Electronically Yours with Martyn Ware

Today’s episode features multi-talented Mancunian poet Mike Garry. Mike began by reading his own poems to the hundreds of young people who attended his Library Homework Centre. They loved what they heard and encouraged him to perform them at live poetry events and Slams, which he did, instantly winning fans and prizes throughout the UK. His gritty poetry has won admiration far and wide and his collaboration with Joe Duddell and New Order in New Yorks Carnegie Hall in 2014 received five-star reviews. Championed by Philip Glass for whom Mike has written a libretto that premiered at the 2015 Days and Nights Festival in The Big Sur. Mike has worked in thousands of schools and his three books, Men’s Morning, Mancunian Meander and God is a Manc have become schemes of work in schools throughout the UK and his poetry is regularly heard on BBC Radio and TV. Ladies and gentlemen – prepare to be entertained – meet Mike Garry... If you can, please consider supporting 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 episode of Electronically Yours features two of Martyn’s oldest friends – Michael Mertens and Ralf Dorper from Propaganda, famous for a string of ’80s hits that include “Dr. Mabuse,” “Duel,” and “p:Machinery.” And their alliance with producer Trevor Horn. The classic lineup split in 1987 amid legal disputes with their label ZTT.   At last they have some excellent new material, featuring a new lead singer, Thunder Bae!   Ladies and gentlemen, meet the enduring talent of Propaganda. 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

Tomorrow’s exciting Electronically Yours episode features Chris Clark, a British electronic musician, performing under the mononym Clark. He has produced music for his own albums, as well as music for television, films and video games, having composed scores for award-winning contemporary dance and BAFTA nominated TV series. His records have been released by Warp Records, Deutsche Grammophon and his own label Throttle Records. His music is delightfully varied and mysterious, often featuring unusual physical prepared instruments as well as finely-judged electronics… Ladies and gentlemen- welcome to the fascinating sound world of Clark. 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 insightful episode of Electronically Yours features Karis Anderson, currently starring the title role of Tina Turner in hit musical Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre in London.  This discussion is a fascinating insight into the world of musical theatre, and the rollercoaster world it entails. As someone who loved Tina, I can confirm that Karis’s portrayal of Tina is flawless. Karis Anderson’s theatre credits also include Diana Ross in Motown and PP Arnold in All Or Nothing. She started her musical journey as part of Stooshe, a very successful UK all girl chart group. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the spirit of Tina - Karis Anderson... 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

Today’s episode of Electronically Yours features Stuart Braithwaite, leader of one of my favourite ‘post-rock’ bands, Mogwai. Their epic and hypnotic instrumental compositions are utterly unique, and after 33 years their live shows continue to enthrall audiences around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, music for a forgotten future, Mogwai... 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 unmissable episode of Electronically Yours features the exceptionally multi-talented engineer and acclaimed musician, Cyril Lance. He joined Moog Music as Senior Engineer after company founder, Bob Moog, who passed away in August, had personally selected Cyril to carry out his vision of creating timeless electronic musical instruments. Cyril has over 20 years of experience in both music and engineering. His hybrid career path straddles high level musical creativity and performance and genius-level electrical engineering and design. He has co-designed Moog instruments Little Phatty, Taurus 3, Minotaur, Sub 37, Animoog, the excellent Theremini and currently the amazing brand new Rhodes version Mk 8 stage piano. This episode is a synth geek’s fever dream, so much so that I decided to split into 2 parts (next episode next week). Ladies and gentlemen, the man with the brain the size of a planet - 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 DJ, producer and label head Grace Sands. Grace brings a queer take on deep house from her DIY Sound System roots, free parties and worldwide travels in the partnership Digs & Woosh. Since 1991, they helped to define the deep house sound, the same year the collective made friends with Jose Padilla in Ibiza successfully playing Amnesia, Pacha, Space Terrace & Eden. Digs & Woosh were two of 'only a few people who could actually play the Cafe Del Mar sunset'. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the utterly unique Grace Sands... 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 electronic treat of an interview features DJ/composer and technologist Robert Henke AKA Monolake. He is a German computer music artist working in the fields of audiovisual installation, music and performance. Born in Munich, and now lives in Berlin.  Many of his works use multiple channels of audio or are specifically conceived for unique locations and their individual properties. For the past few years, he has been exploring the artistic usage of high power lasers in his installations and performances. As Monolake, Robert’s minimal, dub-influenced techno helped establish the sound of the Chain Reaction label in Berlin. Most famously, he helped to develop Ableton Live, and designed the Atlantic Waves software for performing live with other producers in different countries simultaneously. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the futuristic technological and artistic world of Robert Henke. 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

Today’s episode of Electronically Yours features musical selector, DJ, radio host and curator, audiophile and founder of the album listening event and content hub Classic Album Sundays, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy. As a producer she has remixed Róisín Murphy, The Rapture, Fat Freddy's Drop, Beardyman, Candi Staton, The 2 Bears and Chaka Khan, amongst many others. The Classic Album Sundays platform tells the stories behind the albums that have shaped our culture and in some cases, our lives. She founded it as a stance against the increasing devaluation of music and sound. BBC Breakfast Television remarked, "Classic Album Sundays treat our best loved records like great symphonies." Colleen is one of the leading pioneers and inspirations behind the resurgence of vinyl, listening venues and high quality sound. Ladies and gentlemen, enter the vinyl world of Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy... If you can, please support the Electronically Yours podcast via my Patreon: patreon.com/electronicallyours