In The Spotlight: Interviews

In The Spotlight: Interviews
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A new spin-off from the Show Me Magic podcast, God Is In The TV editor and founder Bill Cummings hosts a new podcast where he interviews artists and interesting figures, seeking to get to know them better, uncover their passions and find out what makes their work unique. 

  1. Aug 11

    Episode Fifteen; Sondre Lerche

    For the latest In the Spotlight podcast Bill Cummings is joined by Norwegian singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche who releases his new album Acrobats, out 21st August via PLZ / Virgin. They talk about Acrobats, Lerche's first full-length collection of entirely new music in over four years, which is an ambitious and open-hearted reflection on the tension between falling in love and living through a period of global unrest and unfathomable human suffering. They chat about the 'Love Is All' single and how songs on the album wrestle with the question: how do you write love songs in an increasingly dystopian world? How he thinks "falling in love feels more and more like an act of defiance.”They talk about how the album was inspired by Lerche witnessing Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 at the Oslo Opera House. Also working with Sean O’Hagan of The High Llamas, the Stockholm Studio Orchestra, Norwegian Radio Orchestra and a cast of Norwegian jazz and classical musicians on the new record. Bill tells Lerche how he discovered his work in the early 2000s through his song 'Sleep on Needles' from a compilation CD made for him by one of his friends. Plus his 2001 debut album Faces Down, how he doesn't feel like he fitted in with the music scene of the 2000s. They touch on his acting, scoring films like Dan in Real Life, or starring as the love-lorn Christian in the Norwegian stage production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Plus they discuss his influences growing up including The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, XTC, Elvis Costello and Prefab Sprout, plus his love of ambient, disco music and the Pet Shop Boys. They also talk about his collaborations with both AURORA and Mary Lattimore on his 2022 double album, Avatars of Love.  He notes how he finds new AI tools for generating music sickening and how he hopes his music is a rejection of the whole AI machinery.  'Acrobats' physical pre-order is available as a webstore exclusive 2xLP gatefold 'Splendor' edition including recent EP 'Turning Up The Heat Again', a standard 1xLP edition on transparent red vinyl, and CD. Sondre Lerche will embark on an extensive headline tour in support of the new album, which will take him across the UK, Europe and the US. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit his website HERE. September 10 - Boston, MA @ Arts at The Armory12 - Washington, DC @ Miracle Theatre13 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom15 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall16 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Cedar19 - Los Angeles, CA @ Sid The Cat Auditorium20 - Ojai, CA @ Ojai Women’s Club21 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent24 - Portland, OR @ Mission Theater25 - Seattle, WA @ Triple Door October 01 - Bryne, NO @ Hvelvet Scene02 - Stavanger, NO @Tou03 - Skien, NO @ Parkbiografen07 - Tromsø, NO @ Bryggeriet Scene08 - Hammerfest, NO @Arktisk Kultursenter09 - Alta, NO @ Rabagast10 - Bodø, NO @ Beddingen Kulturhus14 - Copenhagen, DK @ Rust15 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene16 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene17 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene22 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene23 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene24 - Oslo, NO @ Parkteatret Scene29 - Kongsberg, NO @ Energimølla30 - Trondheim, NO @ Byscenen31 - Sogndal, NO @ Sogndal Kulturhus November 02 - Arhus, DK @ Train03 - Stockholm, SE @ Hus704 - Gothenburg, SE @ Skeppet12 - Lisbon, PT @ Univerdsidade Nova13 - Aveiro, PT @ Teatro Aveirense14 - Arcos de Valdevez, PT @ Casa das Artes16 - Barcelona, ES @ Sala Upload17 - Madrid, ES @ Sala B20 - Vienna, AT @ Blue Bird Festival21 - Torino, IT @ Spazio21122 - Bologna, IT @ Baumhaus23 - Milano, IT @ Arci Bellezza27 - London, UK @ The Lower Third29 - Utrecht, NL @ Vredenburg30 - Breda, NL @ Mezz December 02 - Groningen, NL @ Simplon https://www.sondrelerche.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sondrelerche/?hl=en

  2. Jun 9

    Episode Fourteen; Darren Hayman

    For the latest episode of In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by Darren Hayman (Hefner / New Starts / The French). This week he starts a series of re-issues and releases with ‘The Violence’ (Expanded Edition). They talk about the reissue of The Violence and the parallels you can draw between 17th-century English Civil Wars and the East Anglian Witch Trials and how it's still relevant in how society vilifies marginalised people. They also discuss Hayman's restless creativity, which takes in music, art, painting, his Thankful Villages project, Hefner, patreon, songwriting and much more.   The Violence is a highly ambitious and layered Folk album with a huge ensemble lineup.  The original 2012 release was praised by The Quietus, Stewart Lee (The Sunday Times), The Line of Best Fit, Q Magazine, Mojo, NME, the BBC, and many more. As part of a wider effort to fill the holes in his catalogue, this expanded album is accompanied by its companion EP, ‘The Four Queens,’ also made available again for the first time in years. Hayman is an English singer-songwriter. His long career and deep catalogue have seen him tour the world and climb charts as the founder of John Peel-favourites Hefner with Antony Harding,  Jack Hayter, and John Morrison; explore Synth Pop with  The French ('Local Information'); sing domestic duets with The Hayman Kupa Band, bring East London stories to bluegrass with Hayman, Watkins, Trout And Lee, and most recently, return to his indie rock roots with New Starts. Solo, Hayman has amassed a long list of titles, with themes of witch trials, English Civil Wars, mass transit, caravan holidays, royals, astronauts, socialist chants, WW1’s “Thankful Villages,” and his highly acclaimed "Essex Trilogy," whilst utilising lineups like The Wave Pictures ('Madrid'), The Secondary Modern ('Darren Hayman & The Secondary Modern' / 'Pram Town' / 'Essex Arms') , The Long Parliament ('The Violence'), and The Short Parliament ('Bugbears'). https://darrenhayman.bandcamp.com/https://darrenhaymanart.comhttps://www.patreon.com/c/darrenhayman/about

  3. Apr 16

    Episode Thirteen; Mayer Nissim author of 'Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album'

    For the latest episode of In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by music critic and journalist Mayer Nissim (Digital Spy, Gold Radio, NME.com), author of a career-spanning new biography Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album. They talk about their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination (their inclusion was confirmed this week), the formative years of Joy Division, the portrayal of Ian Curtis, the albums and singles in New Order's catalogue that signposted their evolution as a group, the influence of club culture, their legacy, and much more. They also touch on their shared love of physical music Factory Records, Manic Street Preachers, The Smiths, Luke Haines, Top of the Pops, Tony Wilson, Football Songs and much more. Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album dives into both groups’ studio albums, pulling together a comprehensive narrative of two of the most vital bands in pop history. From their rehearsals at TJ Davidson’s in Manchester to their number one records, it takes you through their fallouts, reunions and fragmentations to their lasting legacy.  As well as extensive interviews with band members Bernard Sumner andPeter Hook, Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album features long-form interviews with several band collaborators from across their career. They include graphic designer Peter Saville, Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana Matronic (‘Jetstream’), producer Stephen Street (Waiting For The Sirens’ Call and Lost Sirens), recording engineerMichael Johnson (Closer and all New Order albums from Power, Corruption and Lies to Technique) and filmmakers Grant Gee (Joy Division) and Charles Sturridge (‘Confusion’).  It also features photographs by Anton Corbijn and official group snapper Warren Jackson, as well as full colour reproductions of all Peter Saville’s groundbreaking album sleeves and a complete discography of both bands. Order online on the link below or pick it up in book shops.  https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Joy-Division-and-New-Order-Hardback/p/57270

  4. Mar 18

    Episode Twelve; Eaves Wilder

    For the latest In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by emerging artist Eaves Wilder, who releases her debut album Little Miss Sunshine on 17th April via Secretly Canadian. They talk about her songwriting, the new album, her recent single 'Hurricane Girl', naturalistic imagery to express inner turmoil and the inspiration of grunge and Pearl Jam. As well as anxiety, ADHD and the trigger of big crowds and loud sounds. They also discuss TikTok, the importance of music venues, expectations upon female artists compared to men, mental health, AI, Lily Allen, how underrated Throwing Muses are, and much more. Eaves releases her euphoric new single ‘Mountain Sized’ today. The transcendent new track transforms a crisis of purpose into an explosive sense of release. Find out more herewww.eaveswilder.com

  5. Feb 3

    Episode Eleven; In The Spotlight: Juanita Stein (Howling Bells)

    For the latest In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by Juanita Stein of Howling Bells, who release Strange Life, their first album in 12 years via Nude Records on the 13th of February. Stein talks about their new album and their new singles 'Unbroken' and 'Melbourne'. She also reflects on recording their "spiky" debut album in Liverpool with Ken Nelson, the very male music scene of twenty years ago, touring with Coldplay, Editors and Placebo. Plus how she feels Howling Bells fit more into the music world now than they did then and much more. Podcast produced by Andy VonPip.  Orginally from Australia but based in Brighton for over two decades, Howling Bells are vocalist/guitarist Juanita Stein, her brother and guitarist Joel Stein, and drummer Glenn Moule.  They might have moved to the other side of the world in pursuit of the dreams that soon became a reality, playing at an NME Tour and then in stadiums supporting Coldplay, Howling Bells’ hypnotic indie rock always stood apart from the pack and was very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits and Sonic Youth, as well as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Björk, their recipe created a heady, immersive stew - equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock 'n' roll thrills. The band’s first album since 2014's Heartstrings, Strange Life was recorded with Howling Bells’ long-time friend and collaborator, producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Elbow) at his Agricultural Audio Studios. Strange Life is both a vibrant document of and an exploratory testament to this alchemical magic. Strange Life is both familiar and new; a record that will unfurl like an old friend to long term fans whilst speaking in a language that only hard-won experience and a few more trips around the sun can understand. It is, suggests Juanita, a record about experience and wisdom. “If you're not able to acknowledge the mistakes and the pain and make beautiful music out of it, then they're left festering inside of you,” she says. “And I don't ever want that to happen.” Howling BellsFEBRUARY UK IN-STORE SHOWSFriday 13th February – Rough Trade Denmark Street - TICKETSSaturday 14th February – Crash, Leeds - TICKETSSunday 15th February – Jacaranda, Liverpool - TICKETSMonday 16th February – Truck, Oxford - TICKETSTuesday 17th February – Banquet, Kingston - TICKETSWednesday 18th February – Pie & Vinyl, Southsea (daytime) - TICKETS+ Vinilo, Southampton (evening) - TICKETSThursday 19th February – Gatefield Sounds, Whitstable - TICKETSMARCH/APRIL UK TOUR Pre-sale tickets below - Tickets go on general sale on 9th December at 10 AM Thursday 12 March - Think Tank - Newcastle - TICKETSFriday 13 March - King Tuts - Glasgow - TICKETSSaturday 14 March - Brudenell Social Club - Leeds - TICKETSSunday 15 March - Deaf Institute - Manchester - TICKETSThursday 19 March - Bodega - Nottingham - TICKETSFriday 20 March - Clwb Ifor Bach - Cardiff - TICKETSSunday 22 March - Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth - TICKETSTuesday 24 March - Oslo - London - TICKETSThursday 26 March - Fleece - Bristol - TICKETSFriday 27 March - The Sugarmill - Stoke - TICKETSSaturday 28 March - Hallamshire Hotel - Sheffield - TICKETSSunday 29 March - The Waterfront Studio - Norwich - TICKETSThursday 23 April - Alphabet - Brighton - TICKETSFriday 24 April - Dead Wax - Birmingham - TICKETS  Photo Credit: David Titlow  In the Spotlight is a series of interview podcasts where Bill Cummings talks to artists, authors and interesting figures and tries to get to know them and their work better. In memory of James McMahon and his podcast.

    Episode Eleven; In The Spotlight: Juanita Stein (Howling Bells)

  6. 10/23/2025

    Episode Ten: In The Spotlight: Laura-Mary Carter

    For the latest episode of In The Spotlight, Bill Cummings is joined by Laura-Mary Carter, best known as one half of Blood Red Shoes. She recently released her debut solo album Bye Bye Jackie.   They talk about her first solo record, the personal experiences that inspired it, and the shift in sound for her solo work, including the influence of 50s rock n roll, country and vintage sounds, and the work of David Lynch.   They also chat about the highs and lows of two decades in Blood Red Shoes, the financial issues faced by musicians, indie sleaze, and the shocking physical abuse she faced early in her career. Plus supporting Queens of the Stone Age and Rage Against the Machine, playing Reading Festival and much more.  "Bye Bye Jackie marks a bold creative shift for Carter, showcasing a more introspective and personal side to her artistry. Written between hotel rooms and quiet nights at home, the album was recorded in Hackney with producers Oscar Robertson (sholto) and David Bardon (Sunglasses for Jaws), known for their experimental edge and genre-defying work. Carter's lyrics are filled with dry wit and emotional depth, matched by production that evokes lo-fi indie, vintage soul, and late-night introspection."Laura- Mary Carter heads off on a string of headline shows across the UK and Europe this winter, with dates in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Dublin and more. Tickets are available now via www.lauramarycarter.com.https://laura-marycarter.bandcamp.com/album/bye-bye-jackie Produced by Andy VonPip

  7. 08/08/2025

    Episode Nine: In The Spotlight with Gruffydd Owen (Libertino)

    For the latest In the Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by Gruffydd Owen: who is the owner and label manager at Libertino. They discuss Swigod, the new compilation celebrating a decade of Libertino, the founding of the label, and the key compilations, including releases on Ankst that shaped Gruff's formative music taste. Listen below.They also talk the ethos behind the label partly inspired by Factory Records, and its key releases including Adwaith's debut album Melyn, plus the work of Manic Street Preachers, and R.E.M. Plus, creating a supportive community and infrastructure for music in Wales, They finish by discussing the treadmill for bands and artists, how the demands of streaming and social media in 2025, they also talk about being conscious of welfare and mental health for artists and those in the music industry in this environment. Discovering Adwaith at their second gig at the Tangled Parrot in Carmarthen, Libertino was founded by Gruffydd in 2017 and now has a roster of over 25 artists who create and perform in both Welsh and English. It's home to the likes of Keys, Los Blancos, Ynys, N’famady Kouyaté, Alex Dingley, Minas, ACCÜ, and many more. Through Libertino Management Gruff also manages a large proportion of the acts on the label through their creative journey. Libertino is an all-encompassing home for its artists – booking agent/tour support, in house PR, artist management as well as creative support are all provided. He strongly believes that art should be inclusive and not exclusive, creating a community from grass roots level up. Libertino’s aim is to give artists a platform from which to fly and the knowledge of how to fly successfully.Libertino (@libertinorecs) • Instagram photos and videosCARTREF / HOME | libertinorecords

  8. 07/31/2025

    Panel at Cardiff Library and Hub: Author Neil Collins, Bill Cummings and Gordon Anderson(Cardiff Library) discuss the book International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the '90s Charts

    On the 17th of July 2025 at Cardiff Library and Hub there was a Open Space panel: featuring Author Neil Collins, writer and podcaster Bill Cummings editor of God Is In The TV Zine and hosted by Cardiff libraries Gordon Anderson. They discussed Neil's book, "International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the '90s Charts," which explores that era of Welsh music and what led up to it, as well as its lasting impact on music and culture to this day. Listen to a phone recording from the event above. The 1970s and ‘80s were a bleak time for much of Wales - but the 1990s changed everything. Wales was already known for Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Male Voice Choirs. But suddenly bands such as Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics, Super Furry Animals, 60ft Dolls and Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci exploded into the charts and showed the UK population the breadth of what this small but inherently musical nation could offer. Meanwhile, S4C became increasingly prominent and a new National Assembly for Wales was on the horizon…Featuring fresh analysis and new interviews, International Velvet (Calon) charts the UK in a decade in which ‘Cool Cymru’ won over the masses and shows how it inspired the still-vibrant Welsh music scene into the 21st century and beyond.

    Panel at Cardiff Library and Hub: Author Neil Collins, Bill Cummings and Gordon Anderson(Cardiff Library) discuss the book International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the '90s Charts
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A new spin-off from the Show Me Magic podcast, God Is In The TV editor and founder Bill Cummings hosts a new podcast where he interviews artists and interesting figures, seeking to get to know them better, uncover their passions and find out what makes their work unique. 

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