Tim McIlrath

Tim McIlrath

Author: Artist Friendly Media September 23, 2026 Duration: 55:28
On this week's episode of Artist Friendly, Joel Madden sits down with Tim McIlrath of Rise Against.Rise Against formed to inspire change for the better, taking the torch from Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and 7 Seconds to create their own political anthems. From the raw sound of 2001’s The Unraveling to the complex themes spread across last year’s Ricochet, it’s apparent that the Chicago punks try to empower everyone around them. Along the way, they’ve championed the new wave of alternative, bringing Koyo, Destroy Boys, and Spiritual Cramp on tour with them. Before hitting the road with Alkaline Trio later this year, the Rise Against frontman stopped by the Artist Friendly studio to discuss what’s next. (0:00) – Stories as Bridges(0:54) – Getting to Know Rise Against(4:14) – The Next Generation Always Shows Up(4:50) – Politics Without Preaching(5:45) – Straight Edge, Vegetarian, Unapologetic(6:49) – Authenticity(7:27) – Building a Rise Against Community(9:17) – Meeting Fans Still Hits Different(10:14) – Fans Who Turned Music Into Impact(13:52) – Refusing to Be Silenced on Stage(16:38) – Building a Space Free From Hate(18:12) – Music's Power to Change Minds(19:52) – What Fans Hear That Artists Miss(25:46) – Being Flawed in Public Through Songs(29:11) – Stories Connect a Divided World(30:10) – Changing How They Release Music(34:29) – New Rise Against Music(35:10) – Chicago: Community Over Competition(37:18) – Patrick Stump at Rise Against's Debut(43:59) –Ambition Has No Ceiling(46:56) – Letting Fans Define the Band(49:56) – Giving Your Life to Art(51:21) – Not Everyone Is Your Audience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a familiar rhythm to most conversations with musicians, but Artist Friendly with Joel Madden deliberately breaks that pattern. Hosted by the Good Charlotte frontman and founder, this podcast from Alternative Press operates from a place of shared understanding. Joel isn't just a host; he's been in the exact seats his guests occupy, navigating the complexities of life as an artist, performer, and entrepreneur. That unique perspective allows him to bypass the usual promotional chatter and get to the heart of what a creative life actually entails. Each episode feels like a candid backstage conversation, where today's most compelling breakthrough artists-from chart-topping names to those just on the cusp-feel comfortable revealing the real stories. They discuss the pivotal breaks that seemed to come from nowhere, the crushing failures that ultimately redirected their path, and the specific, often unglamorous, insider moves that truly made a difference in their careers. Listening, you gain an authentic masterclass in creative survival, straight from the people living it. This isn't about surface-level anecdotes; it's about the gritty, practical, and human experiences behind the music and art we love. For anyone curious about the reality of building a life in the arts, this podcast offers a rare and genuinely insightful window.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Artist Friendly with Joel Madden
Podcast Episodes
DE'WAYNE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Melissa Etheridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Michael Bingham of Spiritual Cramp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:33
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Ziggy Marley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Slayyyter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Marc Roberge of O.A.R. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
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 c…
Lionel Richie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:46
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…
2 Chainz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:33
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…
Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
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 tra…
Ryan Cabrera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:53
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 car…