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Ben Madden

@benmaddenwriter.bsky.social

Australian music journalist. The AMP judge. Bylines for Esquire Australia, Guardian Australia, Junkee, NME Australia + many more.

280 Followers  |  609 Following  |  49 Posts  |  Joined: 25.11.2024
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Posts by Ben Madden (@benmaddenwriter.bsky.social)

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Spin To Win #75: Jumping Behind The Camera With mp4oscar I am desperately trying to defeat the unc allegations.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to videographer mp4oscar about his journey behind the camera, tips for aspiring videographers, and more. Really bridging a generational divide with this one.

04.03.2026 22:28 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #74: Entering A New Era With Charlie Lane A chat with the Melbourne singer-songwriter about new music, time management, and more.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I interviewed Melbourne singer-songwriter Charlie Lane about new music, managing her time, and a lot more. Really enjoyed speaking to Charlie off-cycle, off-cycle interviews rule.

22.02.2026 04:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #73: Tulliah Records All Her Live Shows To Cassette For Fans. Here's How. If you're an artist that wants to learn how to record your shows to tape, then read on.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Melbourne musician Tulliah about how she records every show to cassette for fans to relive. Really enjoyed learning about the process! benmadden.substack.com/p/spin-to-wi...

16.02.2026 09:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #72: I'm Back, And I Brought You An Interview With June Jones We spoke at length about the Australian music industry, DIY, and more.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with pop artist June Jones about her latest EP, 'Would that it were a fortress'. We also spent a lot of time chatting about the Australian music industry, neoliberalism, and more.

08.02.2026 06:04 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

For the last edition of Spin To Win in 2025, I spoke to Blacktown Jesus, aka Isaac Puerile, about depersonalisation, dingoes, Benjamin Netanyahu, and so, so much more. One of my favourite chats to date!

02.01.2026 10:13 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #69: Grim Indiana Thought Their EP Was Lost Forever. A Trip To Porto Changed That. A chat with Eora punk band Grim Indiana about their new EP 'The Gutter Confessional', car badging, and the band's future.

For the latest edition of Spin To Win, I spoke with Eora post-hardcore band Grim Indiana about their new EP, 'The Gutter Confessional'. Years in the making, and almost lost to time, it'll blow your eardrums off in the best way. Fun chat!

28.12.2025 21:40 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #68: Here's How The Hottest Tour Of 2026 Got Booked Scouse rapper EsDeeKid's coming to Australia next year, and getting a ticket was almost impossible.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with promoter Vince Kerin about booking EsDeeKid's upcoming debut Australian tour. If you've ever wondered how a twice sold-out tour comes together, then this is a fun chat!

06.12.2025 22:37 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #67: Some Australian Rap Predictions + A Chat With Elle Eliades The rising R&B artist's just released her debut EP, 'Elora', and it's perfect for late-night yearning.

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke with Naarm-born, Los Angeles-based R&B artist Elle Eliades. She’s just released her debut EP, Elora. and for the lovesick dreamers out there, I think Elora will only empower you to go even harder.

24.11.2025 21:24 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #66: Embracing The Butterfly Effect With Hatchie A chat about respecting burnout, and small decisions.

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!

15.11.2025 08:42 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

10.11.2025 22:32 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

24.10.2025 08:18 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

11.10.2025 06:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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'.

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!

29.09.2025 22:43 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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.

21.09.2025 07:34 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

13.09.2025 07:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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',

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.

05.09.2025 09:18 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

21.08.2025 09:47 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #58: It's Another Grab Bag Newsletter I have a lot of deadlines, and my inbox is scaring me.

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!

20.08.2025 08:33 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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.

14.08.2025 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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!

12.08.2025 08:39 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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.

11.08.2025 09:35 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #55: How Montaigne Made Going Independent Work Their new album, 'it's hard to be a fish', is out now.

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...

05.08.2025 23:27 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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.

21.07.2025 09:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

13.07.2025 03:43 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #52: Finding The Why In Everything With John You A chat about visual art, creative collaboration, and much, much more.

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.

07.07.2025 22:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

30.06.2025 23:26 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #50: A Chat With Joe And Caitlin From SydneyMusic.net Talking about Sydney's music community, and the wider music industry.

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...

26.06.2025 22:16 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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.

25.06.2025 11:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Spin To Win #48: Talking Taxes With Lucas Morrison From Darkwave As Posseshot famously said, it's time to get the money up.

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!

20.06.2025 00:10 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

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...

15.06.2025 23:39 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0