Madison Rising

Madison Rising is an American patriotic post-grunge and hard rock band. Formed in 2011 by Richard Mgrdechian, it is led by Air Force veteran MSGT Rio Hiett (Ret). The band is named for the street in Hoboken, New Jersey where their recording studio was located, but the band later considered it to also be in reference to former president James Madison.

Madison Rising
Madison Rising performing in Virginia in 2012
Background information
GenresPost-grunge, hard rock
Years active2011–present
LabelsPurple Eagle Entertainment
Websitemadisonrising.com
MembersRio Hiett
AJ Larsen

The band describes themselves as being "constitutional" and "America's most patriotic rock band"—having frequently invoked themes of conservatism in their lyrics, and having conducted initiatives in support of first responders and the United States Armed Forces. The band has cited groups such as Creed as an influence on their style.

Madison Rising gained some prominence in 2014, following the band's performance of the U.S. national anthem at a NASCAR event in February, and the announcement that it would perform the theme song for Amazing America with Sarah Palin, a television program starring former Governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

History

Madison Rising was the creation of New York City entrepreneur Richard Mgrdechian, who chose the members of the band by placing ads on Craigslist and YouTube, and then holding "endless" auditions in 2011.[1] Dave Bray, the original lead singer for the band, enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18. Before being shipped off, Dave found an interest in music, and formed a band in his garage his senior year of high school. According to Bray, "It was my last-ditch effort at rebellion before signing my life away."[2] The band was first named after Madison Street in Hoboken, New Jersey, where their studio, Water Music Recorders, was located.[3] Later on, the band also acknowledged its name as being in honor of U.S. founding father James Madison, because they wanted to "bring back patriotism and the belief system from a time when the Constitution was being written".[4] While other names such as "Authors of Liberty" and "Soldiers for Freedom" were considered, Madison Rising felt the most "rock and roll" of them all, evoking imagery of him "rising from the grave".[5][6]

Madison Rising, the band's self-titled debut album, was released in October 2011 via CD Baby.[7] In early December 2011, the band attempted to procure a permit for a live "Take Back Wall Street" performance in Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park, in response to the Occupy Wall Street protests. The permit was ultimately denied by the park's ownership, Brookfield Properties.[8] Two months later, the band played a short show for Occupy Congress in January 2012. Lead singer Dave Bray said that, to his shock, were "met with a warm welcome" during the band's five-song set before several hundred Occupy demonstrators.[9] Their second album, American Hero, was released via CD Baby in November 2013 and is dedicated to military members, police, firefighters, and other first responders.[5][10] It reached Amazon.com's top 100 and reached #1 on its Classic Rock list.[2]

In March 2014, the band announced they had been chosen to provide the theme song for Amazing America, a Sarah Palin-hosted program on the US cable network Sportsman Channel.[11][12] In keeping with the show's subject matter, the theme song's lyrics contain references to nature, flags, glory, dogs, horses, trucks, and guns.[11][13]

In early April 2014, former band member Alex Bodnar initiated a civil lawsuit in Brooklyn against band manager Richard Mgrdechian for owed "wages, royalties and [production] credit". According to the New York Post, Mgrdechian would not comment on the pending litigation except to describe Bodnar as a "disgruntled employee" who had "breached his contract."[12] The band performed a "Patriot Party" concert in Anderson, South Carolina on April 5, 2014, for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. They played another "Patriot Party" on April 18 in Bunkerville, Nevada, for supporters of controversial rancher Cliven Bundy.[14][15]

Musical style and themes

Madison Rising's style has been compared to bands such as Creed, Nickelback, and Stone Temple Pilots;[1] Bray noted that bands such as Creed and Nickelback "were the soundtrack of our generation for a while", and that he was not ashamed by the comparisons.[6] The band describes themselves as being "constitutional" and "pro-patriotic", and have even referred to themselves as being "America's most patriotic rock band" in promotion.[6][16] The band has also paid tribute to the United States Armed Forces in its albums, going as far as recording a music video for its arrangement of the "Marines' Hymn" for the 239th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.[17]

Madison Rising's original songs incorporate political themes, with a particular emphasis on conservatism;[1][6] "Come to the Ready" contains lyrics critical of Barack Obama, alluding to the "re-election of an antichrist" and describing him as a "liar". Mgrdechian explained that the "antichrist" lyric was meant to "highlight our belief that he doesn't have our country’s best interests in mind and is in fact doing a lot to hurt us in the long run, in particular turning Americans against one another, which is the last thing we need right now", rather than from a religious standpoint.[2][10]

Jonathan Widran of Allmusic described their "socially conscious aesthetic" as being "reminiscent of the pointed folk music of the '60s—even though they are presumably on the other side of the political fence",[18] while a writer for The New York Post described the band as the "Monkees of conservatism", asking readers to "just think of them as Rage For the Machine".[1]

National anthem

Madison Rising received prominent attention for their arrangement of the U.S. national anthem; considering it a contrast to Jimi Hendrix's rendition, lead singer Dave Bray explained that he "took the words and formatted them so that they feel more like a modern day rock song" and "took liberties with the melodies to make it a little more singable."[6] In June 2012, in an attempt to draw attention to what they perceived as negative "attacks" towards the anthem by liberal commentators, the band announced a "One Million Star-Spangled Banner Challenge"—aiming to have a music video of the cover viewed on YouTube at least 1 million times by November 6, 2012. The goal was surpassed on September 14, 2012, after which the band announced a new goal of 5 million views by July 4, 2013.[19][20]

The band has performed the anthem at various sporting events, including the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada,[21] the opening ceremonies for the 2014 Special Olympics USA in Newark, New Jersey,[22] the Military Bowl,[6] and was also included on the soundtrack for Dinesh D'Souza's 2014 documentary film America: Imagine the World Without Her.[23]

The band's performance of the anthem at the DRIVE4COPD 300, the opening event of the 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series season at Daytona International Speedway in February 2014, was poorly received by critics and those in attendance, attracting significant media attention.[24][25][26][27][28] The Huffington Post characterized it as being "cringeworthy",[29] and a writer for USA Today's sports blog For The Win described it as being "spectacularly awful".[30] The performance also received poor reception from those involved in the race itself; driver Brad Keselowski remarked that he wanted the band to "just sing the damn song". Track president Joie Chitwood III defended his decision to bring in Madison Rising based on past performances but noted that "[...] our fans are very opinionated and they make sure that they comment, and that's their right."[31]

Charity performances and partnerships

On August 8, 2013, the band played a free concert, opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd and Brantley Gilbert at the 2013 Sturgis Rally.[32]

On April 14, 2015, the Young Marines, a national youth organization, announced a partnership with Madison Rising, kicking off as the band began their Concerned Veterans for America-sponsored "Defend Freedom" Tour.[33]

On November 11, 2015, Madison Rising performed as part of the inaugural Vets Rock concert and expo at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Vets Rock is hosted by Til Duty is Done, a Veteran Support foundation focused on assisting veterans with job training, housing and basic life support needs.[34]

On December 8, 2015, Madison Rising performed for an event as part of Wreaths Across America, an organization known for supporting American veterans and fallen warriors, at Saint Bernard School in Connecticut.[35]

Lineup

Current members
  • Rio Hiett – Lead vocals
  • Adam Lefevre - Bass

Associated musicians
  • AJ Larsen - Guitar
  • Rob Turulli- Guitar/Bass

Former members
  • Sam Fishman – Drums/Vocals
  • Tom DiPietro - Bass
  • Dave Bray
  • Alex Bodner

Discography

Studio albums
  • Madison Rising (October 2011)[7]
  • American Hero (November 2013)[5]
  • Battered Not Broken (February 2017)
  • Battered Not Broken, Remastered and Reloaded (September 2018)

Singles
gollark: What sample size do you actually have?
gollark: Do you mean 50% of the people who joined *a* programming server?
gollark: Finally my greatness is recognized.
gollark: "Come for the esolangs, stay for the weird injokes."
gollark: ggegg you.

References
  1. Smith, Kyle (September 4, 2011). "Hey, hey, we're the rightees". New York Post. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  2. "Bringing Rock Back to America: Madison Rising". This Is It Philly. December 17, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  3. Brenzel, Kathryn (February 26, 2014). "Band that sang controversial national anthem at Daytona linked to Hoboken". The Jersey Journal. NJ.com. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  4. "ROCKING FOR PATRIOTISM: Interview with Dave Bray of Madison Rising". Clash Daily. March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2015.
  5. Leggett, Steve. "Madison Rising". Pandora Radio. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  6. Jacobs, Ben (March 29, 2014). "Meet Madison Rising, the Band Behind Sarah Palin's New Theme Song". The Daily Beast. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  7. "Madison Rising by Madison Rising". CD Baby. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  8. Pickey, Kerry (December 5, 2011). "Anti-Occupy Wall Street band prohibited from performing in Zuccotti Park". The Washington Times. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  9. Arin Greenwood (January 20, 2012). "Right-Wing Band 'Madison Rising' Plays For Occupy Congress". The Huffington Post.
  10. Hallowell, Billy (November 11, 2013). "'The Re-Election of an Anti-Christ': Rock Band's New Album Takes Aim at President Obama". TheBlaze.
  11. Faughnder, Ryan (March 26, 2014). "'Most patriotic band' pens theme for Sarah Palin's new show". Los Angeles Times.
  12. Saul, Josh (April 15, 2014). "'America's Most Patriotic Rock Band' tied up in royalties lawsuit". New York Post. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  13. "Sportsman Channel and Madison Rising Team to Create Original Theme Song for "Amazing America with Sarah Palin"". Sportsman Channel. March 26, 2014.
  14. Rogers, Keith (April 18, 2014). "Bundy supporters party, welcome 'domestic terrorist' label". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  15. "Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Patriot's Party To Help Vets". Anderson Observer. March 24, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  16. Sandich, Kate (February 25, 2014). "Madison Rising's rock-out national anthem at Daytona draws critics". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  17. Malcolm, Andrew (November 10, 2014). "Change of Pace: Madison Rising's stirring birthday tribute to Marines". Investor's Business Daily. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  18. "Madison Rising review". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  19. "Rock Band Combats Liberal Attacks on the National Anthem With This Patriotic 'Star-Spangled Banner' Video & Challenge". The Blaze. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  20. "Rock Band Defends National Anthem Against Liberal Attacks With This Patriotic 'Star Spangled Banner' Challenge". The Blaze. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  21. Denise M. Abbott (October 18, 2013). "Get ready for the 2013 PBR World Finals". Professional Bull Riders.
  22. "Special Olympics USA Games Opening Ceremony (Madison Rising)". Zimbio. June 14, 2014.
  23. "The Star Spangled Banner by Madison Rising". The Dennis Prager Show. July 4, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  24. Burke, Timothy (February 22, 2014). ""America's Most Patriotic Band" Plays America's Worst Anthem Rendition". Deadspin. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  25. Gant, Andrew (February 14, 2014). "Band's rockin' anthem hits sour note with some Daytona race fans". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  26. "Madison Rising performs rock version of 'Star Spangled Banner' at Daytona International Speedway". WPTV. February 22, 2014. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  27. Jordan Bianchi (February 22, 2014). "The national anthem at Daytona was awful". SB Nation.
  28. Troy Machir (February 22, 2014). "National anthem performance at Daytona Nationwide race was horrible (VIDEO)". Sporting News.
  29. Greenberg, Chris (February 22, 2014). "Madison Rising Treated Daytona To Possibly The Worst National Anthem Rendition Ever". The Huffington Post. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  30. Scott, Nate (February 22, 2014). "'Patriotic' band performs spectacularly awful national anthem at Daytona". USA Today. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  31. "Rock national anthem raises eyebrows at Daytona". Associated Press. Retrieved 2018-09-27.
  32. "Madison Rising Makes Spectacular Debut at 2013 Sturgis Rally". Buffalochip.com. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  33. "The Young Marines forms partnership with Madison Rising, America's most patriotic rock band". The Young Marines. April 14, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  34. "A Tribute Like No Other: Vets Rock". WTNH.
  35. "Wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery stop in Montville". The Day.
  36. "The Star Spangled Banner by Madison Rising". CD Baby. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
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