Welcome Corrine & Andy from Grammy nominated Jazz pop darlings Swing Out Sister.

From her beginnings in fashion design at St. Martins, London where Sade was also in attendance, Corrine made her live debut auditioning for Working Week (standing in for Tracey Thorn) at The Hacienda in Manchester with Andy in the audience (then still in A Certain Ratio).

The pair tell us all about Swing Out Sister's somewhat reluctant rise to pop stardom after signing just a 2 single deal as an A&R learning project. Upon 'Breakout' becoming a massive hit, they were thrust into creating an album by the "seat of their pants" with a studio battle of retaining their indie chic vs. the "snazzy pop sheen" of record company demands.

Their 8 CD retrospective, a real treat for the fans, 'Certain Shades Of Limelight' is available now on Cherry Red.

DA

*Content disclaimer * this episode contains very strong language and subject matter some listeners may find triggering.

We present a frank but fun chin wag with TV presenter vet Steve blacknell, about the highs and lows of his career. From being a nurse and falling for his first love Kate Bush, to PR work with Record companies, life at the BBC, anchoring Live Aid and at the flip of a coin, an exodus to Hollywood.

With a book out and a new radio show coming soon, get stuck into Steve's episode to find out more.

This episode explores the work that the Misty Moon team, led by Stuart & Jen Morris lovingly curating in South London, celebrating TV & Film nostalgia from Friday the 13th to The Sweeney.

Mancunian musician Graham Massey joins us for a chat about his career, starting with the early band Biting Tongues signed to Factory, to the monster that became 808 State. Graham talks about his love of A-Tonal jazz, experimental music, writing with Bjork, rave culture, the strong arm influence of the staff at Eastern Bloc Records, The Stone Roses' Spike Island experience being a bit dull and getting signed to ZTT

With a UK tour EX:EL 2025 over November/ December 2025 tickets are available now - https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/search?q=808-state

*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content*

We have a great chin wag with Scouse Actor Victor Mcguire about his career in TV and film, covering the popular series Bread and Goodnight Sweetheart as well as Phantom Of The Opera and Star Wars to name a few!!

It was no surprise to us to find that Vic is a warm, humble and down to earth guy who was never comfortable with celebrity. He also chooses some 80s tunes for us that haven't been chosen before. Enjoy - DA.

Welcome Writer, Author Andrew Cartmel.

We welcome Actress Nicola Bryant most know for her role as Doctor Who's companion Peri Brown - John's favourite companion to John's favourite Doctor. To this end, although David did the noble thing and let John go a bit silly on a solo mission, he still did the hard work to make him sound less silly...sort of.

Nicola was an absolutely lovely guest and told us all about her career and her choice of 80s music was from the heart. DA

Ahead of Britpop by some 5 years, Ben Addison and his twin brother Scott forged a band that were a magic blend, steeped in references. channelling his Anthony Newley via Bowie, kicking out Who licks in power pop punk troupe Boys Wonder.

This was a riveting conversation with someone who was a visionary with a clear sense of what he could and could not abide in 1980s culture.

Ben chooses some great 80s tracks for us, has a couple of great spooky stories and tells us about the new Boys Wonder releases aswell as the book of photography that has just been released - DA