Synthetic Dreams Podcast

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 pla...

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 mos...

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 mutu...

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 stud...

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 year...

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...

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...

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 w...

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...

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...

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 :...

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 bri...

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'....

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.bella...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 f...

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 20...

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...

 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 d...

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...