Category Archives: Books Films, TV & Radio

Understanding The Ache of Being – keeping the borders open with The Amber List

I wouldn’t recommend it in every interview situation, but seeing as this Surrey ex-pat was outnumbered three to one on this occasion by a Lancashire outfit priding itself on its ‘indie, folky alternative stuff’, I went on the attack (being … Continue reading

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On the frontline, embracing the future – putting the world to rights with John Robb

Music writer, Louder Than War founder, Membranes/Goldblade bass player/vocalist and eco campaigner John Robb was on his bike when I called, dismounting to answer his phone, the two of us quickly getting on to the Government postponing its so-called ‘Freedom … Continue reading

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Life after lockdowns – talking The Lovely Eggs with Holly Ross

Just as The Lovely Eggs were set to release landmark sixth album, I Am Moron, in early 2020, came national realisation that we were headed for a pandemic. The Lancaster-based psychedelic punk duo – Holly Ross (voice/guitar) and David Blackwell … Continue reading

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Life with the spiritual businessman – talking The Daintees and much more with Martin Stephenson

While Martin Stephenson formed the first line-up of The Daintees as a young teen, busking by the age of 15 and plying his trade with guitar in hand for various bands in the North East over those formative years, he … Continue reading

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Animal instincts – entering the world of LUMP with Laura Marling and Mike Lindsay

It was a creative project borne out of a chance meeting five years ago at a bowling alley inside The O2 in South-East London, while Laura Marling was supporting Neil Young on a UK arena tour. Two days later, Laura … Continue reading

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The Continuing Adventures of the Desperate Quartet – in conversation with Robert Lloyd

Spring is in the air, and with it the distant promise of a return to live music across the UK. But you’ll forgive Robert Lloyd for being a little guarded about the prospects right now. The legendary Nightingales frontman lit … Continue reading

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Celebrating Preston Pop Fest 2021 … and the (hopefully) imminent return of live music

Whisper it, but while we never seem to be too far away from the latest new wave when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, spring and summer are definitely on the mind, and surely … hopefully … better days await. … Continue reading

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The Rilly Groovy return of the Beautiful People – in conversation with Du Kane

Remember the Beautiful People’s If 60’s Were 90’s? If nothing else, you may recall a couple of commercials from the mid-1990s featuring their songs, including a car ad featuring Manchester United and Wales football legend Ryan Giggs and Aussie actor … Continue reading

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Taking the Afrobeat message forward – in conversation with Femi and Made Kuti

At a time when hope and inspiration is needed perhaps more than ever, a brand new two-album package involving solo LPs from both Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and his son Made fits the bill nicely. The pair have joined forces … Continue reading

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Back in time with K÷ – in conversation with Peter Hook

It was suggested I should persevere when trying to get hold of Peter Hook, the Joy Division and New Order bass guitar legend not always likely to answer his phone. The moment I was told that, I was reminded of … Continue reading

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