Music

Deeper perspectives on Madison-area music: shows, new releases, and big-picture issues facing the music community.

“NADIA” revives the life and times of a key musical figure in the contemporary landscape

By Grant Phipps ● Music ● May 30, 2023 May 30, 2023

Adriana Zabala portrays Nadia Boulanger in an imaginative chamber play at Hamel Music Center on June 3, part of the 2023 LunART Festival’s five-day celebration of women’s resilient contributions to the arts.

Latest in Music

An illustration shows multi-colored images of a keyboard, a turntable, a microphone, speakers, a "play" button," and sliders and indicators from a soundboard, all arranged in a grid-like pattern.

An update on Tone Madison’s events coverage

By Scott Gordon ● Music ● May 24, 2023 May 24, 2023

The thoughtful, informative local events calendar we want to provide you is a long ways off.

Boxing Day perform at Nottingham Co-Op. The guitarist/vocalist is visible in the bottom right corner. To his left is an engaged crowd. The band's lit by the camera's flash; the room and audience are largely shrouded in darkness.

Nottingham Co-Op is reconnecting with its long history as a DIY venue

By Amelia Zollner ● Music ● May 24, 2023 May 26, 2023

From its hippie and punk roots, the Langdon Street house is growing new traditions in Madison’s music scene.

A photo shows Boneset Records owner Maggie Denman standing behind a counter and holding up two LPs, one from Proud Parents and the other from Baby Tyler. Behind her is a speaker, an organizer for cassette tapes, and wall signs with messages that include "smile, you're on camera" and "beware of dog."

Boneset Records will close its Madison store on June 10

By Steven Spoerl ● Music ● April 26, 2023 April 26, 2023

The record store will be relocating to Milwaukee and pivoting to an online focus.

A photo shows the two members of Woodman/Earhart performing on a small stage, facing each other over keyboards and other music equipment. Behind them is a projection of abstract lights and circles.

Support Communication’s crucial fundraising effort

By Scott Gordon ● Culture ● April 25, 2023 April 25, 2023

We’re asking you to help the Madison venue and arts incubator secure its future.

The album art for Mission Trip's "Expect That" is centered in a banner image. A golden border encircles the art, which is set against a swirling, dark maroon background.

Mission Trip’s “Expect That” is an exhilarating knockout

By Steven Spoerl ● Music ● April 25, 2023 April 24, 2023

Post-punk, power pop, and indie rock prove complements across six tracks.

A publicity photo shows musician Hendrix Gullixson standing in the snow, in front of a fence and a metal building.

Hendrix Gullixson looks for new life in stark ambient music

By Scott Gordon ● Music ● April 18, 2023 April 18, 2023

The formerly Madison-based electronic artist plays April 22 at Communication.

Cicada The Burrower's album art for "Blight Witch Regalia" is centered against a background that mirrors, magnifies, and layers the center art.

Cameron Davis finds resonance in vulnerability on Cicada The Burrower’s new album

By Steven Spoerl ● Music ● April 11, 2023 April 11, 2023

“Blight Witch Regalia” is a genre-bending triumph.

Shimmer Wince poses for a group photo (taken by Alice Plati) with a yellow and blue color palette. From L to R: Adam O'Farrill, Elias Stemeseder, Anna Webber, Mariel Roberts, and Lesley Mok.

Anna Webber’s music complexly connects the visceral and the intellectual

By Grant Phipps ● Music ● April 3, 2023 April 3, 2023

The modern creative avant-jazz composer and woodwindist performs with a new ensemble, Shimmer Wince, at Café Coda this Friday, April 7.

A still of Seasaw's "Dial Me Up" video in which the members are huddled together on a bed, smiling and holding up a landline telephone. Each has a pair of sunglasses superimposed onto their face by way of a lo-fi video effect.

Celebrating a selection of March’s standout tracks from Madison musicians

By Steven Spoerl ● Music ● March 30, 2023 March 29, 2023

Another month, another strong slate of releases across several genres.