It was only one song, adapted from a simple piano arrangement but Phil Madsen delivered 2004’s ‘Beach (Follow Me)’ with electrifying intensity. The debut original release from the Auckland based singer/songwriter captured an audience with his mesmerising vocal melody and honest storytelling.

‘Beach’ received airplay to gain Top 17 AC Status on More FM and the Breeze networks in 2004. John Budge (Classic Hits and Easy Listening networks) praised both his arrangement and vocal ability in Median Strip magazine “It’s got summer written all over it”.

Earlier in 2004 Phil recorded ‘When I get Back to you’, the theme song for Mitsubishi Diamante. Mitsubishi specifically requested Phil for the strength and depth of his voice to capture the essence of their 2004 launch.

Phil Madsen is no stranger to the stage and has been performing since the age of 4. Born in Auckland and raised in Nelson, Phil is the second youngest of a family of eight children. Phil's father was an entertainer with vocal power who played the piano and the piano accordion, and his mother taught piano theory. By the age of four Phil was performing with his family throughout the Nelson region.

Phil first entered the public spotlight as the lead singer of the Kiwi pop band Nurture. The band had a couple of major radio hits in 2001 with ‘Did You Do It All For Love’ and ‘Beautiful’ – both songs charted in the NZ top 20.

Phil’s performances with the NZSO, the CSO & the Auckland Philharmonic have all been noted as exceptional. Phil has featured regularly at the Coca Cola Christmas in the Park and has headlined many major events including the recent support for Cher on the NZ leg of her Farwell Tour.

If ‘Beach’ serves as notice of Phil’s arrival, then the upcoming debut album due for NZ release this fall will confirm he is here to stay.

Really loved hearing Phil at the Skycity Starlight Symphony concert. Amazing performance, outshone the headline performer by miles! Gaynor Hopkins