Matters
132 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -A place where great music lives, interviews shared and memories rekindled.
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Episodes
Milky Chance Matters
January 11, 2024 12:54 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBMilky Chance recently announced their long-awaited return to South Africa with their “Living In A Haze” tour in February 2024 which will see them perform in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. I chatted to the German duo in December to talk about their rise to fame ahead of their South African return. Their 2019 single “Life Without Fantasies” reached the top of the South African viral charts amassing millions of streams in 2021 during Lockdown. The band connected with tens of thousand...
Xavier Rudd Matters
December 15, 2023 12:13 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBAustralian singer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd returns to South Africa in February 2024. Before launching his solo career, Rudd began playing music as part of the band 'Xavier and the Hum'. He drew inspiration from artists such as Leo Kottke, Ben Harper, Natalie Merchant and multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, as well as music from diverse sources such as Hawaiian and Native American music. Rudd's songs incorporate socially conscious themes, such as spiritual...
Train Matters
November 22, 2023 14:37 - 12 minutes - 11 MBIt's not every day you get to chat to someone who defined your professional life. In my case and a music journalist when "Drops of Jupiter" was the biggest pop song in the world. Fast forward a good two decades and Pat and Co. remain as relevant today as they did back then. As they embark on the biggest world tour in what seems like an age, ‘I Know, It’s Been A Long Time Coming Tour’, I got to spend 12 precious minutes with the man who has carved out a space in music that could not, should...
OMD Matters - Paul Humphreys
November 20, 2023 21:24 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBHaving just released their latest studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, I was gifted a rare opportunity to speak to both Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on the eve of the most extensive world tour in 45 years. The best part is the synth pioneers will be heading to South Africa in April 2024, the third time we get to welcome them back, eager to hear new music and a wall of evergreen classics, too. While we wait, give this two-part interview a whirl,...
OMD Matters - Andy McCluskey
November 08, 2023 11:38 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBHaving just released their latest studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, I was gifted a rare opportunity to speak to both Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on the eve of the most extensive world tour in 45 years. The best part is the synth pioneers will be heading to South Africa in April 2024, the third time we get to welcome them back, eager to hear new music and a wall of evergreen classics, too. While we wait, give this two-part interview a whirl, d...
Fan Curation Matters
September 09, 2023 18:41 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MBIn a world dictated to by AI and bots, how refreshing is it that Universal Music and Deezer are investing in the fans, super fans, to take back the power from the algorithm to generate real income and sustainable outcomes.
Meng Ru Kuok Matters
June 24, 2023 18:39 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBMeet Meng Ru Kuok - I had the privilege of spending 40 minutes with the digital disruptor as part of Music Exchange 2023 (#MEX23) in Cape Town this week. There is a lot to take in here, so you may want to listen to this talk at least twice ;-) Meng Ru Kuok is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the Group CEO & Founder of Caldecott Music Group (CMG), a global music industry investor and innovator that spans multiple sectors, including digital (BandLab Technologies), media (NME Networks), and manu...
Afro Celt Sound System Matters
June 20, 2023 10:52 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBI captured this interview with Afro Celt Sound System’s Simon Emmerson on the eve of Volume 2 ‘s release in April 1999. Sadly, Simon passed away in March of this year, one day after his 67th birthday, but this interview keeps his memory alive and the music he made thankfully lives on in his absence. Afro Celt Sound System, Afro Cult Sound System, Simon Emmerson, Simon Booth, Real World, Real World Studios, Peter Gabriel, Real World Festival, Glastonbury 1997
The Gathering #2 Matters
May 26, 2023 16:00 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBMeet Charl Kruger, the design mastermind behind some of the last 30-odd years of creative genius to come out of ZA. In this candid interview, I poke and prod to better understand his motivation and obvious passion behind his iconic work, most recently with the reimagining of The Gathering's only ever, soon-to-be released debut album, In The End.
Basement Jaxx #2 Matters
May 13, 2023 19:25 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBThis interview, captured nine months before the group landed in ZA (circa 2004), saw me chatting with the founder member of Basement Jaxx, Felix Buxton. Kish Kash was the group’s third delivery, a significant album for them, as much as it was for their fans. Listen and enjoy how this album came together. Basement Jaxx, Basement Jacks, Felix Buxton, Independiente, Simon Ratcliffe, Goldie, LTK Bukem, XL, Interscope, PIAS, Daft Punk, OMG, Kish Kash, Oh My Gosh, Crazy Itch Radio, Scars, Glast...
Darren Hayes Matters
May 05, 2023 15:34 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBThis interview with the one-time member of Savage Garden and celebrated solo artist in his own right, Darren Hayes, was captured in December 2001 and focused on the release of his debut solo album, Spin. Fast forward some 22-odd years later, and he’s back with a new album, his fifth, titled Homosexual, validated by longstanding fans, the LGBTQIA+ community and everyone in between. Give this interview the time, if only to get a sense of this man’s complete professionalism and absolute commi...
Spiritualized Matters
April 28, 2023 19:10 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBFormed in 1990 by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jason Pierce, the British band Spiritualized quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound, blending gospel, blues, and psychedelic rock elements. By 2001, when I was fortunate enough to meet up with my namesake in Cape Town, the band had already released four critically acclaimed albums, including their breakthrough album Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space. In our time together, Jason spoke about the journey up to the ...
William Orbit Matters
April 21, 2023 21:09 - 47 minutes - 44 MBIn a near attempt at getting William Orbit to Cape Town, South Africa, just before the pandemic hit, this is our conversation around a road well-travelled and adventures ahead, some of which are still to be realised. But just who is William? William Orbit is an English musician, composer, and record producer who has been active in the music industry since the 1980s. He has had a successful career, working with a range of high-profile artists, and producing innovative and influential music ...
Jann Klose Matters
April 14, 2023 18:33 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBWith 2023 now in full flight, multi-award-winning pop singer-songwriter, actor and philanthropist Jann Klose releases his seventh studio album, a 12-track collection of arguably his most considered and commanding work yet. Filled with no less than ten original tracks, along with an arresting acoustic version of "Love You the Most" featuring Alicia Madison and an equally intoxicating, passion-filled Spanish rendition ("Te Amaré Más"), Surrender is steeped in pop brilliance. Stream/listen to...
The Divine Comedy Matters
April 07, 2023 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.42 MBFin de Siècle is the sixth studio album by the Northern Irish band, The Divine Comedy, released in 1998. Before its release, someone thought it a good idea that frontman Neil Hannon got to tell me all about it, and this is that analogue, 1998, recording, warts, and all (apologies), but do enjoy it. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the Top Ten in the UK album charts. The album features lush orchestral arrangements and witty lyrics, typical of The Di...
Badly Drawn Boy Matters
March 31, 2023 15:56 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBIn early August 2004, a wonderful time in my life and music in general, I got to chat with Badly Drawn Boy for a second time. This interview caught him on the release of his fourth, highly anticipated release, One Plus One Is One. Badly Drawn Boy, whose real name is Damon Michael Gough, is a British singer-songwriter and musician who gained popularity in the early 2000s for his unique blend of indie rock, folk, and electronic music. For context In August 2004, Badly Drawn Boy had just rel...
The Prodigy Matters
March 24, 2023 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBThe Prodigy’s fourth studio album, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned, was released on August 23rd 2004, and I was lucky enough to chat with Liam Howlett on July 13th of that year. This is that brief encounter. Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned marked a significant departure from the group’s earlier work. It featured no live vocals from frontman Keith Flint or other guest vocalists, instead relying solely on samples and instrumentals. The album was primarily the work of Liam Howlett, wh...
Arthur Mann (Ryko) Matters
March 17, 2023 18:59 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIn 2004, I had the privilege of speaking to Rykodisc co-founder Arthur Mann. Sadly, he’s been written out of critical modern music history today. What’s tragic is that his role was pivotal and needed tremendous respect. If you want to commit to this VERY analogue recording of that interview, captured in a busy office (apologies for the ambient noise), there is sage wisdom shared to take away here. For context - Arthur Mann was a record producer and executive who worked at Rykodisc, an i...
The Gathering Matters
March 07, 2023 06:31 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBThis interview, captured in early 2023, has taken 30 years to realise. For context, Frederick Botha, AKA Drikkie to those who know and love him, formed a band in the late 1980s called The Gathering in Pretoria, South Africa, a country coming out of the State of Emergency brought on by the then Nationalist Party and government of the day. So, not a convenient time to be unconventional; everything The Gathering was, in the very best way. This is that untold back story. I will hand it over to...
Culture Club Matters
February 15, 2023 17:27 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBIn 1998, Culture Club was all things reunited, something that became somewhat of a theme from then on out. This interview, captured in 1998, at the start of the band’s first official re-start after disbanding, is something special and a snapshot worthy of capturing for posterity. Culture Club made up and informed our pop culture and music landscape right through the 1980s, 90s and comfortably into the nulls – a fact no one can or should deny. If you want to get a sense of who these creati...
The Smashing Pumpkins Matters
February 05, 2023 18:21 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBMy relationship with The Smashing Pumpkins goes back to their debut Gish, but this interview was recorded a good few years later when, in mid-1998, Adore landed. Not by me, sadly, but captured nonetheless, thanks to my working at EMI and an advance CDR recording of the interview landing on my desk, and I was ready to tell anyone who cared. I shared the interview on The Cutting Edge, a weekly show I hosted at the time, along with the inimitable Tiene van den Berg, back in May 1998. Yes, it’s...
Chumbawamba Matters
January 18, 2023 11:36 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBThree months into the new millennium, I got offered an interview with Jude Abbott, one-eighth of the English rock band Chumbawamba. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to discover how they intended to replicate or surpass the success of their previous album, Tubthumper. Their eighth album, WYSIWYG (an abbreviation of What You See Is What You Get), and its 22 tracks, sadly did not chart anywhere in the world. Still, they did get to land their multi-layered, overtly politically driven mess...
K's Choice Matters
January 07, 2023 18:18 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBOn the 18th of March 1998, I got to speak to one part of the critical twosome, Gert Bettens, known as K’s Choice, Belgium’s duo who turned the world on its head with the 1995 debut single “Not an Addict”. From there, the world welcomed them, and the band spent the next two years touring the better part of the US and Europe. On the eve of their third album’s release, Cocoon Crash, this humble, wonderful man opened up and shared the story to then. If you followed the band then, or simply enj...
Maxi Jazz Matters
January 03, 2023 15:14 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBThis was the second of many interviews I was privileged to host throughout Faithless’ lifespan. Having first spoken to Maxi Jazz while he was ordering a pint in a busy London pub on the eve of Reverence’s release in 1996, two years later, a few million albums sold subsequently and tours aplenty, Maxi and I reconnected again. It was hard to listen back to this while converting it from its original cassette recording, if only because the great oral disseminator recently and unexpectedly l...
David Chislett Matters
December 21, 2022 16:17 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBEach week, give or take, I post an interview I have conducted, either legacy or current. This week’s contribution comes kind courtesy and hot-off-the-press (as it were) from creative agitator, initiator, serial entrepreneur, and extraordinary all-around human being David Chislett. I count him as a dear, dear friend and equal inspiration. What David has not poked, questioned, or contributed to in the arts, corporate business, training, workshops, or keynote addressing over decades is extraor...
The Lumineers Matters
December 03, 2022 20:54 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBDisclaimer: My journey with this band does not extend back to their humble beginnings, but when I reported on their first three albums, catching them live in 2018 fundamentally changed my life. The Lumineers remain trailblazers, be that now or 17 years ago when they first arrived. I dodged dodgy Wi-Fi and multiple repeat calls to capture this 30-minute session with co-founder, songwriter, and all-around lovely human Wesley Schultz. If you are a fan, please endure; what he delivers is fundam...
Chris Cornell Matters
November 27, 2022 16:16 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIn 2006 I had the privilege of sitting with the late great Chris Cornell in Cape Town at the height of Audioslave’s global modern rock domination. What I was not able to do, however, was capture a voice recording, I was a print journalist at the time, after all, and the record label scoffed at my request. 😉 Rewind four years earlier, November 2002, the month Audioslave released their seminal self-titled debut album. The phone rang, and their label offered me an interview with Chris, the cav...
The Waterboys Matters
November 19, 2022 17:51 - 9 minutes - 8.83 MBIt may have taken more than 42 years to get Mike Scott and his motley crew of genius talent to our shores. Still, thanks to Breakout Events, The Waterboys will finally be setting sail to play live at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on Friday, 25 November, and in Johannesburg at Casalinga on Sunday, 27 November. If you happened upon the British-Irish indie folk rock back in the early to mid- 1980s, you’re probably old enough to have heard them on the then Radio 5, courtesy of the DJ ...
Madonna Matters - Pt 2
November 12, 2022 08:43 - 14 minutes - 13 MBNo, I did not interview Madonna. I did interview William Orbit, but that’s another story for another day. Instead, this is another of those promotional CDs journalists, the likes of me were generously sampled back in the day to help promote albums during a different time in music PR. In this case, it was 1998, and Warner Music was sitting on gold. This interview was shared with me to write up an article, which I recall I did at the time, but I believe, 24 years later, Madonna’s voice...
Madonna Matters
November 07, 2022 19:53 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBNo, I did not interview Madonna. I did interview William Orbit, but that’s another story for another day. Instead, this is another of those promotional CDs journalists, the likes of me were generously sampled back in the day to help promote albums during a different time in music PR. In this case, it was 1998, and Warner Music was sitting on gold. This interview was shared with me to write up an article, which I recall I did at the time, but I believe, 24 years later, Madonna’s voice needs...
Marc Marot Matters - Part Two
October 16, 2022 17:45 - 38 minutes - 36 MBWelcome back to the story behind Marc Marot, ex-Island Music Managing Director and today an artist in his own right. This is the second part of a two part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29. Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Stereo MCs, P.M. Dawn, The Cranberries, Elbow, Chaka Demus and Pliers, NWA, The Orb, Ice Cube, Talvin Singh, T...
Marc Marot Matters - Pt 2
October 16, 2022 17:45 - 38 minutes - 36 MBWelcome back to the story behind Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right. This is the second part of a two part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29. Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Stereo MCs, P.M. Dawn, The Cranberries, Elbow, Chaka Demus and Pliers, NWA, The Orb, Ice Cube, Talvin Singh,...
Marc Marot Matters
October 16, 2022 14:36 - 34 minutes - 15.8 MBMeet Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right. This is a two-part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29. Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Stereo MCs, P.M. Dawn, The Cranberries, Elbow, Chaka Demus and Pliers, NWA, The Orb, Ice Cube, Talvin Singh, Tricky and Nine Inch Nails. Marc also guided U...
X Ambassadors Matters
October 07, 2022 19:45 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBOn any given Friday, I tend to celebrate the promise of the week by it all resolving well. This one did that when I got the rare chance to chat with X Ambassador’s lead singer, Samuel Harris. If you’re new to their music, they’re anything but an overnight sensation, having plied their trade for the better part of 15 years! This 14-minute snapshot should give you a glimpse into what’s possible when commitment, self-belief and indifference meet circa 2022. X Ambassador, Sam Harris, Casey Ha...
Supergrass Matters
September 30, 2022 18:52 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBWhile the world was catastrophising over Y2K, Supergrass, made up of Mickey, Danny and Gaz, smartly busied themselves with producing their ‘mature’ third, self-titled album. This is another CD-interview disc for ‘Promotional Use Only’, which this is, so please enjoy the band unpacking all the hoopla around the attention they richly attracted at the time.
Arkarna Matters
September 24, 2022 20:55 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBOllie Jacobs and James Barnett formed an electronic/ rock act that punched a hole in the sky with their Reprise debut, Fresh Meat, an album that came out of a journey that began at the tender age of 16. This interview is a slice in time when the band was coming into their own, circa 1997, when I got to spend time with James. · Yes, the quality of it all is less than great (Mother Nature wants it back), for the best part, but I dare you to stay faithful, and you’ll be rewarded towards the ...
The Nixons Matters
September 16, 2022 18:12 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBIn late 1997 I had the rare opportunity to speak with the lead singer and guitarist of The Nixons after the success of the hit singles "Sister" and "Wire" from their debut MCA album, Foma. We spoke about the journey that took six years to get the accurate recognition they richly deserved and what lay ahead with the release of their self-titled 1997 album. Like so many of my interviews, this is another snapshot in time. Enjoy.
Steve Newman Matters
September 10, 2022 19:35 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBDoing what he was always programmed to do, in April 1998, I got to spend time with Steve Newman, one part of Tanana’s and equally critically acclaimed solo artist. When we hooked up between SAMA run-ins and new album releases, this time round, we were talking all things retrospectively, Tananas, The Collection, their greatest hits collection. A great giving, humble, gifted human being, listen and learn a little more about the magic-maker behind the music. Steve has gifted the world with so...
Neve Matters
September 02, 2022 17:47 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIn late 1999, I got to chat with John Stevens, the lead singer of Neve, a long-since defunct band, but their story is a wonderful listen to the level that took them from zero to hero in precious little time. Their breakout single, “It’s All Over”, appeared on the soundtrack to The Faculty, after which they were away. They lasted two albums before faltering, but their debut, Identify Yourself was fundamental in how they did all the heavy lifting upfront to inform their success for the album...
Amersham Matters
August 26, 2022 16:30 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBThe year was 1997 when I got on the phone with Amersham lead singer Adam Lomas on the eve of their first official full-length album, Wearing Thin. It was a time of extraordinary possibility and promise; Adam took me through the journey of its creation after the success of their BMG first reveal EP, Pickled. Enjoy this trip down memory lane about an album filled with clever artwork, phenomenal production, and plenty of happy mistakes. The best part is that Amersham is still alive and well,...
Sugardrive Matters
August 19, 2022 17:57 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBThree-and-a-half years into their career, Sugardrive were ready to release their second, high anticipated album, Sand Man Sky. In September 1997, I had the chance to speak with the band’s lead singer, Paul Flynn, to talk through their journey at a time when South African modern rock was coming into its own. When we spoke, the band was suffering huge frustration due to their label at the time missing a massive beat. I loved this interview and am still in love with this band today.
A Reminiscent Drive Matters
August 12, 2022 09:58 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBMusic that makes people happy in every sense of the word; on 1 October 1997, I had the chance to speak to A Reminiscent Drive’s creator Jay Alanski at the time his Mercy Street album dropped. Reminiscent Drive was born on the F Communications label, and between 1995 and 2001, four EPs, two albums and remixes were born. If you are a fan of ambient, electronic music and don’t know Jay’s work, give this interview a listen, and you’ll get to understand how this soundscape artist built an album...
Jimmy and Robert Matters
August 05, 2022 18:52 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBGoing through my trunk filled with legacy interviews I captured, I found a few interview CDs for promotional purposes that I thought needed to be heard and not lost in time. This one is with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, recorded in 1998 on the eve of the two music icons releasing, Walking into Clarksdale. Again, this is not my interview to claim; I used it to craft a printed editorial at the time, courtesy of Universal Music. I just thought you’d like to hear it before Mother Nature reclai...
Page and Plant Matters
August 05, 2022 18:52 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBGoing through my trunk filled with legacy interviews I captured, I found a few interview CDs for promotional purposes that I thought needed to be heard and not lost in time. This one is with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, recorded in 1998 on the eve of the two music icons releasing, Walking into Clarksdale. Again, this is not my interview to claim; I used it to craft a printed editorial at the time, courtesy of Universal Music. I just thought you’d like to hear it before Mother Nature reclai...
Vanessa-Mae Matters
July 29, 2022 12:35 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBIn October 1997, I had the opportunity to talk to violin prodigy Vanessa-Mae. 1995’s The Violin Player sold more than two million copies by the time Storm arrived. In-between, she released The Classical Album 1 in 1996 and China Girl: The Classical Album 2 just before she delivered Storm, collectively showcasing all the colours of her musical rainbow. Her talent and ability to bridge the gap between classical and pop turned her into a worldwide phenomenon. With that, an entirely new audie...
Tanita Tikaram Matters
July 23, 2022 08:17 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIn June 1998, ten years into a successful career, I got to chat with British singer-songwriter Tanita Tikaram. Her debut folk-infused album, Ancient Heart, remained a global classic, thanks to the success of the singles “Twist in My Sobriety” and “Good Tradition”, and five albums later, she poured out The Cappuccino Songs. Throwing caution to the wind, Tanita wanted to be playful without another restrictive major record company deal. The ten tracks on the record confirm positivity and a fie...
Carl Cox Matters
July 15, 2022 20:08 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBBefore the turn of the new millennium, I was fortunate enough to spend a few precious minutes with one of dance music’s true pioneers, Carl Cox. House and techno are where he continues to confirm his mark as a name worthy of attention. In this interview, captured 22-plus years ago, much has changed, but so much remains the same. Deep listen and take the learnings.
Your voice Matters
July 10, 2022 11:38 - 3 minutes - 2.92 MBWe are all time poor, but we’re rich in expertise and compelling service offerings, so why not use your time smartly by installing your voice where your market plays? Yes, podcasts are anything but new, but they are a mature content type every business should consider as part of their overall marketing and PR strategy. Why? Well, for one thing, today, the barrier to entry, cost-wise, makes podcast production affordable if carefully managed. Where to start Seek out a trustworthy full-ser...
Jeremy Loops Matters
July 08, 2022 13:41 - 34 minutes - 32 MBJeremy Loops has been Trading Change since 2014, and along with his commitment and obvious talent, he’s attracted an army of followers. In this, my first ever interview with the roving raconteur, recorded on the eve of his highly anticipated third album, Hear You Got Love, Jeremy waxes lyrical about his journey to here and his ongoing investment in paying it forward. 2018’s Critical as Water album cemented his reputation as an artist worthy of international acclaim with sold-out shows in t...
Paul Hanmer Matters
July 01, 2022 17:25 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBOn the 12th of July 2000, I had the honour of sitting with Tanana’s, Wired to the Floor and a plethora of other collaborations’ pianist and composer Paul Hanmer. Playola was the album we were aiming to unpack in our time together. Apologies as always for the ambient distraction. This cassette recording is raw and entirely unedited if only to give you a sense of the moment we shared. A critical thread in the rich jazz fabric of South Africa, this album, and everything else Paul's record...