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Gerry + The Holograms

“Did I say 16 of me? I'm sorry, we're only one.” – Frank Zappa’s Mind-Bending Moment on Dick Cavett In a world where identity is fragmented, leave it to Frank Zappa to deliver a one-liner that blows apart the illusion of multiplicity—live, in his usual dry style, on national television. On The Dick Cavett Show (clip here , jump to 4:50), Zappa quips: “Did I say 16 of me? I’m sorry, we’re only one.” It’s quick. Offhand. Easily missed. But like much of Zappa’s wordplay, it drips with layered meaning. On the surface, it's just a joke—a reference to the musical concept of overdubbing or performing multiple roles. But underneath, it pulses with something deeper: a challenge to how we perceive the self. Zappa was always ahead of his time, whether musically, politically, or philosophically. This tiny phrase seems to echo something profound about the human condition, especially in an era of social media avatars, curated personas, and digital doubles. We present fragments of ...

Rise Up, Oh Souls – A Note on Resilience, Hope, and my ode to grass and that timeless wavelength

This new song, Rise (featuring the voice of Orion Vox), is a step in a different direction—one born out of reflection, compassion, and quiet strength. The world feels heavy these days. You can feel it in the air, in people’s words, in the collective silence. And yet, even in that silence… there is growth. There is grass —under our feet, resilient and unbending. Rise is my homage to that: to the people who get stepped on, who get flattened by life, and still find the courage to keep going. Like blades of grass after a storm, this EP comes on the back of a breeze—light and filled with hope. It’s for anyone who's tired. Anyone who's trying. Anyone who's quietly standing back up. Orion Vox’s vocals—recorded via space-time continuum machine loop (y—echo a kind of nostalgic peace. They remind me of the sounds you might hear at the end of the night in a '90s club, when the crowd thins and the lights dim, and there’s just you , and the music plays forever, and it's gonna ...

The Jonny Halifax Invocation - Performing at The Underground (Bradford)

Whisky-soaked ritual blues smokin in a haze  In an era of algorithm-fed mediocrity, The Jonny Halifax Invocation steps on stage like a ghost preacher with a bone to pick. What unfolded at The Underground in Bradford was an mini epic, a dense  trance, a sermon a rewinding of time, I feel like by listeing to this I am watching the soundtrack to smoke, blood and tears that have been in the earth, and encrusted into the heart of this deep sound for a long, long time. A performance so rich, textured, and spiritually ragged it left the walls shaking with something older than rock and roll, and wiser than any streaming trend. This set was pure distilled soul — like listening to peated whisky blowing in on the wind , ancient and unmistakably potent. And yet, here we are: a world where something this outstanding sits quietly with just 452 views and little traction. That says more about the dullness of the mainstream musical palate than it does about the band. If today’s listene...

Messages from the Stars

Thanks to DJ Butho The Warrior in Glasgow , I was reminded of this track today: Messages from the Stars by The RAH Band. Originally released in 1985, this cosmic synth-funk gem still shines, beaming bright spaced-out, and totally ahead of its time. It’s the kind of track that makes you wonder how the past can sound more futuristic than half of today’s playlists. With its shimmering electronic textures, Messages from the Stars  is clearly a massive hit with it's 47Million plays currently on Facebook.  There's something beautifully haunting and optimistic about it, like receiving a transmission from a distant galaxy that says, "We’re still out here. Keep dancing." If you've never heard it: float back in time and tune in.

Tomoko Aran - Kanzen Hanzai

5 Nov 2020 — Tomoko Aran - Kanzen Hanzai Kanzen Hanzai is a nostalgic dive into that old-time line, that was onced called New Wave, the point is it was new in the 80's and while it was driven by keyboard lines that shimmer like lost songs — the kind you might call Hall & Oates piano . This path leads us to a standout track from Tomoko Aran's cult classic album 神経衰弱 (Shinkeisuijaku) , released on 25 July 1981   so just over 43 years ago in Japan. The album blends synth-pop, city pop, jazz, and Kayōkyoku in a beautifully fractured way — clean yet chaotic, sweet yet cynical. It captures that moment when Japan’s music scene was deep in experimentation and high on style. Backing band Mariah (yes, *that* Mariah) and producers Daikoh Nagato and Yasuaki Shimizu create a soundscape that feels cinematic, streetwise, and strangely timeless. Tracklist A1: Secret Desire (下心) — 2:56 A2: 悲しきボードビリアン — 4:26 A3: So Get Up (要塞の女たち) — 4:12 A4: 乱れたベッド — 3:05 ...

BOLD LOVE – Irish love on the rise

BOLD LOVE—Originally  known as Big Love , the band rebranded to BOLD LOVE in November 2024 , stepping fully into their widescreen sound and bold creative vision. Members hail from the wondrous landscapes around Dublin, with Megan Nic Ruairí from Donegal and Adam Curtis from Kildare—blending regional voices into a fine, energetic unit. Career Highlights Featured in Hot Press’s “Hot for 2024” Named part of RTÉ 2FM Rising 2025 Showcased in Whelan’s Ones to Watch The band has performed at major Irish festivals, including  Electric Picnic and Other Voices , and headlined key venues around Dublin, like The Grand Social and Workman’s Club . They’ve supported Cliffords on a UK tour and played Irish cultural showcases like the London Irish Centre , expanding their reach beyond Ireland. Feel You Close—Official Video Their new track, Feel You Close, c omes with a well-executed video shot by Conor Beegan —visually aligned with the band’s aesthetic. It’s not my ...

New Release: Marco Bernardis – Agave Flute

New Release: Marco Bernardis – Agave Flute Released: July 24, 2025 Agave Flute is the latest piece by Italian composer and producer Marco Bernardis , released via Ditto Music as part of his project Wu Wei . A meditative short piece, breath-driven composition with ambient textures and spiritual resonance. It stands out and may drive some to explore more of this work. Minimal, elegant, and deeply calming — it invites stillness and reflection. Listen now: YouTube ℗ Marco Bernardis | Composer & Producer: Marco Bernardis

B.W.H. - Stop - STOP (A Monday body rocking in the cloudseeding summer mist of Scotland

I dialed the number — Official, clean — they say it’s DVLA. But what beams back? Japanese Auto Solutions . Oh, perfect. Is this Tokyo or Swansea? Am I licensing a dream or paying for the privilege of confusion? The music plays — A hold line bad muzak tango, "You’ll be answered in 10 minutes," but it’s now 30 and I’m still pirouetting in limbo, running in circles, around and around,   to the tune of government bad jazz — off-key, off-track, a symphony for the sleepless and fed up. Meanwhile, they siphon from the people, disconect your DD, extracting quiet desperation, through taxes dressed as duties, wrapped in policy, spoken with a smile, while war machines keep rolling, in the Gaza background. Stop. That's the word — Stop your taxing. Stop your scams. Stop your names that lie on screens like masks in a haunted call centre. Honestly, the UK? It’s cracked on the cracklin. It’s crooked like old paint on a fake ceiling. And beneath it — just Ai, ...

Feliz Cumpleaños Celestial, Coco (Silvania)

Just a few days ago, on July 2nd , it would have been the birthday of Coco , visionary artist, anti-músico, productor, cineasta, fotógrafo — and one half of the profoundly influential Silvania alongside Mario . https://www.facebook.com/silvania.cielo Coco left us many moons ago , but his spirit continues to resonate through the echoes of underground sound and light. I was reminded of his birthday by Mario, who continues to honour their shared legacy. Coco and I first connected in the early 2000s through our shared love of experimental and electronic music — that wild, uncharted space where noise, emotion, and the unknown all collide. We shared many nights clubbing in Madrid , and just as many afterparties filled with laughter, sound, and surreal detours into the morning light. What made Coco special was his vision . He got it . He saw the strange intensity in my V/Vm work and supported it without hesitation. He was one of the first to champion what I was doing, and thanks to his ...

Interpretation of a young Carlos and his drawing from 1993

My good friend Carlos over in Madrid recently sent me a photo of himself—an old drawing from 1993. The image stayed with me, so I reinterpreted it as a tribute. Carlos is a dreamer, no doubt about it. A lover of nature, of still moments, of the deeper things. He walks gently in the world, with a big heart and an open spirit. Men like that—who dare to dream and lead with kindness—are rare. And always welcome in my book. I've paired this memory of Carlos with a song that feels like his dreams: tender, wistful, full of quiet hope, birds, love, and nature. The song is called “Nocturne” by the Orchestra of Symphony and Popular Music of PU Alexander Mikhaylov . A beautiful Russian piece that drifts like a breeze into the twilight. Because I believe his dream—like so many of ours—was simply to live with ease, and to love fully. ( Орк. Симф. И Эстрадной Музыки ПУ Александра Михайлова – Ноктюрн ) To old and new dreams and to our true friends. Keep your dream alive.   

Richardi Mac Told You So Parts 1&2 1984 Rare Modern Soul Boogie 45 Told you so! Can I hear MJ in this?

Win - You've Got The Power - Scotland’s Anthem of Defiance

As the lines blur and the 6-fingered AI humans begin to melt into the background noise of this strange new reality, let’s pause and reclaim something real. In a world of deepfakes, misinformation, and endless digital fear loops— we need the power to sense what’s real , to hold steady, and to choose truth over noise. Today, and many moons ago, this Scottish band brough the winning anthem —the kind that keeps the torch in our hand, lit and burning proud. I’m feeling unusually confident about this right now. Confident that even as the storm of propaganda, war, and churned-out fear (FUD) keeps flooding the airwaves and timelines—we still have the contra power . We’ve got the love. We’ve got the music. And we’ve got each other. Play this song loud. Play it proud. Just like the boys did when this first broke the airwaves —no apologies, just raw energy and fearless spirit. Someone out there is always generating fear. But here with love from Scotland, we’re generating the cure. Hope yo...

Lalo Schifrin Ascends on the First Day of the New Year

The first crescent moon of Muharram rose, marking the start of the Islamic New Year — a moment for reflection, remembrance, and quiet renewal. And that very day, the world lost a master: Lalo Schifrin . Composer, conductor, cinematic disruptor. The man who made tension groove and danger swing. His track Dirty Harry (Latin Soul) isn't just a theme — it's a philosophy: Fate with a backbeat. Judgment in rhythm. Justice, but syncopated. It was 1972. Lalo gave the law a new soundtrack — and it still hits like prophecy. As a new spiritual cycle begins, so does Lalo’s journey beyond. Two passages — one of time, one of soul — aligned. Let us not mourn in silence. Let us begin the year with that relentless, holy groove Lalo carved into the cosmos. Play it loud. Begin again.

Idol Era - What is the equivalent of this music today?

Sandii – 'Idol Era': A Synthpop Masterpiece—Does Anything Today Compare? There’s something irresistibly bold about Sandii’s  "Idol Era" —it crackles with attitude, channels Yellow Magic into a mechanical heart, and teases Kate Bush’s art-pop eccentricity (though Sandii’s voice making it a master piece of her own).  This track is quality techno or synthpop— a razor-sharp fusion of both, dripping with innovation. The percussion punches, the vocals slink like neon in the rainstorm from the cyber scene you remember, and Haruomi Hosono’s production feels both futuristic and deeply  of its time —that late ‘70s/early ‘80s moment when electronic music seemed to leap forward daily. But here’s the question:  What even rivals this today? Decades later,  "Idol Era"  still sounds  advanced . Not just in its tech—any DAW can replicate those sounds now—but in its fearless energy. Where’s the modern equivalent? The track’s metallic sheen, its balance of cold precision...

Crysalis - I Never Dance (Vocal Mix) - Back from Bologna, still floating on Italian airwaves…

A glitter-struck confession from the golden age of Italo Disco—Cristina Polidori’s voice trembles like a disco ball on the verge of shattering, while synths spiral upward like a staircase to nowhere.  This was and is  a  Hi-NRG   heartbreak: euphoric, desperate, and drenched in the kind of neon drama soaked in bubbles from the lambrusco er beyond 1983, and you know it's still a good  bottle. #ItaloDisco #VinylTimeMachine #BolognaVibes #Crysalis #INeverDance #LostInThe12InchMix #1983Unreality

Alba - Only Music Survives (Extended Version)

Back in the 80s, it was always the extended mix you needed — and this one is no exception. We took our time then — longer intros, smooth builds, space to breathe. In a world now driven by speed and endless consumption, it's good to slow down and let the music slowly drive in. This track is pure 1985 Italian magic — shimmering synths, rolling basslines, and that bittersweet, euphoric feeling that only Italo disco knows how to deliver. The Italians knew how to craft something timeless. I love this title truly: only music survives. On a personal note: I'm flying to Bologna tomorrow for business, and this song will be with me — in my headphones, in my heart. Each trip to Italy makes me love this country even more. Every day my heart grows fonder. And the name Alba — is always so strong, it lives at my doorway. Alba fills my heart too. For Scotland. For home. For friends. And for the lady here who sings this song. No idea where she is today, but I will raise a glass for her, th...

The Hidden Goldmine of Rave Tapes:

 How Cassettes Became Underground Treasures I have to admit — even with all my years involved in underground music, I’m surprised to realize just how valuable some of these old rave cassettes have become. In a world dominated by digital streaming, where music is compressed into invisible files and served up by algorithms, it’s quaint to see that some of the most sought-after artifacts from electronic music’s mid period are sitting quietly on magnetic tape. Yet searchable on online stores, there’s a growing market for vintage rave cassettes — and they’re fetching more and more impressive amounts. The Rise of the Rave Tape Pack Back in the 90s, during the explosion of the UK rave scene, tape packs were around. Promoters like Helter Skelter, Dreamscape, Slammin Vinyl, and Fantazia would record their events and sell bundles of cassettes containing the full DJ line-ups from legendary nights. These were souvenirs of the rave — complete with crowd noise, MC shouts, and all the raw en...

Standout Song of the Week: “Bonsoir” by Sarah Maison

Written by Sarah Maison | Produced by Steve Surmely | Released via Capitane Records As I search through the flood of new releases—hundreds upon hundreds of tracks posted online each week—I find myself sifting through a digital haystack of songs that, frankly, often feel lifeless. So many sound rushed, heartless, flat, as though churned out by a conveyor belt rather than composed from a place of emotion or intention. But just when my ears begin to dull, I strike gold. A gem emerges. Sarah Maison’s “Bonsoir” is that gem. This track stopped me in my scroll. Not with noise, but with restraint. With beauty. With a sound that made me wonder: Is this a voice I missed from the 60s or 70s? It carries all the vintage charm of a forgotten French classic, yet breathes with the intimacy and clarity of the present. The production—handled masterfully by Steve Surmely has helped make this into a subtle but genius song. The balance between guitar and voice is perfect . No accident, and not always ...

Take It Back - HANN3R

It isnt so easy to find out to much about the artist HANN3R (Frans Hanner) but today I found this video and new single, Take It Back — a stripped-back, DIY gem built around great 808 percussion, carefully selected synth textures, great vocal mix, and simple bass line. The songwriting is easy but fresh and effective, and the whole track oozes a confident, lo-fi charm. Even more impressive is the official music video , shot entirely on two rolls of Kodak Vision3 500T Super8 film using a Canon 318 Zoom . It’s a nostalgic, analogue visual that pairs perfectly with the song’s sound and mood. 🎥 Music Video Credits Director : Frans Hanner Co-directors : Elsa Smith, Malin Bylow, Lex Keulemans Producer : Frans Hanner Executive Producers : Elsa Smith, Malin Bylow, Lex Keulemans Production Designers : Frans Hanner, Lex Keulemans, Malin Bylow, Elsa Smith Director of Photography : Lex Keulemans Camera Operator : Lex Keulemans Editor : Lex Keulemans Animator : Frans ...

O Yuki Conjugate - Aura

A slow shimmer across unseen planes. Sound as mist, memory, ritual. Aura moves like heat on stone — elusive, elemental, alive. Listen not to find, but to dissolve. Tap into the drift and listen now.

Yeah Yeah ku Yeah

Groove as mantra, rhythm as rebellion. Yeah pulses with raw spirit — lo-fi funk, fractured soul, no filter. It doesn’t ask. It answers. Turn it up and give in.

Vincent Floyd feat. Chan – Your Eyes (Vocal): A Balearic Daydream Rediscovered

As the sun beams across the UK, my mind drifts far south—to Spain, to sea breezes and slow afternoons. And just like that, Your Eyes by Vincent Floyd featuring Chan comes flooding back. On this golden day, there’s a special kind of simplicity in the air, and this track captures it perfectly. There’s something unmistakably honest about this song. The innocence, the vulnerability—it’s all there. It's one of those rare moments in music where something true is captured, without filter or overproduction. That moment became a springboard, a ripple that inspired more than just music. It gave shape to memories, movement, and emotion. A real Balearic-style piece, if ever there was one. Lyrically, Your Eyes digs deep into introspection and longing. The refrain echoes: "Until the mystery is gone, I use your eyes to see. Until we become one, you'll just be another part of me." It’s poetry wrapped in groove. A soul laid bare over smooth, dreamy house textures—classic Vince...

Manuel & The Music of the Mountains - Masquerade [1976]

Blog Post: Jansky Noise on Neotantra’s Seven Stages Of Grief III

 I'm honored to have my track Whispers Between Helensburgh featured on Seven Stages Of Grief III , the final installment of Neotantra’s deeply moving ambient series. This compilation is dedicated to the memory of Árni Grétar, a tribute to a life and spirit that resonated within the ambient music community. Curated by Lee Norris and mastered by Darren McClure, it gathers a collective of artists weaving sonic reflections on grief, remembrance, and transcendence. Neotantra is a label devoted to immersive, meditative soundscapes—music to drift in and out of, music that lingers in the space between wakefulness and dreams. If you seek solace in sound, this compilation is for you. You can support the label : For £35/year, you get access to the full Neotantra catalog—over 230+ releases—while helping sustain the label’s mastering and artwork. 🎧 Seven Stages Of Grief III is available now on Bandcamp. Listen, reflect, and let the music carry you. 🔗 Bandcamp Plenty of great trac...

Born of Black Light

I finally released the album—Born  of Black Light . I hope you can feel the heart in this one, I spent a while blending  space jazz ,  reimagined '80s sci-fi electronica ,  Detroit techno , and  be-bop into this LP . So what the F&&K is the album about? Born of Black Light  tells the story of  Orion Vox , a quantum mystic navigating his mind, space, lost futures, and the utopian potential of collective liberation. Through 10 tracks, the album explores themes of  time ,  ancestral wisdom , and the  haunting beauty of unrealized possibilities .  It’s a journey designed to help us all look inside, as well as through  galaxies. Each track marks a clear path on Orion's journey. I hope the album will leave you questioning the nature of your own reality and the space we live in day by day. A Fusion of Genres The album blends genres to create a sound that recalls the past and paints some of the following: Space Jazz : Think cos...