Show Notes

Drummer and founding driving force behind Modern Romance, Andy Kyriacou, joins Tony Mantor for an entertaining and revealing conversation about the rise of one of Britain's most recognizable pop bands and the journey that has kept the music alive for more than four decades.

Andy shares the incredible story of joining Modern Romance just as the band faced its final opportunity with its record label, the creative idea that helped launch "Everybody Salsa" into the charts, and how grassroots promotion transformed their career into international success.

The conversation also explores life on the road during the 1980s, the realities behind fame and financial struggles, reforming the band years later, and why audiences still connect with the music today.

Andy also discusses writing his upcoming autobiography, drawing from personal diaries kept throughout the band's early years, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of pop music's most memorable eras.

In This Episode

• Joining Modern Romance at a pivotal moment
• The story behind "Everybody Salsa" and the band's breakthrough
• How creative promotion helped launch a chart-topping career
• Performing on Top of the Pops and reaching international audiences
• The realities of touring and life behind the spotlight
• Why success didn't always mean financial security
• Reforming Modern Romance for a new generation of fans
• Writing an autobiography using decades-old personal diaries
• The importance of audience connection during live performances
• Preserving the legacy of 1980s music while continuing to create

Andy offers an honest and humorous look at the music business, sharing stories of perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of songs that continue to bring people together across generations.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of 80s pop or fascinated by the stories behind legendary bands, this episode is packed with unforgettable memories and valuable insight into a remarkable career.

Be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville for more exclusive conversations with the artists, musicians, and entertainers who helped shape the soundtrack of our lives. 

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Independent singer-songwriter Shweta Harve joins Tony Mantor for a heartfelt conversation about creating music that goes beyond entertainment to inspire reflection, compassion, and positive change.

Originally from India and now based in the United States, Shweta has built an international creative team that spans three continents, collaborating with an Italian composer and a Ukrainian mixing engineer to produce music that resonates across cultures and generations.

From Billboard Top 40 success with "What the Troll" to deeply introspective songs like "Have You Loved Like a Tree," Shweta explains why her greatest measure of success isn't chart positions—it's knowing her music has touched someone's life.

Throughout the conversation, she shares her songwriting process, the importance of authenticity, and her passion for creating songs that encourage empathy, kindness, and meaningful human connection in an increasingly divided world.

In This Episode

• Building an international music collaboration across three countries
• Writing songs inspired by real-life social issues
• The stories behind "Who Are You," "Why So Busy," "What the Troll," and "Have You Loved Like a Tree"
• Why emotional honesty matters more than commercial success
• The power of music to create community and inspire compassion
• Recording independently and building a home studio
• Working with artists during difficult times across the globe
• The creative process from lyrics to finished production
• Why authenticity remains the foundation of her music
• Creating songs that give a voice to the voiceless
• Finding peace and purpose through songwriting

Shweta's thoughtful perspective reminds us that music has the power not only to entertain but also to heal, connect, and encourage people to see the world with greater empathy.

Whether you're an independent artist, songwriter, or simply someone who believes music can make a difference, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and hope.

Be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville for more conversations with artists whose music is shaping culture and creating meaningful connections around the world. 

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Show Notes

Rock & roll pioneer Marty Wilde joins Tony Mantor for a remarkable conversation about being at the birth of modern rock music and building a career that has lasted more than six decades.

Inspired by the arrival of Bill Haley & His Comets and "Rock Around the Clock," Marty shares how one song changed the course of his life and launched him into the emerging world of rock & roll. From those early days to writing timeless hits and producing music for future generations, his passion for creating has never faded.

The conversation explores songwriting, studio creativity, the evolution of recording technology, and why the emotional connection behind a song will always matter more than chart positions.

Marty also reflects on writing iconic songs for his daughter Kim Wilde, including the international hit Kids in America, his love of rockabilly music, and his decision to return to his musical roots with a brand-new album.

In This Episode

• Discovering rock & roll through "Rock Around the Clock"
• The early days of rock music in Great Britain
• Learning from American rock and blues artists
• The importance of finding your own musical identity
• Producing music with authenticity instead of perfection
• Writing timeless songs that connect emotionally
• Creating hits like "Kids in America" and "Cambodia"
• Why demos sometimes capture the best performances
• Returning to classic rockabilly with a fresh modern sound
• The creative process behind songwriting and studio production
• Why music remains his greatest inspiration after more than 60 years

Throughout the conversation, Marty offers thoughtful insights into creativity, longevity, and the pursuit of making music that stands the test of time. His love for songwriting and recording remains as strong today as when he first stepped into the studio.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of classic rock & roll or a songwriter looking for inspiration, this episode is filled with stories, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the power of music.

Be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville for more exclusive conversations with the artists, songwriters, and creators who have shaped the soundtrack of our lives. 

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Grammy-nominated composer, producer, and immersive artist James Hood joins Tony Mantor for a fascinating conversation about pushing the boundaries of music and storytelling.

From performing with legendary artists like The Pretenders and collaborating with icons including Jeff Beck, to creating breathtaking immersive experiences like Mesmerica and Astronomica, James shares how his career evolved from drummer to visionary composer.

In this episode, James discusses the power of surround sound, the future of experiential entertainment, the impact of technology on music creation, and why authentic creativity matters more than ever. He also reflects on rebuilding after the devastating Los Angeles fires, finding inspiration through adversity, and creating music that connects with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

Whether you're a musician, music lover, or simply fascinated by creativity and innovation, this conversation offers an inspiring look at one artist's relentless pursuit of meaningful experiences through sound.

In This Episode

• James Hood's journey from drummer to composer and producer
• Performing with The Pretenders and working alongside legendary musicians
• The creation and success of Mesmerica and Astronomica
• How immersive entertainment is changing the way audiences experience music
• The importance of melody, emotion, and dynamic storytelling
• Technology's impact on modern music production
• Why authenticity is the key to artistic success
• Lessons learned from decades in the music industry
• Finding creativity after losing his studio in the Los Angeles fires
• Advice for young musicians navigating today's industry
• Why music should inspire reflection, imagination, and wonder

James Hood offers a unique perspective on where music is headed and reminds us that the greatest art doesn't just entertain—it transforms the way we experience the world.

If you enjoy conversations with visionary artists and innovators, be sure to follow Almost Live Nashville for more exclusive interviews with the people shaping music, entertainment, and culture

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 Show Notes

Rock and blues legend George Thorogood joins Tony Mantor for a candid conversation about a career that has spanned decades and continues to inspire generations of music fans.

From his early days studying the blues legends who shaped his sound to becoming one of rock's most recognizable performers, George shares the stories behind the music, the challenges of staying authentic, and the moments that defined his remarkable journey.

The conversation explores the unexpected success of "Bad to the Bone," his recent induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame, life on the road, the evolution of the music industry, and why performing live still fuels his passion.

George also opens up about family, legacy, overcoming disappointment, and the importance of giving audiences everything he has every single night.

This episode is filled with humor, wisdom, and unforgettable stories from one of rock's true originals.

In This Episode

• The blues legends who influenced George's guitar style
• The surprising story behind "Bad to the Bone"
• His induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame
• How classic rock radio transformed his career
• Why live performance has always come first
• Touring Europe and continuing to perform worldwide
• The evolution of music from vinyl to streaming
• The story behind his signature Epiphone guitar
• Family, legacy, and giving back through charity
• Staying motivated after decades in the music business
• Why he believes you're only as good as your last performance
• Advice for anyone chasing a dream: "Find another wall until one cracks."
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Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering George Thorogood for the first time, this conversation offers an inside look at the passion, perseverance, and authenticity that have made him a rock and blues icon.

Don't forget to follow Almost Live Nashville so you never miss another great conversation with the artists and entertainers shaping music and culture today.

We sit down with Jonathan Antoine to talk about the moments after Britain’s Got Talent that reshaped his life, from sudden global attention to a deeper understanding of success. 

We get honest about doubt, adrenaline, family support, and why music still feels like the strongest bridge between people. 

• recording a new album from a home studio and sharing release details 
• the chain of life-changing moments from a standing ovation to international gigs 
• redefining success as persistence and long-term audience connection 
• living with self-doubt while performing and using music as emotional shelter 
• staying grounded after shows through meet-and-greets and quiet comedowns 
• how the music industry changed from traditional paths to online careers 
• resisting pressure to change and evolving at a personal pace 
• blending styles across classical crossover and beyond while staying authentic 
• advice for up-and-coming singers in the attention economy 
• legacy, being remembered, and quick “Between The Beats” favorites 

If you haven't already, take a quick second to tap the follow button. It really helps the show reach more people who love music and entertainment. 

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We sit down with Victoria Perks to trace how Fuzzbox went from Birmingham school friends “forming for a laugh” to chart success, touring, and a legacy that still surprises her. 

We talk honestly about sexism, branding, major-label pressure, and why she’s still building new projects through music and well-being work. 

• Fuzzbox’s origin story, reunions, and the biography that opens a new chapter 
• Where the name “Fuzzbox” comes from and why it landed differently in the US 
• The reality of being an all-girl band in the 80s, including misogynistic interview culture 
• Pride in being musicians who play instruments and in Birmingham’s creative roots 
• Indie freedom versus major-label resources, costs, and image fights over styling and promo 
• Growing up fast, managing “branding,” and how fame changes the day-to-day 
• Fan stories that show how music can spark real life change 
• What to listen to first, plus “we made it” moments like the charts and Top Of The Pops 
• Touring health, protecting your voice, and the grind behind the glamor 
• What’s next: 40th anniversary plans, festivals, book events, and the BuzzFox solo project 

If you haven't already, take a quick second to tap the follow button. It really helps the show reach more people who love music and entertainment. 

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We sit down with Richard Hewson, the creative force behind the Ra Band, to trace how an under-credited arranger turns frustration over fees into a self-made recording legacy. We get the real stories behind “Clouds Across The Moon,” Abbey Road sessions, vintage studio gear, and what it feels like to be rediscovered through Spotify and TikTok decades later. 

• arrangers paid a fee without royalties, pushing Richard toward writing his own songs 
• building early Ra Band tracks as a one-person “bedroom band” on multitrack tape 
• jazz influences shaping a pop sound, plus the Paul McCartney connection that opens doors 
• turning an “international operator” memory into the sci-fi story of “Clouds Across The Moon” 
• writing lyrics by creating a story scene, starting with simple phrases and expanding them 
• “Messages from the Stars” going viral on streaming and reigniting the back catalog 
• receiving the Roland SH-5 as a first synthesizer and sticking with vintage gear 
• analog warmth vs digital sameness, plus why hiss and tape feel “timeless” 
• favorite string arrangements and the craft of writing orchestration by hand 
• Abbey Road memories, Phil Spector’s massive orchestra request, and McCartney’s reaction 
• praising session musicians as the real heroes who can nail anything first take 
• seeing the Ra Band performed live by his son and a nine-piece touring lineup 
• where to find the music on major platforms and hopes for a vinyl run 

If you haven't already, take a quick second to tap the follow button. It really helps the show reach more people who love music and entertainment. 

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We sit down with Howard Jones to talk about the long arc of an electronic pop career that stays grounded in optimism, craft, and real human connection. He shares how he balances evolving music technology with live performance energy, and why authenticity is still the thing audiences can feel. 
• writing new music while still touring and chasing the next creative spark 
• blending great playing with smart technology for a powerful live show 
• building songs around big questions like love, meaning, and being human 
• how “Things Can Only Get Better” comes from thinking about singalongs 
• staying relevant by staying true to values like kindness and self-belief 
• what analog gear still does that software cannot fully copy 
• the 1985 Grammys moment that helped legitimize synth-based music 
• why the stage forces you into the present moment 
• learning from early fearless performances and bringing that spirit back 
• underestimating “No One Is To Blame” and watching it grow with fans 
• the near-miss record deal choice that changed everything 
• favorite synth pick and the message he hopes lasts for decades 
• turning a power cut into a once-in-a-lifetime show memory 
If you haven't already, take a quick second to tap the follow button. It really helps the show reach more people who love music and entertainment.

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We sit down with Thomas Dolby to talk about touring with a full band, reshaping classic songs, and telling the stories behind a career that spans synthpop, songwriting, production, and music technology. 

He shares why emotion matters more than gear, how constraints can sharpen creativity, and what it takes to keep reinventing yourself without losing your voice. 

• touring plans and building a show around memoir-style storytelling 
• why great production starts with song and arrangement 
• musical “magic” and the shared human response to harmony 
• the many versions of 1980s music and the darker reality behind the nostalgia 
• using radio hits as a gateway to deeper, longer-lasting work 
• analog vs digital shifts with distribution as the real disruptor 
• why limitations can push invention and stronger decisions 
• chasing new horizons from samplers to AI without a “user manual” 
• founding Beatnik and the logic behind MIDI and samples on the early web 
• polyphonic ringtones and building mass-market music tech 
• staying an acquired taste and creating without chasing charts 
• teaching creativity by removing shortcuts and forcing originality 
• why inside-out performance matters more than copying trends 
• a final push to see the new live direction while there’s time 

Before we jump in, if you haven't already, tap the follow button. Take two seconds to do that now. It really helps the show reach more people. 

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