What Goes Around?

Today we welcome a godfather of the UK Techno scene to the podcast, Karl O Connor aka Regis is the co-founder of one of the UKs most important Techno labels 'Downwards'. Over the last 30 years Downwards has been the home of an authentic, serious and often punishing techno sound that has somehow managed to uplift and excite clubbers across the world without even so much as a nod to conformity. Established in the early 90s by Karl and fellow DJ and producer Anthony Child (aka Surgeon), Downwards cut its own path through the post rave club scene with a militant style of electronica that became know as the Birmingham sound, placing it geographically in the heart of the UK but also culturally in the same bracket as Detroit, Berlin and London. Techno is a futuristic medium that is not given to longevity but Karl's work proves that where there is dedication and authenticity the music can survive and flourish across generations. I am very pleased to speak with Karl O Connor and ask him to make me believe in Techno.Before we go techno we return to Eamon's favourite subject; David Bowie. Adam Steiner has written an incredibly detailed book all about Bowie's seminal 1981 album 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). The book is a fans dream as Adam goes on the deepest of dives into the mythology of one of Bowie's greatest works placing the record firmly in its time and place by discussing the world into which it was released.Not only that but Eamon becomes a teacher for a day.

Our guest today is an artist drawn to the abstract, an artist with no love nor concern with the mainstream*, an artist happily dismantling expectations around music and sound and creating some of the most extraordinary and powerful bass music in the known universe.Kevin Martin's early recordings were abrasive industrial tracks that challenged the listener to stay the course. His work with Justin Broderick (formerly of Napalm Death and Godflesh) came out under the moniker of Techno Animal and still sound as abstract and dangerous today as they did 30 years ago. However Martins sound continually evolved taking influences from Hip-Hop, Reggae and Dub until his current incarnation of The Bug was born.The Bug released an incredible run of bass heavy tracks for Swamp 81, Ninja Tunes and Pressure Records. The Bugs 'London Zoo' album was heralded as a game changer in UK Bass music, bringing together some of the best MCs in the country such as Flowdan, Warrior Queen, Daddy Freddy, Tippa Irie and many more.Kevin also recorded with King Midas Sound, Fennez and released a number of incredible ambient albums under his own name including his current release 'Black' a tribute to Amy Winehouse.We are always looking out for people who totally commit to their music and that is why we are delighted to welcome Kevin Martin to the podcast.Before that it's all Hot-Dogs and Gong-Baths.*(May have some love and concern for the mainstream).

Our guest today is a writer and actress who broke the mould as a stand up comedian in the first wave of Alternative comedy. Helen Lederer has appeared in some of the finest UK comedy shows over the last 40 years including Bottom, Absolutely Fabulous, Naked Video, French and Saunders, Girls On Top, The Young Ones and many, many more. She did stand up at a time when female comedians were few and far between and brightened up every single show she appeared in for decades. Helens new autobiography 'Not that I'm bitter' is a hilarious trip through accidents, apologies and awkward situations which never flinches and always brings a smile to your face. It is a real delight that we can welcome the brilliant Helen Lederer to 'What Goes Around'.First off however we celebrate Pride month and take a journey into the world of Gay clubbing, we talk to Sy from The Phoenix about organising Bristol's Pride events and running an inclusive and friendly safe space for all in his pub. We also speak to Chris the resident DJ at 'Don't Tell Your Mother' one of Bristol's longest running Gay nights about community and longevity. To round things off we speak to the 'Girl on Girl' collective about their incredible lesbian events which break the musical mould by offering futuristic club music from around the world in a safe and creative space. Before all that Deb gets her tidy on and imposes order on some oddly shaped pieces of cardboard while Eamon looks on in awe.It is a bumper episode to celebrate Pride month and because of the issues that it raises we would like to invite you to show support for the LGBTQ+ community by donating to our selected charities - The Albert Kennedy Trust (which helps LGBTQ+ people who have been made homeless) and Young Minds (who offer support and practical help for young people dealing with their mental health). We never ask for money for these shows but just for once we would appreciate any help you can give to these very important charities. Donate here:The Albert KennedyTrust Young Minds Thank you so much beautiful Pod people!

Richard Norris is a man who believes in music, in its endless possibilities, in its catalytic effect on both the listeners and its creators. In his new book 'Strange things are happening' he reveals how his musical journey began in the silence of the countryside where he would listen for moles underground and the birdsong that filled in the air and how this attention to audio would snowball throughout his life as he adopted the DIY ethic of punk, made fanzines, formed bands, dug out psychedelic nuggets and found himself collaborating with an incredible list of artists & musicians. He co-wrote and produced seminal dance album 'Jack The Tab' (often cited as the UKs first Acid House record despite never having actually heard Acid House at the time). That started an affiliation with dance music that spawned worldwide success as one half of 'The Grid' and critical acclaim for his role in the psychedelic dance act 'Beyond the wizards sleeve'. As a producer and remixer he has worked an amazing list of artists including Joe Strummer, Sky Saxon, Genesis P'Orridge, David Ball, Erol Alkan and Robert Fripp. It's been an incredible life lived through music and we are delighted to welcome Richard to the podcast. 

Our guest today is a pioneering reggae MC whose unique style not only changed the UK reggae scene but helped lay the foundations of British lyricism across the board. Anthony Henry aka Tippa Irie was a forerunner of the new Black British sound of reggae that went from domestic basements in South London to Top of the Pops and world recognition. Tippa's 'fast chat' style not only brought speed and eloquence of delivery to the fore but also crucially gave credibility to the sound of British MCs speaking in their own accents, referencing their own experiences and creating their own unique styles of music. What started in the reggae dancehalls opened up opportunities for the new generations of authentic Black British voices that went on to develop new genres such and Lovers Rock, Jungle and Grime. Over the last 40 years Tippa Irie has built a lasting legacy through his solo work and collaborations with the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Alexander O Neal, The Far East Band and Congo Natty aka The Rebel MC. Now at the age of 58 Tippa remains at the top of his game and has published a new book titled 'Stick to my roots' about his incredible journey through life and the music business, we are delighted to welcome a bona fide reggae legend to the show.Before that however we talk to Justin Lewis about Pop trivia and Deb talks to Eamon about the endless FOMO a DJ feels when they move.

Our guest today is one of the finest British soul singers of her generation. Whether leading the line or offering support from the background Dee C Lee has made an incredible contribution to the UKs music scene. She has created underground bangers and graced to the top ten both as a solo artist and as part of various collaborative projects. Having sung with the likes of Wham! The Style Council and as part of Guru's seminal Jazz Hip-Hop project Jazzamatazz. She has had and incredible career but now she is back front and centre with a new release on Acid Jazz records called 'Don't forget about love'.  Before we talk to Dee we add a little seasoning to the pod as Deb and Eamon sprinkle Sault into the chat. Eamon tries and fails to get angry while Sault no doubt put out yet another album.Also featured this week is a discussion with writer and director Aaron Trinder whose latest film 'Free Party: A folk history' takes Eamon back to the glory days of rave and highlights the unsung history of the role that the traveller movement played in popularising the culture. We look at how the government tried to surpress the movement through blatant acts of violence and then used the rave scene as an excuse to pass draconian laws that have outlawed the traveller lifestyle and the right to listen to the music of your choice in the open air.Top one, nice one, sorted.

Our guest today is a trail blazing DJ, presenter and author who has carved herself a position of love and respect in the music industry that climaxed with a Lifetime Achievement Award from DJ magazine. Ever since she found her way into the DJ booth she has honed her own style, listening, learning and leading. DJ Paulette started her career in her home City of Manchester playing some of the most influential clubs in the history of house. She played the infamous 'Flesh' night at the Hacienda and began to create ripples that became waves that she surfed out to London, Brighton, Paris, Ibiza and the world. Her new book 'Welcome to the club' is a frank and funny look at club culture and the myth of the glamorous DJ lifestyle.We also take a look at a fabulous new book about Robert Smith and The Cure by Simon Price called 'Curepedia'. It's a monumental coffee table companion for the Lovecats of this world which compiles the A-Z of this most enduring band.But before we find The Cure and slip into the booth with Paulette, Deb and Eamon catch up with each other and compare their favourite gigs and festivals of the last year. It's basically Iron Maiden Vs Aphex Twin which is an unexpected heavy weight clash that leaves everyone stunned.

Well hello pod fans, here's another beautiful chat about the greatest thing in all our lives, music. This time we have a true DJ legend, the incredible DJ Food is in the house. DJ Food aka Strictly Kev has been making breaks beats and visual treats for over 30 years now. His work with Ninja Tunes in the 90s brought so much joy and helped establish the label as one of the UK's most important imprints. Kev was Trip-Hop before it had the name, he was a pioneer of audio visual effects, supported the Beastie Boys at Brixton Academy and remixed Matt Johnson's The The with the kind of deft touch that few could match. Not only that he was genuinely one of the nicest people we have had on the show and even came over a night out! I think you are going to love this interview. Before all that though we are going to discuss bawdy women with Judith Owen, Judith is an incredible blues singer who has a new LP out celebrating the pioneering women of the the blues who laid the foundation for the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Kim long before women could even vote! At the top of the show Deb and Eamon discuss the their T-Shirt game and ask why men are so annoying. That's What Goes Around this week and we hope you love it!BIG thanks to @Marke23 for hooking us up.

This weeks episode contains one of my favourite interviews ever. Marshall Chess was literally born and raised in the record industry, his childhood was spent helping out his Dad in Chess Studios as they recorded the likes of Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Little Richard ... I could go on. The amazing thing is thats only the start of his amazing career, Marshall went on to start the Cadet label, signing Minnie Ripperton & rotary Connection amongst others before hooking up with Mick and Kieth to create Rolling Stones Records, then working with Sugarhill Records at the birth of Hip Hop and so much more. At 81 he is sharp as a tack and the stories simply poor out of him. This was supposed to be a 10 minute feature but turned into the main event, if you have any interest in R&B, the Blues, Rock n Roll and Hip-Hop you are in for a treat! Not only that but we talk to one of the worlds leading experts on Gospel Music DJ Greg Belson from his LA home. Before all that Deb returns to the eternal question of filing and Eamon excitedly tells all about the new radio station Love Will Save The Day FM. Even if you dont know these names you will love this episode I am sure.Marshall Chess has a great YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@ChessRecordsTributeDJ Greg Belson has amazing music for you to hear;https://www.mixcloud.com/gregbelson/stream/Love will save the day can be found here every weekend:http://lovewillsavetheday.fm/