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

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...

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

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...

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,...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

My guests this week are Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo, who join me on the podcast to talk about their forthcoming collaborative album, Phantasmagoria in Blue, 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...

 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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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:...

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

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/

My guests this week are Dan Lacksman and Michel Moers from legendary group Telex. Formed in Brussels back in 1978, the group are considered to be one of the first ever synth-pop acts. We discuss the groups early days, the time they performed on iconic music show, Top Of The Pops and what is was like representing Belgian for Eurovision 1980. A much-anticipated box set, featuring six Telex albums, lovingly remixed and remastered by Dan and Michel, is released via Mute records on April 14th....

My very special guest this week is Al Jardine co-founder of legendary band The Beach Boys  Al spoke to me about the recording of his excellent solo album 'A Postcard From California' which I highly recommend  Al continues to tour with his Endless Summer band.  For more information and dates visit: https://www.aljardine.com 

My guest this week is multi-talented musician, James Chapman, aka Maps  James has been making music, excellent music I might add, as Maps since 2006 and is signed to legendary record label,  Mute. His truly brilliant new album 'Counter Melodies' is out now! https://thisismaps.com https://mutebank.co.uk/products/maps-counter-melodies-limited-edition-white-vinyl?_pos=5&_sid=2d9927389&_ss=r

My first guest of the year is the multi-talented musician and composer, Roger Eno Roger talks to me about the making of his latest album 'The Turning Year' which I can't recommend enough. We also discuss 'Mixing Colours' his first proper collaborative album with his brother, Brian Eno. They brothers have previously worked together, but this is their first record release as a duo    Another first is, Brian Eno and Roger Eno’s Live at the Acropolis concert film which is set to be shown at...

My guest this week is Clams Baker Jr from Warmduscher   On the show we discuss, among other things, Iggy Pop, live on the road and recording their critically acclaimed album, 'At The Hotspot'.  An album that has been included in many end of year lists. Highly recommended!   It was a real pleasure speaking to Clams. Warmduscher are, arguably, one of the best in the country right now. And, If you haven't seen them live, make sure you buy a ticket  to a show the next time they tour as you really...