11:39 PM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Korean-Australian firebrands 1300 about their new single, 'BANGALANG'. A lot's changed since they dropped their 2024 mixtape, 'GEORGE', but they're back, and ready to get the bread. benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Lonelyspeck about their new single, 'Wishing'. It's one of the best Australian songs of the year so far, with some stunning visuals to match. Really enjoyed putting this chat together!
Spin To Win #46: The Newsletter Is Back And I Spoke With Lonelyspeck
A chat with one of Australia's most visionary artists.
benmadden.substack.com
June 8, 2025 at 4:19 AM
In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Lonelyspeck about their new single, 'Wishing'. It's one of the best Australian songs of the year so far, with some stunning visuals to match. Really enjoyed putting this chat together!
Latest for HeapsNormal (and my first piece in a while): I interviewed Cassie Walker and Jesse Higgs about the importance of music festivals, and wrote a little bit on why they're so important to Australia's music scene. Had a lot of fun with this!
Why Music Festivals Are Too Good To Be Wasted?
Discover why Australian music festivals matter more than ever and how fans can help keep them alive. A deep dive into culture, community, and creativity.
heapsnormal.com
June 3, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Latest for HeapsNormal (and my first piece in a while): I interviewed Cassie Walker and Jesse Higgs about the importance of music festivals, and wrote a little bit on why they're so important to Australia's music scene. Had a lot of fun with this!
Finally getting back round to my newsletter! If you're a fan of Australian music, subscribe - got a heap of great interviews lined up for the next couple of weeks! Benmadden.substack.com/subscribe
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The latest in Australian music and whatever else is rattling around my brain. Click to read Spin To Win, by Ben Madden, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
Benmadden.substack.com
May 29, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Finally getting back round to my newsletter! If you're a fan of Australian music, subscribe - got a heap of great interviews lined up for the next couple of weeks! Benmadden.substack.com/subscribe