A politically engaged poet and world citizen, Madden's work reflects an individual in search of truth and justice.

Madden's musical influences are wide-ranging and include the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Serge Gainsbourg, Violeta Parra, Silvio Rodríguez, nueva canción and nueva trova. His lyrical influences include the poetry of Dylan Thomas, E. E. Cummings, Pablo Neruda and Arthur Rimbaud, as well as the philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurti, Joseph Campbell and Albert Camus.

As an activist, Madden is a voracious reader, observer and advocate for human rights and the health of our environment. His socially consciousness short films/music videos have received numerous international awards.