Welcome to Con Fuoco – CutCommon’s new interview series with emerging musicians across Australia.
Multi-genre percussionist Liam Madden is in his final year studying a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland University of Technology. His greatest enjoyment comes from session recordings and performance, but Liam also has a passion for organisation and arts administration. He was accepted as an arts administration intern for the 2014 Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp and has been heavily involved in committee-related engagements for the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra throughout 2013-2014. He’s held the position of president for Queensland University of Technology Music Society’s Indie Chamber Orchestra ensemble this year. He’s also performed with several musical companies and had parts in productions such as ‘Grease’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Last year, he toured China as percussion section leader for The Logan Youth Music Exchange.
Your all time favourite piece of music, and why?
The type of music I listen to reflects the type of mood I’m in. Today, it’s is a selection between Fugitive Hotel by Elbow, and Heaven That I’m Making by Crowded House. As for tomorrow? Who knows.
Most memorable concert experience?
The most memorable concert experience where I’ve played percussion has to be the Queensland Music Festival’s ‘Under This Sky’ performance which took place in Logan City, early August.
Biggest fear when performing?
There is definitely a certain anxiety with performing. As I’m a very organised human being, I’m always worried about missing something in preparation of a performance. There is a particular anxiety dream I’ve heard several people have, in which the concert is about to start and you are stuck trying to put your clothes or costume on, and when you’re on stage, nothing is quite right.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve been given?
One of my older percussionist friends, Tim, always told me to play on, especially if a mistake has been made.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
Generally, I don’t rehearse when I feel myself becoming lazy. I figure there is a time and place for everything. If I’m not feeling it, I can’t force it, and thus, I can’t practice my craft well.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
Any time I lose a drum stick (though not often), is rather embarrassing, as I become vulnerable and unable to play until I reach for another from my stick bag. I’ve generally gotten quite quick at retrieving other sticks. In saying that, there was a musical season of ‘Music Man’ I was involved in. After the final timpani roll, I flipped my stick from mallet to drum stick, as I was required to play a march straight away. The stick, however, hit underneath the hi-hats. Everything was so close because I was the only percussionist for the season, and had to cover multiple percussion instruments.
Favourite post-gig activity?
After a performance, I like to talk with my fellow musicians about what went well and what we should improve on for the next performance. Of course, this is strictly over an alcoholic beverage.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
This year, I have really stepped up and have been promoting myself as a freelance percussionist. This has provided several opportunities, such as being hired by the Queensland Music Festival, opening one of its events with James Morrison in a small jazz ensemble; doing lots of recording in the studio with colleagues; and setting up a really shiny portfolio – including my website and YouTube channel.
What do you most love about making music?
As a percussionist, I love exploring the world of percussion. You can make a sound out of anything by striking, rolling on, or scraping it. Furthermore, there are so many different cultural percussion instruments, which shape the uniqueness of, and represent, their country. Depending on the culture and the instruments, they can assist with rituals, ceremonies and story telling.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to use music as a framework to teach primary school and early childhood students their different subjects: Maths, English, History, Science, etc.. This way, as the teacher, I would be knocking out two birds with one stone: I’d be teaching music and whatever the unit we’re covering at that time.
Follow Liam Madden: Facebook • YouTube • Google+ • Linkedin: Liam Madden Tweet at me @LiamMusicNature • Instagram: liampmadden Tumblr.
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Image supplied.
