Synthetic Dreams Podcast

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

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 remixed a track by legendary French composer and pioneer of musique concrète, Pierre Henry.  

We also discuss Ninja Tune, the label that he and Matt started in 1990. The label’s first release was the first five volumes of DJ Food's Jazz Brakes. Since then Ninja Tune has gone on to release albums by The Cinematic Orchestra, Bonobo, Kelis, Amon Tobin, Black Country New Road and the amazing BICEP

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 1980s. 

Jan discusses the making of this much loved TV theme and also talks about the recording of ‘Crockets Theme’, which is one of my all-time favourite songs of the 80s. 

We also talk about some of Jan’s more recent work including ‘Seasons Pt. 2’ released in 2022.  A follow up to 2018’s ‘Seasons Pt. 1’ Both worth checking out 

For more information visit:

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 Missile F1-11" which recently celebrated its 38th year of release. I first heard this brilliant track in the opening scene Ferris Bullers Day Off, which is one of my favourite films of the 80s. Neal recalls the time when director John Hughes called him up to discuss using the track in his new film, which went on to become an all-time classic 

He also discusses his earliest musical influences and guitar heroes 

More recently, Neal formed garage rock band, The Loveless with long time collaborator and friend, Marc Almond. 

'Meet The Loveless' is out now on Cadiz Music.

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 discuss the art of songwriting, her earliest musical passions, being taught piano by her talented grandfather and the incredible work she has done over the years with young offenders and in youth centres

The band play Manchester Club Academy on 12th April, Bristol on the 13th, finishing this very special three-date UK tour at London’s KOKO on19th April 

For a list full list of live dates etc, visit the following sites;

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, yet uplifting and comforting at the same time.

We also discussed her time working with legendary Cocteau Twins member, Robin Guthrie, producer of her band Heligoland, which she co-founded back in 1999.

Karen Vogt’s ‘Waterlog' is available to buy digitally and on cassette, via Penelope Trappes’ excellent record label Nite Hive 

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 Can Dance are one of my all-time favourite groups, so it was a real honour to speak to Brendan about the truly wonderful music he has made with Lisa Gerrard and as solo artist

The overall sound of Dead Can Dance is tricky to define, there are elements of European folk ambient, baroque rock, classical and darkwave in their wonderful, genre-bending music. So many Dead Can Dance albums to discover, with three great solo albums from Brendan to check out too  

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 back in 1985. 

He’s due to head out on tour with the Lust For Life band, which also features Clem Burke from Blondie and ex- Sex Pistol, Glen Matlock.   

The band will, once again, perform Iggy Pop’s classic album, Lust For Life album in it’s entirety, as well as playing songs from Blondie, Bowie and the Pistols 

The Lust For Life tour starts in Colchester on Wednesday 28th February 

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, Anton's brother Rick is the lead singer of popular indie band, Shed 7.

To find out more about Anton - or to purchase one of his albums -check out:

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 the early nineties.

For more information on the new EMF album and tour, visit:

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 ‘Signs’. The advantages and disadvantages of wearing mirrored masks onstage. Touring with Rocket Recording label mates Pigs x7, hanging out Thurston Moore and the time legendary Hawkwind dancer, Miss Stacia joined them onstage.

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 hanging out with Jimmi Hendrix.

Some great stories in this one!

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 is a musician and producer based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. Peter’s first single ‘‘Psyche’ released in 1990 achieved chart success in the UK Dance and Indie charts 

Peter and Wolfgang talk to me about the making of their album ‘Magazine 1’ which came out in 2022 on Cherry Red Records. This excellent album features a number of guest musicians, including Claudia Brücken from Propaganda and legendary bassist, Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order 

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, songwriting and much more. 

The 1984 tour, which kicks off in Lincoln on 3rd October 2024, will see Nik perform tracks from his first two albums, ‘Human Racing’ and ‘The Riddle’ both released, you guessed it, in 1984.

The full list of dates are as follows:

Oct 3 | Lincoln Engine Shed   

Oct 4 | Sunderland Fire Station  

Oct 5 | Edinburgh Queen’s Hall 

Oct 6 | Holmfirth Picturedrome  

Oct 8 | Cambridge Junction  

Oct 9 | Manchester Academy  

Oct 10 | New Brighton Floral Pavilion  

Oct 11 | Wolverhampton The Halls  

Oct 12 | Cardiff Tramshed  

Oct 14 | Bath Komedia  

Oct 15 | Portsmouth Guildhall 

Oct 16 | London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 

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.

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.

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 in the 80s.

He then formed The Assembly and collaborated with a number of talented musicians, including Undertones singer, Fergal Sharkey

In 1985, Vince formed synth-pop act Erasure with Andy Bell and from 1986 to 2007, the pair achieved 24 consecutive top-40 entries in the UK. They are still releasing chart topping albums to this day. Their latest album 'Day-Glo (Based on a True Story) released in 2022, received great reviews.

Oh, and not's not forgot all the remixes and production work he's done over the years

Impressive stuff!

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.

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.

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 2021.

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

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 honour to have them on the show

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 rip up the rulebook and venture toward a new frontier of electronic music – one that laid the foundations for Hip-Hop, house, techno and beyond.

Including an extensive collection of archive images throughout, Richard Evans’s kaleidoscopic narrative draws on years of research, a plethora of archive press materials and the input of key figures, including Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure), Martyn Ware (The Human League, B.E.F., Heaven 17) and Daniel Miller (The Normal, Mute Records).

From the gritty and experimental to the camp and theatrical, this book charts the careers and impact of electronic pop’s earliest innovators and luminaries, from Devo, The Normal, Telex and Cabaret Voltaire to Soft Cell, Gary Numan, OMD, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode.

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 along the way

We also discussed the recording of the latest QUINQUIS album, which came out last year. Émilie recorded the album with multi-talented musician and producer, Gareth Jones.

For more information about Émilie and Yann's sailing tour check out the following websites: 

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:

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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. 

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!

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 selected cinemas in the UK on March 2nd, 2023.

The unique event saw the brothers and an accompanying band perform at Athens’ Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheatre in August 2021, as part of the annual Epidaurus Festival. The resultant film has been titled Live at the Acropolis.