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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · 9d

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · 22d

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Sep 29

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'.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Sep 21

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Sep 13

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Sep 5

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',

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 21

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 20

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 14

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 12

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

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 11

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Aug 5

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jul 21

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jul 13

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jul 7

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 30

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 26

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 25

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 20

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 15

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 8

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Jun 3

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

Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · May 29

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

Subscribe to Spin To Win

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.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Feb 12

In the latest edition of my newsletter, Spin To Win, I spoke to Cal and Jacob from 'No Tone Unturned', Australia's answer to the 'Dissect' podcast. If you've ever wanted to start a podcast, this is chock-full of advice!

Spin To Win #44: How To Make Australia's Version Of The 'Dissect' Podcast

A mammoth chat with the makers of 'No Tone Unturned', Cal Wright and Jacob Grozdanovski.

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Ben Madden @benmaddenwriter.bsky.social · Dec 19

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Spin To Win #43: Are We Doing Enough To Support Emerging Australian Music Journalists?

I think there's a very simple answer to the question, but here's a whole article about it.

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