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
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...
Had a lovely chat with Wilby about her debut album Center of Affection over on @northern-trans.bsky.social. Have a read over on the site!
northerntransmissions.com/wilby-delves...
northerntransmissions.com/wilby-delves...
Wilby delves deep on compelling debut album - Northern Transmissions
Wilby interview with Northern Transmissions 2025 by Zarah Hedderman. The artist talked about her new LP Center of Affection and much more
northerntransmissions.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Had a lovely chat with Wilby about her debut album Center of Affection over on @northern-trans.bsky.social. Have a read over on the site!
northerntransmissions.com/wilby-delves...
northerntransmissions.com/wilby-delves...
So unbelievably buzzed to be this month’s film selector for the @irishfilminstitute.bsky.social Bigger Picture. I obviously picked the greatest film of all time, Five Easy Pieces. Come along & watch it on Thursday, October 30th 🎹
ifi.ie/film/the-big...
ifi.ie/film/the-big...
October 6, 2025 at 9:05 AM
So unbelievably buzzed to be this month’s film selector for the @irishfilminstitute.bsky.social Bigger Picture. I obviously picked the greatest film of all time, Five Easy Pieces. Come along & watch it on Thursday, October 30th 🎹
ifi.ie/film/the-big...
ifi.ie/film/the-big...
Immediately fell in love with Ani Glass’s amazing new album Phantasmagoria when I listened to it. Enjoyed spending time with it to review for @theQuietus
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Ani Glass – Phantasmagoria | The Quietus
The Welsh-Cornish singer-producer broadens her palette and enriches her production style on her follow-up to 2020's Mirores
thequietus.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Immediately fell in love with Ani Glass’s amazing new album Phantasmagoria when I listened to it. Enjoyed spending time with it to review for @theQuietus
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Made pork & cabbage dumplings and they ruled 🥹🥟
September 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Made pork & cabbage dumplings and they ruled 🥹🥟
On the eve of the release of Pôt-Pot’s excellent debut album, Warsaw 480km, I chatted w/ Mark Waldron-Hyden for my newsletter about how it morphed into a five-piece group from a solo project, how his bandmates have shaped his artistry & more.
Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 026: Pôt-Pot
An interview with Mark Waldron-Hyden of the Irish/Portuguese quintet about their mesmirising debut album, Warsaw 480km.
zarahedderman.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
On the eve of the release of Pôt-Pot’s excellent debut album, Warsaw 480km, I chatted w/ Mark Waldron-Hyden for my newsletter about how it morphed into a five-piece group from a solo project, how his bandmates have shaped his artistry & more.
Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Subscribe: zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
Latest newsletter sent out & am excited to have the wonderful Throwing Shapes share their favourite debut albums & explore how those releases have informed their artistry & approach when making their excellent self-titled debut, due this Friday.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
The Bad Arts 025: Throwing Shapes' Favourite Debut Albums
Ambient Japanese compositions, avant-pop & experimental folk: Méabh McKenna, Ross Chaney and Gareth Quinn Redmond share their favourite debut LPs.
zarahedderman.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Latest newsletter sent out & am excited to have the wonderful Throwing Shapes share their favourite debut albums & explore how those releases have informed their artistry & approach when making their excellent self-titled debut, due this Friday.
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
zarahedderman.substack.com/p/the-bad-ar...
An absolutely mind blowing performance from Hayden Pedigo in Dublin last night. Could have listened to him play for hours! A true guitar hero.
September 2, 2025 at 9:56 AM
An absolutely mind blowing performance from Hayden Pedigo in Dublin last night. Could have listened to him play for hours! A true guitar hero.
Had a nice chat with Pip (of Pip Blom) & Willem (of Personal Trainer) on their new collaboration, Long Fling. Enjoyed hearing all about this project & their experience making their fun self-titled debut album for @northern-trans.bsky.social
northerntransmissions.com/pip-blom-and...
northerntransmissions.com/pip-blom-and...
Pip Blom and Personal Trainer create a new musical world with Long Fling - Northern Transmissions
Long Fling interview with Northern Transmissions by Zara Hedderman. The duo talked about their forthcoming self-titled album and much more
northerntransmissions.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Had a nice chat with Pip (of Pip Blom) & Willem (of Personal Trainer) on their new collaboration, Long Fling. Enjoyed hearing all about this project & their experience making their fun self-titled debut album for @northern-trans.bsky.social
northerntransmissions.com/pip-blom-and...
northerntransmissions.com/pip-blom-and...
Will be on with Cian Sullivan reviewing new releases from CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter and The Hives on RTÉ Radio One this evening. Tune in now! 📻
a close up of a woman 's face with blonde hair wearing a pink dress .
ALT: a close up of a woman 's face with blonde hair wearing a pink dress .
media.tenor.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Will be on with Cian Sullivan reviewing new releases from CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter and The Hives on RTÉ Radio One this evening. Tune in now! 📻
Darren Hayman’s recent album, Amazing Things, is a tender and immensely endearing work that explores all the different layers of grief. Was a pleasure to spend time with this album and review it for @thequietus.com
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Darren Hayman and his Electric Guitars – Amazing Things | The Quietus
The former Hefner singer delivers a beautiful work of mourning, backed by massed electric guitars
thequietus.com
August 28, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Darren Hayman’s recent album, Amazing Things, is a tender and immensely endearing work that explores all the different layers of grief. Was a pleasure to spend time with this album and review it for @thequietus.com
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Had a ball writing about Gwenno’s Utopia, one of my favourite albums of 2025 for @aquariumdrunkard.com. If you haven’t listened to it yet then do so immediately!! You have been told.
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/08/22/g...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/08/22/g...
Gwenno :: Utopia - Aquarium Drunkard
Gwenno's Utopia is an exceptionally compelling work that masterfully strikes a balance between playful and poignant in both the musical and lyrical expression. It’s a beautiful and sophisticated work ...
aquariumdrunkard.com
August 22, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Had a ball writing about Gwenno’s Utopia, one of my favourite albums of 2025 for @aquariumdrunkard.com. If you haven’t listened to it yet then do so immediately!! You have been told.
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/08/22/g...
aquariumdrunkard.com/2025/08/22/g...
Will be reviewing new albums from Cass McCombs, Alison Goldfrapp and Mr. Gillette himself, Tom Grennan on RTÉ Radio One’s Arena with John Meagher. Tune in from the earlier time of 6:30pm 📻
Tom Grennan Wow GIF
ALT: Tom Grennan Wow GIF
media.tenor.com
August 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Will be reviewing new albums from Cass McCombs, Alison Goldfrapp and Mr. Gillette himself, Tom Grennan on RTÉ Radio One’s Arena with John Meagher. Tune in from the earlier time of 6:30pm 📻