PUBLISHED September 3rd, 2018 06:00 am | UPDATED July 23rd, 2024 11:30 pm
This September, Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden will join Keith Duffy and BrianMcFadden of Boyzlife, as well as Black Eyed Pea’s Taboo at The Podium Lounge, a staple event in the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix calendar and one of the most glamorous celebrity after-parties in town.
Were we surprised that he’s been invited as a guest performer? No, sir – after all, the man is seriously talented. The prolific musician has been a coach on The Voice Australia since its inception in 2012, been featured in TV series Empire (a show based on the music industry), and rocked the dance floor as a celebrity DJ for several years now. As for how the latter came to happen, we’ll let him tell you about it himself.
Hi Joel! First of all, are you a Formula One fan?
I would consider myself a beginner-level Formula One fan. I love the cars, and admire the drivers. I wouldn’t say I have any favourite teams or drivers, but I do enjoy watching.
Singapore’s absolutely stoked to welcome you. Any particular sights you’re looking to see or try?
I love Singapore and have always had such a good time whether for work or just hanging out. I’ve been enough times to feel less like a tourist, so I plan on just enjoying a good time with good people and find some good food.
What’s different about DJing compared to you know, rocking it out on stage?
DJing is always a nice escape from the norm for me. I’ve been doing it a long time and I always feel like it’s the only opportunity I get to go out and experience nightlife and see what people are into. The few times a year I actually get to do it are always really fun for me. Having a family and running a business tend to keep my life pretty grounded in Los Angeles, so traveling to have a night out or go to a party is always fun.
Is it difficult to shed the shadow, or rather, legacy of Good Charlotte?
These days I wear the GC legacy like a badge of honor, after being together for 22 years or so and experiencing so much because of this band. I am so grateful to have that present past and future in my life. We don’t tour very much, so the couple of times a year we do are always so special for us, especially since our latest tours have been some of the biggest of our careers, in many parts of the world. So, I guess I just feel very lucky to have survived two decades of change in the music business and to have grown up together as a band. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for GC as we grow into whatever we will become.
What are some of your favourite styles or tracks to play now?
I have always liked mixing old with new. I love hip-hop and all its sub-genres and forms, as well as some dance music. I try to play things that everyone knows and can enjoy while mixing in some stuff that feels interesting to me. I always kind of just approach it like I have the AUX cord at a friend of a friend’s party.
What kind of set can we expect from you in Singapore this September?
I really am just looking for everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves, and I plan on doing the same. I’ll probably start the set with a vocal-only track of my favourite Broadway musicals, then move into the heavier stuff.
How about the Podium Lounge weekend in general?
I’m looking forward to coming and experiencing the Formula One culture as a whole, and hanging out with cool people in Singapore.
Anything you’re into now besides making music and touring?
These days I spend most of my time running a music media company with my brothers called MDDN. I am also excited about some of the stuff I’m working on in the technology space. When I’m not working at our company, I still enjoy hanging out with my wife and kids the most.
Your go-to drink at the moment?
My go-to is always whiskey and coke.
Tell us about what’s next for you!
The next big thing is the NEW Good Charlotte record “Generation Rx” coming out on 14 September. We will have a big US tour and Europe tour early next year as well and will be coming back to Asia in 2019. I might be back for some parties in Singapore in 2019 as well.
The Podium Lounge 2018 is happening from 14 to 16 September 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Tickets are priced from $188, available here.