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Steve and a surprise guest count down their 10 Best Albums of 2025. From darkwave and synth-pop to legendary artists delivering late-career highlights, this episode is a full year-end reflection on the records that defined 2025. 

Along the way, they break down standout tracks, key moments, and why these albums rose above the rest. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, passionate look back at the year in new wave and classic alternative music, this is the episode.

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On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Brian Chatton, founding member and creative force behind Boys Don’t Cry. Brian takes us through the band’s early days, the origin of their name, and the playful nod to The Cure on their second album. We revisit the massive global success of “I Wanna Be a Cowboy,” how it reshaped the band’s trajectory, and the unforgettable (and sometimes bizarre) live moments that came along the way.

Brian also gives us an inside look at the making of the brand-new album 4Play. He shares the inspirations behind the project and breaks down several key tracks, including “I Was Just Thinking About Sex (At the Time),” “Rescue Me,”and the new single “When I Think About You” featuring Wade Hubbard. We discuss collaborations, creative surprises, and which track stands out most to him on the new record.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Boys Don’t Cry for the first time, this episode offers a fun, insightful look into the band’s history, humor, and newest musical chapter.

Boys Don't Cry:https://linktr.ee/boysdontcry1986?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5cd672c0-5794-4da7-a5d3-26f16536d117&fbclid=IwZnRzaAOiz7oBHXI57Rfv0Jud7_XdF0U4Ru7jPxaq2UWcU7kBXoFy63OrenU3QM1pWBQP0A

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On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve is joined by Monique Powell, the unmistakable voice of Save Ferris. Monique reflects on the band’s early days and their remarkable rise during the ’90s ska revival, including the story behind their breakout cover of “Come On Eileen” and how it became a defining moment in their career.

The conversation also explores the long-awaited return of the Checkered Past EP to streaming platforms, revisiting standout tracks like “Anything” and “Do I Like You,” as well as the band’s collaboration with 2 Tone legend Neville Staple on the track “New Sound.” Monique shares insight into newer songs such as “Lights Out in the Reptile House,” “Get Dancing,” and “Ooh Ooh Rudi,” offering a look at how the Save Ferris sound continues to evolve.

We also dive into the energy of the band’s live shows and what fans can look forward to on the upcoming holiday tour. It’s a lively and heartfelt conversation filled with nostalgia, great stories, and a true celebration of ska, alternative pop, and classic ’90s music.

Save Ferris: https://saveferris.com/

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On this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Ian Dench, guitarist and principal songwriter for EMF the band behind the iconic hit “Unbelievable.” Ian reflects on the band’s early breakthrough, the whirlwind of success in the ’90s, and how that explosive start shaped EMF’s journey. He discusses the band’s creative evolution, what brought them back together, and why their blend of rock, dance, and electronic energy still resonates today.

The conversation also explores their 2024 comeback album The Beauty and the Chaos and their brand-new EP Reach For Something Higher. Ian shares the story of how their recent U.S. tour inspired the new EP and discusses the meaning behind their latest work and their approach to covering iconic tracks by Bauhaus and Depeche Mode. He also reflects on his songwriting legacy and what fans can expect from EMF’s next chapter. 

EMF: https://emf-theband.com/

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Steve is joined by Don from the Album Nerds Podcast for a deep dive into two standout new releases — David Byrne’s Who Is the Sky and Birdsong, the latest from The Blow Monkeys. Together, they explore how both artists continue to evolve while staying true to their distinctive sounds.

In music news, the duo covers fresh tracks from Heaven 17, Boys Don’t Cry, Depeche Mode, Men Without Hats, James and Haircut 100 — plus a nostalgic twist with a classic ’80s cover from Andy Bell of Erasure. Tune in for lively discussion, sharp insights, and a celebration of the best in modern and classic new wave.

David Byrne:

https://whoisthesky.davidbyrne.com/

The Blow Monkeys

https://www.theblowmonkeys.com/

Album Nerds Podcast:

https://rss.com/podcasts/albumnerds/

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In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve takes an in-depth look at the latest albums from The Chameleons and Peter Murphy. From shimmering guitars to brooding vocals, he breaks down how each artist continues to evolve while honoring their signature sound.

In music news, there are rumors of a new album from The Cure, new tracks from Pop Will Eat Itself and Daniel Ash’s newest band, and an unexpected reinterpretation of a Bauhaus classic by EMF.

The Chameleons:

https://chameleonsband.com

Peter Murphy:

https://www.petermurphy.info/

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In this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, we sit down with Myles and Kyle Mendes of NITE, a band that blends dark synth textures, melodic hooks, and a modern take on new wave. The brothers share the story of their origins, the meaning behind their name, and how their influences helped shape the band’s distinctive sound. We also dive deep into their music catalog, highlighting standout tracks from across their career, including their latest single.

Along the way, NITE open up about the inspiration behind their songs, and their experience collaborating with Leah Lane from Rosegarden Funeral Party. If you’re a fan of dark wave, synth driven atmospheres, or discovering your next favorite band, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, we sit down with Doug MacMillan (fromThe Connells) and Jon Dawson of Third of Never to discuss their brand-new release, Damage the Pearl: Original Soundtrack. The album takes a bold, cinematic approach—blending New Wave textures, alternative energy, and psychedelic flourishes into a project that feels as much like a film score as a traditional record. 

Doug and Jon share the story of how the band came together, the evolution of their sound, and how the concept of an “original soundtrack” developed into one of their most ambitious works yet. They also discuss working with special guests, including a memorable collaboration with Steve Kilbey of The Church, and reflect on the creative risks that shaped the album’s unique atmosphere. 

Third of Never:

https://thirdofnever.com/

https://thirdofnever.bandcamp.com/

https://343collective.com/thirdofnever/

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In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve dives into Ian McNabb’s brand-new album If It Wasn’t For The Music, as well as Suzanne Vega’s Flying with Angels—her first collection of new songs in over a decade.

We’ll also bring you the latest music news, including fresh releases from Sparks, The Charlatans, Nine Inch Nails, Robert Smith, and more.

Ian McNabb:

https://www.ianmcnabb.com/

Suzanne Vega:

https://www.suzannevega.com/

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In this New Music Spotlight, Steve chats with Hayley Cain of Hayley and the Crushers—a band that blends surf, punk, and power pop with a sound best described as the Go-Go’s meets X. 

Hayley shares how the band first came together, the story behind their name, and the influences that shaped their one-of-a-kind sound. We also dive into tracks from their latest EP, Unsubscribe from the Underground, and much more.

Hayley and the Crushers:

https://www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/

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