Stupid & Contagious

In episode 127, we sit down with Andy Bollen ( Captain America ) and Derek McKee ( Boyfriend ) two key figures from the legendary early ’90s Scottish indie scene. Not only were they in two of its most revered bands, they were both in the room on the night Oasis were signed to Creation Records. Yep, that night As if that wasn’t enough, Andy also toured with Nirvana during their Nevermind era right...

In episode 126 we chat to Kevin Martin , the unmistakable voice behind Candlebox, one of the most enduring bands to emerge from the post-grunge era. From massive hits like Far Behind to navigating fame, backlash, and longevity in an unforgiving industry, Kevin’s career is a masterclass in resilience and authenticity. In this episode, we talk about the realities of the grunge explosion, what it was...

It's our end of year album special! In episode 125 it's time to go off piste again as Luke chats to some of our lovely listeners about their favourite albums of 2025! We escape from the 90s just for this one episode every year and it always proves popular so defo have a listen! Get some new recommendations from likeminded musos & get involved in the comments in our socials and let us know your...

Alright…It's the big one, it's Dave's End Of Year Quiz! It’s the end of the year, which means we’ve said a lot of stupid things… and today, we’re holding ourselves and you accountable! Do you actually remember anything from this podcast in 2025? If you’ve been listening all year, this should be easy, If not… well, let's find out! Stupid & Contagious STORE https://stupid-contagious-podcast.mysh...

In episode 123, we welcome back Alex Boucher MBE and yes, since his last appearance on the podcast, he’s only gone and picked up an MBE! Last time Alex joined us, we talked about his book Three And A Half Minutes Of Fame , which explored his brushes with fame in various guises throughout the 90s music scene. This time, he’s taking things a step further by turning the story into a documentary and h...

Its a 'wang week' and in episode 122 we’re 'deep diving' into one of the most fascinating, divisive, and quietly influential albums in British music history: The Stone Roses’ Second Coming! After five years of silence & legal battles the band returned not with more of the same, but with a sprawling, blues-soaked, guitar-driven odyssey that split fans right down the middle. Was it a misundersto...

In episode 121 we speak to acclaimed journalist, author, and one of the most incisive voices in rock Ian Winwood! Ian has spent decades chronicling the stories, struggles, and triumphs that live behind the music we love! From his celebrated work in Kerrang! and The Guardian to his powerful book Bodies , Ian has consistently peeled back the curtain on an industry that is as exhilarating as it is un...

In episodee 120 we are joined by Jake Shillingford, the charismatic frontman and mastermind behind the orchestral indie-pop collective My Life Story . Known for their lush arrangements, wry lyricism, and theatrical energy, My Life Story helped define the spirit of the ’90s art-pop scene! We dig into Jake’s creative journey: from the early days of experimenting with sound, to leading a full orchest...

In Episode 119 we are Chatting to Dr Sice from The Boo Radleys ! They are best known for one bright, unstoppable hit “Wake Up Boo!” but behind that sunny chorus lies a catalog full of dream-pop textures, bold experimentation, and some of the most quietly ambitious songwriting of the 90s. From the hazy soundscapes of Giant Steps to the fearless left turns that kept fans guessing, the Boo Radleys we...

It's episode 118 and time for a wang! This week we are going through the 'Shine' compilations from the 90s with very special guest Ross from Symposium! If you grew up in the era of oversized parkas, battered Adidas and Melody Maker, these albums were essential! Before streaming playlists, SHINE was how you discovered your next favorite band! A chaotic mixtape of Britpop bangers, indie anthems, and...

In episode 117 we’re going back to the mid 90s with a band that captured the wild spirit of Madchester, acid house, and Britpop all in one cosmic mash up Space Monkeys! Formed in Manchester, signed to Factory Records, and produced by none other than Peter Hook from New Order, Space Monkeys were one of the last great acts to ride that post-rave wave blending funk, rock, and psychedelic energy into...

In Episode 116 we’re diving into the technicolor world of Chicks on Speed the boundary-breaking art-punk-electro collective that’s been bending genres and expectations since the late ’90s! From DIY fashion to feminist manifestos, from glitchy beats to multimedia performances, Chicks on Speed aren’t just a band they’re a movement. Join us as we chat about their inception in Munich’s art scene, thei...

In episode 115 we talk everything East Bay Punk with Jesse Townley! Before  Green Day  and  The Offspring  took punk to the world stage, there was a wild, sweaty, all-ages club in Berkeley called  924 Gilman Street  — and  Jesse Townley (aka Jesse Luscious)  was right in the middle of it. Frontman of  Blatz ,  The Criminals , and  The Frisk ,...

It's a wang week and in episode 114 we take you back to 1995! The internet is a rumour, CD towers rule every living room & somewhere between Camden and Seattle, guitars are fighting for global dominance! This weeks sponsors! : Royal Whitby Events https://www.royalwhitby.co.uk/offers/events/ Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the band...

In episode 113 we chat to comedian, storyteller, and viral creator Jacob Givens. Known for his emotional storytelling videos that capture the magic of growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, Jacob shares the journey behind his creative process, how he turns personal memories into universal moments, and why authenticity resonates so deeply with audiences today. Get ready for laughs, reflection, and a dose...

In this weeks episode 112 we chat to Alex from Welsh indie starlets Crashland! They didn’t stick around for long, but what they left behind was raw, urgent, and unforgettable. In this episode, we’ll trace their brief but brilliant journey from their formation to their single album release, and the reasons they disappeared almost as suddenly as they arrived! CRASHLAND https://bristolarchiverecords....

In episode 111 we dive into the story of Lung Leg, the Glasgow band who lit up the 1990s underground with their raw, chaotic energy and feminist DIY spirit. From their cult EPs and the ferocious debut Maid to Minx , to their tours with The Make-Up and their surprising 2020s reunion! Lungleg https://www.instagram.com/lunglegband/ This weeks sponsors! : Driving On The Right https://music.apple.com/g...

Its a Wang Week! Remember MTV Unplugged? We take retrospective look at this staple of the 90s music scene, its legacy and we also revisit 'The Big Four'! Which one is your favourite? Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generation! That generation grew up in the 90s with the Grebo bands (Senseless Things, PWEI, Ned...

It's episode 109 and this week we've got the boys from Midway Still on! Find out about getting the call to support Nirvana & if they really do sound like a cross between heavy metal and The Carpenters?! 🤟🏻 MIdway Still Bandcamp : https://midwaystill.bandcamp.com/ Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the bands that defined a generatio...

It's the Dave episode! Not only is our Dave back off his summer break but after finally managing to work out the logistics we have Dave Abbruzzese on! We chat about his early formative years in Texas, the call to join Pearl Jam & how it all came to an abrupt end! Episode 108 is one not to be missed! Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with...

It's episode 107 and we are excited to bring you our chat with published author Lucy Nichol! She has written a couple of fantastic novels based around the UK 90s Indie scene, find out more about these as well as what she's up to atm, the art of making a mixtape & her love of all things 90s! Welcome to The Stupid And Contagious podcast, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with the band...

It's episode 106 and this week we were supposed to be bringing you the last one of our 'Summer Specials' but unfortunately Luke has picked up a dose of Covid and is a bit of a pussy! So to get you in the mood for the return of our usual 90s format here's another 'Classic Re Run'! Re visit our chat with Miles from The Wonder Stuff, it's well worth another listen! If it's your first time you are in...

Welcome to the fourth of our 'Summer Specials' where we go off piste interviewing people we find interesting but that don't fit our usual 90s remit! We know you'll love these interviews too and these give us a chance to stock up the 90s interviews! Normal services will resume very soon! This week Luke chats to another of his fav artists 'Sweet Williams aka Thomas House! House was formerly the driv...

Welcome to the third of our 'Summer Specials' where we go off piste interviewing people we find interesting but that don't fit our usual 90s remit! We know you'll love these interviews too and these give us a chance to stock up the 90s interviews! Normal services will resume soon but this week we chat to Jeordie Shenton from Tonic Music, an amazing charity supporting musicians and their fans throu...

Welcome to the Second of our 'Summer Specials' where we go off piste interviewing people we find interesting but that don't fit our usual 90s remit! We know you'll love these interviews too and these give us a chance to stock up the 90s interviews! Normal services will resume soon but this week we bring you an interview with one of Luke's current favourite bands 'Objections'. Known for their energ...