Synthetic Dreams Podcast
By Synthetic Dreams Podcast
Synthetic Dreams Podcast May 05, 2023
Landscape
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: https://landscape.band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn8jPj9g_CM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpRjbl3pX-Q
Simon Raymonde
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
A Certain Ratio
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/
Telex
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. You can pre-order it here: https://mutebank.co.uk/collections/telex
The group's fantastic performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG3HettbOKcon Top Of The Pops back in 1979: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzuaadvnbYg
Telex performing Eurovision at Eurovision 1980 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6USa0zUMmqI
One of my favourite electronic tracks of all-time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG3HettbOKc
Al Jardine (The Beach Boys)
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
Maps
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!
Roger Eno
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.
For more information about the concert film and for tickets visit www.cinemalive.com/event/brianandrogereno
Clams (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 wont be disappointed
For more information on this great, great band visit: www.warmduscher.co.uk
Dave Rowntree (Blur)
J.J Jeczalik (Art Of Noise)
Art Of Noise enjoyed chart success with 'Moments In Love', 'Close (to the Edit) 'Kiss' with Tom Jones and 'Peter Gunn', which earned them a Grammy award. Impressive stuff!
J.J was also part of Trevor Horn's production team. His pioneering approach with the Fairlight synthesizer helped create some of the most memorable tracks of the 1980s and late 90s, working with artists such as Frankie Goes To Hollywood, ABC, Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney and prog rockers, Yes.
Art Of Noise are back and will be playing two very rare live shows at the Jazz Cafe in London on January the 4th and 5th. For more information and tickets visit: thejazzcafelondon.com/event/art-of-noise-revision-vj-set/?accept=true
Oliver Ackermann (A Place To Bury Strangers)
Paul Langley & Mark Radcliffe (UNE)
This dynamic due make glorious electronic music under the guise, UNE
We discuss, among other things, the making of their third album 'Deux', live shows, David Bowie and the delights of the Scotch egg onion bhaji. YES, this really is thing!
UNE are heading out on a UK tour next year with Turin Brakes.
For the full list of dates, visit www.unemusic.com
Mark Moore (S'Express)
Mark started his music career as a DJ in legendary club's Heaven and The Mud Club, playing all his favourite artists, but towards the late 80's he achieve massive success as an artist himself with the group S'Express.
On the show, Mark speaks about making the first S'Express album, the early punk scene, what it was like working with one of his music heroes, the great and much-missed, Malcolm McLaren and talks about his brushes with fame
Some truly great stories in this episode
Jon King (Gang Of Four)
Gang Of Four's band's music was a big influence on alternative rock bands like R.E.M, Nirvana and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as influencing electronic acts and dance-punk groups like LCD Soundsystem and the Rapture.
Gang Of Four are one of my all-time favourite groups so it was a real honour to speak to this post-punk legend
Gang of Four 77-81 (gangoffour7781.com)
Neil Arthur (Blancmange)
Public Service Broadcasting
JB Dunckel (Air)
JB is one half of legendary French electronic act, Air.
You can purchase his new album at: jbdunckel.bandcamp.com
Hannah Peel
We discuss, amongst other things, her most recent work 'The Unfolding', an album she made with the Paraorchestra, which got to number one in the classical album charts a few weeks back. We talk about the making of her Mercury nominated album 'Fir Wave' and about other musicians Hannah has collaborated with over the years, including Ultravox legend, John Foxx.
www.hannahpeel.com
hannahpeelmusic.bandcamp.com
Alex Paterson (The Orb)
Dom Beken
Dom spoke to me about making albums with his good friend Alex Paterson from The Orb, as part of The Transit Kings and HFB, and also discusses working with legendary Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason. Dom is the keyboard player and backing vocalist for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, which is also features Gary Kemp on guitar and Guy Pratt on bass. The band are currently touring the UK.
I really enjoyed our discussion and hope to have Dom back on the show later this year
For more information about Dom and his wonderful music career to date, check out his website: www.dombeken.com
Wayne Hussey (The Mission)
Andy Bell (Ride)
We discuss life in lockdown, Ride, his latest GLOK album, Oasis and his plan to work with the other Andy Bell...Andy Bell from Eurasure : )
Andy's latest GLOK album, 'Pattern Recognition' is out now and I really can't recommend it enough!
glok.bandcamp.com/album/pattern-recognition
andybell.bandcamp.com/music
Mike Edwards (Jesus Jones)
Jesus Jones had a string of top 20 hits in the early nineties, including a number two hit in the US with 'Right Here, Right Now'
The band are paying a few shows this year, including one with Utah Saints. List of dates here: www.jesusjones.com/tour-dates
For more info on the group, including links to Mike's book 'Death Threats From An 8 Year Old In The Seychelles', which we discuss in the episode, visit the following websites:
www.jesusjones.com
www.jesusjonesarchive.info
Trentemøller
On the show we discuss his earliest musical influences, the music scene in Copenhagen when he started out, his love of Depeche Mode, and what it was like supporting them on their Delta world tour, plus the making of his new album 'Memoria', which came out last month. It really is a wonderful album and I really can't recommend it enough!
He's heading out on a world tour later this months. For dates and ticket links check out his excellent website www.trentemoller.com
Jim Bob (Carter USM)
Jim Bob formed Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine with Les 'Fruitbat' Carter back in 1987. The band enjoyed great success in the 1990's with many of their singles hitting the top 20
Jim Bob's latest record 'Who Do We Hate Today' is available to buy at www.jim-bob.co.uk
Lots of cool Carter USM merch available on there too
You can also purchase the record over at www.cherryred.co.uk
Billy Currie (Ultravox)
Billy, who was also a member of Visage, spoke to me about the early days of Ultravox, performing at Live Aid and goes into fascinating detail about the recording of classic track 'Vienna'
Check out Billy's excellent website here: www.billycurrie.com
You can purchase some of Billy's solo records at burningshed.com just search for Billy Currie on the site
Adamski
After a successful career as a acid house DJ in the late 80s, Adam enjoyed a string of top 20 hits under a new moniker, Adamski
It was an absolute pleasure to speak to this legend of electronic music
Gerald Casale (DEVO)
Caroline Catz
Steve Davis
Hans-Joachim Roedelius (Cluster / Harmonia)
Roedelius has had a long and varied music career. In 1971 he co-founded Cluster with Dieter Moebius, and in 1973 Roedelius and Moebius formed Harmonia with Michael Rother, a previous guest on the Synthetic Dreams Podcast.
His music has influenced countless musicians, including David Bowie and Brian Eno, who worked with Cluster in 1977 for the album, Cluster and Eno.
It was a real honour to speak to such an icon of electronic music.
Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins)
Tom, founding member and singer of popular 80s pop band Thompson Twins, spoke to me about the group's early days, performing with Nile Rodgers and Madonna at Live Aid, playing Top Of The Pops and the time he supported David Bowie. Some really great stories in this episode.
Tom still enjoys playing live as a solo artist and recently supported The Human League on a massive UK arena tour. These performances from Tom and his band were amazing!
Please visit Tom's visit to keep updated on future shows and record releases. thompsontwinstombailey.co.uk
Darryl McDaniels (Run-DMC)
We talked about Darryl's excellent new children's book 'Darryl's Dream', the early days of Run-DMC, making the video for 'Ghostbusters' and about the Felix Organisation, a charity that Darryl and casting directer, Sheila Jaffe set up back in 2006. The charity provides opportunities and memorable experiences for children in adoption and foster care, the work they do is simply amazing!
After listening to this episode, check out the following songs and videos that we discuss on the podcast - your eyes and ears will thank you for it!
'Ghetto Metal' by Darryl 'DMC' Mc Daniels - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELaDL4UuM00
'Ghostbusters' by Run-DMC - www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYrQmLuoCL4
'Walk This Way' by Run-DMC - www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk
You can purchase a copy of Darry's Dream here: www.amazon.com/Darryls-Dream-Darryl-DMC-McDaniels/dp/0593487745
Big thanks go to Chris Ibbott for supplying music for the show
Sonic Boom (Spaceman 3)
Daniel Miller and Gareth Jones
Andrew Fearn (Sleaford Mods)
Steven Malinder (Cabaret Voltaire)
Youth
Jez Utah (Utah Saints)
Andy McCluskey (OMD)
Graham Massey (808 State)
Paul Hartnoll (Orbital)
For this episode I had the pleasure of speaking to Paul Hartnoll from legendary electronic act Orbital.
Paul, who formed Orbital back in 1989 with his brother Phill, spoke to me about the soundtrack he made for the British thriller 'Concrete Plans', his memories playing Top Of The Pops and the time he nearly killed, not one, but TWO members of the Radiophonic Workshop.
Micheal Rother (NEU! / Harmonia)
Michael's, who was also in an early line-up of Kraftwerk, spoke to me about his fascinating musical career.
Michael's excellent new album 'As Long As The Light' which he made with multi-talented musician Vittoria Maccabruni, is out now on Groenland Records