Jimmy Maddon

Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

JM: A whimsical concoction of glam and rock, with the perfect amount of ponce sprinkled over the top!

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

JM: So, my music journey started in Melbourne, Australia, and its taken me all over the world to my current base, Sheffield, England!

I was a young man with big aspirations and a lot of will power!

I always loved creating as a kid, I think to be a performer was more or less my path from the outset and I just took as many inspirations from where I could and soaked them up like a sponge until I was able to get onto a stage!

PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?

JM: A lot of my influence comes from Queen, I think they inspire me more than anyone – they are my bible and I think to see what they created drives me to better it – a big task I know!

But a lot of my songs come from heartbreak.

I always think an artist content doesn’t make good music, so I may subconsciously cause chaos in my life.

But I think heartbreak is a beautiful thing, it allows real deep reflection and a chance to remove the boundaries when song writing – often I’ll jot summat down and not think much of it, until I re-read it back and think “oohh, that’s a bit too raw innit”

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

JM: I make no secret of my plans to sell out Wembley Stadium!

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

JM: Thats a great question!

I think the first time I played in London, on Piccadilly Circus was the first “I’m making it” moment – I got to play in a old music venue my hero’s cut their teeth in so that was special.

I remember when touring Asia early in my career at a few gigs the crowd would pick up on some “woah’s” in a song and sing it back with me, and to think many didn’t know who I was and it’s not their first language to have them singing with me was arm on hair stuff!

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

JM: It’s a grind, I mean, I presume it always has been though.

I try not to get too worried about what other people are doing, they aren’t doing what I’m doing – as long as I keep selling records I’m happy, and I’m very fortunate to have a very passionate and loud fan base

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

JM: A lot of bribes!

But seriously, I just tend to reach out to someone and make sure I’ve done my homework on the venue and booker and try and not book the wrong gig for a glam rockstar (which I’ve done before!)

A tour of the US along side dates in the UK is being planned

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

JM: Ahh, the age old question.

I love the app and functionality of Spotify, it’s a great way to find music – but it has one very, very big downside and that’s it’s royalty rates – but I don’t like to get too political about these things

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

JM: It has to be Bohemian Rhapsody doesn’t it?

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

JM: Not enough of me haha – I would love to see a return to the grassroots level of gigs and a packed out bar every Friday night, regardless of who’s on – every band started in a sticky-floor pub – I certainly did!

PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?

JM: The tour of the UK and US – I have some new songs I’m in half a mind of cutting for another album, but we shall see!

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

JM: I’m on all the socials – but I try and keep a monthly vlog/tour vlog of updates I’m doing and release day videos on my YouTube – but I try and keep very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

I love how I can have such a personal connection with people all over the world with it!

And of course, Bandcamp and Spotify!