New Music Spotlight: Magic Wands

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Magic Wands for a career-spanning conversation about the band's unique blend of dark, atmospheric alternative, dream pop, psychedelic rock, and shoegaze. We go all the way back to the band's beginnings and talk about how Magic Wands came together, their influences, the story behind the band's name, and how their sound has continued to evolve and change throughout their career. Along the way, Steve and the band discuss some of the music that has made a lasting impression on him and the creative stories behind some of their favorite songs.The conversation also covers the band's new EP, their collaboration with a legendary member of The Psychedelic Furs, and their remix work for Peter Murphy. Steve and Magic Wands also discuss their brand-new single and get a preview of what listeners can expect from the band's upcoming album. Whether you're a longtime Magic Wands fan or hearing the band for the first time, this episode is a great introduction to a group that continues to create hypnotic melodies, atmospheric soundscapes, and music that pushes beyond traditional genre boundaries.Magic Wands: https://www.magicwandsband.com/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve and Don try something a little different, featuring two bands that you could say took inspiration from the sounds and sonic landscapes of New Wave and classic alternative. They take a deep dive with track-by-track reviews of the latest albums from Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie, And in music news, we have new music from U2, who contribute a Shane MacGowan cover to an upcoming tribute release. Echo & the Bunnymen have released their second new single, Jesus Jones share another preview of their forthcoming release, and Urban Heat put their own dark, synth-driven spin on the Smashing Pumpkins classic. Death Cab For Cutie:https://www.deathcabforcutie.com/Modest Mouse: https://www.modestmouse.com/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve and Don take a listen to the latest albums from two legendary artists who helped define the sound of the ’80s. First up is Haircut 100 and their new album Boxing the Compass, a long-awaited return that finds the band bringing back their signature mix of infectious melodies, funky grooves, guitars, horns, and sophisticated pop. They also take an in-depth look at Midge Ure’s A Man of Two Worlds (World Two: Songs), exploring the latest chapter in the Ultravox frontman and solo artist’s remarkable career and seeing how these new songs measure up against his impressive catalog.And in Music News, we’ll check out the darker new Soft Cell single, hear what DEVO’s Gerald V. Casale has been up to, and talk about Sparks finally releasing their first-ever live album. Plus, we’ll check out the new single from Susanna Hoffs, along with the latest from Save Ferris. Haircut 100: https://haircut100.com/Midge Ure: http://www.midgeure.co.uk/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve welcomes back electronic music pioneer Thomas Dolby. This time, the conversation centers on the Totally Tubular Festival, where Thomas is headlining alongside an incredible lineup of iconic ’80s artists. He shares what fans can expect from the tour, how he approaches performing for audiences spanning multiple generations, and why the music of the 1980s continues to resonate more than four decades later.Thomas also reflects on the evolution of his live performances, discusses how technology continues to shape music, recalls memorable moments from his remarkable career, and looks ahead to what’s next after the festival. If you enjoyed Thomas’ previous appearance on the podcast, you’ll love this follow-up conversation focused on the excitement of the Totally Tubular Festival and the enduring legacy of one of electronic music’s true innovators.Thomas Dolby: https://www.thomasdolby.com/Totally Tubular Festival: https://totallytubularfestival.com/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve and Don dive into two new releases with in-depth, track-by-track reviews of Born to Kill by Social Distortion and Antidepressants by The London Suede. They explore the stories behind each album, discuss the songwriting, performances, standout moments, and how these veteran bands continue to evolve while staying true to the sounds that made them legendary.Plus, they round up the latest music news from across the new wave and alternative world, including new music and album announcements from Echo & the Bunnymen, Howard Jones, When in Rome UK, Doublespeak, Laptop, U2, Soft Cell, and Jesus Jones. Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve welcomes Jacqui Hunt of the legendary Australian electronic group Single Gun Theory. Jacqui looks back on the formation of the band, the story behind its unforgettable name, and the creative journey behind the band’s groundbreaking career. She also shares memories from recording some of Single Gun Theory’s most beloved music and reflects on the band’s lasting legacy.The conversation also explores Jacqui’s collaboration with Delirium before turning to her stunning new solo album, Desiderium—her first new release in more than 18 years. Jacqui discusses the inspiration behind the album, the artists who influenced its sound, and the creative process behind several of its standout tracks. Jacqui Hunt: https://www.jacquihunt.net/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Ted Ottaviano and Susan Ottaviano of Book of Love to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band’s landmark self-titled debut album and their upcoming anniversary tour featuring the original lineup. Ted and Susan share the story of how Book of Love came together, the inspiration behind the band’s name, memories from creating their classic songs, and the lasting legacy of the debut album. They also reflect on what it means to see their music continue to resonate with fans four decades later.Along the way, they share stories from the studio, the road, and their remarkable career while revisiting highlights from the Book of Love catalog. Ted and Susan discuss the upcoming reunion tour, what fans can expect from the anniversary celebration, and how it feels to look back on one of the most influential and beloved careers in synth-pop history.Book of Love: https://www.bookoflovemusic.com/Support the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve and Don take a deep dive into Nine Inch Noize by Nine Inch Nails and It's the Long Goodbye by The Twilight Sad. They break down each album track by track, discussing standout moments, production choices, and what makes these releases worth a listen.Plus, in music news, they cover new releases and announcements from Paul Heaton, Bananarama, Peter Gabriel, Kon Kan, The Trash Can Sinatras, and Dexy's Midnight Runners.Nine Inch Nails: https://www.nin.com/The Twilight Sad: https://thetwilightsad.comSupport the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, we welcome John Thomas Griffith from Red Rockers for a conversation covering the band’s rise from the New Orleans punk scene to becoming one of the standout acts of the MTV-era new wave movement. John shares stories from the early days of the band, reflects on the making of Condition Red, and talks about the success of songs like “China,” “Good as Gold,” and “Eve of Destruction.” He also opens up about the 2023 reunion and what it felt like reconnecting with both the music and the fans after so many years.We also dive into the new live release It’s In Our Blood from Liberation Hall, discussing how the project came together and what it was like revisiting the Red Rockers catalog on stage again. Along the way, John shares memorable touring stories, talks about his longtime work with Cowboy Mouth, and reflects on the lasting legacy of a career that has spanned punk, new wave, and rock over several decades.Red Rockers: https://redrockerslive.bandcamp.com/album/its-in-our-bloodSupport the show

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Barry Harris of Kon Kan for a deep dive into the story behind one of the most recognizable dance-pop acts of the late ‘80s. Barry reflects on the origins of Kon Kan, the massive success of “I Beg Your Pardon,” the creative process behind hits like “Harry Houdini,” and how DJ culture and remixing helped shape the band’s signature sound. The conversation also explores the return of Kon Kan and the next chapter of Barry’s career, including updated versions of “I Beg Your Pardon” and “Sinful Wishes,” as well as brand-new music like “Stars,” “My Medication,” “Not This One,” and “Welcome to My Head.” Barry discusses the inspiration behind the upcoming album, what longtime fans can expect, and his thoughts on the evolving Kon Kan legacy. Support the show