Synthetic Dreams Podcast

Today’s episode features an in-depth and fascinating interview with Armenian-American vocalist, songwriter and composer, KÁRYYN KÁRYYN talks to me about the making of her latest three- track, EP Calm KAOSS! Which was co-produced by James Ford, one of the UK's biggest record producers, previous guest on Synthetic Dreams and one-half of Simian Mobile Disco. KÁRYYN also speaks about her time at Mills College in Oakland, where she was exposed to experimental music through teacher-composers like Pauline Oliveros and Maggi Payne.  We also discuss sexism in the music industry and the challenges she has faced as a female musician. She discusses these experiences in a frank and open way, but with a good deal of humour.   Calm KAOSS! Which also features two fantastic remixes, is out now on the always excellent Mute records, a label we both love 

Today's episode features the second part of an in-depth and fascinating conversation with electronic pioneer, Morton Subotnick.

This week's exceptional episode of Synthetic Dreams features the legendary American electronic musician. Morton Subotnick. In 1967 he released the seminal album ‘Silver Apples of the Moon’ - a record that showcases the sound of the Buchla 100 invented by the late and very great, Don Buchla. This groundbreaking and hugely influential record was the first electronic composition composed exclusively for the album format This year sees the release of 'Subotnick - Portrait of an Electronic Music Pioneer' a brand new documentary about his career , which has already received some fantastic reviews. The film, which has yet to have a UK release date, is currently screening in the US. This interview is part one of two interviews with this great man, who at 91 years of age, is showing no signs of stopping. 

Todays fascinating episode of Synthetic Dreams features Ivor Novello winning musician, producer and co-creator of popular electronic act, Goldfrapp. In 2005, Will formed The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble  - a group of talented musicians, who all perform with analogue synthesisers.  We discuss the formation of the Moog Ensemble and  recording of their excellent debut album, ‘Heat Ray’ which is out on June 14th via Mute Records. Will also talks about his vast collection of analogue synths, his earliest musical passions and love of Wendy Carlos and her album, ‘Switched-On-Bach’. A hugely influential electronic album, which was truly groundbreaking at the time of its release back in 1968.  The Moog Ensemble are playing a few live dates later in the year, including a headline slot at the Hidden Notes Festival on 21st September. For more information about the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble and the players involved visit: https://www.willgregorymoogensemble.co.uk/  To pre-order the album visit: https://mutebank.co.uk/collections/will-gregory-moog-ensemble Moog Ensemble - Young Archimedes (Official Visualiser) Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

Today’s episode of Synthetic Dreams features electronic musician, DJ, producer, remixer and record label owner, Josh Wink Born and raised Philadelphia, Josh has enjoyed several hits, not only under his own name, but also with different aliases, including "I'm Ready" (as Size 9) "Don't Laugh" (as Winx), with his absolutely amazing and timeless track, "Higher State of Consciousness," which still sounds incredible today. We discuss, among other things, his more material, including the E.Ps ‘Ci-Devant and ‘The Deepness’, earliest musical passions, the American rave scene in the early 90s and Ovum Recordings, a record label he started back in 1994 with his good friend, King Britt. This year, the label celebrates it 30th Anniversary. www.ovumrecordings.com www.joshwink.com. Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

My guest this week is musician, composter, writer and filmmaker, Barry Adamson. We discuss his excellent new solo album ‘Cut To Black’ which is out this Friday, 17h May. This is Barry’s tenth solo album. Barry, who has worked with Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Visage and Finnish electronic act, Pan Sonic, also talks about his brilliant memoir ‘Up Above the City, Down Beneath the Stars’, which was published in 2021, via Omnibuspress press. It’s well worth a read! We also talk about his earliest musical passions, the post-punk scene in Manchester, back in the late 70s, meeting Howard Devoto and the formation of Magazine - one of the greatest bands the city has ever produced To purchase the album or for details about forthcoming live dates visit http://www.barryadamson.com

‘Pioneer’ is a word that often gets overused in the world of music journalism, especially when describing this week’s guest, but that’s exactly what she is, a pioneer…a true pioneer of electronic music!  Suzanne Ciani speaks to me about the time she met Don Buchla and her memories of him, as well as discussing her early career in new New York, making advertising jingles for huge companies like coca-cola.   She also talks about the recording of ‘Golden Apples Of The Sun’ a collaboration with Parisian composer Jonathan Fitoussi, which came out last October      Suzanne Ciani performs in China on May 24th before retiring to the UK for a couple of dates in September. For tickets visit: https://www.sevwave.com/ Synthetic Dreams title music is by Chris Ibbott 

My guest this week is Boris Blank from hugely influential Swiss electronic act, Yello. Boris Blank formed Yello with Carlos Peron back in 1979. Charismatic singer and lyricist, Dieter Meier, joined shortly after. Boris and Dieter became a duo after Peron left the group in 1983 to pursue a solo career, and the rest, as they say, is history.   During our conversation, which was recorded over telephone, we discussed, among other things, Blank’s third solo record ‘Resonance’. The twelve tracks that feature on “Resonance” were originally commissioned for the FORTYSEVEN thermal spa near Zurich.   Boris also talks about the new documentary ‘Oh Yeah’ which explores the legacy of Yello’s iconic track which found international success after being featured in the closing scenes of John Hughes classic teen comedy ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’, which is one of my favourite films of the 1980s For more information about the new album, or to buy a copy, visit: https://ianrecords.com/products/boris-blank-resonance Boris Blank - 'Resonance' Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

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 She also presents a monthly show called ‘Beat Palace’ on Soho Radio. https://sohoradiolondon.com/profile/anna-prior/ Anna recently collaborated with Tom Furse from The Horrors. Furse directed the video for her previous single ‘Tech Não and for her latest single ‘Fall Back’  Anna Prior - Tech Não (Official Video) Anna Prior - Fall Back

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 https://coldcut.net/ https://ninjatune.net/home The Fall w/Coldcut - Telephone Thing Coldcut featuring Lisa Stansfield Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

Multi-talented Danish musicians, Lisbet Fritze and Louise Foo, otherwise known as Glas, recently spoke to me about the making of their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Kisses Like Feathers‘ The album, which was self-produced by the duo and mixed by Anders Trentemøller, a previous guest on the podcast, is out now via Hamburg’s hfn music.  All lyrics, vocals and instruments were performed by Glas, and recorded in their studio. It was great to  speak to one of my new favourite bands about their excellent debut record, which I can’t recommend enough.  https://glasdk.bandcamp.com/ Glas: 'Midnight Fay' Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

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: https://janhammer.com/home Jan Hammer - 'Miami Vice Theme' Jan Hammer - 'Crockett's Theme' on TOTP Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠Instagram⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

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. Sigue Sigue Sputnik on TOTP Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on Instagram Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott  

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;  https://kosheen.live/  https://www.facebook.com/KosheenBand/   https://www.instagram.com/kosheenofficial/   https://twitter.com/KosheenOfficial    Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis  Follow Synthetic Dreams on Instagram or X  And subscribe to the show via Spotify, Apple Music and Audible. Please leave a rating or review - THANKS    Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott   

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  Head over to: https://nitehive.bandcamp.com/ For more information about Karen's work, visit: https://karenvogtmusic.com/ Karen Vogt - We Coalesce

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   https://www.deadcandance.com/ Dead Can Dance - 'Opium" Dead Can Dance - 'The Host Of Seraphim' (Remastered) Brendan Perry - 'Song To The Siren' (live on KEXP)  

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  For dates and tickets visit: https://www.lustforlifetour.com/tour

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 most successful of which was the single "Is It A Dream" reaching No.11 in the UK singles chart.

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: https://antonwitter.bandcamp.com/

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 student in Manchester We also talk a little about his work with Blur and Depeche Mode. James produced the band’s latest album ‘Memento Mori’, which is a truly fantastic record. He’s also been working with The Pet Shop Boys on their brand new album, which is due to be released in the spring  - Instagram @syntheticdreampod - Twitter @SyntheticDreamP