Madison Project
Band Story
Madison Project: “Fresh, energetic, modern rock with a dark but hook-oriented twist.”
Madison Project was formed in the winter of 2006. Guitarist/vocalist Ryan MacNeill and drummer Forrest Thomas left their previous band to pursue a different musical path. Ryan began writing heavier, hook-driven songs with a greater focus on songwriting structure. In the fall of 2006, they met bassist Ben Kogan from Boston, Massachusetts. Each member brings a unique musical background, creating an eclectic and dynamic modern rock sound.
Their lyrics explore life, loss, nightmares, addiction, and the hidden dimensions of reality—those unseen aspects of the world we may ignore or fail to recognize.
Origins and Influences
Ryan MacNeill grew up in the suburbs of Worcester, Massachusetts, and was heavily influenced by the local street punk scene. He later gravitated toward the underground West Coast punk bands of the mid-'90s, particularly from Southern California. His performance resume includes appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and sharing the stage with national acts like The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Dispatch.
Forrest Thomas, originally from Vermont, spent his formative musical years in Los Angeles playing at iconic venues like The Roxy, the Troubadour, and the Whisky a Go-Go. He eventually returned to Vermont, where the Madison Project would take root.
The band teamed up with producer/engineer Frank Aversa (Spin Doctors, The Hazies) and musical director Robby Baier to record their debut album, I Am the Target, released on ThunderCreek Records. Known for their high-energy live shows, Madison Project aims to lift your soul to a new level.
Album Review: I Am the Target
Burlington, Vermont’s Madison Project is not to be confused with the a cappella group from James Madison University or the conservative PAC of the same name. This Madison Project delivers a tight, unpretentious rock sound with pop sensibilities.
Their debut opens with the under-three-minute track “Rock It,” featuring a sliding guitar riff and a hook that stays with you. The track boasts a hard pop edge and clean production that’s refreshingly raw. While not every song matches “Rock It,” other standout tracks include “Frequent Destroyer,” “Fallen,” and the ska-tinged “Revolution.” “Burn It Down” serves as a slow, heavy ballad showcasing Ryan MacNeill’s expressive vocals.
Joe Viglione of All Music Guide praised the album’s consistent delivery and the band’s clear potential, noting that songs like “Masters Flying” bring wild energy and memorable hooks suitable for both college and commercial radio.
Mike Ty of The Daily Chorus commended the band’s confident debut, describing it as a hook-laden record that positions them not only at the top of the Vermont scene but as contenders nationwide.
C.J. Trent of TheCelebrityCafe.com applauded the album’s blend of punk and classic rock influences. Tracks like “Sedation” and “Take It All” were praised for their raw, emotional energy and tight execution. While “Burn It Down” was seen as less compelling, the overall album was noted as a solid effort worthy of attention.
Syl Nathan of Good Times Magazine highlighted the unpretentious nature of the album, favoring tracks like “Take It All” and “Rock It,” and praised the record’s “barely produced” sound, calling it a much-needed reminder of what real rock can be.
Touring and Recognition
Madison Project released I Am the Target on November 6, 2007. Despite being a newly formed band at the time, the album revealed a surprising level of maturity and thoughtful composition. It blends rock, metal, and punk influences with nods to bands like Descendents, Bad Religion, and Pennywise.
Following the album’s release, Madison Project embarked on a tour that stretched from Vermont to Nashville, Tennessee. Their dedication and relentless touring landed them on radio charts in several states, including Pennsylvania (WVYC), Massachusetts (WKKL), New York (WUSB), California (KULV), Oregon (KPUR), and Wisconsin (WSRI, WCCX).
A highlight of their early success was a performance at Austin’s renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.
Acoustic Evolution
In early June 2008, Madison Project kicked off an acoustic tour spanning from Vermont to California, with stops in Illinois, Kansas, and Utah. This tour marked a new chapter for the band, showcasing their versatility and providing fans a glimpse into their evolving musical direction. The stripped-down format emphasized the chemistry between Ryan and Ben, offering reimagined versions of their songs and introducing new material.
Media Coverage
The Onion previewed Madison Project’s Denver show alongside fellow Vermont band Nightbirds. The review praised Madison Project for delivering “earnest, no-bullshit 90s pop-punk in the vein of The Bouncing Souls,” adding that while neither band had mainstream buzz, both were worth seeing for their unique styles and energy.
Madison Project was formed in the winter of 2006. Guitarist/vocalist Ryan MacNeill and drummer Forrest Thomas left their previous band to pursue a different musical path. Ryan began writing heavier, hook-driven songs with a greater focus on songwriting structure. In the fall of 2006, they met bassist Ben Kogan from Boston, Massachusetts. Each member brings a unique musical background, creating an eclectic and dynamic modern rock sound.
Their lyrics explore life, loss, nightmares, addiction, and the hidden dimensions of reality—those unseen aspects of the world we may ignore or fail to recognize.
Origins and Influences
Ryan MacNeill grew up in the suburbs of Worcester, Massachusetts, and was heavily influenced by the local street punk scene. He later gravitated toward the underground West Coast punk bands of the mid-'90s, particularly from Southern California. His performance resume includes appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and sharing the stage with national acts like The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Dispatch.
Forrest Thomas, originally from Vermont, spent his formative musical years in Los Angeles playing at iconic venues like The Roxy, the Troubadour, and the Whisky a Go-Go. He eventually returned to Vermont, where the Madison Project would take root.
The band teamed up with producer/engineer Frank Aversa (Spin Doctors, The Hazies) and musical director Robby Baier to record their debut album, I Am the Target, released on ThunderCreek Records. Known for their high-energy live shows, Madison Project aims to lift your soul to a new level.
Album Review: I Am the Target
Burlington, Vermont’s Madison Project is not to be confused with the a cappella group from James Madison University or the conservative PAC of the same name. This Madison Project delivers a tight, unpretentious rock sound with pop sensibilities.
Their debut opens with the under-three-minute track “Rock It,” featuring a sliding guitar riff and a hook that stays with you. The track boasts a hard pop edge and clean production that’s refreshingly raw. While not every song matches “Rock It,” other standout tracks include “Frequent Destroyer,” “Fallen,” and the ska-tinged “Revolution.” “Burn It Down” serves as a slow, heavy ballad showcasing Ryan MacNeill’s expressive vocals.
Joe Viglione of All Music Guide praised the album’s consistent delivery and the band’s clear potential, noting that songs like “Masters Flying” bring wild energy and memorable hooks suitable for both college and commercial radio.
Mike Ty of The Daily Chorus commended the band’s confident debut, describing it as a hook-laden record that positions them not only at the top of the Vermont scene but as contenders nationwide.
C.J. Trent of TheCelebrityCafe.com applauded the album’s blend of punk and classic rock influences. Tracks like “Sedation” and “Take It All” were praised for their raw, emotional energy and tight execution. While “Burn It Down” was seen as less compelling, the overall album was noted as a solid effort worthy of attention.
Syl Nathan of Good Times Magazine highlighted the unpretentious nature of the album, favoring tracks like “Take It All” and “Rock It,” and praised the record’s “barely produced” sound, calling it a much-needed reminder of what real rock can be.
Touring and Recognition
Madison Project released I Am the Target on November 6, 2007. Despite being a newly formed band at the time, the album revealed a surprising level of maturity and thoughtful composition. It blends rock, metal, and punk influences with nods to bands like Descendents, Bad Religion, and Pennywise.
Following the album’s release, Madison Project embarked on a tour that stretched from Vermont to Nashville, Tennessee. Their dedication and relentless touring landed them on radio charts in several states, including Pennsylvania (WVYC), Massachusetts (WKKL), New York (WUSB), California (KULV), Oregon (KPUR), and Wisconsin (WSRI, WCCX).
A highlight of their early success was a performance at Austin’s renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.
Acoustic Evolution
In early June 2008, Madison Project kicked off an acoustic tour spanning from Vermont to California, with stops in Illinois, Kansas, and Utah. This tour marked a new chapter for the band, showcasing their versatility and providing fans a glimpse into their evolving musical direction. The stripped-down format emphasized the chemistry between Ryan and Ben, offering reimagined versions of their songs and introducing new material.
Media Coverage
The Onion previewed Madison Project’s Denver show alongside fellow Vermont band Nightbirds. The review praised Madison Project for delivering “earnest, no-bullshit 90s pop-punk in the vein of The Bouncing Souls,” adding that while neither band had mainstream buzz, both were worth seeing for their unique styles and energy.
Band Members
Ryan MacNeill
Ryan MacNeill
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Vermont (VT)
Genre: Rock