Synthetic Dreams Podcast

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.
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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 album
From 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.fr

Space - Magic Fly (Original Video) - 1977

Space - Just Blue 1978

Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis

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Synthetic Dreams title music by Chris Ibbott

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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.