Synthetic Dreams Podcast

Welcome back to Synthetic Dreams.
In this episode, we kick off part one of a two-part conversation with pioneering electronic musician Man Parrish, diving into the electric atmosphere of early 1980s New York—a moment when nightlife, technology, and creativity collided to reshape modern music.
Man Parrish was at the heart of it all. From the clubs to the studio, he witnessed—and helped drive—the emergence of dance and hip-hop culture in real time. We explore those formative years, from the energy of underground parties to the feeling that something entirely new was taking shape. Along the way, he shares stories of chance encounters with cultural icons, offering a vivid glimpse into a scene that was as glamorous as it was unpredictable.
We also discuss his groundbreaking 1982 track Hip Hop, Be Bop (Don’t Stop)—a record that made a major impact on the US dance charts and continues to influence artists today.
Here’s part one of my conversation with Man Parrish.

This week on Synthetic Dreams, we’re diving deep into the neon-lit, 80's inspired world of Synthwave music with none other than Dutch electronic musician, Jordy Leenaerts (aka Timecop1983) One of the leading voices in the scene, he’s helped shape the sound of a genre built on nostalgia, emotion, and cinematic energy.
So, if you’re into retro vibes, cinematic soundscapes, or the future of electronic music, this episode is a must. It’s insight, inspiration, and pure synth-driven atmosphere all in one.

In today’s insightful and extremely fun episode of Synthetic Dreams, I’m joined by singer, actor , author and pop icon Clare Grogan.
We had a really lovely chat that covered a lot of ground — from classic 80s synth pop to touring stories, acting memories, and brand new music.
Clare talks about the upcoming Altered Images Happy Birthday 50th Anniversary Tour, which celebrates the legendary debut album Happy Birthday. On the tour, Altered Images will perform the album in full — a record that still sounds as fresh and joyful today as it did when it was first released in 1981.
We also go back to the early days of the band, including what it was like touring with their heroes Siouxsie and the Banshees, and working with Banshees bassist Steve Severin on the Happy Birthday album.
Away from music, we share a laugh about Clare’s brilliant — and very funny — appearance in the classic comedy Father Ted.
We also dive into the making of the band’s latest album Mascara Streakz — a record that acts as both a love letter to Clare’s daughter and a reflection on life, family, and growing older.
The Altered Images 50th Anniversary Happy Birthday Tour kicks off at the Norwich Waterfront on 3 September and finishes at Liquid Rooms on 25 September.
For the full list of dates and ticket information visit:
alteredimages.band

Altered Images - Happy Birthday (Official Video)

Altered Images - Don't Talk To Me About Love (Official Video)

Clare Grogan on Father Ted

Gregory's Girl film trailer

Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis
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For this episode, I’m joined by Colin Newman from legendary post-punk band, Wire and Malka Spigel to talk about the new Immersion album, WTF??.
We dive into how the record came together, including their work with Matt Schulz (Holy Fuck), and how collaboration, experimentation, and curiosity continue to push Immersion’s sound into exciting new territory.
We also explore their long-running radio show Swimming in Sound, the origins of their label Swim (founded in the early 90s), and what it’s meant to keep an independent label alive through decades of constant industry change.
Along the way, we discuss the making of the video for “Use It Don’t Lose It”, directed by their son Ben Newman, plus their move to sunny Brighton—and how life in this vibrant seaside town continues to fuel creativity, community, and fresh ideas.

This very special episode of Synthetic Dreams, features a conversation with legendary songwriter and producer Pete Bellotte.
Pete’s extraordinary journey began in the basement of Munich’s Arabella Sheraton Hotel, home to Giorgio Moroder’s groundbreaking Musicland Studios. There, as Moroder’s right-hand man and a visionary in his own right, Pete helped shape a sound that would change music forever.
Over the course of his career, he has co-written and produced more than 500 songs, earning two Grammy nominations for Donna Summer’s Bad Girls album and single.
From his early days touring with R&B band Linda Laine & The Sinners to his first major hit, Son of My Father, Pete quickly emerged as a hitmaker. Yet it was his pioneering work with Donna Summer that solidified his legacy—blending electronic innovation with bold, conceptual storytelling inspired by his lifelong love of literature.
It’s safe to say that I Feel Love stands as one of the greatest dance tracks ever—a legendary song whose influence on pop and dance music still resonates today.
'I Feel Love' Donna Summer
Synthetic Dreams is presented and produced by Scott Zverblis
Follow Synthetic Dreams on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Also, check out my monthly show Synthetic Sundays on Louder Than War Radio : ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mixcloud.com/louderthanwar/synthetic-sundays-july-2025/⁠⁠