Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

Lawrence Payton Jr from the legendary Four Tops about legacy, family, Motown, and carrying forward one of the greatest soul music catalogues of all time.

Lawrence shares deeply personal stories about growing up with his father, original Four Tops member Lawrence Payton, memories of Motown legends visiting the family home, stepping into the group himself, and the emotional responsibility of performing songs that have become “the soundtracks of people’s lives.”

The conversation also explores:The timeless magic of MotownHolland-Dozier-Holland’s songwriting geniusThe emotional connection audiences still have with these songsThe Four Tops & Temptations brotherhoodBrand new music recorded at the original Motown studioA heartfelt conversation about music, memory, love, and why these songs still matter today.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

A new series of Beginner’s Guides, starting with one of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time: Led Zeppelin.This is not a ranking video. Instead, I goe through the Led Zeppelin catalogue album by album, choosing key gateway songs while sharing personal memories of discovering the band, growing up with the music, and understanding why Zeppelin still matter today.Whether you are completely new to Led Zeppelin or have loved these albums for decades, this guide is designed to help you listen again with fresh ears.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band - Legs Larry Smith Interview

In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I talk to Legs Larry Smith — drummer, tap dancer, artist and one of the key figures behind the wonderfully eccentric world of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.Larry shares stories about the band’s art-school origins, recording classics like “Jazz: Delicious Hot, Disgusting Cold” and “The Intro and the Outro,” learning to tap dance in a London tube station, appearing in The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour, working on Do Not Adjust Your Set, and touring with Elton John and Eric Clapton. He also reflects on the superb Still Barking Madfish box set, his ongoing art, and why the Bonzos’ legacy still matters so much today.A warm, funny and revealing conversation with one of British music’s true originals.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Why Ronnie James Dio was such an important figure in rock music history. From his powerful vocals to his iconic stage presence, Dio made a lasting impact on the rock world that continues to inspire fans and musicians today.My top DIO moments include, Last In Line, Light in The Black, Bible Black, Stagazer, Man on A Silver Mountain, Gates of BabylonPlease share your top 5 or 10 DIO momentsPhil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Darran Charles from Godsticks about the band’s new album VOiD — their darkest, heaviest and most uncompromising record to date.In this in-depth conversation, Darran discusses the themes behind the album, the loss of nuance in modern life, writing lyrics from a more personal place, the importance of melody, the challenge of performing complex progressive metal live, and how Tom Price, Gavin Bushell and new bassist Francis George helped shape the final sound of the record.A thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, creativity, community and why some albums need time to fully reveal themselves.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I talk to Ian Crockett, consultant for Madfish Records and Snapper Music, about the art of creating truly definitive box sets.

We go behind the scenes of the new Sensational Alex Harvey Band set, discuss the detective work involved in finding rare tapes and memorabilia, and explore why Madfish has become such an important label for collectors of physical music.

Ian also talks about Wishbone Ash, Family, Gentle Giant, Steve Hillage, Caravan, Al Stewart, John Mayall, Horslips and more, while explaining why CD remains such an important format for large archival box sets.

For anyone who loves deluxe reissues, rare live recordings, signed editions, archive photography and physical music, this is a fascinating look under the bonnet of one of the most respected reissue labels in the world.

Music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I am joined by John Lees of John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest for a thoughtful and emotional conversation about the superb album Relativity, the Philharmonic orchestral performances with Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra, the Live at RosFest 2009 recording, John’s distinctive guitar style, songwriting, and the emotional power of BJH’s music.John also speaks with honesty about living with anxiety, how it has affected his career, and why songs such as Mockingbird, Hymn, and the material on Relativity continue to connect so deeply with listeners.This is a warm, revealing conversation about music, creativity, vulnerability, and why great songs stay with us for life.If BJH has ever meant something to you, this is one not to miss.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Phil Collen of Def Leppard about Man Raze, the power trio he formed with Simon Laffy of Girl and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols.With Cherry Red Records releasing the new 5CD box set Lock, Stock & Barrel: Complete Recordings 2008–2011, Phil looks back on how the band came together, the chemistry of the three-piece format, the influence of punk, reggae, dub and hard rock, and why Man Raze still feels like one of rock’s best-kept secrets.Phil also reveals that new Man Raze music and live shows could be on the way.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Robin McAuley joins Phil Aston on the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to look back on the McAuley Schenker Group years, from how he first connected with Michael Schenker to the making of Perfect Timing, Save Yourself and M.S.G.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Robin discusses songwriting with Michael, the challenge of breaking through in the late ’80s, why some of those albums were overlooked at the time, and why the songs still stand up so well today.

He also reflects on Grand Prix, his musical influences including Thin Lizzy, Paul Rodgers and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and brings things right up to date with the new Black Swan album Paralyzed.A warm, honest and uplifting conversation with one of melodic rock’s great voices.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

Andy Bown – Out There: The Status Quo Musician’s Space Opera Finally Comes to Life

Andy Bown from Status Quo joins the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to talk about Out There, his long-gestating “mind-bending operatic deep space love story” created with the late novelist Russell Hoban.Best known for his work with Status Quo, as well as connections to The Herd, Peter Frampton, Pink Floyd and Roger Waters, Andy shares the remarkable story of how this ambitious project began in the 1990s, why it was left unfinished, and what finally brought it back to life.In this conversation, Andy reflects on:writing with Russell Hobanrediscovering the original demosworking with producer Mike Paxmanthe emotional impact of Judy Tzuke’s “City of Love”his love of storytelling, theatre and sci-fiand why Out There is only the beginningIf you enjoy music with imagination, atmosphere and a sense of adventure, this is a fascinating insight into a very different side of Andy Bown’s musical world.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine