Episodes
Tuesday Oct 18, 2016
Desert Isolation Discs: Author Toby Litt
Tuesday Oct 18, 2016
Tuesday Oct 18, 2016
Sunday Jun 26, 2016
Desert Isolation Discs: Musician MJ Hibbett
Sunday Jun 26, 2016
Sunday Jun 26, 2016
Mark "MJ" Hibbett is one of the most unique, funny and intelligent figures on the British indie pop scene. The man knows how to write a tune and, what's more, get a crowd going. He's been making music since forming his first band on the way home from a school art trip in 1981 and, along with his troupe the Validators, has been gigging for years. His list of accolades include releasing the first ever internet single and getting loads of recognition from the likes of the BBC and Rolling Stone.
Thursday Mar 31, 2016
Desert Isolation Discs: Comedian Nick Helm
Thursday Mar 31, 2016
Thursday Mar 31, 2016
Nick Helm is a man so rock'n'roll the discipline is not even big enough for him.
A fine musician - in fact his latest album, Nick Helm is Fucking Amazing is out this month - he's also made his name as a comedian and actor, providing heavy entertainment to the masses. His star has shone brightest in hit comedy Uncle, in which he plays a layabout musician trying to make it big and he discusses how nerves could've killed the whole show off.
Ahead of his All Killer Some Filler live show at the Kentish Town Forum in London, I quizzed him on the music he couldn't live without. A massive film buff, Nick tells of his love of Kevin Cosner and what his most dubious video shop rental was as we meet at the Pleasance Theatre.
Sunday Jan 17, 2016
Desert Isolation Discs: James Heather
Sunday Jan 17, 2016
Sunday Jan 17, 2016
Whether it's tinkling the ivories or tapping the keyboard, James Heather is a master in his endeavours. By day, he promotes some of Britain's most innovative artists as head of communications at record label Ninja Tune. By night he works on his own fantastic compositions.
It's a pleasure to turn the spotlight around on the man who has spent the last 14 years bigging up the likes of Bonobo, Cinematic Orchestra, Kate Tempest, Wiley and Young Fathers to talk about his own life. We discuss the secret to promotion, the joys of touring, his football fever, being posted on lookout for the threat of Somali pirates and overcoming a life threatening accident.
We also pontificate over his own music - originally inspired by listening to Beethoven under the bed covers.
It can be found on Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
Monday Dec 14, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: Radio queen Ruth Barnes
Monday Dec 14, 2015
Monday Dec 14, 2015
She’s achieved an absolute shedload – working as a continuity announcer for BBC One and Two, voicing long reads for the Guardian and Economist and creating documentaries for Radio 4. She’s also worked hard to further the cause of women in the male-dominated radio industry.
Monday Nov 16, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: Musician Rob Yunioshi
Monday Nov 16, 2015
Monday Nov 16, 2015
As the frontman of caketronica starlets Yunioshi, Mr Rob Garner has toured everywhere from festivals in Canada and Iceland to local gigs when he's been living in Nottingham or London, where he's from.
A designer by day and an axe wielder by night, he's also played in other bands including Spaceships are Cool and the ridiculously weird Revenge of Calculon.
I was very happy to host him on the podcast as his love of music has massively influenced me and his eclectic choices don't disappoint! (Extra bonus: Some rather special guests)
Sunday Sep 13, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: Radio boss Gordon Mac
Sunday Sep 13, 2015
Sunday Sep 13, 2015
Gordon 'Mac' McNamee has played a crucial role in the way the UK has consumed soulful music - from reggae to house - over the last four decades. As founder of Kiss FM, he helped bring black music to London's rapidly evolving 80s club scene. He took the pirate station on to FM and continued to manage it when taken over by Emap.
Now at the helm of new station Mi Soul - which has just landed on DAB radio - Mac retains the relentless passion and unique humour which trademarked his most triumphant years. A true gent and a gleeful music fan, this is one to give a spin. Feel free to stream it or even better, download and subscribe as a podcast.
Sunday Aug 02, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: Journalist Simon Read
Sunday Aug 02, 2015
Sunday Aug 02, 2015
Simon Read is one of a kind: comfortable sipping Sidecars and talking shop or banging in the goals on a pre-season European footy tour. Known as The People's Champion, he's a fire fighter of personal finance - solving the problems of his readers in The Independent and Evening Standard.
The sunglasses-touting journalist boasts a lengthy career in national newspapers and has also appeared on a raft of radio and TV programmes as an expert guest. An ardent Chelsea supporter, Southender-turned west Londoner and, above all, a massive music fan, sit back and enjoy his endless anecdotes. Download and subscribe to the podcast or stream it below.
Saturday Jul 18, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: Author and professor Teal Triggs
Saturday Jul 18, 2015
Saturday Jul 18, 2015
As author of Fanzines: The DIY Revolution, Teal Triggs has been on the Desert Isolation Discs wish list for some time. Her study of publishing's finest form is an excellent examination of their loudmouth birth (titles included Crap Hound and Beer Can Fanzine) and cultural influence. The American living in London has enjoyed a lengthy career first as a photographer and then an academic, teaching graphic design.
Meeting up at the Royal Academy of Arts in Kensington, Teal talks me through the eight songs still in her suitcase, explains why she's not a typical Texan and reveals which zine she couldn't live without.
Monday Mar 16, 2015
Desert Isolation Discs: BBC 6 music producer Tom Whalley
Monday Mar 16, 2015
Monday Mar 16, 2015