Synthetic Dreams Podcast

Today’s insightful episode  of Synthetic Dreams features Colombian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ela Minus Ela talks about the creative process and recording of her brilliant new album ‘DIA’ which comes out on January 17th via Domino records.  She also discusses her earliest musical roots and time playing drums in hardcore rock band, Ratón Perez. Her move to New York and first impressions of the city. Building synths and love of analog equipment and the album that got her hooked on electronic music.   https://elaminus.com/ https://www.dominomusic.com/artists/ela-minus Ela Minus - BROKEN (Official Video) Ela Minus - COMBAT (Official Video)

Today's fascinating episode of Synthetic Dreams features multi-talented musician,  Christopher Stephen Clark, who records and performs electronic music under the moniker, Clark. Clark has also written and produced music for television, films and video games. His records have been released by Warp Records, Deutsche Gramophon and his own record label, Throttle Records. We discuss creativity, the running of his record label and the making of his latest album, ‘In Camera, which came out in September.     

Todays fascinating episode of Synthetic Dreams features a conversation with British singer, rapper and songwriter, Alison Clarkson, better known as Betty Boo. Alison, who has acquired many strings to her bow, started her music career as a rapper in hip-hop group She Rockers back in the late 80s. They supported big named hip-hop acts like Public Enemy.  Then in the early 90s Alison creative the moniker Betty Boo and became a massive pop phenomenon, enjoying huge chart success’s and winning a Brit award for Best British Newcomer in 1991. Featuring infectious beats, samples and memorable raps, Betty Boo’s music appealed, not only pop music lovers,  but to fans of alternative music too. With her strong independent spirit and DIY approach to music making, she stood out from all the manufactured pop acts at the time. After her first wave of success as Betty Boo, Alison went on to write a number of hits for other artists, including Hearsay and was awarded an Ivor Novello award for writing their hit single ‘Pure and Simple’ If you have been enjoying the podcast, and like what we do, please support the show by buying us a coffee - thanks! ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/syntheticdreams

This weeks episode of Synthetic Dreams features Scottish musician, Robin Guthrie, one of the co-founders of the legendary band, The Cocteau Twins, who are arguably one of the most influential bands of all-time. Guthrie, who was Cocteau’s principal songwriter, guitarist, bassist and keyboardist, has released several collaborative albums with the acclaimed ambient composer and pianist, the late Harold Budd, as well as production work for a number of artists, including The Gun Club, Edwin Collins, Lush and Ian McCulloch. As well as talking about his solo work, Robin also discusses his time in The Cocteau Twins and sheds light on how their beautiful music was created. His new E.P ‘Atlas’ is out now

My guest this week is multi-talented musician, Aaron Hemphill, who records music under the name, Nonpareils. We discuss he recording of his second album as Nonpareils, 'Rhetoric and Terror', which is out now via Mute records. It's a brilliant record, one of my favourite releases of 2024. Aaron, who co-founded the band Liars, also talks about the creative process and inspiration behind this record, his earliest musical passions and what it was like living in New York in the early 2000s, being part of the city's exciting music scene, which is wonderfully documented in Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern's excellent film 'Meet Me In The Bathroom'. The film features great footage of Liars, The Strokes and one of my favourite bands, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who befriended Liars early on in their career.

Delighted to be joined by multi-talented musician, Steve Hillage on the Synthetic Dreams podcast this week  Hillage is an Insanely prolific musician, so there was a lot to cram in, but we mange to cover all manner of things, including the early Canterbury music scene, which Steve was a big part of. Meeting Daevid Allen and joining psychedelic rock band, Gong. Steve was in the classic line up of the group, appearing on three of their most successful and best-known records, including the utterly bonkers but brilliant ‘Flying Teapot’ album After leaving Gong, Steve enjoyed huge success as a solo artist in the mid 70s’s to early 80s, releasing nine well-received albums, including ‘Fish Rising’, ‘Motivation radio’ and the brilliant ‘Green’ album, which, 46 years after its release,  still sounds fantastic and totally way ahead of it’s time. After nine years as a record producer, Steve formed electronic act, System 7 in 1989 with his parter, Miquette Giraudy, who worked with Steve on all his solo records and was also part of Gong. Impressively, they have released over 14 albums as System 7 and three as Mirror System, including ‘Route 77’, which we discuss in the interview. As well as being a brilliant electronic artist, Steve is, in my humble opinion, one the greatest guitarist’s this country has ever produced. A guitar hero to a lot of people I’m sure  "I don't want to be a guitar hero, I want to be a guitar zero! http://www.stevehillage.com Steve Hillage - The Salmon Song (Live) Steve Hillage - Hurdy Gurdy Man (Live) System 7 - Field Of Dreams System 7 - Habbi

This very special book club edition of the Synthetic Dreams podcast features an interview with Thomas Dolby, who discusses his debut novel. 'Prevailing Wind', which was published back in April, via Archway Publishing. Thomas Dolby, of course, needs little introduction, especially to fans of electronic music. He’s a true legend, a master of sound and technology.  It was great to speak to him in-length about ‘Prevailing Wind’, which I very much enjoyed reading this summer. The story, set in 1913, follows the trials and tribulations of the Haskell brothers, who leave their poor fishing community in Maine and try out for the sailing crew of a New York millionaire’s luxury racing yacht. Thomas discuses the writing process, the challenges he faced writing historical fiction and the original inspiration behind the book. ‘Prevailing Wind’ is a truly captivating read, full of mysteries, passion and betrayal. Highly recommended!  For more information about the book visit: https://www.thomasdolby.com If you enjoy the podcast, and like what we do, please support the show by buying us a coffee - thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/syntheticdreams

The 100 episode of Synthetic Dreams features the fascinating and super talented American electronic musician and songwriter, John Grant.  We talk about his forthcoming book ‘The Illustrated Lyrics’, which features lyrics from his previous albums, along with his own wonderful photography.  The book is rereleased on 3rd October. We also discuss the making of his latest album ‘The Art of the Lie’, one of my favourite albums of 2024, as well as his love of comedy and British humour.  John’s UK tour starts in London on October 17th and finishes in Liverpool on November 2nd. As discussed in the interview, John has something different planned for this tour, so make sure you get to one of these dates. as I reckon these shows are going to be very special.  To book tickets visit: https://www.johngrantmusic.com/ John Grant - Marbles (Official Lyric Video) John Grant - Meek AF Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

Graham Crabb from Pop Will Eat Itself joins me on the podcast this week. Graham discusses the early days of PWEI, playing iconic music show Top Of The Pops and his memories of touring with legendary hip-hop act, Run-DMC and Nine Inch Nails. The group, who formed back in 1986, still features much of the original line up. PWEI were way ahead of the curve, when they first burst into the scene, fusing punk rock guitars with hip-hop samples and electronic beats. Some great stories In this one! http://www.popwilleatitself.net/pwei/

Truly thrilled and honoured to be joined by Kathy Sledge from legendary group, Sister Sledge on the Synthetic Dreams podcast this week. Formed in the early 70’s, the group, which featured Kathy Sledge and her sisters Debbie, Joni and Kim, achieved massive, world-wide success during the height of Disco in 1979. Their breakthrough album "We Are Family' peaked at number three on the American Billboard charts and included the hit singles ‘We Are Family’ and ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’, both of which Kathy sang lead vocals on Kathy’s excellent new single Promise Me is out now, available on all streaming platforms.    This Sunday, 15th September, Kathy headlines the Uptown Festival at Bute Park Cardiff. For more information & Tickets : www.uptownfestival.co.uk Line up also includes Maxi Priest, Aswad, Desmond Dekkers Ace’s, Captain Accident & The Disasters. https://www.kathysledge.com Kathy Sledge - 'Promise Me' - live at BBC Radio 2 in the park Sister Sledge -'We Are Family' official video Sister Sledge - 'He's The Greatest Dancer' Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

Jonathan Donahue from Mercury Rev joins me on the podcast his week to talk about the making of the band’s wonderful new album, ‘Born Horses’ which comes out on September 6th via the always excellent Bella Union label.  This is one of Mercy Rev’s best albums to date, a real joy to listen to. So many wonderful musical styles and textures. From the hazy sax on opening track ‘Mood Swings’ to the pulsating rhythm that drives, ‘There’s Always Been A Bird In Me’, which closes the record  I really can’t recommend this album enough.  Already one of my favourite records of 2024. Just stunning!  This autumn, the band head out on a UK and Ireland tour, startling in Belfast on October 27th and finishing on Nov 8th in Cambridge, For the full list of dates and tickets, visit:  https://www.mercuryrev.com/tour To preorder the album head over to https://bellaunion.com/

My guest this week is Paul Roberts from Electronic group, K-Klass K-Klass, who formed in Manchester back in 1991, enjoyed great success in the mid 90s, scoring five top 40 hits on the UK singles chart. After 36 years, group are still going strong, regularly performing live and DJing at various festivals and club nights. We discuss the making of K-Klass' biggest hit "Rhythm Is A Mystery”. Legendary Manchester nightclub, The Haçienda, where the guys met and what it was like recording music in a converted military bunker. Next month the duo are performing at the Reminisce festival in Liverpool, which is now in its 10th year. With DJ’s and Live acts across 7 stages, this popular festival is a celebration of 90’s dance and pop music  Other acts performing at Reminisce Festival on Saturday September 7th include,  Rozalla, K Klass, N Trance, Oceanic, Alison Limerick, and Basshunter   https://wearekklass.com https://www.reminiscefestival.com K-Klass - Rhythm Is A Mistery - TOTP - 1991 K-Klass - Let Me Show You - TOTP- 1993

This weeks episode of Synthetic Dreams features former Tangerine Dream and Steamhammer member, Steve Jolliffe Steve was an early member of legendary electronic act, Tangerine Dream and as well as playing, amongst other things, flute, bass clarinet, synthesizers, grand piano, electric violin etc, he also wrote the lyrics and provided vocals for the album ‘Cyclone' We discuss all manner of things, what it was like working with Edgar Froese, who was the founder of Tangerine Dream, his soundtrack work and meeting David Bowie, who dropped into the studio while Tangerine Dream were recording a session for ‘Cyclone’. Bowie was keen to collaborate with Edgar Froese, but things didn’t go exactly to plan! In-between making solo records, plus various soundtrack scores, Steve also worked on a very famous sci-fi film, not in a musician role, but as a model maker no-less. Was great hearing how he got involved with this all-time classic film.  

Today’s episode of Synthetic Dreams features a fascinating conversation with singer, Jonathan Higgs and guitarist, Alex Robertshaw from the band, Everything Everything, who formed in Manchester back in 2007 Fair to say that music the band make is truly eclectic. A brilliant mix of catchy guitar hooks, funky bass lines and strong electronic beats, which sit perfectly with Jonathan’s wide ranging vocals. The band has released seven albums to date, including the brilliant ‘Mountainhead’, which came out in March this year. As well as having an extremely loyal and dedicated fanbase, something we discuss in the interview, it seems that the band are also loved by the industry. Their debut album, ‘Man Alive’ was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize and the band have received five nominations for Ivor Novello Awards. Impressive stuff!  As well as making some truly brilliant and critically acclaimed  albums, the band are also known for their awesome live shows and If you haven’t been to an Everything Everything gig yet, I highly recommend you catch them at a festival this summer or on their next tour, as it’s an incredible live experience. 

My guest this week is Fred Schneider, singer-songwriter and frontman of one of the most  influential and successful groups of all-time. The B-52’s The original lineup consisted of Fred on vocals, Kate Pierson on vocals. Keyboards and synth-bass. Cindy Wilson on vocals and percussion. Ricky Wilson on guitar and Keith Strickland, who started out as the drummer, but switched to lead guitar following the death of Ricky Wilson in 1985. The B-52’S have enjoyed many hits including, ‘Rock Lobster’, ‘Planet Clare’, ‘Private Idaho’, ’Roam’ and ‘Love Shack’, which topped the charts in 1989 and became a staple of weddings and parties ever since. Over the years, the group has had three Grammy nominations, and despite being innovators of the new wave genre, have never been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is crazy when you consider just how influential and important they are. The band are currently taking a break from their run farewell show, but are returning to Las Vegas  in November for a residency at the Venetian Theatre. These shows will be very special    

Honoured to be joined by a true music legend on podcast this week. Mark Mothersbaugh, Devo frontman, artist and film composer. Mark discusses his beautifully designed mail-art book. ‘Apotropaic Beatnik Graffiti’, which features Mark’s wonderful drawings on small postcards.   Mail art, also known as postal art and correspondence art, is an artistic movement centred on sending small-scale works through the postal service. This lifelong passion of Mark’s started back in 1969 and he now has over 700 red books of mail-art in his archives, including postcards from legendary artist, Andy Warhol. This book represents just 5 of those books from the collection. We also talk about 50 years of Devo and the story behind the look and visual aesthetic of the band. It’s safe to say that band’s visual style is as iconic as their music. There is no one else quite like them!   They are arguably one of the most influential bands of all-time and new documentary about the group premiered at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The film, which has had the odd screening in the UK, was directed by Chris Smith, who also made ‘Jim and Andy’, a wonderful film about Andy Kaufman and the making of Man On The Moon.  

‘Deee-lited’ to be joined by one of my new favourite acts on the Synthetic Dreams podcast today, Nauti Siren, which features  multi-talented musician, Jessie Evans and DJ Dmitry, co-founder of the seminal New York dance group Deee-lite. Nauti Siren’s music is a truly intoxicating mix of disco, reggae, new jazz and electro dub. Their excellent new single ‘Mermaid Of The Year’ is out now, with their debut album to follow. Jessie has worked with some amazing musicians, including the late and very great, Steve Mackay, who provided saxophone on the first two Stooges albums and drummer, Budgie from legendary post-punk band, Siouxsie and The Banshees.    As well as discussing Nauti Siren, Dmitry also talks in-depth about the recording of ‘Groove Is In The Heart’ and his time in Deee-lite This much-loved group enjoyed international success with their single, ‘Groove Is In The Heart’, which Rolling Stone Magazine recently called one of 10 best dance tracks of all time.  It’s a truly iconic track, which still gets played on the radio and in clubs across the world. Deee-lite had six number-ones in the U.S. Dance music charts during the five years they were together before disbanding in 1994.  Since then, Dmitry has gone to collaborate and work with a diverse range of artists including Chaka Khan, Julee Cruise, Sinead O’Connor and Ziggy Marley.  Jessie and Dmitry describe Nauti Siren as a mythological creature, calling from the portal where the elements of water (emotions) meet air (higher knowledge).  LINKS https://nautisiren.bandcamp.com/community Nauti Siren - Mermaid Of The Year Nauti Siren performing live at the Mermaid Parade - great footage! Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart (official video) Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart Live Deee-Lite interview 1990 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 multi-talented musician, Jah Wobble We discuss, amongst other things, the making of his latest album ‘A Brief History Of Now’. A fantastic post-punk record, which I really can’t recommend enough. As well as his recent ambient album ‘The Bus Routes Of South London’  Jah was a member of legendary post-punk band Public Image Limited  and in 2021 released ‘Metal Box Rebuilt in Dub’ which received great reviews  We also talk about punk and the post-punk scenes of the late 1970’s, meeting John Lydon and his close friendship with Sid Vicious. Jah’s excellent radio documentary about Sid is available to listen to online. As well as collaborating with artists from the world of rock and pop, Jah has worked with some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Massive Attack, Bjork, Moby, Bomb The Bass and Brian Eno He also played bass on the Orb’s iconic track. ‘The Blue Room’ from the U.F.Orb album  Jah is an excellent raconteur, with so many great stories to tell. It’s also worth checking out his book ‘Memoirs of a Geezer: Music, Mayhem, Life’ which was originally published in 2009. The expanded version of the book came out this year on Faber and Faber RELATED LINKS https://jahwobble.com https://jahwobble.bandcamp.com Public Image Ltd - Swan Lake live on TOTP Socially Functioning Psychopath by Jah Wobble Jah's Sid Vicious Radio 4 doc

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.