Personal demons provide lyrical inspiration on Madchild's latest release

The internal war that rages on in Madchild’s head on his new album Demons is high level and inspiring over the course of 16 tracks.

One listen will prove that fact out.

But those demons do not take away from the fact the skilled hip hop star is considered by many to be one of the hardest-working musicians today.

The Swollen Members MC, Shane Bunting, better known by his stage name Madchild, has been on a massive North American tour since April 2019 which sees him touch down in Timmins on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Club 147.

“I love working hard and I’ve been doing it a long time,” said Madchild, speaking over the phone from Los Angeles. “Having purpose in my life is very important to me. If you want to be a real artist, you’d better love touring. At the same time, it gives you the rewards of having a large fan base you can interact with.

I love to talk to fans who support my live shows, but over the years I have had a love/hate relationship with Twitter and Facebook. I never used it.

“I had someone take care of it. I’ve always done my own Instagram because, let’s face, they are tools to your brand and if you’re not using them, it’s not smart.”

Demons, the title track of his new album, is already pushing over 1.3 million views since its release this year and that news is encouraging to Madchild.

“Yes, it’s pretty good to have those numbers, but as we speak I’m already working with new producers here in L.A. on new trap beats.

“It’s a modern current sounding beat. I found a way to snap on lyrically on that beat and I’m super excited about it.

“The feedback has been really good. Normally I would just play songs from the albums and, of course, the hits.

“I still do that. But on this tour, I have been including new songs with these beats and the audience loves it.

“It just feels right and as long as I’m pushing my limits and people encourage that, then it’s fantastic.

I currently have three projects in a working state and it’s possible all three could be released in 2020. It’s a lot but you just want to be proud of your entire career in the end.”

Through his solo career and with Swollen Members, people had and still look up to Madchild for responsibility and for what was and is cool. However, a relapse a few years back was a nightmare which also provided inspiration for lyrics on the new album

“A few years back I got addicted to Xanax,” he said. “It was horrible, the worst feeling you can ever imagine in your life. It took me a long time to get to off it and I did it myself.

“If I can say one thing, if you have anxiety do not take this. It’s so hard mentally and physically, you are better off exercising or eating better.

“It’s my second go-around because many, many years back I got involved with OxyContin and lost virtually millions of dollars and destroyed my health.

“Now, I’m in a great place and I’ve learned not to delve in the past. I’m enjoying the moment. I’m honestly happy these days when I wake up and the day begins.

“I have an addictive personality but on the working side, it helps productivity. It’s a learning experience. You can’t look left or right or these demons will get to you,” Madchild says with a laugh.

“I hope to see all the hip-hop fans come out for this show in Timmins. It’s going to be a positive experience.”

Fans can expect an hour-long set and high energy from Madchild with special guest Robbie G and three opening acts.

For more information about the show, contact Club 147.

John Emms is a Timmins musician who writes about the local music scene.