The New Wave Music Podcast

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

13/08/2026 • 44:14

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

24/07/2026 • 22:29

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

20/07/2026 • 54:17

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

03/07/2026 • 41:36

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

15/06/2026 • 33:15

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

08/06/2026 • 48:46

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

26/05/2026 • 42:03

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

11/05/2026 • 36:21

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 deep into two major new releases, going track by track through Hope and Fury from Joe Jackson and the long-awaited Trixies from Squeeze, an album over 50 years in the making. From sharp songwriting to the signature sounds that defined a generation, they take a closer look at these albums, highlighting the standout moments and how they fit into each artist’s legacy. In music news, there’s a wave of fresh releases and exciting returns, including new music from Haircut 100, Soft Cell, Duran Duran, The Alarm, and Kon Kan, along with Doublespeak, a brand-new collaboration between Vince Clarke and Neil Arthur that brings a fresh synth-driven twist to classic tracks. Joe Jackson: http://joejackson.com/Squeeze:  https://www.squeezeofficial.com/Support the show

01/05/2026 • 48:34

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, we sit down with Debora Iyall of Romeo Void to explore the band’s full journey—from their beginnings in the late ‘70s San Francisco scene to becoming one of the most distinctive voices of the early alternative era. Debora reflects on the band’s evolution and shares insights into some of their most iconic songs, including Deborah shares the story of how her response to a Michael Jackson songs led to one the bands biggest hits.We also dive into her work with The Raton 3, including their unique take on classic cover songs and what draws her to reinterpret those tracks. Debora also discusses the upcoming Record Store Day live release Live ’81–’85, giving fans a chance to hear the band’s raw energy on stage and how those performances captured a different side of Romeo Void. Along the way, she reflects on the band’s lasting legacy, connecting with new generations of listeners, and what continues to inspire her musically today.Romeo Void: https://romeovoid.com/Live 81-85: https://romeovoid.bandcamp.com/album/live-81-85Support the show

12/04/2026 • 43:34

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode, Steve and Don dive into two highly anticipated releases. They take a deep, track-by-track look at Morrissey’s Make-Up Is a Lie, exploring its themes, standout moments, and where it lands in his ever-controversial catalog. The conversation then shifts to The Charlatans’ We Are Loved, where they break down the band’s latest release, discussing its sonic direction, pacing, and how it stacks up against their classic era.The episode also features a busy music news segment, with the latest updates from Robyn Hitchcock and Trashcan Sinatras, both previewing upcoming albums with brand-new singles. Midge Ure returns with details on his ambitious new project, while Michael Stipe makes a surprising comeback with his first new song in years for an HBO series. There’s also new music from Peter Gabriel, and an unexpected return from Kon Kan.Morrissey: https://www.makeupisalie.com/The Charlatans: https://thecharlatans.net/Support the show

30/03/2026 • 57:27

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Jesse Hartman from LAPTOP for a deep dive into the band’s past, present, and future. Jesse takes listeners back to the beginning, sharing the story of how LAPTOP first came together and reflecting on the early days of the band, including the debut album Opening Credits and the follow-up release The Old Me vs The New You. Along the way, he discusses the songwriting process behind those early records and even talks about the band’s unique take on a classic track by Billy Joel.The conversation also explores LAPTOP’s 2009 album Don’t Try This at Home, the band’s recent reboot, and the new wave of music that is introducing the project to a new generation of listeners. Jesse shares stories from performing live, reflects on standout moments from the band’s catalog, and gives listeners insight into where LAPTOP is headed next. LAPTOP:  https://www.laptoptheband.com/Support the show

09/03/2026 • 51:27

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve & Don takes a deep dive into two releases that highlight different corners of the new wave and alternative landscape. First up is a track-by-track look at The Lost Record from Susanna Hoffs — an album that blends timeless songwriting with that unmistakable melodic style fans have loved for decades. Then the spotlight shifts to Real, the long-shelved and rediscovered album from Kirsty MacColl, exploring how this lost chapter fits into the evolving early-’80s new wave sound.Plus, the latest New Music News featuring new releases and updates from U2, Trashcan Sinatras, They Might Be Giants, Joe Jackson, and Morrissey. Support the show

25/02/2026 • 48:33

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Darkwave and post-punk take center stage in this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast as Steve welcomes rising act Silent WVLF for the show’s New Music Spotlight.Joined by band members Jeff and Tory, the conversation explores the band’s origins, the story behind their name, and the influences shaping their haunting, atmospheric sound that’s resonating with modern alternative and new wave audiences.Silent WVLF:  https://silentwvlf.bandcamp.com/Support the show

10/02/2026 • 27:12

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Steve is joined by special co-host Riff Royal for an in-depth review of two solo releases from New Wave icons. Together, they dive into The Ten Crowns, the latest solo album from Erasure front-man Andy Bell, and Night Mirror, the new solo album from Claudia Brücken.The episode also features a packed music news segment, covering new releases and announcements from They Might Be Giants, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, Ian McNabb featuring R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, and more.Andy Bell: https://www.andybell.com/Claudia Brücken: https://www.claudiabrucken.co.uk/Riff Royal:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riff_royale/?hl=en @riff_royaleStranger Radio website Page: https://www.strangerradio.com/riff-for-love Warrior X Radio: https://warriorxradio.org/the-happenings/ Support the show

29/01/2026 • 50:53

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Steve is joined by guest host Don from The Album Nerds to review two new releases from New Wave icons: Men Without Hats’ On the Moon and Sparks’ latest album Mad, digging into the highlights and standout moments.Plus, in New Wave music news, there’s new music from Joe Jackson, Kissing the Pink, Billy Idol, Squeeze, and Cindy Wilson of The B-52s.Men Without Hats:  https://www.safetydance.com/Sparks:  https://allsparks.com/Support the show

14/01/2026 • 44:50

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Steve and a surprise guest count down their 10 Best Albums of 2025. From darkwave and synth-pop to legendary artists delivering late-career highlights, this episode is a full year-end reflection on the records that defined 2025. Along the way, they break down standout tracks, key moments, and why these albums rose above the rest. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, passionate look back at the year in new wave and classic alternative music, this is the episode.Support the show

29/12/2025 • 26:38

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 Brian Chatton, founding member and creative force behind Boys Don’t Cry. Brian takes us through the band’s early days, the origin of their name, and the playful nod to The Cure on their second album. We revisit the massive global success of “I Wanna Be a Cowboy,” how it reshaped the band’s trajectory, and the unforgettable (and sometimes bizarre) live moments that came along the way.Brian also gives us an inside look at the making of the brand-new album 4Play. He shares the inspirations behind the project and breaks down several key tracks, including “I Was Just Thinking About Sex (At the Time),” “Rescue Me,”and the new single “When I Think About You” featuring Wade Hubbard. We discuss collaborations, creative surprises, and which track stands out most to him on the new record.Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Boys Don’t Cry for the first time, this episode offers a fun, insightful look into the band’s history, humor, and newest musical chapter.Boys Don't Cry:https://linktr.ee/boysdontcry1986?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5cd672c0-5794-4da7-a5d3-26f16536d117&fbclid=IwZnRzaAOiz7oBHXI57Rfv0Jud7_XdF0U4Ru7jPxaq2UWcU7kBXoFy63OrenU3QM1pWBQP0ASupport the show

08/12/2025 • 32:34

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve is joined by Monique Powell, the unmistakable voice of Save Ferris. Monique reflects on the band’s early days and their remarkable rise during the ’90s ska revival, including the story behind their breakout cover of “Come On Eileen” and how it became a defining moment in their career.The conversation also explores the long-awaited return of the Checkered Past EP to streaming platforms, revisiting standout tracks like “Anything” and “Do I Like You,” as well as the band’s collaboration with 2 Tone legend Neville Staple on the track “New Sound.” Monique shares insight into newer songs such as “Lights Out in the Reptile House,” “Get Dancing,” and “Ooh Ooh Rudi,” offering a look at how the Save Ferris sound continues to evolve.We also dive into the energy of the band’s live shows and what fans can look forward to on the upcoming holiday tour. It’s a lively and heartfelt conversation filled with nostalgia, great stories, and a true celebration of ska, alternative pop, and classic ’90s music.Save Ferris: https://saveferris.com/Support the show

01/12/2025 • 26:26

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 Ian Dench, guitarist and principal songwriter for EMF the band behind the iconic hit “Unbelievable.” Ian reflects on the band’s early breakthrough, the whirlwind of success in the ’90s, and how that explosive start shaped EMF’s journey. He discusses the band’s creative evolution, what brought them back together, and why their blend of rock, dance, and electronic energy still resonates today.The conversation also explores their 2024 comeback album The Beauty and the Chaos and their brand-new EP Reach For Something Higher. Ian shares the story of how their recent U.S. tour inspired the new EP and discusses the meaning behind their latest work and their approach to covering iconic tracks by Bauhaus and Depeche Mode. He also reflects on his songwriting legacy and what fans can expect from EMF’s next chapter. EMF: https://emf-theband.com/Support the show

17/11/2025 • 31:43

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Steve is joined by Don from the Album Nerds Podcast for a deep dive into two standout new releases — David Byrne’s Who Is the Sky and Birdsong, the latest from The Blow Monkeys. Together, they explore how both artists continue to evolve while staying true to their distinctive sounds.In music news, the duo covers fresh tracks from Heaven 17, Boys Don’t Cry, Depeche Mode, Men Without Hats, James and Haircut 100 — plus a nostalgic twist with a classic ’80s cover from Andy Bell of Erasure. Tune in for lively discussion, sharp insights, and a celebration of the best in modern and classic new wave.David Byrne:https://whoisthesky.davidbyrne.com/The Blow Monkeyshttps://www.theblowmonkeys.com/Album Nerds Podcast:https://rss.com/podcasts/albumnerds/Support the show

03/11/2025 • 51:11

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve takes an in-depth look at the latest albums from The Chameleons and Peter Murphy. From shimmering guitars to brooding vocals, he breaks down how each artist continues to evolve while honoring their signature sound.In music news, there are rumors of a new album from The Cure, new tracks from Pop Will Eat Itself and Daniel Ash’s newest band, and an unexpected reinterpretation of a Bauhaus classic by EMF.The Chameleons:https://chameleonsband.comPeter Murphy:https://www.petermurphy.info/Support the show

21/10/2025 • 37:40

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, we sit down with Myles and Kyle Mendes of NITE, a band that blends dark synth textures, melodic hooks, and a modern take on new wave. The brothers share the story of their origins, the meaning behind their name, and how their influences helped shape the band’s distinctive sound. We also dive deep into their music catalog, highlighting standout tracks from across their career, including their latest single.Along the way, NITE open up about the inspiration behind their songs, and their experience collaborating with Leah Lane from Rosegarden Funeral Party. If you’re a fan of dark wave, synth driven atmospheres, or discovering your next favorite band, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Support the show

06/10/2025 • 43:28

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of the New Wave Music Podcast, we sit down with Doug MacMillan (fromThe Connells) and Jon Dawson of Third of Never to discuss their brand-new release, Damage the Pearl: Original Soundtrack. The album takes a bold, cinematic approach—blending New Wave textures, alternative energy, and psychedelic flourishes into a project that feels as much like a film score as a traditional record. Doug and Jon share the story of how the band came together, the evolution of their sound, and how the concept of an “original soundtrack” developed into one of their most ambitious works yet. They also discuss working with special guests, including a memorable collaboration with Steve Kilbey of The Church, and reflect on the creative risks that shaped the album’s unique atmosphere. Third of Never:https://thirdofnever.com/https://thirdofnever.bandcamp.com/https://343collective.com/thirdofnever/Support the show

29/09/2025 • 51:39

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve dives into Ian McNabb’s brand-new album If It Wasn’t For The Music, as well as Suzanne Vega’s Flying with Angels—her first collection of new songs in over a decade.We’ll also bring you the latest music news, including fresh releases from Sparks, The Charlatans, Nine Inch Nails, Robert Smith, and more.Ian McNabb:https://www.ianmcnabb.com/Suzanne Vega:https://www.suzannevega.com/Support the show

15/09/2025 • 36:01

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this New Music Spotlight, Steve chats with Hayley Cain of Hayley and the Crushers—a band that blends surf, punk, and power pop with a sound best described as the Go-Go’s meets X. Hayley shares how the band first came together, the story behind their name, and the influences that shaped their one-of-a-kind sound. We also dive into tracks from their latest EP, Unsubscribe from the Underground, and much more.Hayley and the Crushers:https://www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/Support the show

01/09/2025 • 53:28

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. In this episode Steve sits down with Peter Hooton, lead vocalist of The Farm. Peter reflects on how his passion for music and the vibrant Liverpool scene inspired him to form the band, and he opens up about the stories behind their biggest hits, including the enduring anthems “All Together Now” and “Groovy Train.”After more than 30 years, The Farm have returned with their first new album since 1994, Let the Music Take Control. Peter shares why now was the right time for new music, and he offers fascinating insights into some of the album’s standout tracks such as “Forever and Ever,” “Feel the Love,” and “That Feeling.” It’s a conversation filled with music history, fresh energy, and the optimism that has always defined The Farm.The Farm:https://thefarmmusic.co.uk/Support the show

18/08/2025 • 38:27

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Season 6, Episode 114In this episode, Steve sits down with Ivan Doroschuk, the unmistakable voice behind Men Without Hats. Ivan pulls back the curtain on how the band got its iconic name and what it was like working with one of his musical heroes.Ivan also gives us an inside look at their infectious new track, “I Love the 80s,” unpacking the clever hidden references woven through its lyrics. It’s a nostalgic trip packed with fresh insights, laughs, and plenty of love for the era that defined Men Without Hats.Men Without Hats:https://www.safetydance.com/Support the show

04/08/2025 • 28:24

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Season 6, Episode 113.In this episode, Steve Hovington of B-Movie shares how the band got its cinematic name, the story behind ‘Nowhere Girl’, and the influences that shaped their sound. He also dives into his solo work on Audience With Myself, how The Killers sparked B-Movie’s comeback, and the lost tracks brought back on Hidden Treasures. A must-listen for fans of B-Movie and new wave nostalgia.B-Movie:https://www.b-movie.org/Steve Hovington:https://stevehovington.com/Support the show

24/07/2025 • 46:51

We'd love to hear from you! Click here to send us a text. Season 6, Episode 112After a big announcement from T-Bone, we're going to take a look at 2 very different albums. First up is the latest from new wave/punk legend Billy Idol and his 2025 album "Dream Into It."Up next, and not something we EVER thought we'd review, the latest from Ministry.  Yes, Ministry.  But you'll see why when you start listening. In music news we talk about the passing of an icon, Mike Peters, along with a lot of new music from The Blow Monkeys, The Chameleons, Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett, David Byrne, & Men without Hats.Support the show

07/07/2025 • 47:03