C86 Show - Indie Pop

Stan Erraught in conversation with David Eastaugh

The Stars Of Heaven were formed in 1983 by Stephen Ryan (vocals, guitar), Stan Erraught (guitar, formerly of The Peridots), Peter O'Sullivan (bass guitar), and Bernard Walsh (drums).They were strongly influenced by The Byrds and Gram Parsons, even being labelled "Ireland's answer to The Byrds, Gram Parsons and the Velvet Underground all in one package". After a début single on the Hotwire label ("Clothes of Pride") which received airplay from John Peel, they were signed by Rough Trade, who issued the album Sacred Heart Hotel in 1986, which reached number 11 on the UK Independent Chart. Peel's patronage continued throughout their career, with the band recording four sessions for his BBC Radio 1 show, the first of which was included on Sacred Heart Hotel. They also appeared on RTÉ television. They released a further single and EP ("Never Saw You"/The Holyhead EP) which was a top five hit on the independent chart, and in 1988, Rough Trade released their second and final album, Speak Slowly, which peaked at number 6. Speak Slowly included the track Lights Of Tetouan, although this was not released as a single. The song is written by the band's singer, Stephen Ryan, about growing up on the south coast of Spain from where he could see the Moroccan town of Tetouan. Lights Of Tetouan was covered by Everything But the Girl on their 1994 EP Rollercoaster. Along with the original, as this version is a B-side, it is not widely known/available. However, it is available for listening/viewing online.

The band split up shortly after the release of Speak Slowly with Ryan going on to form a new band, The Revenants, along with former members of The Would-Be's and Something Happens, who released two albums (Horse of a Different Colour and Septober Nowonder) in 1993 and 1995, respectively.

Jack Meille in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.tygersofpantang.com/

The Tygers of Pan Tang were formed by guitarist Robb Weir (born Robert Mortimer Weir, 1958), Richard "Rocky" Laws (bass), Jess Cox (vocals) and Brian Dick (drums). They played in working men's clubs and were first signed by local independent label Neat Records before MCA gave them a major record deal. After several singles, they released their first album, Wild Cat, in 1980.

'Bloodlines' was released in 2023 featuring their two new members, followed by 'Live Blood' in 2024 showcasing songs from across the bands career. Recent gigs have shown a significant upturn in attendances and the Tygers will return to their original stomping ground, Whitley Bay, in November 2024 for a show at the prestigous Whitley Bay Playhouse. 

Peter Watts in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.spygenius.co.uk/

SPYGENIUS frontman and songwriter Peter Watts got his start in the 80s as the lead singer with the Murrumbidgee Whalers, whose jangle-pop classic "Giving Way to Trains" has recently been re-released on the Cherry Red C88 compilation. The 21st century saw the Watts moving on to create Spygenius, a classic British four piece pop-combo based in Canterbury and South London, who have built upon and extended that musical legacy. Ruth Rogers (bass), Matt Byrne (keys) and Alan Cannings (drums) complete the line-up - and everybody sings. Their music has echoes of all those classic 60s ‘B’ bands – Beatles, Byrds, Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, Bonzos. But it equally resonates with college-radio darlings of later generations like XTC, The Smiths, Robyn Hitchcock, R.E.M. There’s a lot of musical bric-a-brac in there too – souvenirs from surf and psych, folk and exotica, lounge and blues, rock and roll. The songs are carefully crafted: memorable melodies, heavenly harmonies, gorgeous guitars, perfect percussion, bitchin’ bass and kinky keyboards abound. 

Margarita Vasquez-Ponte in conversation with David Eastaugh

The original members of the band were Andrew Tully (guitars/vocals), Eric Webster and Angus McPake (bass guitar), Fran Schoppler (vocals), Margarita Vasquez-Ponte (drums), Kevin McMahon (guitars), and Stuart Clarke (guitar). Tully and Vasquez-Ponte were also members of Rote Kapelle, a band that was active from 1985–1988.

This initial line-up recorded the first two singles, "Splashing Along" and "The Rain Fell Down" (described by one reviewer as a "pop gem that's not to be missed") on Narodnik Records.

Karen Haglof in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdAA7_gIr5w

http://www.howlinwuelf.com/clients/karen-haglof/

One Hand Up is the fourth full length release by guitarist/songwriter Karen Haglof.  The album was produced by Haglof and Mario Viele, recorded at Cowboy Technical Services and Excello studios in Brooklyn, primarily mixed by Viele. Three songs were mixed at the Fidelitorium in Kernersville NC by Mitch Easter and mastered by Scott Craggs at Old Colony Mastering in North Scituate, RI. One Hand Up is being released on CD, digital download and via streaming services on June 14.

One Hand Up is a collection of 14 songs that cover widely ranging sonic territory. The writing and production started prior to 2020 and was delayed by the pandemic. Because of a renewed interest in visual art, many of the songs on One Hand Up will be accompanied by visual components: hand-drawn 2D animation, motion graphics and video clips, adding up to a mixed media extravaganza.

Paul Haig in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://linktr.ee/paulhaig

Together with Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and The Go-Betweens, Josef K were one of the Postcard label's million dollar quartets, recording five smart singles and an album, The Only Fun In Town. Touring the album during July and August of 1981, however, the band split after a final show in Glasgow. The exact reasons behind the split - principally the decision of frontman Paul Haig - remain obscure, although it would seem that a combination of too-great expectations, too-small financial returns, Haig's dislike of touring, and unspecified disagreements over future direction were to blame. Fancifully, Postcard boss Alan Horne pointed the finger of blame at the NME... Whatever the truth, one of the Great White Hopes of the post-punk had self-destructed after just one long player, thus fulfilling their own brash prophecy.

Gered Mankowitz in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://mankowitz.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolling-Stones-Rare-Unseen-afterword/dp/1802797335

"Mankowitz (Goin' Home with the Rolling Stones '66), who at 18 became the official photographer for the then newly formed Rolling Stones, gathers a rich and revealing trove of images from the band's early years. Capturing the group as they were "finding their style and... becoming themselves," Mankowitz's photos depict the rockers in motion onstage; in their homes and luxury cars; and in heated exchanges with concert security, incidents that underlined their reputation as a more boisterous and rowdy alternative to the Beatles

Richard & Julian in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://redmoney.co.uk/

http://www.firestation-records.de/catalogue.html

Red Money emerged as an acoustic band in January 1990. Originally performing as a larger line up, fate stepped in to change both the format and sound of the band. Booked to play their first gig of the year at the Fulham Greyhound in London, various members then dropped out due to other commitments. Rather than cancelling, founder founders Richard and Jules hastily arranged a stripped down set and took to the stage with saxophone player Roz Bateman (who played on the single).

Rin Lennon, Michael George,Jay Smith-drums &  Alias Wilde  in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://monogroove.bandcamp.com/album/the-flip-side

http://www.rinsrescues.com

https://www.youtube.com/user/rinlennon4/featured

Frank Deserto in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/no-songs-tomorrow-darkwave-ethereal-rock-and-coldwave-1981-1990-4cd-box-set

•    FEATURING THE CURE, DEAD CAN DANCE, CLAN OF XYMOX, COCTEAU TWINS, SOFT CELL, TONES ON TAIL, IN THE NURSERY, ATTRITION, IRON CURTAIN, ALIEN SEX FIEND, CRANES, KIRLIAN CAMERA, NEON AND MANY MORE.

•    4CD SET EXPLORING THE 1980s’ DARKWAVE/COLDWAVE SCENE THROUGHOUT THE UK, EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES

•    A BROAD CHURCH TAKING IN ELECTRONICS, DARK AMBIENT, NEO-CLASSICAL NEW WAVE, GOTHIC SOUNDSCAPES AND COLD DREAM POP.

•    CURATED BY THE TEAM WHO BROUGHT YOU ‘CHERRY STARS COLLIDE’, ‘SILHOUETTES AND STATUES’ AND ‘STILL IN A DREAM’.

•    SLEEVENOTES COURTESY OF FRANK DESERTO.

Roberto Amaral & David Clark Allen in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.cherryred.co.uk/carmen-the-albums-1973-1975-3cd-box-set

CARMEN initially came together in Los Angeles as seven-piece band formed by guitarist DAVID CLARK ALLEN and his sister ANGELA ALLEN in 1970. The band’s unique style blended both Progressive Rock and Flamenco styles, with Angela Allen also being an accomplished Flamenco dancer aside from being keyboard player.

Despite interest from music mogul Clive Davis, the band failed to make any headway in getting a record contract they relocated to London in 1973. The Allens soon assembled a new line-up of the band with Flamenco dancer and vocalist ROBERTO AMARAL and British musicians JOHN GLASCOCK (bass) and PAUL FENTON (drums).

John Schmersal in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://3ra1n1ac.com/

Schmersal was originally in the band Brainiac and formed Enon (named after the village in Ohio, which is close to Schmersal's hometown of Dayton) with Lee and Calhoon following the death of Brainiac's singer Timmy Taylor and their subsequent disbandment.

After Brainiac, Schmersal made a solo album under the name John Stuart Mill. Rick Lee and Steve Calhoon were both previous members of the band Skeleton Key, a befriended band Brainiac had toured with. Together they formed Enon. Lee created a number of percussion sounds for the band playing a "junk kit" including a Radio Flyer wagon, propane tank, and old hubcaps.

Valor Kand in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://officialchristiandeath.com/

American rock band formed  in 1979 by Rozz Williams. Williams was eventually joined by guitarist Rikk Agnew of the band Adolescents, James McGearty on bass guitar and George Belanger on drums. This line-up was responsible for producing the band's best known work, their 1982 debut studio album Only Theatre of Pain, which was highly influential in the development of the style of music known as death rock, as well as on the American gothic scene which also produced bands such as Kommunity FK and 45 Grave.

Following the release of Only Theatre of Pain, Christian Death's line-up fell apart, and by the time of the band's second studio album, Catastrophe Ballet (1984), Rozz had been joined by Valor Kand of tour mates Pompeii 99 on vocals and guitar. Following the release of the band's third studio album, Ashes, in 1985, Williams left the band and Kand became frontperson, with no original members of the band remaining. This resulted in a divide in the band's fanbase and created controversy that has continued to this day.

Christopher Merrick Hughes in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.chrismerrickhughes.com/

music producer, songwriter, and former drummer of Adam and the Ants. Best known as producer of Tears for Fears' Songs from the Big Chair, and as the co-writer of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", Hughes has a joint background as a musician, songwriter and producer. His career began with Adam and the Ants as drummer and producer of the "Cartrouble" and "Kings of the Wild Frontier" singles, then the Kings of the Wild Frontier album. Yielding three hit singles, the album earned Hughes Music Week's 'Producer of the Year Award'.

Lora Logic in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.essential-logic.co.uk/

https://essentiallogic.bandcamp.com/

fter co-founding X-Ray Spex, Lora Logic formed Essential Logic in 1978, shaping post-punk with unique sax, whimsical melodies. Their 1979 album, 'Beat Rhythm News,' stood out. After a long hiatus, Essential Logic returned in 2022 with 'Land of Kali.’

Essential Logic are an English post-punk band formed in 1978 by saxophonist Lora Logic after leaving X-Ray Spex. The band initially consisted of Lora on vocals, Phil Legg on guitar and vocals, William Bennett (later of Whitehouse) on guitar, Mark Turner on bass guitar, Rich Tea (Richard Thompson) on drums and Dave Wright on saxophone. Turner was later replaced by Sean Oliver (later of Rip, Rig & Panic) on bass. The band split in 1981 and reformed in 2001.

Simon "Ding" Archer in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://www.6dbstudio.com/

Musician and producer from Manchester. He is a current member of the bands 1919 and Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, and a past member of The Fall and PJ Harvey. He is owner-operator of 6DB Studios in Salford, England.

Louise Rutkowski in conversation with David Eastuagh

https://louiserutkowski.com/

At 19, Louise was signed to CBS Records, recording three singles and an album with soul producer Pete Wingfield with the band Sunset Gun. Prior to forming this band with sister Dee and keyboard player Ross Campbell, Louise, along with sister Dee, performed as backing vocalists for Bourgie Bourgie; a band created by legendary Postcard Records' boss Alan Horne.

As part of the This Mortal Coil collective, Louise's distinctive voice can be heard on the Filigree & Shadow and Blood albums, and as lead vocalist on The Hope Blister's critically acclaimed 1998 Smile's OK album, all of which were released on the 4AD Records recording label.

Anita Gabrielle Tedder in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://zenana1.bandcamp.com/album/witches-with-the-spell-of-love

Zenana are a forward thinking 80s female trio whose synthesiser-based musical output was shaped in the front room of a terraced house in Cornwall, UK.

In September 23 they released a five track digital album of remixed and remastered recordings from the 1980s and four songs on a 12" vinyl record.

Zenana means 'pertaining to women' in Persian.

This historic limited-edition 12” release features Zenana's 1986 much sought after 'Witches' in a newly-remastered edition plus 'The Final Winter,' 'The Touch of a Woman' and 'When the Comet Comes' remixed and mastered for the first time for vinyl. The lavishly-produced package comes bundled with an extensive booklet documenting the previously untold story of Zenana through recollections and never-seen-before photographs. 

Taffy Hughes in conversation with David Eastaugh

https://thegirlwiththereplaceablehead.bandcamp.com/album/sometimes-she-lives-in-the-dark-sometimes-she-lives-in-the-light

Formed in the early 1980s and originally known as the Green-Eyed Children, Hurrah! initially consisted of Paul Handyside guitar/vocals), David 'Taffy' Hughes, Southmoor guitar/vocals), David Porthouse ;(bass), and Mark Sim (drums). Sim was soon replaced by Damien Mahoney.

Hurrah! were one of the first acts signed to Kitchenware Records, who issued the band's debut single, "The Sun Shines Here", in 1982. Second single "Hip Hip" was released the following year, and gave the band an hit, reaching No. 21.

The third single, "Who'd Have Thought," was another indie hit in 1984, reaching No. 7 on the UK chart. After one more single, "Gloria" – produced by Jimmy Miller, the band's early recordings were compiled on the Boxed album in 1985.

David Wolfenden in conversation with David Eastaugh

n 1982, the Lorries' manager Dave Hall provided independent record label Red Rhino with a cassette of the group's demos. Impressed by the quality of the songs, Red Rhino label head "Tony K" (Tony Kostrzewa) signed the band and immediately released "Beating My Head" unchanged from the demo as the band's debut single. Fagan and Smith soon departed the band, to be replaced by Dave Wolfenden and Paul Southern respectively. Afterwards, bassist Southern was replaced by Leon Phillips. While numerous additional personnel changes would occur in the history of the band, Wolfenden became a mainstay and a frequent songwriting partner of Reed's during the band's most productive period. In 1983 and 1984, the band released several more singles (including "He's Read" and "Monkeys On Juice", which reached No. 9 on the NME indie chart). John Peel was an early supporter, and the band recorded two radio sessions for him in March and November 1983 (released on CD in 2014 as BBC Sessions 1983 - 1984, part of the band's 3-CD compilation See the Fire).