This episode features an exclusive conversation with Chris Watson and Steven Mallinder from legendary Sheffield electronic pioneers Cabaret Voltaire.We discuss how the reformation of Cabaret Voltaire came about, how the band brought their music back together for the live shows, and their memories of the late Richard H. Kirk.Steven also talks about the reissue of Code, one of our favourite Cabaret Voltaire albums, and we explore the music, memories and technology behind one of the most influential bands to emerge from Sheffield’s experimental music scene.Cabaret Voltaire are back on the road this October for a UK tour, with the promise of performing tracks they didn’t play last time. For fans, it’s set to be a very special run of shows.The tour starts in Belfast on October 8th, with the band’s last-ever show in Sheffield on October 25th. If you enjoy Synthetic Dreams, please follow us on Spotify and Apple Music. And if you have a moment, leave us a rating and review — it really helps the podcast reach new listeners.https://cabaretvoltaire.bandcamp.com/merch

For the very special 150th episode of Synthetic Dreams, I’m delighted to welcome a true pioneer of electronic music — French musician, composer and producer Didier Marouani.Long before electronic music became a global phenomenon, Didier was experimenting with sounds, ideas and technology that would help shape the future of the genre. In this fascinating conversation, we look back at his extraordinary career and the story behind one of electronic music’s most iconic groups, Space. Didier’s earliest musical influences and his journey into electronic music. The formation of Space and the ideas behind the group. The incredible story of recording the landmark track Magic Fly and the making of Didier’s brilliant Symphonic Space Dream albumFrom the earliest experiments with electronic sound to the music of the future, Didier Marouani’s story is one of imagination, innovation and an enduring passion for pushing musical boundaries.So, for this very special 150th episode, let’s go back to where the future began.This is Synthetic Dreams, and my conversation with the legendary Didier Marouani.If you’re enjoying Synthetic Dreams, don’t forget to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you have a moment, please leave a rating and review — it really does help the podcast reach more listeners.Listen, follow and join the journey into the world of electronic music.For more information on Didier Marounai and his wonderful music visit: https://space.tm.frSpace - Magic Fly (Original Video) - 1977Space - Just Blue 1978Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott ZverblisFollow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Synthetic Dreams on ThreadsSynthetic Dreams title music by Chris IbbottIf you can, please support the Synthetic Dreams Podcast by buying a coffee ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/syntheticdreams⁠⁠

This week I'm joined by electronic music pioneer Matt Black, one half of the legendary duo Coldcut and co-founder of the influential Ninja Tune record label.Recorded while Matt was relaxing on a beach in Goa, India, this wide-ranging conversation explores Coldcut's remarkable journey from their groundbreaking early years to the latest innovations in interactive music technology.We discuss, Coldcut's early career and the making of their debut album. Working with Yazz and producing the chart-topping hit The Only Way Is Up. The origins of Ninja Tune and how the label redefined independent electronic music. Plus, sampling, creativity, technology and the future of electronic music.Whether you're a long-time Coldcut fan or discovering Matt Black for the first time, this is a fascinating conversation covering more than four decades of electronic music history and innovation.

In this episode of Synthetic Dreams, I'm joined by two remarkable artists, Beibei Wang and the returning Hannah Peel, to discuss their stunning collaborative album, The Endless Dance.Blending ancient musical traditions with contemporary electronics, The Endless Dance is a richly textured and deeply immersive record, combining expressive percussion, evocative synthesisers and cinematic soundscapes to create something both timeless and forward-thinking.During our conversation, we explore how Beibei and Hannah first came together as collaborators, the creative process behind the album, and the personal and musical influences that helped shape its unique sound. We also talk about recording at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, what makes the studio such an inspiring environment, and the challenge and excitement of translating these intricate compositions into a live performance.It's a fascinating discussion about artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, musical curiosity and the enduring power of music to connect people across traditions and generations.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Beibei Wang and Hannah Peel.

Welcome back to the Synthetic Dreams Podcast.After taking a short break from recording, I'm pleased to return with a previously unreleased interview that was originally recorded during the lockdown period.In this episode, I’m joined by Dean Garcia, best known as the bassist and co-founder of the hugely influential alternative rock and electronic duo Curve. Dean talks about his continuing musical journey with SPC ECO, the band he formed alongside his daughter Rose Berlin and collaborator Joey Levenson, and shares his thoughts on creativity, songwriting and performing live.We also discuss his time working with Eurythmics and the chain of events that led to meeting Toni Halliday at London's Hammersmith Odeon, a partnership that would eventually become Curve. As someone who has admired the band for many years, it was fascinating to hear first-hand stories about the formation and evolution of one of the most distinctive acts of the 1990s.Recorded during lockdown, our conversation also touches on life during that unique period and how musicians adapted to a rapidly changing world.Dean was a fantastic guest and this episode offers an insightful look at a career that continues to evolve through a genuine passion for music and creativity.

Welcome back to Synthetic Dreams.This special episode features a conversation with pioneering electronic musician Man Parrish, diving into the electric atmosphere of early 1980s New York—a moment when nightlife, technology, and creativity collided to reshape modern music.Man Parrish was at the heart of it all. From the clubs to the studio, he witnessed—and helped drive—the emergence of dance and hip-hop culture in real time. We explore those formative years, from the energy of underground parties to the feeling that something entirely new was taking shape. Along the way, he shares stories of chance encounters with cultural icons, offering a vivid glimpse into a scene that was as glamorous as it was unpredictable.We also discuss his groundbreaking 1982 track Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don’t Stop)—a record that made a major impact on the US dance charts and continues to influence artists today.Here’s part one of my conversation with Man Parrish.

This week on Synthetic Dreams, we’re diving deep into the neon-lit, 80's inspired world of Synthwave music with none other than Dutch electronic musician, Jordy Leenaerts (aka Timecop1983) One of the leading voices in the scene, he’s helped shape the sound of a genre built on nostalgia, emotion, and cinematic energy.So, if you’re into retro vibes, cinematic soundscapes, or the future of electronic music, this episode is a must. It’s insight, inspiration, and pure synth-driven atmosphere all in one.

In today’s insightful and extremely fun episode of Synthetic Dreams, I’m joined by singer, actor , author and pop icon Clare Grogan.We had a really lovely chat that covered a lot of ground — from classic 80s synth pop to touring stories, acting memories, and brand new music.Clare talks about the upcoming Altered Images Happy Birthday 50th Anniversary Tour, which celebrates the legendary debut album Happy Birthday. On the tour, Altered Images will perform the album in full — a record that still sounds as fresh and joyful today as it did when it was first released in 1981.We also go back to the early days of the band, including what it was like touring with their heroes Siouxsie and the Banshees, and working with Banshees bassist Steve Severin on the Happy Birthday album.Away from music, we share a laugh about Clare’s brilliant — and very funny — appearance in the classic comedy Father Ted.We also dive into the making of the band’s latest album Mascara Streakz — a record that acts as both a love letter to Clare’s daughter and a reflection on life, family, and growing older.The Altered Images 50th Anniversary Happy Birthday Tour kicks off at the Norwich Waterfront on 3 September and finishes at Liquid Rooms on 25 September.For the full list of dates and ticket information visit:alteredimages.bandAltered Images - Happy Birthday (Official Video) Altered Images - Don't Talk To Me About Love (Official Video)Clare Grogan on Father TedGregory's Girl film trailer Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott ZverblisFollow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For this episode, I’m joined by Colin Newman from legendary post-punk band, Wire and Malka Spigel to talk about the new Immersion album, WTF??.We dive into how the record came together, including their work with Matt Schulz (Holy Fuck), and how collaboration, experimentation, and curiosity continue to push Immersion’s sound into exciting new territory.We also explore their long-running radio show Swimming in Sound, the origins of their label Swim (founded in the early 90s), and what it’s meant to keep an independent label alive through decades of constant industry change.Along the way, we discuss the making of the video for “Use It Don’t Lose It”, directed by their son Ben Newman, plus their move to sunny Brighton—and how life in this vibrant seaside town continues to fuel creativity, community, and fresh ideas.

This very special episode of Synthetic Dreams, features a conversation with legendary songwriter and producer Pete Bellotte. Pete’s extraordinary journey began in the basement of Munich’s Arabella Sheraton Hotel, home to Giorgio Moroder’s groundbreaking Musicland Studios. There, as Moroder’s right-hand man and a visionary in his own right, Pete helped shape a sound that would change music forever. Over the course of his career, he has co-written and produced more than 500 songs, earning two Grammy nominations for Donna Summer’s Bad Girls album and single.From his early days touring with R&B band Linda Laine & The Sinners to his first major hit, Son of My Father, Pete quickly emerged as a hitmaker. Yet it was his pioneering work with Donna Summer that solidified his legacy—blending electronic innovation with bold, conceptual storytelling inspired by his lifelong love of literature. It’s safe to say that I Feel Love stands as one of the greatest dance tracks ever—a legendary song whose influence on pop and dance music still resonates today. 'I Feel Love' Donna Summer Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott ZverblisFollow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Also, check out my monthly show Synthetic Sundays on Louder Than War Radio : ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mixcloud.com/louderthanwar/synthetic-sundays-july-2025/⁠⁠