Demo Tapes

'All farewells should be sudden when forever' as the old saying goes - just ask The Verve. So, get that helpline set up: after three series and four years, Demo Tapes is ending for good. But like many of our favourite bands, we couldn't split without putting out a 'best-of'.

In this final episode, we look back on some of our favourite clips from the interviews we did for the show, including amazing insights from the likes of Blur, The Enemy, The Twang, Reverend and the Makers and 'Giddy Stratospheres' director and star Laura Jean Marsh. We also revisit the greatest anecdote of all time courtesy of Arctic Monkeys album cover star and documentary-maker Chris McClure.

Elsewhere, we discuss the explosion in noughties nostalgia since DT started - not least that infamous Indie Sleaze Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/indiesleaze/) that everyone's been talking about - and give the world the answers they've been demanding on why we're ending the show.
 
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Some stuff you can do whilst commiserating on Demo Tapes' demise:

- Listen to a playlist celebrating the best of the artists we featured on the show https://open.spotify.com/playlist/57OnN3o7Z9DWET3NfbnIlK?si=NGzkjDUKRsKts3rIm3d_gg

- Buy tickets for The Enemy's reunion tour later this year: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/the-enemy-tickets/artist/1159468

- Watch 'Giddy Stratospheres': https://www.giddystratospheresfilm.com/

- Listen and subscribe to 22 Grand Pod - still alive and kicking and the only other noughties indie nostalgia podcast we ever had any time for: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/22-grand-pod/id1509635873

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Beg us to change our minds about ending the podcast on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If that doesn't work (it won't), our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

Ok, just like Oasis, we might be open to seven-figure bribes to reform and return at some point in the future. Send them here: [email protected]

You know that thing where an important artist dies and their record label spends the following decades cashing in on any distorted demo or half thought/finished track they even committed to tape?

Well, we'd like to think of this release of the very first pilot episode for Demo Tapes as more like the scene near the end of 24 Hour Party People where Tony Wilson implores revellers at the last night of the Hacienda to loot the club of every memento they can get their sweaty palms on (nb. we don't know whether that actually happened in real life, we were mercifully too young to go to the Hacienda).

In case you didn't follow that slightly convoluted narrative: Demo Tapes is ending for good, never to return, and everything must go!

To be honest,  we never intended to release this pilot publicly, not least because at this point we had the dubious idea of calling the podcast 'Pieces of the People We Love', a name that would only make sense to people who paid attention to The Rapture's second (criminally underrated) album.

However, as we prepare to record Demo Tapes' final episode, we found this forgotten first foray into podcasting in the Google Drive vaults and decided it was (just about) good enough to put out for the listening millions, even if it does feature a terrible Arctic Monkeys soundalike track as a theme tune which we quickly sacked off for the first episode proper. 

Given that neither of us had ever stepped up to a podcast mic before recording this pilot, we checked we'd be able to ramble semi-coherently about music for a bit by picking an age-old topic close to both of hearts: the '90s Britpop battle between Blur and Oasis which acted as our mutual gateway drug into the indie scene.

We recount our first experiences of hearing the bands' music, going to their gigs and, eventually, meeting our idols and interviewing them for the music press (or in the case of Noel and Liam, deliberately not. All will be explained on that one).

This is the penultimate episode of Demo Tapes' final series. Look out for a final episode explaining why we're jacking in indie nostalgia - and sharing some clips of the best anecdotes from our three super, soaraway series - in the next week or so.

Beg us to change our minds about ending the podcast on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If that doesn't work (it won't), our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

Ok, just like Oasis, we might be open to seven-figure bribes to reform and return at some point in the future. Send them here: [email protected]

Originally formed in Cornwall, indie four-piece Haven rose to prominence in the early '00s after moving to Manchester. After a string of Top 30 hits and international tours, along with an appearance on Top of the Pops which they admit to still watching daily on YouTube, they split in 2005.

With the band reuniting this summer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of recording their critically acclaimed debut album 'Between The Senses' with a gig at their spiritual home the Night and Day Cafe, this week we've got frontman Gary Briggs and drummer Jack Mitchell on the show to talk all about it.

The pair reminisce about the band's halcyon days and also discuss what they've been up to since the "wheels fell off", including Gary's stint in Freebass - the supergroup which featured legendary Manchester bassists Mani, Peter Hook and Andy Rourke.

Meanwhile, Jack's been drumming in Johnny Marr's solo band for the past ten years so he also gives us a progress report on material for the Smiths legend's forthcoming new studio album. The guitars are sounding "very Johnny Marr", apparently...

Elsewhere in the episode, Rick and Sarah discuss the utter brilliance of The Coral's latest album 'Coral Island' and explain why they didn't watch the Brit Awards...

This is the second episode in our Lost Artists series, an occasional feature for Demo Tapes, where we shine a light on criminally under-rated artists from yesteryear - and find out what happened next for them.

Got a band you think we should be tracking down for Lost Artists? Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

Here at Demo Tapes, nothing fascinates us more than someone going solo from a band - particularly if it isn't the frontman. So we were delighted to get Ed Cosens on the show, on the week that the Reverend and the Makers guitarist released his brilliant debut solo album, 'Fortunes Favour'.

It's an entertaining trip down memory lane with one of Sheffield's most unsung musical heroes - Ed talks to us about how he needed to find the confidence to strike out on his own and the high points of his 16-year career as the musical driving force behind RATM.

He also reminisces about being in Alex Turner and Matt Helders' first pre-Arctic Monkeys band Judan Suki and also being the "yin to the yang" of best mate and RATM frontman Jon McClure.

Also answered on this episode: what do you get if you cross Liam Gallagher with Gail Platt from Coronation Street?

Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin

Lost Artists is a new occasional feature for Demo Tapes, where we shine a light on criminally under-rated artists from yesteryear - and find out what happened next for them.

First up, we've got an interview with Theoretical Girl, aka Amy Sharp. TG emerged as part of the same late '00s Southend music scene as The Horrors and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, before signing to Memphis Industries and gigging everywhere from Glastonbury to Japan (and many places in between).

Although her 2009 debut 'Divided' was acclaimed by music critics and fans, it would prove to be her only album release, as she stepped back from the spotlight. In our chat, Amy reminisces about the amazing '00s music scene and talks about what she's up to now - including bringing through the next generation of musicians as a piano teacher.

Elsewhere in the episode, Rick raves about the best new albums that have been released this year - namely Goat Girl's sophomore album 'On All Fours' and The Orielles' film soundtrack live record thing 'La Vita Olistica' - whilst Sarah reveals why she's been listening to Metronomy's 2011 classic 'The English Riveriea' again. 

Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

The Long Blondes were one of the most important indie groups of the '00s - great tunes, whip-smart lyrics filled with endless Easter eggs for eagle-eyed listeners and a fashion sense which inspired a generation of music fans.

However, the triumphs of their brilliant albums 'Someone To Drive You Home' and '"Couples'" were followed by the tragedy of guitarist Dorian Cox's stroke in 2008, splitting the band at a point they were heading for a new level of success.

Now thankfully recovered, Dorian joins us on the show to look back on the band's highs and lows. It's an in-depth chat where no punches are pulled, punctuated by Dorian's legendary wit and wisdom.

Elsewhere on the episode, Rick and Sarah mourn the loss of Daft Punk after the electro-pop Godheads retired from music last week - and debate whether you really can dance to their 2005 classic 'Robot Rock'.

Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

We're excited to bring you a bit of a Demo Tapes exclusive this week as Luke Pritchard of The Kooks and his wife Ellie Rose sit down for their first extended joint podcast interview.

The pair released their excellent joint album 'Duo' a couple of months back so we wanted to find out all about it, whilst also hitting rewind on their respective musical careers.

Luke talks us through celebrating the 15th anniversary of The Kooks brilliant debut album 'Inside In/Inside Out' this year, and reminisces about the Brighton band's early days.

Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Ellie talks us through her musical inspirations and what it was like to play Glastonbury (remember when festivals were a thing?).

Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

Legendary music journalist John Robb was the first person to interview Nirvana in the late ‘80s. 
 
As the grunge titans’ seminal second album ‘Nevermind’ turns 30 later this year, we’ve got John on the show to look back on his time spent on the trail of Kurt Cobain and co, including a clip from one of his early interviews with the band. 
 
John recounts what it was like watching Nirvana go from playing in front of 40 people to being the band of a generation – and discusses why their music is still passed down the generations 27 years on from Kurt Cobain’s tragic death. 

We also discuss John’s own career in the music industry, how he has blended being the frontman of bands the Membranes and Goldblade with being one of the UK's longest standing music journalists and get his new band tips.
 
John recommends checking out:
Rats on Rafts https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pJzffqleV442WMr9DZGSu?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open
Shortparis https://open.spotify.com/artist/3V2pMbDyLlHMpdCq97gX5f

You can check out an archive of John’s interviews from down the years on his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JOHNROBBofficial/videos

Check out John’s music, culture and media website Louder than War and follow him on Twitter at @johnrobb77  https://louderthanwar.com/

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Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp

Behind every great movie - even the silent ones of the early 20th century - is a great soundtrack. On this episode we celebrate our favourite film soundtracks and also find out about how they're put together with writer, director and all round good egg Laura Jean Marsh.

Laura is currently in the post-production phase for her love letter to the '00s guitar scene Giddy Stratospheres and tells us everything we ever wanted to know - and plenty more - about how music shapes the movies we love.

We also run through our 10 favourite film soundtracks from down the years - an excuse to geek out over everything from David Lynch oddities and towering Scorsese and Tarantino epics to the genius of Alex Turner and, er, Beauty and the Beast.

Follow the latest updates on Laura's upcoming film Giddy Stratospheres on @filmgiddy on Twitter and www.giddystratospheresfilm.com.

Get in touch with Demo Tapes on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp 

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the release of The Strokes' debut EP 'The Modern Age' - so what better time to get band producer Gordon Raphael on the show to talk all about New York's finest?

*If you want to skip our prattling on about why we love The Strokes, you can hear the interview at 27:55. It's good prattling though*

Gordon gives us the inside track on the music that kicked off not just The Strokes' career, but a whole era in indie rock'n'roll on both sides of the Atlantic: 

Gordon also talks us through his work on the band's follow-up LP 'Room on Fire' and third album 'First Impressions of Earth', a project which he would ultimately exit before completion. 

We also delve into Gordon's own weird and wonderful musical career pre-Strokes and find out who he has been working with more recently now he's based in the UK. Check out these artists and let us know what you think, listeners....

Get in touch with the show on: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/demotapespod
And Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/demotapespod/

If you really must, our personal Twitter handles are:
https://twitter.com/rick_j_martin
https://twitter.com/imsarahjanekemp