Artist Friendly with Joel Madden
On Artist Friendly, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden gets real with today's breakthrough artists. From chart-toppers to rising stars, guests spill the untold stories behind their success: the pivotal moments, crushing failures, and insider moves that made all the difference. Drawing on his experience as artist, performer and founder, Joel digs deeper than the surface. This isn't just interviews — it's a masterclass in creative survival from those who've lived it.
Episodes
Bebe Rexha
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Bebe Rexha.
Before she signed to Warner in 2013, Rexha was in a short-lived electropop band with Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz called Black Cards, which led to touring with Travie McCoy, multiple solo albums, and a summer on Warped Tour in 2015. Now she’s freshly independent, forming a partnership with indie label and distributor EMP
Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World.
Earlier this year, Jimmy Eat World unveiled the 25th anniversary tour of Bleed American — a landmark album that wrapped their sophisticated, heartfelt storytelling in giant hooks and polished production.
Before their headlining run kicks off next week, the frontman stopped by the Artist Friendly s
Jacob Charlton of Thornhill
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jacob Charlton of Thornhill.
After opening for Sleep Token on their massive North American arena tour last year, Thornhill quickly captured the attention of the heavy scene. Now, however, they’re in the midst of their own headliner, dubbed the Mercia Tour, presented by our friends at Revolver.
While on the run, the frontman sto
Maisie Peters
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Maisie Peters.
The British singer-songwriter’s last album, 2023’s The Good Witch, was a “twisted” take on a breakup album, exploring the “fun and intrigue in being so hurt because it means you cared so much.”
Her latest record, Florescence, takes a softer, brighter turn that’s grounded in hope as Peters embraces adulthood.
Si
Lizzo
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Lizzo.
Lizzo shows up fully in everything she does, and this Artist Friendly conversation is no different. From the diamond single — 2019’s rerecorded “Truth Hurts” — that started with tears in the studio to sleeping in her car on Thanksgiving night, she traces the full arc of who she is and how she got here.
Sitting down with
Linda Perry
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Linda Perry.
Perry quickly made her mark as the primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist for 4 Non Blondes, where she penned the international hit “What’s Up?” (which Thursday covered earlier this year). That album, 1992’s Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, spent more than a year on the Billboard 200 following its release, going p
DE'WAYNE
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by DE'WAYNE.
With last year’s june, DE’WAYNE entered a glitzy new era, penning songs that recalled Lenny Kravitz, Sly and the Family Stone, and Brandon Flowers. Centered by love, sex, and soul, the album marked another evolution in his deepening catalog, elevating his showmanship while weaving in enough vulnerability to be “a light
Melissa Etheridge
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Melissa Etheridge.
Following the release of her latest album, Rise, the Grammy and Oscar-winning rock alum joins Madden for a hopeful, wide-ranging conversation.
Sitting across from each other, they traverse how a cancer diagnosis two decades ago completely rewired the way she eats, thinks, and moves through the world — and why
Michael Bingham of Spiritual Cramp
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Michael Bingham of Spiritual Cramp.
Last year brought us RUDE, the punk group’s second album, where self-deprecating humor, anxiety, and bruised love songs melded with their “hard mod” style. Their first U.S. headline tour, presented by AP, soon followed, where the band delivered ferocious cool night after night.
Having wrapped
Ziggy Marley
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Ziggy Marley.
Marley was only 12 years old when his father died, but he’s carried on his legacy, putting out multiple albums, launching a record label, and producing the 2024 film Bob Marley: One Love.
Before the release of his ninth full-length, Brightside, Marley stopped by the Artist Friendly studio for a grounded, soulful c
Slayyyter
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Slayyyter.
After years of building a fanbase from scratch, Slayyyter’s new album, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA, feels like her breakout.
The record lives in the same vein as Lady Gaga, Metro Station, and Marina and the Diamonds, reflecting a desire to be “nostalgic but also take it to a place that reminded me of the punk music my skat
Marc Roberge of O.A.R.
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Marc Roberge of O.A.R.
O.A.R. have a massive year ahead, preparing a new album (which they recently teased with the single “Three Tinted Windows”) and celebrating 30 years together. Before their touring season starts up, the vocalist/guitarist stopped by the Artist Friendly studio for a powerful conversation with Madden.
Togeth
Lionel Richie
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Lionel Richie.
Richie is a legend in his own right, making several classic love songs through the years. However, he revealed the profound overwhelm of stardom in a near-500-page memoir, Truly, last year, documenting his journey from a “painfully shy” child to a stadium-sized musician.
Ahead of a busy summer, Madden sits down w
2 Chainz
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by 2 Chainz.
2 Chainz first came up in the Atlanta hip-hop scene as part of Playaz Circle in the 2000s, though he landed a solo record deal on the strength of his T.R.U. REALigion mixtape in 2011 — as well as verses on Kanye West’s “Mercy” and Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap” the following year.
From there, the rapper broadened hi
Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes.
Following 2024’s Happiness Bastards, the Black Crowes got straight to work. In early 2025, the Robinson brothers traveled to Nashville to reunite with producer Jay Joyce and build on the momentum of their last album.
The resulting A Pound of Feathers captures a similar energy, full of swagger
Ryan Cabrera
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Ryan Cabrera.
After graduating from high school, Cabrera played acoustic guitar in Rubix Groove, opening for Cheap Trick and Third Eye Blind. A solo career came calling, though, leading to early 2000s pop stardom, mall tours, and a platinum album. That eventually segued into guest appearances on The Hills and meeting WWE supersta
Deryck Whibley of Sum 41
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Deryck Whibley of Sum 41.
Sum 41 defined an entire generation of skate punk before they played their last show in January 2025. Their final LP, Heaven :x: Hell, was a feat, showing off their signature styles. The Heaven side called back to their snotty pop-punk days, whereas Hell channeled their metallic side that ramped up with
Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory.
Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory will join Joel Madden on the latest episode of the series.New Found Glory became the soundtrack for teen angst during pop punk’s golden age in the early 2000s, blending their upbringings in Coral Springs, Florida DIY scenes with bouncy hooks. That angst, though, c
Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy.
Last spring, Mt. Joy returned with Hope We Have Fun, an album that, after nearly a decade of touring, solidifies years of hard work coming to fruition — including selling out Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks.
For the frontman, the LP revels in the band’s time together: “We’ve all done ridiculous things
Denis Leary
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Denis Leary.
Leary specializes in sharp, rapid-fire comedy, honed while coming up through Boston’s local clubs.
“There’s something about Boston comedy crowds — it’s a combination of knowledge and enthusiasm, but they’re also tough,” he said in a local interview. “They can smell blood. They can smell fear. I always felt like it
Johnny Famiglietti of HEALTH
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Johnny Famiglietti of HEALTH.
At the tail end of last year, HEALTH returned with CONFLICT DLC — a collection of menacing neo-industrial songs comprising all the anger, fear, and sadness of our current reality.
Following up RAT WARS, the album is a continuation of what they started in 2023 but gets darker and heavier, thanks in
Richard Marx
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Richard Marx.
Marx delivered his self-titled debut album in the spring of 1987 and has kept up the pace, adding over a dozen more to his catalog since. All the while, he frequently showed up on the pop charts, shared a Grammy for Song of the Year with Luther Vandross, and sang background vocals on Madonna’s “White Heat.”
In 202
Corbyn Besson
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Corbyn Besson.
Besson taught himself to play guitar at age 12, soon uploading a mixture of covers and originals online before joining Why Don’t We in 2016. Influenced by everyone from Boyz II Men to Frank Ocean, the group racked up billions of streams from fans (dubbed “Limelights”) before disbanding.
Besson released his debut s
Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack.
Last year, Motion City Soundtrack released The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, their first studio album in a decade. Recorded at Electrical Audio in Chicago, the LP was produced by early collaborator Sean O’Keefe and featured songs with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, Citizen’s Mat Kerekes,
Adam Levine (Rerun)
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Adam Levine.
As the frontman of Maroon 5, a coach on The Voice, and an occasional saxophone player, Levine has brought his charismatic presence to many stages.
Levine joined Madden for a candid conversation about fame, family, and the music that shaped them.
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Listen to their Artist Friendly conversation on Sp
Wiz Khalifa (Rerun)
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Wiz Khalifa.
Between writing smoked-out anthems, criticizing weed stereotypes, and releasing his own Khalifa Kush, the Pittsburgh-bred MC has long been tied to stoner culture.
Now, Wiz has returned to his roots by releasing the sequel to his 2010 mixtape, Kush & Orange Juice, which takes the songs to a higher leve
Zac Brown (Rerun)
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Zac Brown.
The Zac Brown Band have been a torchbearer within Southern music, bringing their wide-ranging blend of country, pop, rock, and soul to thousands.
Led by Zac Brown, they’ve only continued to challenge themselves through the years, expanding their sound through thoughtful, unexpected collaborations and cov
Alexandra Kay
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Alexandra Kay.
The last time Kay appeared on Artist Friendly, she was getting ready to tour in support of her debut album, 2023’s All I’ve Ever Known, which documented the end of an 11-year partnership. Now, she’s returned to the studio for another candid conversation with Joel.
From the grind of radio tours to rebuilding after
Jutes
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jutes.
Springing out of Ottawa, Canada, Jutes is a former film school student turned musician who was raised on the Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park, and Deftones.
That influence runs through his latest full-length, Dilworth, out Wednesday (Dec. 3 via Position Music), and he’ll ring it in with an album release show, live from Los
ILLENIUM
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by ILLENIUM.
Though ILLENIUM (aka Nick Miller) produces Grammy-nominated EDM, he spent his younger days entrenched in the worlds of alternative rock, metalcore, and pop punk. That influence still surrounds his music, paying homage to those roots through collaborations with Avril Lavigne, Travis Barker, and Spiritbox.
He’s also par
Cameron Diaz (Rerun)
On this week's rerun episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Cameron Diaz.
In this Thanksgiving encore, Joel and his sister-in-law share an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about family life, love, and the rhythms of their blended world.
From marriage dynamics to raising kids and staying grounded, this feel-good episode is all about gratitude and the people who make li
Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line.
Throughout the past decade, the Starting Line have largely stayed active by playing their classics across various tours, including the 10th anniversary of Say It Like You Mean It in 2012, and releasing their three-song Anyways EP in 2016. However, the emo and pop-punk elders returned with their
Orville Peck
On this Surprise Drop of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Orville Peck.
Though Peck wears a fringe mask whenever he performs, he continues to be one of the few openly queer artists in country. In the duo’s latest conversation, they go deep, resulting in a bold and candid episode about genre-bending, identity, and carving your own path in music.
From his anonymous persona and punk begi
Ryan Key of Yellowcard
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Ryan Key of Yellowcard.
This October, Yellowcard returned with Better Days, their first full-length in nearly a decade, produced by Travis Barker.
“This [album] brought us into the room with nothing to start with. Just a fresh day, fresh minds, fresh idea,” Key said in the band’s AP cover story interview, reveling in ne
Huddy
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Huddy.
From his beginnings at Hype House to starring in Machine Gun Kelly’s Downfalls High film to sharing his own sugary pop punk, Huddy has proved himself as a fluid multi-hyphenate who’s racked up millions of followers.
This year, he’s entered his “emotionally honest era,” where he’s adamant that “emotions aren’t weaknesses
Jon Bon Jovi
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jon Bon Jovi.
Fresh off releasing Forever (Legendary Edition), featuring duets with Avril Lavigne and Bruce Springsteen, and unveiling the Bon Jovi Forever Tour, the rock vet stopped by the Artist Friendly studio for an honest conversation about longevity, legacy, and rediscovering his voice.
With Madden, he opens up about his
Oliver Niño
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Oliver Niño.
Niño — known as The Spiritual Activator — joins Joel for a powerful and introspective episode. In conversation, they dive into energy work, self-healing, personal growth, and how to reconnect with your purpose.
Niño also opens up about his journey from being in a band in the Philippines to becoming a world-recogniz
Mitchell Tenpenny
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Mitchell Tenpenny.
Across five albums, Tenpenny has established himself as a platinum-winning presence within country pop while making unexpected peers out of Underoath, State Champs, and Bilmuri. Before leaving for tour, the Nashville-bred singer stopped by the Artist Friendly studio.
Sitting down with Joel, Tenpenny opens up
Daya
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Daya.
During Daya’s first show, she played a trio of covers — “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette, “Clocks” by Coldplay, and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day. In the years since, she’s branched out into a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who excavates heartbreak with an alt-pop touch, particularly on her new album, Til
Mitchel Cave and Christian Anthony of Chase Atlantic
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Mitchel Cave and Christian Anthony of Chase Atlantic.
Since making their debut with 2014’s Dalliance EP, Chase Atlantic have injected their songs with swaggering conviction, unpredictable musical palettes, and a strong sense of escapism.
Ahead of their LOST IN HEAVEN deluxe edition (out Oct. 3), the duo stopped by the Artist Fr
Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage.
Over the last couple of decades, Killswitch Engage have been at the top of metalcore. The New England group became genre leaders in the 2000s, making an early mark with 2002’s Alive or Just Breathing and 2004’s The End of Heartache.
Through lineup shifts, Grammy nominations, and Guitar Hero ap
Benji Madden and M. Shadows
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Benji Madden and M. Shadows.
Good Charlotte recently returned with Motel du Cap, their first album in seven years, and the pop-punk elder statesmen are ringing it in with their longtime friend M. Shadows on Artist Friendly.
The Madden brothers and Avenged Sevenfold vocalist go back, from meeting on Warped Tour in the 2000s to p
Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath (Rerun)
On this week's encore episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath.
For Underoath, the past year has been one of reflection and evolution, as they marked the 20th anniversary of their 2004 genre-defining album, They’re Only Chasing Safety, with a North American tour, while also looking ahead with the release of their 10th studio album, The Place
Twin Tribes
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Twin Tribes.
Coming out of Brownsville, Texas, Twin Tribes — the pair of Luis Navarro and Joel Niño Jr., whose intoxicating sound owes much to ’80s darkwave — have accumulated millions of streams without ever losing touch with their DIY roots.
Releasing songs through DistroKid, creating their visuals, and touring internationall
Hit-Boy - Part 2
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Hit-Boy.
Hit-Boy has been the producer behind many immortal songs, straddling the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and beyond. His career began with an early placement on Lil Wayne’s Rebirth and quickly gained momentum when he produced “Ni**as in Paris,” a defining moment from 2011’s Watch the Throne.
In the newest episode, Hit-B
Hit-Boy - Part 1
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Hit-Boy.
Hit-Boy has been the producer behind many immortal songs, straddling the worlds of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and beyond. His career began with an early placement on Lil Wayne’s Rebirth and quickly gained momentum when he produced “Ni**as in Paris,” a defining moment from 2011’s Watch the Throne.
In the newest episode,
Elliot Grainge - Part 2
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Elliot Grainge.
As the CEO of Atlantic Records, Grainge embodies the very ethos of “Artist Friendly,” promoting a hands-off approach and trusting the process.
Before stepping into that role, though, he was releasing independent music through his label 10K Projects, founded shortly after graduating from Northeastern University
Elliot Grainge - Part 1
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Elliot Grainge.
As the CEO of Atlantic Records, Grainge embodies the very ethos of “Artist Friendly,” promoting a hands-off approach and trusting the process.
Before stepping into that role, though, he was releasing independent music through his label 10K Projects, founded shortly after graduating from Northeastern University (
Adam Levine - Part 2
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Adam Levine.
As the frontman of Maroon 5, a coach on The Voice, and an occasional saxophone player, Levine has brought his charismatic presence to many stages.
Most recently, though, he’s been in Maroon 5 mode, promoting their upcoming eighth studio album, Love Is Like, out this Friday, which attempts to recapture the spirit
Adam Levine - Part 1
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Adam Levine.
As the frontman of Maroon 5, a coach on The Voice, and an occasional saxophone player, Levine has brought his charismatic presence to many stages.
Most recently, though, he’s been in Maroon 5 mode, promoting their upcoming eighth studio album, Love Is Like, out this Friday, which attempts to recapture the spirit of
Sam Carter of Architects - Part 1 (Rerun)
On this week's encore episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Sam Carter of Architects.
After a busy couple of years opening for Metallica and headlining festival stages, Architects recently returned with their new album.
Produced by former Bring Me the Horizon member Jordan Fish, the band set out to capture that raw energy, melding their live intensity with melodic depth.
In a c
Sam Carter of Architects - Part 2 (Rerun)
On this week's encore episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Sam Carter of Architects.
After a busy couple of years opening for Metallica and headlining festival stages, Architects recently returned with their new album .
Produced by former Bring Me the Horizon member Jordan Fish, the band set out to capture that raw energy, melding their live intensity with melodic depth.
In a co
Zac Brown - Part 1
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Zac Brown.
The Zac Brown Band have been a torchbearer within Southern music, bringing their wide-ranging blend of country, pop, rock, and soul to thousands.
Led by Zac Brown, they’ve only continued to challenge themselves through the years, expanding their sound through thoughtful, unexpected collaborations and covers.
In a c
Zac Brown - Part 2
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Zac Brown.
The Zac Brown Band have been a torchbearer within Southern music, bringing their wide-ranging blend of country, pop, rock, and soul to thousands.
Led by Zac Brown, they’ve only continued to challenge themselves through the years, expanding their sound through thoughtful, unexpected collaborations and covers.
Brent Smith of Shinedown - Part 3 (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Brent Smith of Shinedown.
For the past couple of decades, Shinedown have been relentless in their mission, channeling pain, addiction, and the power to overcome into seven studio albums and countless shows.
During the pandemic, they cracked the mainstream, subverting their hard-r
Brent Smith of Shinedown - Part 2 (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Brent Smith of Shinedown.
For the past couple of decades, Shinedown have been relentless in their mission, channeling pain, addiction, and the power to overcome into seven studio albums and countless shows.
During the pandemic, they cracked the mainstream, subverting their hard-r
Brent Smith of Shinedown - Part 1 (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Brent Smith of Shinedown.
For the past couple of decades, Shinedown have been relentless in their mission, channeling pain, addiction, and the power to overcome into seven studio albums and countless shows.
During the pandemic, they cracked the mainstream, subverting their hard-roc
Paul Stanley of KISS - Part 2
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Paul Stanley of KISS.
Wicked Lester — an early ’70s band that Stanley formed with Gene Simmons — only performed a handful of times and failed to release an album, but planted the seed for a massively recognizable group in rock history.
Through KISS, Stanley created his inimitable “Starchild” persona, a character who embodied
Paul Stanley of KISS - Part 1
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Paul Stanley of KISS.
Wicked Lester — an early ’70s band that Stanley formed with Gene Simmons — only performed a handful of times and failed to release an album, but planted the seed for a massively recognizable group in rock history.
Through KISS, Stanley created his inimitable “Starchild” persona, a character who embodied gl
Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan - Part 1 (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan.
Simple Plan grew from pop-punk underdogs to genre heroes over the course of six studio albums.
In addition to racking up collabs with members of blink-182, Sum 41, and Weezer, the Canadian vets have played on over a dozen Warped Tours and created pop-
Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan - Part 2 (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan.
Simple Plan grew from pop-punk underdogs to genre heroes over the course of six studio albums.
In addition to racking up collabs with members of blink-182, Sum 41, and Weezer, the Canadian vets have played on over a dozen Warped Tours and created
Benji Madden of Good Charlotte
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Benji Madden of Good Charlotte.
Last week, Good Charlotte announced their long-anticipated return with Motel Du Cap, which the band celebrated with a late-night appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform lead single “Rejects.”
As part of their first album since 2018, the song teases a promising new chapter — one inspired by Go
Sarah Barthel of Phantogram
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Sarah Barthel of Phantogram.
Phantogram’s fifth studio album, Memory of a Day, hinges on nostalgia, compiled with the idea that certain sounds can send you back in time while simultaneously employing the kind of crisp production and hard-hitting beats that makes them sound from the future.
Since its release last year, the ele
Josh Carter of Phantogram
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Josh Carter of Phantogram.
Since their formation in the late 2000s, Phantogram have always created the music that they wanted to hear, drawing from Outkast as freely as My Bloody Valentine.
Their fifth studio album, 2024’s Memory of a Day, is no different, offering up dusky psychedelia, floor-filling beats, and a potent chemist
Brandon Lake
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Brandon Lake.
Though Lake learned to play guitar from his father when he was younger, he didn’t put out his first album, Closer, until 2016 — gathering the financing through crowdfunding and releasing it independently.
Since then, the worship music singer has gone on to make several other records, racking up several Grammy wi
Trixie Mattel (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Trixie Mattel.
Since winning RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015, Mattel has blossomed into a formidable drag superstar, which makes her the perfect person to kick off Pride Month.
Between creating subversive country albums (including team-ups with kindred spirit Orville Peck), uploadin
Ben Kweller
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Ben Kweller.
From his early days with neo-grunge band Radish to an impressive solo career, Kweller has constantly been shaped by music — and laid his heart bare in his songwriting.
That’s never been truer on his latest album, Cover the Mirrors, a striking reckoning with grief after Kweller lost his 16-year-old son Dorian Zev Kw
AFROJACK
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by AFROJACK.
A decade-and-a-half ago, AFROJACK rocketed to the mainstream for his alluring blend of EDM, house, and pop — a classic sound he recently returned to with his March single “Never Forget You.”
Since then, he’s created a legacy that includes massive hits (“Give Me Everything,” “Take Over Control”), distinguished collabor
nothing,nowhere.
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by nothing,nowhere.
Back in 2015, nothing,nowhere. (aka Joe Mulherin) quickly earned a devout following within the emo and hip-hop underground when he self-released The Nothing,Nowhere LP — a debut filled with grief, anxiety, and bruised experimentalism.
He’s currently observing that milestone with The Return of the Reaper: A Deca
Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath.
For Underoath, the past year has been one of reflection and evolution, as they marked the 20th anniversary of their 2004 genre-defining album, They’re Only Chasing Safety, with a North American tour, while also looking ahead with the release of their 10th studio album, The Place After This One.
Alessia Cara
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Alessia Cara.
Cara made an exceptional introduction with 2015’s “Here,” a sultry anthem dedicated to introverts who feel lost at house parties.
Since then, she’s racked up billions of streams and bagged a Grammy for Best New Artist, becoming the first Canadian musician to earn the award.
This past Valentine’s Day, Cara return
Wiz Khalifa
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Wiz Khalifa.
Between writing smoked-out anthems, criticizing weed stereotypes, and releasing his own Khalifa Kush, the Pittsburgh-bred MC has long been tied to stoner culture.
Now, Wiz has returned to his roots by releasing the sequel to his 2010 mixtape, Kush & Orange Juice, which takes the songs to a higher level by tapping n
Lil Xan
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Lil Xan.
It’s been eight years since Lil Xan’s Total Xanarchy cut “Betrayed” went viral, garnering millions of streams and going platinum. In the ensuing years, he has helped to shape the “sad rap” movement, collaborated with heavyweights (Diplo, Charli XCX), and released his sophomore album, 2024’s Diego.
He’s also been living
JP Saxe
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by JP Saxe.
Whether it’s for his own solo work or the myriad of artists he works with, Saxe wears his heart on sleeve, transforming reflections on love and grief into irresistibly relatable songs.
Following 2023’s A Grey Area, Saxe has returned with the new single “Safe,” which he premiered at a benefit show for LA wildfires at NY
Michael Clifford of 5SOS
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Michael Clifford of 5SOS.
Clifford is best known as 5SOS’ lead guitarist and backing vocalist with vibrant hair, helping to shape the band through his energetic presence. He’s also been unafraid to acknowledge his struggles with mental health, telling us that “it gets bad before it gets better” and using the feeling to fuel his s
G-Eazy
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by G-Eazy.
In his early days, G-Eazy played 2012’s Warped Tour alongside Pierce the Veil and the Used. Since then, he’s racked up millions of listens with “Me, Myself & I” (feat. Bebe Rexha), collaborated with Halsey, and been nominated for Grammys.
Following last year’s Freak Show, G-Eazy released his latest album, Helium, in Febr
Morray
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Morray.
Morray experienced a rapid come up, including a feature on J. Cole’s 2021 album, The Off-Season, and receiving a Grammy nomination for that very song.
Following a four-year break, where the Fayetteville-born MC was unable to release new music, Morray shared his second album, Long Story Short, in February.
In conversat
Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria (Rerun)
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is bringing you an encore episode of his conversation with Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.
As the frontman for Coheed and Cambria, Sanchez has mapped out entire worlds through intricate concept albums. That craftsmanship has spilled into his own comic series, The Amory Wars, which has acted as a companion to most of the band’s catalog.
Sam Carter of Architects
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Sam Carter of Architects.
After a busy couple of years opening for Metallica and headlining festival stages, Architects recently returned with their new album, The Sky, The Earth & All Between.
Produced by former Bring Me the Horizon member Jordan Fish, the band set out to capture that raw energy, melding their live intensity wi
Cody Hanson of Hinder
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden is joined by Cody Hanson of Hinder.
Since forming in 2001, Hinder have made their mark through soaringly catchy anthems. Each of their albums has prioritized intention and growth, from the grunge-y beginnings of 2005’s Extreme Behavior to the introspective headspace of 2017’s The Reign.
In conversation with Madden, the Hinder frontman detail
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