Electronically Yours with Martyn Ware

Today’s epic episode of Electronically Yours is part 1 of a 2 part final episode featuring the rock legend and Spider From Mars, Woody Woodmansey.
Born in Hull, his exceptional work with Bowie in his breakthrough period has gone down in history as a major influence on so many bands, including The Human League and Heaven 17. Woody is still touring with Glenn and Tony Visconti as Holy Holy, and his reminiscences about the characters involved throughout his career are both entertaining and profound.
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s one spider I love - the amazing Woody Woodmansey...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This episode features a very enlightening conversation with Philip King, curator of the exceptional electronic pop compilation ‘All The Young Droids’, a double LP of obscure British electronica & synthpop from 1978-1985 (a bit like an electronic Nuggets). It will be released on June 27th on Glasgow's School Daze (offshoot of Night School) label.

This is a real electronica crate-diggers dream – so much stuff I have never heard before.

Ladies and gentlemen – meet all the young droids and Philip King...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This week’s episode features Pachyman, a dub reggae musician and producer, primarily known for his one-man band approach and the use of vintage instruments and equipment.

He's based in Los Angeles but grew up in Puerto Rico, which influenced his unique brand of dub with a touch of his punk rock background.

Ladies and gentlemen - meet the one and only Pachyman.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s episode features Sigillum S, the Italian deranged explorers of unknown territories among extreme electronics, fringe acoustics and occultist noise. 

Since 1985, Sigillum S have been continuously developing their own special brand of post-industrial audio investigations, where theories-led trajectories and sound is employed as a tool for mapping of neglected areas of the subconscious.

Ladies and gentlemen - this is not at all normal - meet Sigillum S...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today's episode features Ruth Daniel and Merlyn Driver from the amazing global arts charity In Place of War.

Ruth is the CEO and Artistic Director of In Place of War. Ruth has led global arts and peace-building initiatives, developing over 100 cultural programmes in conflict zones.

Merlyn Driver is a singer songwriter and nature-focused musician whose approach draws on folk, contemporary music, and a wide range of other influences and sounds. His collaboration with IPOW on their nature based project EarthSonic is an inspiration for potential sound recordists and composers.

This is a fascinating and important creative discussion, ladies and gentlemen meet Ruth and Merlyn...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s guest is BISHI - singer, electronic rock-sitarist, composer, producer, and performer born in London of Bengali heritage. She has independently released two albums and several EPs on her own label Gryphon Records to critical acclaim. She co-produced her third album ‘Let My Country Awake,’ with Jeff Cook, out now on all platforms.

BISHI has recorded work with Tony Visconti, Sean Ono Lennon, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Norris and Daphne Guinness. Her collaborations and commissions for the stage include; The London Symphony Orchestra, The Kronos Quartet and  Yoko Ono’s ‘Meltdown’, and is the founder of WITCiH: The Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub, a platform elevating Women & Non-Binary genders in tech, through commissions, performances & the podcast 'Creative Women in Tech.'

Ladies and gentlemen – meet the unique performer Bishi...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This episode features legendary electronic musician, producer and synth nut Benge.

His works with John Foxx and the Maths and Hannah Peel are outstanding, also Wrangler, OMD, Blancmange and Creep Show with Mal from Cabaret Voltaire, John Grant and Phill Winter.

He also runs a label - MemeTune Recordings, as well as a YouTube series MemeTune, semi-ironically exploring the history of synthesisers…
Ladies and gentlemen - prepare to geek out - meet Benge.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today's episode features TV presenter and disability champion Mik Scarlet.

Mik is a broadcaster, journalist, actor and musician, as well as an expert in the field of access and inclusion for disabled people. He has been voted one of the most influential disabled people in the UK, and was one of the first television presenters in the world with a physical disability.

In his early years, he followed his passion for music, forming bands that toured Europe and writing music for TV, radio and adverts. During a live performance he was spotted by a TV producer and offered a job as a TV presenter. By 1990, Mik was becoming a well known face in the media, one of the first generation of disabled onscreen talent. He won awards, including an Emmy in 1992, and went on to have a media career that lasted well in the 2000s. 

Ladies and gentlemen-what a story - meet Mik Scarlet...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s episode features Nicky Chance-Thompson, CEO for the outstanding Piece Hall in Halifax, one of the UK’s premier music venues and cultural hubs. Under her leadership an outstanding arts, culture and community events programme has seen the award-winning heritage destination welcome more than 11 million visitors.
This year will feature a huge range of musical events, including James, The Coors, Pendulum, UB40, Weezer, The Script, Simple Minds, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, The Human League, and many more - 32 in total so far…
Ladies and gentlemen, meet Nicky Chance-Thompson...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s exceptionally danceable Electronically Yours episode features an in depth discussion with Mark Wood (Demon Records) and author Ian Wade about their new 5 CD + 4 LP boxsets, featuring  the best queer club classics 1980-1989.

Across five individually themed discs, the deluxe CD set presents 53 original extended versions, including many hard-to-find remixes, encompassing full-length High Energy, House, Diva, Pop, Europop and Alternative eighties classics from the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones, Sylvester, Eartha Kitt, Divine, New Order, Hazell Dean, Laura Branigan and many more.  Highlights include the hard-to-find 12” version of Village People’s ‘Can’t Stop The Music’ plus the rarely-compiled underground club anthems ‘Pistol In My Pocket’ by Lana Pellay and ‘After The Rainbow’ by Joanne Daniëls.

 Not only were the ‘80s queer clubs where you were most likely to hear the latest groundbreaking developments in dance music (for example, house music would quietly flourish and innovate on the scene before busting overground and achieving near ubiquity as the decade progressed), there was also a heck of a lot of diversity on offer.

Ladies and gentlemen - It’s time to give in to sin – More Sin 2...

If you can, please consider supporting the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This episode features a wide-ranging discussion with the fascinating Lias Saoudi, most famous for his frontman work with the excellent Fat White Family and Decius, and collaboration with The Moonlandingz.
He is also a writer and thinker, and is inspired by his life journey growing up in various countries.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the fascinating Lias Saoudi...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s exciting Electronically Yours episode features Joe Goddard of iconic electronic synthpop band Hot Chip.

Since 2000, their unique brand of funky house and disco influenced beats combined with a certain refined, soulful and melodic vocals (courtesy of Alexis Taylor) has created a legacy of instantly identifiable pop classics including ‘Over and Over’, ‘Ready For The Floor’ and ‘Boy From School’.

They are DJing and performing around the world continuously, and are still extremely prolific in the recording studio.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Joe Goddard.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This episode features George Underwood, album cover designer, artist and early schoolmate of David Bowie.

After deciding that the music business was not for him, George returned to art studies and then worked in design studios as an illustrator. Initially he specialised in fantasy, horror and science fiction book covers.

Most significantly, his art work for the first T Rex album and later David Bowie’s Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust album covers established him as a leading and highly creative illustrator. Over this period George produced literally hundreds of book covers, LP and CD covers, advertisements, portraits and drawings, and today George is a fully recognised fine artist.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the very talented George Underwood.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s guest is Ghislaine Boddington, a passionate advocate for transforming the living body into an interactive digital canvas.

As a leading expert in digital identity and virtual interaction, she has captivated audiences since the early 1990s with her visionary insights into the digital representation of our future selves.

Through her dynamic roles as a speaker, researcher, podcaster, consultant, and curator, Ghislaine explores the fascinating fusion of our physical and digital identities, continually reshaping our understanding of interaction and identity within a vibrant, hybrid society.

Ladies and gentlemen – welcome to the future – meet Ghislaine Boddington.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today's episode features film composer, music arranger, orchestrator, conductor and saxophonist John Altman.

Everybody knows John Altman’s music, but not so many people know his name. Yet he is one of the most prolific composers, conductors and arrangers in history. This vivid account of over fifty years in the world of popular music spans the worlds of live performance, recording and composing.

In all, he has composed the music for over fifty movies, and won most major film awards in his long and distinguished career. His television and recording work included all the arrangements for the Grammy-nominated Rutles. As an arranger/conductor he has worked on hit records for stars including Rod Stewart, George Michael, Tina Turner, Barry White, Diana Ross, Björk, and Alison Moyet.

John has also written, produced and arranged over 4,000 commercials worldwide.

Ladies and gentlemen - always look on the bright side of life - meet John Altman...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s fascinating episode of Electronically Yours features world-famous photographer, Joe Woolhead.

Born and raised in Dublin, Joe has been living in New York City for over 27 years. Initially, he worked in construction as a labourer, painter, plasterer and stone mason. After a serious accident in 1996, he returned to college and rediscovered his passion for creative arts, particularly poetry and photography. When the World Trade Center attacks happened on September 11th 2001, he grabbed his camera and shot what he witnessed over the course of three days. His photographs from that time were published all over the world.

In 2004 he was appointed as official WTC photographer  and his main focus became the rebuilding of the disaster site. In 2006, he also started work at the 9.11 Memorial documenting the construction of the museum and the memorial pools. At present, he continues to photograph the progress of work at World Trade Center.

Ladies and gentlemen – hear the story of a mesmeric creative soul - Joe Woolhead.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patron: patron.com/ellectronicallyours

The Original New Timbral Orchestra (TONTO) is the first and largest multitimbral polyphonic analog synthesizer, capable of producing many tone colours with different voices simultaneously.

Beginning with a single Moog Series III Modular in 1968, creators Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff continued to expand TONTO with modules from different manufacturers, along with custom additions designed by Cecil. It marked the first attempt at creating a universal language for different synthesizers to communicate with each other, which was revolutionary. Under the name Tonto’s Expanding Head Band, Cecil and Margouleff released the highly influential album Zero Time. The album demonstrated the rich, layered sounds of the massive synth, attracting significant attention and major collaborations.

TONTO can be heard on many Stevie Wonder classics, including “Superstition," “Living for the City” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” as well as hits by the Isley Brothers, Minnie Riperton, Joan Baez, the Doobie Brothers, Quincy Jones, Randy Newman and others.

Jason Tawkin leads us through the incredible story of how this massive instrument came to be donated to the National Music Centre in Calgary, Canada, and its renovation, enabling TONTO’s full capabilities to be used by musicians from around the world once again…

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patron: patron.com/ellectronicallyours

Today’s fantastic episode features the legendary artist, songwriter and performer Holly Johnson, most famous of course for the great Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

As well as continuing to tour as a solo artist, Holly’s latest work includes a huge new exhibition covering his entire career at the Museum of Liverpool, including many of his paintings.

As a relatively shy and private person who rarely gives long-form interviews, I am especially pleased that Holly agreed to this lovely conversation.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the pleasuredrome - meet Holly Johnson...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patron: patron.com/ellectronicallyours

This episode features part two of the fascinating interview with ex-head designer for Moog and current designer of the new magnificent new Rhodes mk 8.

Time for more enlightenment from a great designer and musician - Cyril Lance...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patron: patron.com/ellectronicallyours

Today's exciting episode of Electronically Yours features legendary producer Erik ‘Blu2th’ Griggs.

Even if you haven't heard of Blu2th, you're certainly heard him. Born in Cleveland OH and raised in St Louis MO, Erik has become on of the most respected names in the Los Angeles music scene. He is proficient on multiple instruments and Grammy nominated as a Producer and Songwriter. Emmy and Song of the Year Award winner.

You've heard his work on Dr. Dre, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Snoop, Cedric the Entertainer, Eminem, Kanye West, Beyonce, and the list goes on. He's also a Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop artist with singles out in all three Genres. 

Ladies and gentlemen - “If it doesn't make you feel anything, either you ain't human or it ain't music.” – Erik ‘Blu2th’ Griggs...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s Electronically Yours podcast features independent artist and music maker ERIKA.

Emerging from a life coloured by the musical corners of UK and Japan, Erika crafts beautiful and innovative alternative pop, where the mood can switch from haunting to joyous and from hope to despair from verse to verse.

ERIKA is a huge fan of connectivity and interaction, she creates this in shows by collaborating through home made electronic instruments. She also tours and records with Skunk Anansie, Mika and Bastille, amongst many others.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the uniquely creative and futuristic ERIKA.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This entertaining episode of Electronically Yours features the people’s punk legend and mercurial punk survivor Spizz AKA Spizz Oil, Spizz Energi, Athletico Spizz 80, The Spizzles, Spizz Orwell, Spizz Sexual, Dynamo Spizz amongst many others…

‘Where’s Captain Kirk’ was their biggest hit, and their shows and recordings have burgeoned unabated since 1977 (where he became friends with Martyn and the Human League while touring with Siouxsie and the Banshees.

This interview is a doozy - meet the amazing Spizz.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Todays special bonus episode features a fascinating discussion with Michael Johnson and Michael Hedges from one of the world’s most prestigious hifi brands, Monitor Audio.

The highest quality equipment is needed to deliver the best experience for music lovers like us, especially in a world where quality is often sacrificed for quantity and convenience.

This wide ranging discussion lifts the lid on the world of audio equipment design of the highest level.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the sound of Monitor Audio...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

This episode of Electronically Yours features DJ, producer, collaborator and songwriter, Sean Dickson AKA Hifi Sean.  

He was originally a member of the Soup Dragons, then began playing house, disco and electro in the burgeoning and innovative club scene at The Glasgow Art School, before relocating to London in 2006 where he became a staple figure at some of the capital’s biggest underground house, disco and techno clubs, as well as ‘after-hours’ parties.

His current albums cowritten with David McAlmont are excellent, as is his album of collaborations called ‘ft’ featuring Bootsy Collins, Yoko Ono, Dave Ball, Fred Schneider and Crystal Waters.

Ladies and Gentlemen - meet Hifi Sean.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Tomorrow’s episode of Electronically Yours features an alumni of the podcast, Will Gregory.

In this second episode, Will discusses his first ever Moog Ensemble album, and his love of electronic music in general. Those who have never witnessed a Moog Ensemble live concert are really missing out – they are unique…

He is of course most famous for being half of electronic pop band Goldfrapp, and for his collaborations with Adrian Utley from Portishead.

Ladies and gentlemen – one of the great champions of electronic pop music, Will Gregory...

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours

Today’s enlightening episode features Toby Manning, famous journalist and author who has contributed to The Word, Q, MOJO, Mixmag, Select and NME, and is the author of The Rough Guide to Pink Floyd.

His latest book has just been released - Mixing Pop and Politics: A Marxist History of Popular Music - a thorough and fascinating overview of popular music from a Marxist perspective. This may sound a little dry but in fact is a highly insightful analysis of how pop and politics have symbiotically fed off each other for decades, and where we’re heading to next…

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the absorbing Toby Manning.

If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours