instead of splurging on artificially scarce plastic this RSD, I recommend supporting the two recent Tunefork Studios & Beirut Synth Center experimental music compilations. all proceeds go towards Beit Aam's humanitarian work for those displaced by Israeli attacks
title is true, but this new Eva Lawitts record deserves more than 20 Bandcamp supporters. :) riyl the Cardiacs extended universe, Emme Phyzema, Guerilla Toss, Every Kim Parcell
this year, more than others, "waiting for the colour of spring"
in my last true piece for Tone, I—maybe most appropriately—connected with an artist who has significant ties to my home state of Pennsylvania.
highly recommend making it to at least one of the Midwest Video Poetry Fest programs this Saturday at Art Lit Lab
artlitlab.org/events/2026-...
A famous still from the psychological art-house drama PERSONA shows a shirtless boy reaching out to touch a woman's face projected on a large screen in front of him.
In his postmodernist documentary on the band Pavement, director Alex Ross Perry seemingly pays tribute to one of the opening scenes in Bergman's PERSONA. Actor Joe Keery reaches out to touch musician Stephen Malkmus' face projected on a large screen in front of him.
PERSONA (1966, dir. Ingmar Bergman) | PAVEMENTS (2024, dir. Alex Ross Perry)
💯 I've been saying this for more than half a decade, and officially since watching THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS four years ago
letterboxd.com/prohibitedar...
I'm going to miss writing pieces like this for local readers and even those beyond the proximity of that community, who are seriously interested in filmmaking and process. while I know my approach limited the audience, it's also not something other publications really cared about. for the artists...
it's almost like the reigning campaign finance laws are antithetical to democracy
a whole host of ppl contributed to this initial survey of the 2026 #wifilmfest.
it's also important to me to capture the visual identity of the festival, and I appreciate Art Director Christina King sharing her design philosophy behind this year's infinite ribbon.
Got mine :)
combined top-10 list looks something like:
(1) Webber / Morris Big Band
(2) Gumby's Junk
(3) Antropoceno
(4) Eliana Glass
(5) Rafael Toral
(6) Sleep Paralysis
(7) Lost Crowns
(8) Takuro Okada
(9) Kayo Dot
(10) Tubo de Ensaio
finally finished arranging my fav 2025 releases from July thru Dec for #bandcampfriday. an inspired medley of transportive discoveries and formative artists, which kept me grounded amid personal and professional (and universal) tumult... once more. grateful to engage with these sounds and textures
Dave Schoepke in the zone at Common Sage last night
one week remaining to catch these compelling experimental shorts / video installations by Chele Isaac, Toby Kaufmann-Buhler, and Aaron Granat at Madison Public Library - Central. I wrote extensively about their work for @tonemadison.bsky.social.
and shortly thereafter, I sat down with Josiah Wampfler to highlight some notable screening events in Madison and our shared / individual picks for favorite 2025 movie performances.
...I'd say I look unhealthy, but at least I'm sporting a Lychgate tee (and continuing the 'fit tradition, ha)
quite a belated post, but I detailed my 2025 viewing year with eight other @tonemadison.bsky.social writers the other week. thanks to each of them for helping shape my experiences and curiosities.
it's almost unbearable dealing with reality right now. this year I've been trying to buoy my spirits by getting back into my favorite music ever from the Canterbury Scene.
the a-b-c trio of "Muddy Mouse" tunes from Robert Wyatt's third solo record (with Fred Frith on piano) are so, so, so brilliant
also, reject the status quo. stop supporting big business (as much as possible) & cancel subscription and streaming services
this regime will literally say and do anything to justify its tyranny. do not comply
this week, @tonemadison.bsky.social published our fav 20 records of 2025, with writing exclusively by @stevenmps.bsky.social (edited exclusively by me).
particularly appreciate Steven's coverage and inclusion of more left-field, outré work by Alex Kalfayan and M.otherthing
ngl... I'd wear a "Make America Go Away" hat, as long as it's not in red
for @tonemadison.bsky.social this week, I wrote about a handful of my fav 2025 tunes from Avoidancepolicy + Carl Johnson, Jonathon Millionaire, Mr. Chair, @rockstarelise.com, and @sirsigra.bsky.social.
thx to our music editor @stevenmps.bsky.social for all his essential editorial planning.
one of the best things Kim's ever made (with visuals by Kelly Reichardt's longtime DP)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8_2...
Light box at the AMC in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, contains a poster for a new telling of DRACULA by Luc Besson
Light box at the AMC in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, contains a poster for the documentary MELANIA by Brett Ratner
new Luc Besson and Brett Ratner films coming soon to your local AMC
?????? wtf are we doing here
runner-up
regret to inform Timothée Chalamet that he is not "one of the greats" or making his case for goat status with that performance in MARTY SUPREME. distractingly self-conscious. often the opposite of disappearing into a role. thankfully, the film is redeemed by an outstanding supporting cast
James Kreul, film programmer at Mills Folly Microcinema, MMoCA Cinema, and Duck Soup Cinema (Overture Center) says, "As a film curator and programmer, it is reassuring to know that films from more niche genres (like experimental film) or by lesser-known filmmakers have a chance to reach wider audiences thanks to Tone Madison's commitment to spreading the word about what's playing in town." Donate today.
Help Tone Madison continue to be a "vital resource" for film and arts coverage through your donation during NewsMatch. An anonymous local donor has recently offered to match the next $2,500 contributed by our readers.
tonemadison.com/donate/
fav live-streamer clip of 2025
support Tone Madison so we can persist with unparalleled local coverage of the arts (and incredible interviews just like this). only a few days remain to maximize the impact of your donation through NewsMatch. ty!
tonemadison.com/donate/
