Synthetic Dreams Podcast

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.