David Arscott was born in 1971, grew up in the 70s & 80s, a Singer, Songwriter, DJ and record shop kid. John Mabey was born in 1987, grew up in the 90s, a playwright, film buff and video shop kid. Both were born in small Essex towns. During lockdown, they started a show focussed on selecing lost, forgotten and lesser played 80s music, that radio stations continue to ignore. Formerly known as poptartspodcast on Mixcloud, this passion project developed further with guest musicians & artists from the 80s, inviting them to tell their stories and talk about their journeys through the decade.
We welcome Jim Irvin, the frontman of London cult 80s band Furniture. We find out about their indie road to an eventual signing to Stiff and beyond and just how much bad luck they had as a band, whilst operating against the grain by choice. Jim went on to write for Melody Maker and subsequently became the Features Editor for MOJO. Having also authored books including the honest and telling account of Jeff Buckley in 'Hallelujah And The Last Goodbye', Jim moved into Songwriting for a living working as a Topliner for successful acts like Lissie & Nothing But Thieves. Jim's detail on work experience at both his part time job at The Beggars Banquet Record Shop and his role as a radio librarian for the United Biscuit Corp. at the top of his career is a-Must-Listen feature! Ace episode! - Enjoy - DA.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party material* Welcome to Martin Macaloon one of the brothers who helped shape the incredible sound of the incomparable Durham band, Prefab Sprout. Humble and unassuming, Martin graciously walks us through the timeline of Sprout history from their first independent release right through to 1990. Martin is on a solo tour with Thomas Dolby performing his brother's songs around the UK from May 15th 2026 to the end of the month. Get your tickets now! - DA
*this episode contains excerpts of third party music* Welcome musician Tim May who was the saxophonist in the brilliant Roaring Boys, who also features Neil MacColl, son of Peggy and Ewan and half brother of Kirsty The Roaring Boys evolved from established Cambridge signed band The Models, They found themselves at the centre of a bidding war. However although they got signed, The Roaring Boys suffered perhaps by having 6 strong personalities and no clear leader, Coupled with maybe being in the wrong scene at the wrong time, this translated to not breaking out in the UK or the U.S. to the level we think they deserved. Tim later went on to become a series producer for the BBC Series Arena. DA
*This episode features excerpts of 3rd party music* We welcome, Ian McNay, founder and chairman of Cherry Red records, which still remains today, one of the most prolific independent record institutions in operation. Ian takes the time to tell us the Cherry Red story, detailing many of the key moments and signings that decorate his path to success, maintaining an ethos for supporting the truly unique and the different, with independent spirit. from Everything But The Girl, Felt, Dead Kennedeys to a wealth of heritage acts enjoying a resurgence of reissues away from the majors. Not to mention his involvement with his beloved AFC Wimbeldon. DA
*This episode includes excerpts of 3rd paty music* Welcome Ross middleton, Scottish singer who along side musician Gary Barnacle, formed Leisure Process, signed by Muff Winwood.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music* in this edition we welcome Bobby Hodgens from Scottish jangle pop band The Bluebells. Associated with the Postcard Records scene early on, hearing Orange Juice, Altered Images and Simple Minds inspired him to start a band. The Bluebells had a hugely infectious body of songs and at one time their personel included Craig Gannon who was poached from Aztec Camera, before going on to join The Smiths. Their enormous hit 'Young At Heart' has seen the band enjoy what is seen as their 3rd wind as they continue to play huge shows ands share their music with the world. Bobby chooses some fantastic tracks for this short but very sweet episode - DA
*This episode contains 3rd party music excerpts* We welcome composer Paul Fishman, most famed for his role as keyboardist in 80s new wave band Re-Flex. As the son of Jack Fishman, co composer with Roy Budd and the nephew of Vera Lynn, Paul's life in music was inevitable. He talks about his work as a signed artist starting in the 70s with Prog project 'In Search Of Ancient Gods', through to his partnership with Dee Harris from Fashion, making Disco 12s for MCA and working for Motown. Also making an album on a label associated with Kraftwerk's Florien Schneider, with Ped Gill from FGTH whilst being signed under Trevor Horn's Sarm umbrella, to his extensive composition and mastering work in the Soundtrack world for hundreds of films including Deathwish, The Wild Geese, Breakdance and of course Get Carter and the Roy Budd catalogue. Paul is still releasing music with a recent collection of medidation music of which he is very proud. Go to :www.paulfishmanmusic.co.uk for more information - DA
*Contains language that may offend* *This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music* In this edition we welcome a titan of the Record industry, Dave "Robbo" Robinson, co founder of Stiff Records. A talented photographer in the early 60s who snapped amongst others, The Beatles at The Cavern, who at that time were "not particularly memorable". Band management took Dave from London to Majorca. From an interrogation in a Spanish jail, to having his band at the time appointed as tour support for Jimi Hendrix. An incident with Vanilla Fudge and the son of a NJ mafia boss pushing a gun in his mouth, taught him to adapt later in life. Signing Madness, The Damned, The Pogues & Elvis Costello to name just a few, made him the envy of the majors at that time. A merge to Island Records saw Dave mastermind the rise of FGTH's Relax into the top .10 and his follow up campaign for Bob Marley's 'Legend' became the biggest selling reggae album of all time. Our conversation with Dave is loaded with tales, wisdom and truth, for which we are truly thankful. A parting gift could well be in the shape of a typical Stiff ad slogan from back in the day: "Don't Fart Until Your Arse Is Ready!" - wise words! DA.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* HAPPY NEW YEAR! In this episode, find out what OUR origin stories are and what our 80's was like. Expect factually incorrect musings, a Midge Ure impression from Dave, punctuated with excellent music choices throughout. Oh and a lot of swearing and a Ouija board story from John. Normal service will resume in the next episode - We promise! DA
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* In this episode we welcome actress Francoise Pascal who as well as acting along side many national treasures like Peter Sellers, Diana Dors and Terry Scott, has also recorded singles and been a model. Appearing in TV Dramas on both sides of the Atlantic in Coronation Street and The Young & The restless, She was also a regular on panel quiz shows like Celebrity squares and Blankety Blank. However, it was in the multi cultural comedy show, Mind Your language that she became a fixture of our TV youth. Francoise has an open and honest chat with us about her life, her experiences, her career and we barely scratch the surface of her supply of showbiz tales! Now hosting a weekly radio show for Radio Free Marseille in France, Francoise is currently writing the script for her One-Woman-tells-all show about her life, set to hit the CAA club in London and more venues besides in the near future - DA
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome Corinne & Andy from Grammy nominated Jazz pop darlings Swing Out Sister. From her beginnings in fashion design at St. Martins, London where Sade was also in attendance, Corinne made her live debut auditioning for Working Week (standing in for Tracey Thorn) at The Hacienda in Manchester with Andy in the audience (then still in A Certain Ratio). The pair tell us all about Swing Out Sister's somewhat reluctant rise to pop stardom after signing just a 2 single deal as an A&R learning project. Upon 'Breakout' becoming a massive hit, they were thrust into creating an album by the "seat of their pants" with a studio battle of retaining their indie chic vs. the "snazzy pop sheen" of record company demands. Their 8 CD retrospective, a real treat for the fans, 'Certain Shades Of Limelight' is available now on Cherry Red. DA
*Content disclaimer * this episode contains very strong language and subject matter some listeners may find triggering as well as containing excerpts of 3rd party music content* We present a frank but fun chin wag with TV presenter vet Steve blacknell, about the highs and lows of his career. From being a nurse and falling for his first love Kate Bush, to PR work with Record companies, life at the BBC, anchoring Live Aid and at the flip of a coin, an exodus to Hollywood. With a book out and a new radio show coming soon, get stuck into Steve's episode to find out more.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* This episode sees John explore the work that the Misty Moon team do, with Stuart & Jen Morris, who lovingly curate in South London, celebrating TV & Film nostalgia from Friday the 13th to The Sweeney.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Mancunian musician Graham Massey joins us for a chat about his career, starting with the early band Biting Tongues signed to Factory, to the monster that became 808 State. Graham talks about his love of A-Tonal jazz, experimental music, writing with Bjork, rave culture, the strong arm influence of the staff at Eastern Bloc Records, The Stone Roses' Spike Island experience being a bit dull and getting signed to ZTT With a UK tour EX:EL 2025 over November/ December 2025 tickets are available now - https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/search?q=808-state
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* We have a great chin wag with Scouse Actor Victor Mcguire about his career in TV and film, covering the popular series Bread and Goodnight Sweetheart as well as Phantom Of The Opera and Star Wars to name a few!! It was no surprise to us to find that Vic is a warm, humble and down to earth guy who was never comfortable with celebrity. He also chooses some 80s tunes for us that haven't been chosen before. Enjoy - DA.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome Writer, Author Andrew Cartmel. John interviews this a man whose writing includes of course Doctor Who.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* We welcome Actress Nicola Bryant most know for her role as Doctor Who's companion Peri Brown - John's favourite companion to John's favourite Doctor. To this end, although David did the noble thing and let John go a bit silly on a solo mission, he still did the hard work to make him sound less silly...sort of. Nicola was an absolutely lovely guest and told us all about her career and her choice of 80s music was from the heart. DA
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* *Some strong language, listener discretion is advised* Ahead of Britpop by some 5 years, Ben Addison and his twin brother Scott forged a band that were a magic blend, steeped in references. channelling his Anthony Newley via Bowie, kicking out Who licks in power pop punk troupe Boys Wonder. This was a riveting conversation with someone who was a visionary with a clear sense of what he could and could not abide in 1980s culture. Ben chooses some great 80s tracks for us, has a couple of great spooky stories and tells us about the new Boys Wonder releases aswell as the book of photography that has just been released - DA
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Welcome to Melbourne born studio legend, Julian Mendelsohn, who tells us all bout his journey from his 'Radio Shack' electronics obsession that developed into recording gear and studio equipment, which after a family move to England drove him into a career doing exactly that. Julian has worked with just about everybody and his name featured heavily on the backs of our records in the 80s + 90s. We hope you enjoy our chinwag with this modest and unaffected industry professional who has given us so much pleasure over the years. Julian also chooses his five 80s tracks for us. DA.
*This episode contains excerpts of 3rd party music content* Simon was one half of 80s folk pop sensation Big Bam Boo, along with Shark they stormed America destined for big things with a big budget. David was lucky enough to see them live several times in London venues supporting various bands in the late 80s. Simon's journey through the world of writing and performing has been a very interesting one going right back to the early 70s, involving publishing deals, record deals, recordings and shenanigans that include amongst other things kit sharing with Kraftwerk!! Simon lives and works in France and continues to release albums and play shows. We hope you enjoy Simon's story. DA
