*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