Time For Heroes

In this episode of Time For Heroes, I sat down with Dave McCabe, frontman of The Zutons and one of Liverpool’s most distinctive songwriting voices. Dave takes us on a wild ride through his musical journey, from early band days to penning the iconic track Valerie, later immortalised by Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson. We dig into the story behind that tune, the whirlwind of success, the hiatus and return and how it felt to feature on a Christmas number one!

Fresh from Kyle Falconer’s songwriting camp (La Sierra Casa) La Sierra Casa – Songwriting Camp, Dave shares insights into his creative process, collaboration, and what keeps him inspired today. And while we didn’t get time to dive into his solo album Church Of Miami, it’s another chapter worth exploring for fans of his genre-bending style.

To wrap it all up, Dave picks his personal heroes—musical and beyond!

This one’s for the dreamers, the grafters, and the legends in the making.

Here are Dave's links:

Instagram

Instagram

The Zutons Official - YouTube

The Zutons (@thezutons) | TikTok

The Zutons | Spotify

The Zutons | Official Store

Facebook

The Zutons (@ZutonsThe) / X

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sat down with Mathew Conner, frontman of rising indie outfit False Futures, for a deep dive into the journey behind the music. From growing up on the outskirts of Hull, surrounded by grit and quiet ambition, to chasing dreams in the creative chaos of London, Mathew shares the pivotal moments that shaped his sound and spirit.

He opens up about the early bands that laid the foundation, the lessons learned along the way, and how those experiences fed into False Futures’ latest releases—a bold and emotionally charged collection that’s turning heads in 2025. We talk songwriting, identity, and the thrill of finding your voice in a crowded scene.

And we had a good chat about how the video for latest single 'Under The Same Sun' came about.

With future plans already in motion, Mathew gives us a glimpse into what could be next?

And could this be the most well suited bunch of heroes yet?

Check out all the links below:

FALSEFUTURES

Facebook

Instagram

false futures (@falsefuturesuk) / X

falsefuturesuk (@falsefutures) | TikTok

False Futures | Spotify

False Futures - Under The Same Sun (Official HD Video)

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this electrifying new episode, I spoke with former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan for a raw and revealing conversation. From the early days with Chris Karloff and the sonic birth of Kasabian, to Tom's troubles and the long road back, Tom opens up like never before.

He talks about the backlash he faced, the personal battles that nearly derailed him, and how his powerful comeback single "Would You Mind" marked a turning point—not just musically, but spiritually. We dive deep into his solo journey, exploring the evolution across his albums, the stripped-back intimacy of his unplugged record, and then Tom shares his heroes!

And then I had a lie down, jeezo Tom is a real ball of Energy!

Here's all his links including a massive support slot with Richard Ashcroft next year!

Richard Ashcroft/Shed Seven/Tom Meighan/The Kairos Pre Sale Access - RICHARD ASHCROFT + SHED SEVEN + TOM MEIGHAN - huge outdoor concert at Englefield Estate, Fri 24 July 2026

Tom Meighan | Original Kasabian Frontman | Solo Artist

Facebook

Tom Meighan (@tommeighanHQ) / X

Instagram

Tom Meighan - YouTube

Tom Meighan | Spotify

‎Tom Meighan - Apple Music

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And here's another one!

In this episode of Time For Heroes, I sit down with Dan Jennings—a journalist, broadcaster, and now published author—whose career has danced across the airwaves and into the pages of music history.

We explore:

• Dan’s journey from BBC radio studios to podcasting success with Desperately Seeking Paul, the acclaimed Paul Weller fan podcast

• Behind-the-scenes tales from 180+ interviews, culminating in a two-hour conversation with Weller himself

• The making of Dancing Through the Fire, Dan’s authorised oral history of Paul Weller, built from over 200 hours of interviews

• Reflections on storytelling, fandom, and the cultural impact of one of Britain’s most iconic musicians

Dan brings wit, warmth, and a deep love for music and narrative. Whether you’re a Weller devotee, a podcast junkie, or just curious about how passion becomes publication—this episode hits all the right notes.

And as per, Dan picked his heroes too, wonder who it could be???

Check out Dan's links below:

Buy the book here Pre-order Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire: The Authorised Oral History now

Listen to the podcast here Paul Weller Fan Podcast | Podcast on Spotify or search on other platforms

Dan Jennings

Facebook

Instagram

Dan Jennings (@danjennings100) / X

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the podcast!

In this episode of Time For Heroes, I sit down with Kris Boyle, a man whose journey spans indie music, streetwear culture, and grassroots activism. From drumming with Scottish band The Twist to founding Dundee Sole, Kris has always marched to the beat of his own convictions.

We explore:

• Life behind the kit with The Twist and how music shaped his creative drive

• The birth of Dundee Sole and the rise of Scotland’s sneaker scene

• Why trainers are more than fashion—they’re memory, movement, and meaning

• Kris’s latest mission: launching a petition to introduce tougher sentencing and prevention funding to tackle knife crime in the UK

This episode is a tribute to purpose-driven creativity and the courage to speak out. Whether you're into music, street culture, or community change—Kris brings the kind of energy that makes you want to do more.

All this plus he picks his heroes as well!

Check out all Kris's links below and please go and sign the petition, it'll take two minutes and will be a truly massive help, thanks in advance

Petition - Introduce an automatic 2-year sentence for carrying a knife & fund prevention - Petitions

Kris Boyle Instagram

Dundee Sole Instagram

Dundee Sole Podcast - YouTube

dundeesole1 (@dundeesole1) | TikTok

Facebook

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this electrifying episode, I sit down with genre-defying musician and designer Tom Vek to explore the twists and turns of his unconventional career — from garage beginnings to cult acclaim. Tom opens up about his creative evolution, the six-year silence that led to his surprise album New Symbols, and how his passion for design sparked the creation of Sleevenote, a revolutionary music player built for album lovers.

We also dive into his foray into music NFTs, where each track from Newer Symbols became a collectible digital artifact, blending tech innovation with artistic intent.

And to wrap things up, Tom curates a fictional dinner party with the heroes who’ve shaped his sonic and philosophical worldview — expect a table full of surprises.

Tom releases We Have Sound Remixed on 02/10/25 to mark the anniversary of his debut album Tom Vek - We Have Sound Remixed - Links

Here's all Tom's links:

Tom Vek Official Website

Tom Vek (@Tom_Vek) / X

Instagram

Sleevenote

Supercollector

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back troops!

In this episode,I sit down with Liverpool singer-songwriter John Witherspoon, whose latest single You’re Alright dropped on August 8th You're Alright - John Witherspoon, offering a raw and resonant glimpse into modern melancholy and digital disconnection. With his upcoming album One of Them set to release on October 31st, John opens up about the creative process, the stories behind the songs, and the quiet confidence that’s earned him a place in Liverpool’s rich musical lineage.

And just when you think you’ve heard it all, he closes the show by curating a dream dinner party with the heroes who’ve shaped his journey — expect a few surprises at the table.

Here's John's Links:

Instagram

HOME | John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon | Spotify

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, it's been a while but with festival season and Oasis Live 25 it's been super busy, throw in a laptop change, change of editing software and before you know it weeks have went by but here we are, back with a shiny new episode with the fantastic Newton Faulkner.

Back with a new album titled 'Octopus' on September 19th, buy it here: Newton Faulkner Official Store and touring Oct/Nov tickets here: Newton Faulkner Newton has came up with a fresh sound and identity which he feels he's been striving for throughout his career, and that's the basis of the discussion so give it a listen, obviously we spoke about 'Dream Catch Me', Tik Tok, heroes and a whole lot more!

And here's all his links

Newton Faulkner

‎Newton Faulkner Essentials - Playlist - Apple Music

Dream Catch Me - Newton Faulkner - Deezer

Spotify – Newton Faulkner

Facebook

Instagram

Newton Faulkner (@therealnewtonfaulkner) | TikTok

Newton Faulkner (@NewtonFaulkner) / X

Newton Faulkner - YouTube

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apologies guys, this episode should've been out yesterday but Virgin decided to screw my wifi for a few days, meaning as well as not being able to watch TV or IPlayer on Glasto weekend, I also couldn't upload this chat with Charlie McNichol, frontman of Stockport band, The Rolling People, here it is now!

Fresh off the back of tour support with Andrew Cushin and new single release 'Edge Of The Knife@ we spoke about what's coming up and what's went on so far as welllas picking his heroes, here's a link to the bands King Tuts show in December The Rolling People | Gigs in Scotland you'll find links to all the other shows in the linktree below, hope you all enjoy x

The Rolling People | Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

The Rolling People (@therollingpeople_) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook

The Rolling People (@TRPofficial) / X

TikTok - Make Your Day

The Rolling People - YouTube

The Rolling People Online Store The Rolling People - Official Store

The Rolling People | Spotify

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again with a fantastic guest, Alex Spencer might be young in years but he is a wise lad as you'll hear in this chat, Since leaving school 2 years ago he has packed so much in making tv appearances on Sky Sports News and BBC as well as embarking on some massive supports as well as 2 headline tours and 2 EP's with his third one, 'Where Do We Go From Here?' being released this Friday 13.06.25. Where Do We Go From Here? Pre-save - Alex Spencer

Check out my chat with Alex and check his links below, i guarantee you'll love this lad!

Instagram

Alex Spencer

Alex Spencer | Spotify

Facebook

Nightmares - Alex Spencer

Alex Spencer (@alexspencerUK) / X

And you can get in touch with me here:

://www.facebook.com/timeforheroespodcast

https://www.instagram.com/time

[email protected]

Artwork courtesy of Rowan McDonagh

Rowan McDonagh (@rowan_mcdonagh_design) • Instagram photos and videos

Music by The Young Hips, check them out here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0wnBIA2KIwgNjCQPB6RY6h?si=Rd3wMJl5TImhlNDr9Wt3Yw

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.