⁠Born in 1947 in post-war Germany, Wolfgang Flür made his name in the Kraftwerk, a band that was formed in Düsseldorf where he has spent most of his adult life. The last time I met him was in 1997 when he released his first post-Kraftwerk album with his band Yamo. His latest album, released last year, Magazine 1, is a masterpiece, a mixture of old and new, a commentary on today's world, and also that of post-war Düsseldorf, from Flür's perspective. In this interview, we talk about his own personal history, about his plea for pacifism in Say No! through the Wolfgang Borchert poem of the same name, and the track Birmingham, the home base of his main collaborator on this album, Peter Duggal. He also talks about how Trans Europe Express inspired him to make his track Night Drive, and his emotional final meeting with ex-Kraftwerk bandmate, Florian Schneider, in Düsseldorf where he continues to reside today.⁠

More info about Flür here: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/WolfgangFlur1⁠

Connect with me on Instagram; steve.blame

And follow me on YouTube - where you see many of these interviews

youtube@popthehistorymakers

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With four new projects on the horizon after last year's release of Electribe 101's second album after 30 years, it was time to catch up with Billie Ray Martin.

Her seminal hit was 'Your Loving Arms', a top ten hit in the UK, a massive club hit worldwide, and a song that remains one of the great dance anthems. Her story reads like a Hollywood movie, full of twists and turns. It even contains the obligatory 'singer looks for band' advert which leads to Electribe 101. But when a second album is rejected the band splits, Billie Ray Martin goes solo, and the album is forgotten for 30 years until it's released last year.

In this DEEP DIVE interview with Billie Ray Martin, she talks about her humble working-class beginnings growing up in the Reeperbahn district of Hamburg, moving to Berlin where she gains experience on-stage in bands, and her first impressions of when she first moved to London. There she became a vocalist for S'Express, talks about that now-legendary advert that led to Electribe 101, the missiles that were thrown when supporting Depeche Mode, the moment she knew 'Your Loving Arms' would be a massive success, and the brilliant 'lost' album of Electribe 101 - 'Electribal Soul' that was released last year.

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Robin Scott, or as he's known - M, is a visionary, groundbreaking musician and producer who forever changed the landscape of popular music with his late 1970s hit POP MUZIK. As a pioneer of electronic music and a master of catchy synth-pop hooks, M's artistic contributions have resonated with audiences across the globe and continue to inspire generations of musicians.

In 1979, M unleashed the groundbreaking single "Pop Muzik," a genre-defying masterpiece that seamlessly fused elements of disco, new wave, and electronic music. With its pulsating rhythm, infectious hooks, and memorable lyrics, the song skyrocketed to the top of the charts, captivating listeners worldwide and earning M international acclaim. "Pop Muzik" became an anthem for a generation, symbolizing the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the late '70s music scene.

As a true trailblazer, Robin Scott, or 'M,' remains an emblematic figure in the annals of popular music. He continues to make music today. Baby Close the Window was released on April 21st of this year, and over the next two years, many other releases are planned.

In this interview Robin talks extensively about his early life, his most significant hit, how Paris played a role in his success, and his latest releases and what is now planned.

For more information on Robin Scott aka M

https://www.facebook.com/robinscottuk/?locale=en_GB

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Katharina Franck, the lead vocalist, and songwriter of the band Rainbirds, is known primarily for her distinctive voice and poetic songwriting. Her musical style blends elements of alternative rock, pop, and folk, infused with introspective and deeply personal lyrics, with themes of love, loss, or the complexities of the human condition.

Rainbirds, formed in the late 1980s, achieved significant success in the German music scene and gained international recognition with their debut self-titled album in 1987, which featured the hit single "Blueprint." Franck's haunting vocals and the band's unique sound garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Rainbirds went on to release several albums, each showcasing Franck's growth as an artist and her ability to push the boundaries of musical expression. And beyond her work with Rainbirds, Franck has also pursued a solo career, highlighting her versatility and artistic depth.

#rainbirds #katharinafranck #blueprint #lgbtq #rainbirds,#singer,80s,#80smusic,#berlin,#blueprint,#katharinafranck,#germanmusic,#90smusic,#alternativerock,#womeninmusic,#femalemusicians,#musichistory,#bandhistory,#rickumentary,#musiclegends,#behindthescenes,#musicculture,#musictrivia,#musicfacts,#rockmusic,#musicjourney,#musicappreciation

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Meet PER MARTINSEN, the visionary electronic music artist synonymous with innovation and sonic exploration. As Mental Overdrive, Per has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. With a career spanning decades, his unique blend of techno, electro, and experimental sounds has captivated audiences worldwide. 

Recently, Per has diversified, by returning to who he was as a teenager and reimagining his life, creating three distinct personalities - Mental Overdrive, Wave∞Form, and N∆EON TEARDROPS - and through this innovative and fascinating method, has created the music he believes these personalities would themselves create. 

Born and raised in Tromsø, Norway, Per Martinsen developed a deep passion for music at a young age. His early encounters with the burgeoning electronic music scene in the 1980s sparked a creative fire within him. Inspired by the likes of Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and the early Detroit techno pioneers, he embarked on a journey to explore the limitless possibilities of electronic sound.

Beyond his solo endeavours, Per Martinsen has collaborated with various artists and musicians, including Biosphere, Rune Lindbæk, and Todd Terje, among others. His contributions to the electronic music community extend beyond his own productions, as he has also become a respected DJ, performing at renowned clubs and festivals worldwide.

Per Martinsen's artistic vision goes beyond the confines of music. He is also known for his multidisciplinary approach, blending visual art, installations, and technology to create immersive audiovisual experiences. Through his innovative and boundary-pushing endeavors, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the electronic music landscape.

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS

Copy and paste this link to listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVaETK9kxHI

Wave∞Form

Copy and paste this to listen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XORXNn2-7_E&list=OLAK5uy_kbhxYJlcxnFSWjRiVFs2V37nUMU1a3Ck0&index=1

Mental Overdrive

Copy and paste this to listen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1svXvPqRuo

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Rasmus Lindvall (sometimes spelled Lindwall) and Robert Wåtz made up the Swedish remixing, production, and scratching duo of Rob 'n' Raz, who came in prominence in the late 80s and scored international hits with Leila K. Got to Get and Rok the Nation charted all over Europe and in the US. 

In the 90s they continued their success in Sweden with singer Lutricia McNeal and rapper David Seisay (D-Flex). In 1993, they hosted the show Clubhopping for ZTV in Sweden. Today they are no longer producing as a team, but Raz has continued on his own projects, including working with Papa Dee - the subject of another podcast - look out for that.

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In 2022, THE JEREMY DAYS achieved the unexpected with an album on the German charts, the first in 27 years. LOUIS C. OBERLÄNDER is a keyboardist with The Jeremy Days, one of the bands that MTV Europe, where I worked, pushed back in the late eighties.

Influenced by Brit-Pop, The Jeremy Days were never identifiable as to which country they came from. They reached number 11 on the German charts in 1988 with Brand New Toy, and their first album reached number 18. For the next few years they remained successful in Germany, but their last album of that period, Punk by Numbers, flopped and the band pretty much went their separate ways.

In 2022, without Christoph Kaiser, their lineup still includes Dirk Darmstaedter, Louis C. Oberlander, Jörn-Christof Heilbut, and Stefan Rager, were back in the German charts with their 6th album Beauty in Broken, 27 years after their last album, and 33 years after their first eponymous album. Now usually when anyone interviews The Jeremy Days, they want to talk to singer Dirk Darmstaeder, who is a really nice guy. But I’ve chosen to interview Louis C. Oberlander, because his story is a little different from the others, and I’ve followed him with interest on social media over the years. Today, Louis lives in Los Angeles, this is his story.

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With his introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, Justin Currie, singer/songwriter of Scottish band Del Amitri, has garnered acclaim for his heartfelt songwriting and powerful vocal performances that have touched the hearts of fans around the world.

Born with a natural talent for storytelling, Currie emerged as a prominent figure in the music scene during the late 1980s when Del Amitri's distinctive sound began to capture the attention of listeners. His ability to craft emotionally charged narratives, infused with a unique blend of wit, vulnerability, and social commentary, has become a signature characteristic of his songwriting.

Currie's rich, resonant voice is an instrument in itself, conveying raw emotions with depth and sincerity that resonates deeply. Over the years, Justin Currie has continued to evolve as an artist, exploring diverse musical styles and experimenting with new sounds while staying true to his roots. His songs delve into the complexities of human relationships, navigating themes of love, loss, longing, and the struggles of everyday life with a rare authenticity and insight.

Beyond his work with Del Amitri, Currie has also released solo albums, further showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. His solo endeavors have provided a platform for him to explore different musical avenues and venture into more personal and introspective territory.

This interview was recorded in December 2021

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FISH has made a life-changing decision after meeting someone named after his biggest hit with Marillion - KAYLEIGH.

In this amazing UPDATE interview hear all about the next moves that FISH has planned including a final tour and then a final move.

Fish, born Derek William Dick, is an iconic Scottish singer-songwriter whose powerful and emotive vocals have captivated audiences for decades. Rising to fame as the lead vocalist of the progressive rock band Marillion in the 1980s, Fish's distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics made him a revered figure in the world of rock music. With his charismatic stage presence and thought-provoking storytelling, Fish has carved out a unique place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Beyond his success with Marillion, Fish has also enjoyed a successful solo career, consistently delivering albums that showcase his artistic evolution and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. From epic rock anthems to introspective ballads, Fish's music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions and leave a lasting impact on all who encounter it. With a career spanning over four decades, Fish's contribution to the music industry is not only enduring but continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

And now he's found a new passion which he's already working towards. It will surprise you!

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Phillip Boa is a German singer, songwriter, and musician known for his eclectic and dynamic style that blends elements of alternative rock, post-punk, and pop. Boa began his career in the early 1980s, forming the band Phillip Boa and the Voodooclub, which quickly gained a reputation for their energetic live performances and Boa's distinctive vocals.

Over the years, Boa has released numerous albums, both solo and with the Voodooclub, that have received critical acclaim for their innovative sound and provocative lyrics. His music often explores themes of identity, desire, and the darker aspects of human nature, while also incorporating elements of humor and wit.

Phillip Boa and the Voodoo Club's latest release is a 30-year anniversary edition of Boaphenia - remastered, remixed with an additional 10 new songs available from his website.

https://www.phillipboa.com/

and go to my video channel if you prefer to watch

youtube@popthehistorymakers

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