Synthetic Dreams Podcast

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

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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

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

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