Tone Madison

@tonemadison.bsky.social

21106 Followers 201 Following

Fiercely independent coverage of arts, culture, and politics in Madison, Wisconsin, that was worker-owned and reader-supported. 2014–2026. Archive available at tonemadison.com

This week on Tone Madison: Video: Sizing up local screening events and prominent performances of 2025. By Grant Phipps. Madison needs a wake-up call. The longer we pretend this City is a progressive haven, the more people will be harmed. By Christina Lieffring. Three video artists tap into personal histories in the 150 Artists x 150 Years exhibition. By Grant Phipps. Read on ToneMadison.com // February 11-17, 2026.
This week on Tone Madison: RESURRECTION explores human perceptions through the historical labyrinth of cinema. By David Boffa. Stop spotlighting new films by known abusers. By Grant Phipps. Wisconsin energy utilities sacrifice affordability and sustainability to fuel the AI gold rush. By Kristen Billings. Read on ToneMadison.com // Feb. 2-10, 2026.
This week on Tone Madison: What do we owe each other? Reggie and Anne navigate life without housing after the closure of Dairy Drive. By George Clyde. USRowing's trans-exclusionary policies only divide us all. Amid institutional erasure of their autonomy, trans athletes deserve to be openly embraced by their teammates and representatives. By Cam T.B. Achieving a broader focus through music journalism in 2025. The fourth installment of our live music photo essay series centers a more personal vantage point. By Steven Spoerl. Read on ToneMadison.com // Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, 2026.
This week on Tone Madison: Tone Madison's favorite records of 2025. A celebration of 20 local releases that defined the year. By Steven Spoerl. One movie meditation after another: toiling through 2025. Nine writers processed these trying times through cinema, at the theaters and at home. By Grant Phipps, Lewis Peterson, Edwanike Harbour, Sara Batkie, Jesse Raub, Lance Li, David Boffa, Jason Fuhrman & Hanna Kohn.
A graphic that shows Grant Phipps as the author of: "Liking This Angle" finds artistic inspiration in degrees of the edit. Nicholas R. Wootton's experimental short, featuring sculptor Christina A. West, premieres at Art Lit Lab as part of Project Projection on January 21.
This week on Tone Madison: What's ahead in Wisconsin politics in 2026? By Christina Lieffring. Tone Madison's favorite songs of 2025. By Steven Spoerl, Grant Phipps, and Dan Fitch. Madison's musical odds and ends of 2025. By Steven Spoerl.
"Tone sets the standard for community-based journalism. When I'm looking for an arts and culture deep dive, they're my first stop. And their team consistently takes on the thorniest topics in local politics. Give Tone your support so they can keep looking out for the little guy!" says Faye Parks, News Producer at WORT-FM. 12x your new monthly donation. Donate Today.
Promotional graphic for the Tone Madison music compilation, RESOLUTION, centers an image of a compact disc with the album's cover photo of a bird perched on a power line (in the lower left corner). A sale sticker of "25% OFF" appears near the top right corner.
"Tone Madison is an invaluable resource to our community. From politics to music to film, Tone Madison understands what Madisonians care about and provides a space for all in our city to have their voices heard. As a journalist, I appreciate Tone's proclivity for covering stories that other outlets in the area can't or won't touch. Above all else, the people behind Tone Madison have always welcomed collaboration over competition, and at the end of the day, just want to see Madison become the best version of itself," says Hayley Sperling, Executive Producer of City Cast Madison. Donate Today.
"Full of heart and unafraid to punch up, Tone Madison is my dose of bold reporting on Wisconsin politics, education, and labor. They're on the pulse of the Madison housing crisis, the local music scene, and so much more. It's their brand of independent analysis that cuts through a sea of corporate media," says Sara Gabler, Talk Producer at WORT-FM and Tone Madison contributor. 12x your new monthly donation. Donate Today.
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.
"Tone provides the best analysis of housing and poverty issues in local government through a lens of the impact on economic inequality," says Andy Heidt, reader and board member at Madison Area Community Land Trust. Help us continue this crucial reporting. 12x your new monthly donation.
"In 2023, Tone's Christina Lieffring may have been the only journalist in the entire country providing thorough and critical coverage of Oshkosh Corporation, a Wisconsin-based military manufacturer tied to the genocide in Gaza. When I was writing my own investigation of Oshkosh Corporation this year for Tone and I found out that Christina would be my editor, I couldn't believe how lucky I was. There was simply no one more qualified to edit and advise me on my piece – Not at the Cap Times, not at the New York Times, not anywhere. Tone is putting out high quality investigative journalism that couldn't be published anywhere else. They're working on a minuscule budget, but I see Tone's community and public interest-oriented journalism as an absolutely critical service to the state of Wisconsin." Julian Cooper, contributor Help us publish stories you won't see anywhere else. Donate @ link in bio.
Join us tonight at Giant Jones for the RESOLUTION listening party! Hear a sneak preview of our new local music compilation featuring tracks from: Hottt Probs, Slick, Free Dirt, Mumbumper, Rockstar & Elise, and Jonathon Millionaire. Thursday, December 4, 5 to 8 p.m., 931 East Main Street.
A quote card reads: "I rely on Tone for unfiltered, relevant, and much-needed coverage of Madison's arts, music, cultural, and political landscape. At a time when independent media/journalism is particularly under attack and local options are shrinking by the day, we need outlets like Tone more than ever to keep us informed, connected, and thinking critically about the world around us." Attributed to Emily Mills, Tone Madison contributor and reader. Below: "Your new monthly donation gets matched TWICE for its full annual amount! Donate @link in bio."
Tone Madison and Madison Area Music Association Present: New Artist Listening Room. Saturday, November 29, 7 p.m. door (8 p.m. show). Harmony Bar & Grill, 2201 Atwood Avenue. Featuring Marigold Motel, Jonathon Millionaire, The Stoplights, and Rockstar & Elise.
Graphic has an abstract illustration in the background. At the top, the Tone Madison logo in black. In a read square, the words, "Fundraising Update / We have only raised $1,336 towards our $5,000 goal." Below shows a thermometer graphic updated September 11 to illustrate where $1,336 is in relation to $5,000. Below in another square is a "Donate" button, tonemadison.com/donate.
Graphic has an abstract illustration in the background. At the top, the Tone Madison logo in black. In a read square, the words, "Fundraising Update / We have only raised $985 towards our $5,000 goal." Below shows a thermometer graphic updated September 4 to illustrate where $985 is in relation to $5,000. Below in another square is a "Donate" button, tonemadison.com/donate.
An Indian person's hands are shown at a close-up holding open a printed copy of the Jan Morcha newspaper. Sunlight makes parts of the newsprint transparent, blurring the Hindi text on the cover page and second page that are printed on opposite sides.
Side-by side illustrations show a person holding a piece of artwork and a girl cuddling a cat.
Illustrated poster design for the film ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT depicts abstract imagery primarily in shades of green.
A photo of a Milwaukee alleyway during the daytime in the film THE YEAR. Along either side of the alley are vertical rows of garbage and recycling bins against fences and houses. The bins extend into the distance. The road itself is free of cars and pedestrians.
A photo shows several pieces of handmade pasta sitting atop a counter surface covered with coarse flour. A grooved wooden board is visible in the foreground. Basil leaves, lemons, and garlic are visible in the background. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites." Frame illustrated by Shaysa Sidebottom.
A blue-tinted image of an unsteady bridge with a tanker truck in the middle, tilting to one side as if nearly collapsing the ropes and planks due to its weight. A man squats awkwardly in front of the truck with his back to the camera.
A photo shows a close-up of an entree of West African cuisine served on a wooden platter with three distinct sections. In the foreground, the main course of Chicken Suya with plentiful onions and peppers; in the background, seasoned "fat" rice. On the side to the left is a small white cup of pickled vegetables.
A winter photo atop a cliffside shows an expansive landscape of trees on the horizon. A flakey pastry and white mug with a hot beverage rest on a rock in the foreground. The photo is framed with an illustrated tablecloth with food items including pasta, cheese, a hamburger and more frame the photo. In the lower left corner, a small chef, with a comically large mustache, stands on a spoon and says, "Small Bites."
A graphic shows 20 album covers arranged in four rows against a purple background.
Photo of a handsome tabby cat resting on a desk next to a keyboard
A block quote on an orange background that reads: "Tone Madison is the hyper-local, independent journalism every city deserves, but so few have. It's particularly rare these days to find media that's produced by people who are rooted in the place they're reporting on, while maintaining the necessary objectivity. Tone provides clear-eyed coverage of politics by contributors I respect, and reports on local culture with curiosity and enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to have Tone poking around in places other publications don't or won't, and they need our support to continue this vital work." Attributed to Jessica Gilkison, reader.
A progress bar at 63% is set against an orange background, with the text: “Only on Tone Madison” stories. Only with your help. You power our vital culture and politics coverage.
a bad attitude towards the status quo · unflinchingly honest about our shortcomings and opportunities for growth and change · sharp news analysis and tough commentary on local politics · owned by the people doing the journalism · a crucial source for understanding Madison · deeply thoughtful about the city's softest and weirdest parts · the hyper-local, independent journalism every city deserves, but so few have · fearless, honest, and at times hilarious · sets the tone for documenting the arts in Madison · publishes stories no other publications have the guts to run · fearless writers and editors who are not afraid to push the envelope · any city in the country would be lucky to have a Tone Madison covering its culture
Quote that reads: Tone Madison is the local media outlet that Madison both needs and deserves: unflinchingly honest about our shortcomings and opportunities for growth and change, lovingly engaged in and supportive of what makes our community special, and always willing to dig in and do the hard work that few others are doing."
A quote that reads: Tone Madison combines a bad attitude towards the status quo with an obsessive adherence to thoroughness and journalistic ethics. That's produced a local news outlet that meaningfully contributes to the ongoing public tussle that defines Madison politics and culture. We are lucky our community has a media organization so committed to dogged reporting and sharp analysis, and they do it with flair.
An arts gallery space is packed with people for a digital screening on a projection screen at the front of the room. The crowd all faces forward at the animated blue and white images on the screen. The far side of the galleries behind the attendees is mood-lit in a neon green.
A landscape photograph shows a lake with greenish water from atop a cliffside. A large cropping of trees appears on the opposite part of the lake. The sky is nearly a clear off-white color, and the general color palette of the image is muted on a late fall day.
"It can be easy to find alternative, local media in huge cities. But it’s a special and rare treat to find a small, but powerful, local like Tone in a town like Madison. From news to arts, music and culture, politics and comedy, and everything in between, Tone is a crucial source for understanding Madison—its challenges and shortfalls, its beauty and uniqueness, its people, and ultimately, its future.”
The main character of Anora (Mikey Madison) is centered in the frame, dancing joyously with her eyes closed. She wears a sparkling red dress in a room with others bathed in a magenta-colored light.
“I’m so grateful for Tone Madison’s crucial local coverage, from in-depth and investigative reporting on Wisconsin prisons and the Dane County Jail to municipal funding for the arts. Tone punches way above its weight with investigations, but is also a source of sharp news analysis and tough commentary on local politics.”
A flyer for Tone Madison's 10th anniversary show depicts a cake with a large orange number 10 on top, plus informational text: 12.06.24 GAMMA RAY BAR madison 10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT CULTURE & POLITICS REPORTING carisa Evan woo ward D) MU AVeIANCEP®LICY Holly & the MICE LIONS cult of Lip DOORS 6PM DJS 6:30 • BANDS 7 $20 ADVANCE • $25 AT THE DOOR Sponsored by union cab co-op
“Tone Madison's coverage is eclectic and sharp, laying bare the underbelly of Madison's arts, music, and political scenes. It publishes stories no other publications have the guts to run for the very fact of their brutal honesty and sincerity. Tone's writers are both ruthless in their analysis of local politics and deeply thoughtful about the city's softest and weirdest parts.”
A graphic shows the following text against an orange background: ""Fearless, honest, and at times hilarious, the critique coming out of Tone Madison is unmatched by any other local media outlet. The editors and contributors are passionate and dedicated to strong journalistic ethics, and unafraid of hot-button issues. Tone plays an essential role in Madison's media landscape. That's why I'm an enthusiastic Tone supporter and contributor." —Olivia Williams, Executive Director, Madison Area Community Land Trust" The logos of Tone Madison and NewsMatch are displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the graphic.
A flyer for Tone Madison's 10th anniversary show depicts a cake with a large orange number 10 on top, plus informational text: 12.06.24 GAMMA RAY BAR madison 10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT CULTURE & POLITICS REPORTING carisa Evan woo ward D) MU AVeIANCEP®LICY Holly & the MICE LIONS cult of Lip DOORS 6PM DJS 6:30 • BANDS 7 $20 ADVANCE • $25 AT THE DOOR Sponsored by union cab co-op
Teenage Connie Wyatt (Laura Dern) stands in the foreground at a close-up. She wears a white halter top and has a perturbed expression. Behind her, slightly out of focus, an older man (Treat Williams) in sunglasses and a purple shirt points threateningly.
A flyer for Tone Madison's 10th anniversary show depicts a cake with a large orange number 10 on top, plus informational text: 12.06.24 GAMMA RAY BAR madison 10 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT CULTURE & POLITICS REPORTING carisa Evan woo ward D) MU AVeIANCEP®LICY Holly & the MICE LIONS cult of Lip DOORS 6PM DJS 6:30 • BANDS 7 $20 ADVANCE • $25 AT THE DOOR Sponsored by union cab co-op
A woman with decayed teeth and long blonde hair (Elsie Downey) turns towards the camera, grins, and stares at the lens in a freeze-frame. Still from CHAFED ELBOWS.
A photo shows an expanse of marsh water in Warner Park on a sunny day. Grass and trees are visible in the background and foreground, and a large stand of trees is reflected in the water.
A woman in her late 20s (Maika Monroe) stands in a darkened room peering out the window in horror at something unseen. She covers her mortified expression with her left hand while reaching for a holstered gun on her waistband with her right hand. The daylight from the window softly illuminates the room.
At a medium shot, a man (Steven Yeun) in a red and white cowboy outfit faces away from the camera, looking away out at the rolling hills and desert valley beyond. The wind blows a black sheet off a stabled horse in a cage standing to his right.
Distorted image of the stage display at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee for the first day with the theme "Make America Wealthy Once Again."
A formally dressed couple (Sydney Sweeny and Glen Powell) on a luxury yacht perch on the bow and reach their arms out in a reenactment of the "king of the world" scene from TITANIC (1997). The lights of the Sydney Opera House shine behind them in the distance.
A photo shows Tone Madison News and Politics Editor Christina Lieffring standing in front of the Wisconsin Capitol building on a sunny day, wearing a stuffed horse head and a T-shirt featuring a comical drawing of a horse.
Against a golden-orange CGI city backdrop, two actors stand atop a platform in dark formal attire. The man on the left (Adam Driver) peers through a spyglass at a hexagon-shaped slide in his other hand. The woman (Nathalie Emmanuel), behind him, looks over at him with intrigue.
In an lavish room, a man (Dana Andrews) in a lightly colored dress shirt and dark-colored tie stands at the right, holding a liquor glass. He stares into the distance with a brooding look. A large framed, painted portrait of a woman (Gene Tierney) in a black dress looms over him to the left.