My guest this week is multi-talented musician and producer, James Ellis Shaw James has worked with some of the biggest names in music and is one half of Simian Mobile Disco, who formed back in 2003. James talks to me about the making of his first ever solo record, ‘The Hum’ which came out last year on Warp Records, playing with 808 State, the formation of Simian Mobile Disco and his time as a student in Manchester We also talk a little about his work with Blur and Depeche Mode. James produced th...
Jan 30, 2024•56 min
My guest this week is James Atkin, singer of popular indie band, EMF. We discuss, among other things, the recording of the new EMF album, 'The Beauty and the Chaos' , which is out now. He's also made some truly excellent electronic albums, including 'Circadian Rhythms' which came out in march, 2023 James also speaks about his love of teaching, a role he has had for over 13 years now. Performing on ionic music show, Top Of The Pops and how he coped with all the attention and fame back in the earl...
Jan 25, 2024•37 min
My guests this week are Al Sundvall and Rob Strachan from Liverpool-based band, Bonnacons of Doom. The band’s genre-defying music is difficult to categorise, it’s a real melting pot of influences, blending different musical styles, including experimental rock and electronica. Their second album, ‘Signs’ released towards the end of October, 2023 on Rocket Recordings, is one of my favourite records from last year. It’s a fantastic album! We discuss, among other things, the recording of ‘Signs’. Th...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr
My guest this week is James Lowe, singer of American band, The Electric Prunes, who formed in Los Angeles, California, back in 1965. The group's other-worldly sound, which included electronic elements, was characterised by innovative recording techniques, fuzz guitars and tape loops. Will discuss, among other things, the recording of their Psychedelic masterpiece, 'I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)' and the recording techniques they used, what it was like touring with The Doors and hanging ou...
Jan 09, 2024•33 min
My guests, for the first episode of 2024, are Wolfgang Flür and Peter Duggal Wolfgang Flür, a true legend of electronic music, needs little introduction. He was a member of Kraftwerk, one of the most influential acts of all-time, from 1973-1987. He played electronic drums on Kraftwerk’s best known albums, including ‘Autobahn’, ‘Trans Europe Express’ and ‘The Man Machine’ Peter, who has worked with a number of artists over the years, including Apache Indian and electronic musician, MAPS is a musi...
Jan 02, 2024•48 min
Synthetic Dreams Christmas Special (of sorts!) The return of Gerald Casale from legendary band, Devo We discuss, among other things, consumer anxiety around Christmas time, the making of the new 4D video for 'Lounge:Pay U Back', the future of virtual reality and AI created music Gerald also talks about the analog synths Devo used back in the 1970's Some really great stories in this one DEVO "Very Merry Something To You" Gerald V. Casale "Lounge: Pay U Back" [Official Music Video]...
Dec 24, 2023•40 min
My guest this week is singer, songwriter and record producer, Nik Kershaw. Nik rose to fame back in 1984 and enjoyed massive chart success with songs such as. ‘Wouldn’t Be Good’, Dancing Girls’, ‘I Won’t Let The Song Go Down on Me’ and ‘The Riddle’ Nik talks to me about next years 1984 tour, what it was like performing at Live Aid in 1985 and his memories of the day, performing on Top Of The Pops, songwriting and much more. The 1984 tour, which kicks off in Lincoln on 3rd October 2024, will see ...
Dec 21, 2023•57 min
Today I am joined by Ben and Dottie from one of my favourite new bands, Deary. Their excellent self-title E.P came out last month via Sonic Cathedral We discuss, among other things, the recording the E.P, musical influences, supporting Slowdive and their plans for 2024. https://deary.bandcamp.com/ Fairground official video via Youtube
Dec 15, 2023•36 min
Delighted and honoured to welcome, Neil Barnes on the podcast today. We discuss, among other things, 'This Is What We Do. Version Excursion' which came out earlier this year. Our love of post-punk music, muddy festivals, Top Of The Pops and Neil's charity auction for the Kindness Christmas Dinner appeal. More details about this fantastic auction on The Golden Lion's Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/goldenliontod. Leftfield are due to play a sold-out show at The Forum Kentish Town on Dece...
Dec 11, 2023•40 min
My guest this week is composer, producer and experimental musician, Claire M Singer Claire spoke passionately about her love of the pipe organ and the current campaign to save the organ in the Union Chapel which is in urgent need of repair. More details about the campaign and how you can here: https://unionchapel.org.uk/whats-on/organ-stops--saving-the-king-of-instruments We also discussed her brilliant festival 'Organ Reframed' and what it was like winning an Oram award for innovation in sound ...
Dec 08, 2023•42 min
This week I am joined by Sarah Blackwood and Chris Wilkie from Dubstar. The duo discuss the making of their excellent album 'Two', which came out last year on Northern Writes records. We also discuss life on the road, performing on Top Of The Pops, Brit Pop, mental health and the pressures of fame. https://www.dubstarofficial.co
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Vince Clarke joins me on the podcast today to talk about the making of his first ever solo album 'Songs Of Silence'. which comes out on November 17th via the always excellent Mute records. Clarke is true electronic music legend. Co-founder of Depeche Mode, he wrote many of the band's early hits including, 'New Life', 'Dreaming Of Me' and 'Just Cant Get Enough'. After leaving Depeche Mode, Clarke teamed up with singer Alison Moyet to form Yazoo. The duo achieved a number of top five hits in the 8...
Nov 07, 2023•41 min
Delighted to be joined by Radiohead drummer, Philip Selway on the Synthetic Dreams podcast We discuss, amongst other things, the making of his excellent third album, 'Strange Dance' which came out earlier this year via the always excellent Bella Union label. Philip, who is about to head off on a UK tour with Lanterns On The Lake, releases his first ever live album on December 8th https://www.bellaunion.com/artist-page/philip-selwayhttps://www.bellaunion.com/artist-page/philip-selway
Oct 27, 2023•56 min
Stuart Braithwaite, founder member of the much-loved Scottish group, Mogwai, joins me on the podcast today to talk about another band he is involved with, Silver Moth, who are about to embark on a seven date UK tour, starting on November 5th. For the list of date, and to book tickets, visit: https://www.silvermoth.co.uk We discuss, the making of their album 'Black Bay', Stuart's love of The Cure and about writing his excellent book 'Spaceships Over Glasgow' which came out last year via White R...
Oct 19, 2023•42 min
My guest this week is arguably one of the greatest drummers ever, Mr. Clem Burke, who I've wanted on the podcast since day one! Clem, best known as the drummer for legendary new wave band Blondie, is back on the road later this month with his band the Split Squad for some UK shows, before returning in the new year as part of the Lust For Life Tour, which also features Glen Matlock, Kevin Armstrong and Katie Putrick. For more information about this very special tour and to book tickets, visit: ht...
Oct 09, 2023•38 min
My guest this week is singer, songwriter and musician, Colin Blunstone In a career spanning over fifty years, The Zombies rose to fame in the mid 1960s and enjoyed a string of hits, including She’s Not There, Tell Her No, She’s Coming Home and Time Of The Season. A documentary about the group. 'Hung Up On A Dream' gets its UK premiere on November 04th at London's Barbican, as part of the Doc 'n' Roll Festival. For more more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.docnrollfestival.com/...
Oct 05, 2023•39 min
My guest in this very special bonus episode is Irmin Schmidt Irmin studied composition, piano and conducting under legendary composer, Karlheinz Stockhausen. Between 1968 and 1978 he was the keyboard player and co-composer of the hugely influential German band Can. Irmin has released several critically acclaimed solo albums and has written more than 120 film scores. Impressive stuff! It was a real honour to have a such a legend of electronic music on the podcast. For more information on Irmin's ...
Sep 28, 2023•34 min
My guest this week is Eddie Shaw, bass player from The Monks The group's only studio album, 'Black Monk Time' released back in 1965 and described as "A lost classic" by Julian Cope of the Teardop Explodes has been a great influence on bands such as The Fall, The Dead Kennedy's, The Beastie Boys, The White Stripes and many, many more.. Check out some of the live videos of the band to see just how far ahead they were for their time. Punk-rock, ten years before Punk was even a thing! https://www.yo...
Sep 26, 2023•29 min
My guest this week is Angus Andrew, founding member of experimental rock band Liars, who joins me on the podcast to talk about the band’s sixth album ‘WIXIW’ the latest in the band’s catalogue to be released on limited edition recycled vinyl as part of an ongoing series. As well as discussing this truly great album, also talk about running a record label, the New York music scene of the early 2000s. His time living in Berlin, and the making of ‘Apple Drop’ one of my favourite albums of 2021. The...
Sep 18, 2023•37 min
My guests this week are Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo, who join me on the podcast to talk about their forthcoming collaborative album, Phantasmagoria in Blu e, which is out via Mute records on 1 September 2023. Harvey, who was a founding member of Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party, has worked with a number of hugely talented artists over the years, including PJ Harvey. This is his first collaboration with Mexican artist Amanda Acevedo For more information or to purchase the a...
Aug 31, 2023•40 min
My guest this week is multi-talented musician Steven Mallinder, who joins me on the podcast to talk about his wonderful band Creep Show, which also features singer-song writer, John Grant and fellow Wrangler members, Phil Winter and Benge. Steven, who was a founding member of seminal and highly influential Sheffield group, also teaches Digital Music & Sound Art at the University of Brighton. We discuss everything from, sci-fi to synthesizers, his first encounter with John Grant and the vinyl...
Aug 10, 2023•44 min
My guests this week are Dave Brock and Doug Mackinnon from legendary space rock band, Hawkwind. Dave formed Hawkwind back in 1969, and although there have been several line-up changes throughout the years, he remains at the helm today. Doug, who is the relatively new guy in the band, joined the good ship Hawkwind in 2021. We discuss the latest album 'The Future Never Waits', the early days of the group and the excellent work they do with the animal charity Dog Lost. It was an absolute honour to ...
Aug 03, 2023•36 min
Author, Richard Evans joins me on the podcast today to talk about his truly excellent book 'Listening To The Music The Machines Make: Inventing Electronic Pop 1978-1983. A must have for any fans of electronic music Heres more about Richard's book: Listening to the Music the Machines Make is the revolutionary story of electronic pop from 1978 to 1983, a true golden age of British music. This definitive account explores how krautrock, disco, glam rock and punk inspired a new generation to rip up t...
Jul 27, 2023•48 min
Émilie Tiersen (aka QUINQUIS) and her husband, Yann Tiersen are currently sailing along the coast on a truly unique summer tour. This week I spoke to Émilie about this special sailing trip on their wonderful boat, Ninnong, which set sailed from their home in Ushant to Ireland and then up to the beautiful Faroe Islands, which is where Émilie spoke to me from. The duo are performing a series of concerts, in various places on their route, meeting up with old friends and chatting with fans along the...
Jul 20, 2023•29 min
My guest this week is Robin Scott Starting out as folk musician, playing clubs around the UK, Robin enjoyed huge chart success with the single 'Pop Muzik', released back in 1979, under the moniker M. The track was a global hit. Robin has recently shared his first new music under the M moniker in over 40 years, ‘Break The Silence’ which is out now via BMG. heck out the following links: www.robinscott.uk www.youtube.com/@robinscottm www.instagram.com/robinscottuk www.bmg.com...
Jul 14, 2023•45 min
My guest this week is Martin Rev from legendary and hugely influential electronic act, Suicide. Artists that have cited Suicide as a direct influence include, Vince Clarke, Soft Cell, OMD, Cabaret Voltaire and The Human League It was a real honour to interview one of my all-time favourite electronic musicians. Suicide's excellent third album 'A Way Of Life' has been remastered and re-leased via Mute records and can be ordered here; https://mutebank.co.uk/collections/suicide...
Jun 30, 2023•31 min
Martin Fry from legendary pop band, ABC talks to me about the group's brilliant new live album, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Lexicon Of Love https://www.abcmartinfry.com
Jun 23, 2023•30 min
Joining me on the podcast this week is two very talented, European men, Richard James Burgess and John Walters. We discuss, among other things, Landscape A Go-Go: The Story Of Landscape 1977-83. A very special, career-spanning 5CD boxset, which features 84 remastered tracks, some available on CD for the very first time! For more information about this legendary synth-pop band and their forthcoming boxset, visit: https://landscape.band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn8jPj9g_CM https://www.youtu...
May 05, 2023•52 min
My guest this week is Simon Raymonde from Bella Union records, one of the finest labels out there Simon was a member of hugely influential, and much loved Scottish band, Cocteau Twins. We discuss, among other things, upcoming releases from Bella Union, the time he saw legendary artist Scott Walker in his garden and we talk about his memoir, which should be out in the next year or so. https://bellaunion.ochre.store...
Apr 25, 2023•37 min
My guest this week is Martin Moscrop from A Certain Ratio, who are one of my all-time favourite groups. Martin spoke to me about the making of ACR's brilliant new album, '1982' which comes out tomorrow via Mute records The album can be pre-ordered here: https://mutebank.co.uk The band are heading out on a UK tour next month. For more information and dates visit: https://www.acrmcr.com/shows/...
Mar 30, 2023•48 min
