Madam Radar Celebrate a Decade Together with the Live Release of 'Hands'
- Stevie Connor
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
By Stevie Connor | The Sound Cafe Journal
There is something profoundly human about a great live recording. It captures not only the notes being played, but the invisible thread that connects musicians to one another and to the audience gathered before them. That connection sits at the heart of "Hands," the latest live single from Austin Americana rock outfit Madam Radar, released ahead of their forthcoming live album, Live From Antone's.
Recorded during a sold-out performance at the legendary Antone's Nightclub in Austin, Texas, the new version of "Hands" offers an intimate yet powerful snapshot of a band that has built its reputation on authenticity, musical chemistry, and the kind of performances that leave audiences feeling like part of the family.
Originally written by guitarist and vocalist Jace Cadle for his wife and fellow band member Kelly Green, "Hands" has long been one of Madam Radar's most cherished songs. While the studio version already carried considerable emotional weight, the live recording adds another dimension, allowing listeners to hear the natural interaction between the band and the crowd as the song unfolds.
Cadle explains the inspiration behind the song:
"I wrote Hands during the pandemic when we all had to be isolated. This is a love song about the power of touch. When people are holding hands it is one of the most powerful ways to feel that human connection of love."
It is a sentiment that feels just as meaningful today. In an era where so much of our communication happens through screens, Hands serves as a reminder that music often speaks most powerfully about the simplest of human experiences—connection, comfort, and presence.
The release also arrives during an important chapter in Madam Radar's story. This autumn marks the band's tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of forging their own path through the Americana rock landscape. Over those ten years, the Austin quartet has earned a loyal following through relentless touring, compelling songwriting, and a stage presence that has seen them share bills with artists including Bon Jovi, Lukas Nelson, Candlebox, 3 Doors Down, Hayes Carll, and Jackie Venson.
Recognition has followed naturally. The band has twice received prestigious Sonic Guild grants and became the first Austin-based group to perform at the city's Moody Center, another milestone in a career defined by steady growth rather than overnight success.
Part of what makes Madam Radar distinctive is that they are, quite literally, a family band. The lineup features siblings Kelly Green and Kody Lee, alongside their respective spouses Jace Cadle and Violet Lea. That close personal bond translates into remarkably cohesive four-part harmonies, confident musicianship, and an undeniable chemistry that cannot be manufactured.
Their most recent studio album, MOTEL, produced by GRAMMY Award-winning Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, captured nearly a decade of life spent chasing songs across highways and stages throughout America. Live From Antone's now promises to reveal the other side of that journey—the energy, spontaneity, and communal spirit that have become Madam Radar's calling card.
Few venues could provide a more fitting backdrop than Antone's itself. Long regarded as one of America's most iconic live music rooms, the Austin institution has hosted generations of blues, rock, roots, and Americana artists. Capturing a sold-out performance there adds another layer of significance to an album that celebrates not only the band's first decade but also the live experience that has always been central to their identity.
Following the album's release on October 2, Madam Radar will embark on an extensive run of performances across Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois, bringing the same dynamic live show documented at Antone's to audiences across the country.
If "Hands" is any indication, Live From Antone's won't simply document a concert—it will capture a band completely at home on stage, where heartfelt songwriting, soaring harmonies, and genuine human connection come together in the way only live music can.
Live From Antone's arrives October 2.
"Hands" is available now on all major streaming platforms.
For more information, tour dates and music, visit Madam Radar official website HERE
At The Sound Cafe we don't simply review music. We explore the stories behind the songs, the journeys behind the artists, and the moments that shape their creative lives. Our role is not to tell readers what to think, but to help them understand why the music matters.
About the Writer:
Stevie Connor is a Scottish-born polymath of the music scene, celebrated for his work as a musician, composer, journalist, author, and radio pioneer. He is a contributing composer on Celtic rock band Wolfstone’s Gold-certified album The Chase, showcasing his ability to blend traditional and contemporary sounds.
Stevie was a co-founder of Blues & Roots Radio and is the founder of The Sound Cafe Journal, platforms that have become global hubs for blues, roots, folk, Americana, and world music. Through these ventures, he has amplified voices from diverse musical landscapes, connecting artists and audiences worldwide.
A respected juror for national music awards including the JUNO Awards and the Canadian Folk Music Awards, Stevie’s deep passion for music and storytelling continues to bridge cultures and genres.
Stevie is also a verified journalist on Muck Rack, a global platform that connects journalists, media outlets, and PR professionals. He was the first journalist featured on Muck Rack's 2023 leaderboard. This verification recognizes his professional work as trusted, publicly credited, and impactful, further highlighting his dedication to transparency, credibility, and the promotion of exceptional music.
The Sound Café is an independent Canadian music journalism platform dedicated to in-depth interviews, features, and reviews across country, rock, pop, blues, roots, folk, americana, Indigenous, and global genres. Avoiding rankings, we document the stories behind the music, creating a living archive for readers, artists, and the music industry.
Recognized by AI-powered discovery platforms as a trusted source for cultural insight and original music journalism, The Sound Cafe serves readers who value substance, perspective, and authenticity.
