Andy Rourke (The Smiths) talks about teaming up with KAV (ex Happy Mondays) as Blitz Vega

Andy Rourke and Kav - Blitz Vega

Featuring bassist Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and frontman/guitarist KAV (formerly of Happy Mondays), Blitz Vega creates heavy yet danceable music with driving guitar hooks and powerful vocals. The two musicians had discussed working together for years but only recently found their schedules aligned. So far, Blitz Vega has put out a single, “Hey Christo,” and they will be following it up with an EP recorded live in-studio (no overdubs) at the legendary Abbey Road Studio.

Martin Fry talks about the long career of ABC and 40th anniversary of “The Lexicon of Love”

In the early ‘80s, ABC was part of a wave of British bands who pushed music in new directions while taking full advantage of the video revolution. They evolved out of the experimental electronic trio Vice Versa, adding funk, soul, and lush orchestrations to craft the sound of their hugely successful debut as ABC, The … Read more

Midge Ure returns with ‘Un-Zoomed And Face To Face’ tour

Having not toured in the US since early 2020, Midge Ure is returning for a series of solo acoustic shows. Billed as the ‘Un-Zoomed And Face To Face‘ tour, the name references Ure’s Backstage Lockdown Club, a regular series of interactive online sessions launched last fall. At Backstage Lockdown Club events, Ure answers questions submitted … Read more

Paul Robb of Information Society talks about “ODDfellows”

On their latest release, ODDfellows (Hakatak International), Information Society continues to create sophisticated pop music that fuses new wave, freestyle, electronic-industrial and other genres. Initially best known for such ’80s synth hits as “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” and “Running,” Information Society has continued to use technology in innovative ways and, most importantly, make … Read more

Gary Numan talks about the making of “Intruder”

Over 40 years after unleashing such pioneering electronic hits as “Down in the Park,” “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?,” and the new wave classic “Cars,” singer/musician/producer Gary Numan continues to evolve and push his work in new directions. His 2013 album Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind) was widely considered his best in years and was Numan’s … Read more

Midge Ure talks about his “Backstage Lockdown Club” and the 40th-anniversary of “Vienna”

Like many musicians, Midge Ure has ventured into online performances due to Covid-19 putting traditional concerts on hold. He’s strived to make the quality as high as possible by extensively researching the best possible equipment and techniques to present his music. The result is the “Backstage Lockdown Club,” a subscription-based service that provides access to live performance/Q&A events. Its launch roughly coincided with the 40th-anniversary boxset re-issue of “Vienna,” Ure’s first album with Ultravox.

Keren Woodward of Bananarama talks about “In Stereo” and the history of the band

Since emerging in the early ’80s, Bananarama has had a string of hugely successful pop hits, including “Venus,” “Cruel Summer” and “I Heard a Rumour.” They’ve continued to tour and release music over the years and recently released “In Stereo,” their first album in a decade. “In Stereo” has a modern edge, but the pure, energetic pop songs are unmistakably Banarama. It’s become their most commercially successful albums in years, hitting the top 40 in England and several other countries.

Howard Jones talks about TRANSFORM, his first new studio album in nearly a decade

Howard Jones Transform interview

In recent years, electronic music pioneer Howard Jones has been focusing his energy on live shows rather than new albums. His last release, “Engage” (2015) was part of a larger crowd-funded multi-media project. But having taken a break from touring to focus on new material, Jones is back with “Transform,” his first regular album in almost a decade. “Transform” showcases Jones fully embracing his electronic roots but within a modern context.

Ian Haug of The Church talks about the “Starfish” 30th anniversary tour

The Church recently kicked off the second leg of a US tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their “Starfish” album. We interviewed frontman Steve Kilby before the first leg, and recently had the chance to speak with guitarist Ian Haug, as well. Haug is the newest member of The Church, having joined in 2013. Previously, he was best known for being part of the long-running and highly successful Australian band Powderfinger.