‘Pioneer’ is a word that often gets overused in the world of music journalism, especially when describing this week’s guest, but that’s exactly what she is, a pioneer…a true pioneer of electronic music!  Suzanne Ciani speaks to me about the time she met Don Buchla and her memories of him, as well as discussing her early career in new New York, making advertising jingles for huge companies like coca-cola.   She also talks about the recording of ‘Golden Apples Of The Sun’ a collaboration...

My guest this week is Boris Blank from hugely influential Swiss electronic act, Yello. Boris Blank formed Yello with Carlos Peron back in 1979. Charismatic singer and lyricist, Dieter Meier, joined shortly after. Boris and Dieter became a duo after Peron left the group in 1983 to pursue a solo career, and the rest, as they say, is history.   During our conversation, which was recorded over telephone, we discussed, among other things, Blank’s third solo record ‘Resonance’. The twelve tracks...

In this week’s episode of Synthetic Dreams I’m talking to DJ, and drummer, Anna Prior. Anna, best known for her role as drummer in hugely popular electronic act Metronomy, has just released the second single from her much-anticipated EP, ‘Almost Love’, which comes out on 13th June via House Anxiety records She also presents a monthly show called ‘Beat Palace’ on Soho Radio. https://sohoradiolondon.com/profile/anna-prior/ Anna recently collaborated with Tom Furse from The Horrors. Furse...

Delighted and honoured to be joined by Jonathan Moore on the podcast today.  Jonathan is one-half of hugely influential electronic act, Coldcut, which he formed back in 1986 with Matt Black. Coldcut are often refereed to as pioneers of pop sampling in the 1980s We discuss, among other things, the recording of Coldcut’s first album. His memories of working with the late and very great, Mark. E. Smith from post-punk band The Fall and Jonathan tells a great story about the time Coldcut...

Multi-talented Danish musicians, Lisbet Fritze and Louise Foo, otherwise known as Glas, recently spoke to me about the making of their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Kisses Like Feathers‘ The album, which was self-produced by the duo and mixed by Anders Trentemøller, a previous guest on the podcast, is out now via Hamburg’s hfn music.  All lyrics, vocals and instruments were performed by Glas, and recorded in their studio. It was great to  speak to one of my new favourite bands about their...

Thrilled and honoured to be joined by Grammy award winning musician, composer and producer, Jan Hammer.  Jan started his career as the keyboardist with the fusion group, The Mahavishnu Orchestra. He went on to release several critically acclaimed solo albums and has collaborated with renowned musicians like the late and great, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Neil Schon of Journey and Mick Jagger. In 1984, Jan began composing the score for Miami Vice, one of the most iconic TV shows of the...

Delighted to be joined by guitarist Neal X on the podcast today.  Neal was a member of 80s new wave band, Sigue Sigue Sputnik. I loved their mix of electronic sounds with punk-rock guitars. And their outrageous looks. Always thought they looked and sounded like they were from another planet.  Since his days in Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Neal has gone on to work with some amazing musicians, including former Sex Pistol, Glen Matlock, Adam Ant and Marc Almond. Neal discusses the making of "Love...

Delighted and honoured to be joined by Sian Evans on the Synthetic Dreams podcast today. Sian is the front woman and singer-songwriter of the band Kosheen- one of my favourite electronic acts. Kosheen enjoyed a string of hit singles from their brilliant debut album ‘Resist’, most notably ‘Hide U’, ’Catch’ and ‘Hungry’. The band went on to release four more great albums.   Sian talks about the forthcoming UK shows, which feature a live orchestra and celebrate 25 years of Kosheen. We also...

Joining me on the Synthetic Dreams podcast this week Australian musician, Karen Vogt. Karen’s experimental and ambient solo works are based around improvisation, often manipulating her vocals to add layers of emotional depth to her works. Vogt, who is based in Paris, spoke to me about the recording of her wonderful, improvised record ‘Waterlog’, which deals with the grief she experienced following the death of her beloved cat. It's a truly wonderful album, that’s full of depth and emotion,...

Delighted and honoured to be joined by multi-instrumentalist, Brendan Perry on the podcast this week.  Brendan, who is one half of seminal 4AD band, Dead Can Dance, talks to me about his first band The Scavengers and the early punk rock scene in Aukland, New Zealand. His love of Bowie and early musical influences and the recording of Dead Can Dance’s self-titled debut album, released back in 1984.  So many great stories in this one! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Link in bio  Dead...

Delighted to be joined by guitarist, producer and bandleader, Kevin Armstrong on the podcast today. Kevin talks to me about his memoir, ‘Absolute Beginner’ and time working and performing with David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Thomas Dolby and gothic rock band, Alien Sex Fiend. Kevin collaborated with Bowie on the soundtrack for the hit film Absolute Beginners and performed at Live Aid with him.  He also played on Mick Jagger’s and Bowie’s cover of ‘Dancing On The Streets, which charted at number one...

My guest this week is Sal Solo from legendary new wave band, Classix Nouveaux. Last year, after an absence of over 40 years, the band released a new album called ‘Battle Cry’ on Cherry Red records.  Classix Nouveaux, who were part of the New Romantic, formed out of the ashes of punk band, X-Ray Spex.  During a six-year career, Classix released three well received albums and eleven singles; the most successful of which was the single "Is It A Dream" reaching No.11 in the UK singles chart. 

My guest this week is York based electronic musician, Anton Witter, whose music I discovered on Bandcamp, a few years back. If you enjoy listening classic synth artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream and early Numan, then you'll certainly love Anton Witter's music - highly recommend! We discuss, among other things, his creative process, his musical passions growing up and our mutual love and respect for Mr. Gary Numan. It seems like musical talent runs in the family too,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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]

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,...

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

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...

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...

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