From Island Studios to Super-Deluxe Box Sets: The Engineer Richard Digby SmithOn this episode, I'm delighted to welcome one of the true unsung heroes of classic rock (or rock music in general any era, really), and that is engineer and producer Richard Digby Smith. His career spans decades from the golden age of the early 70s on Island Studios with bands like Free, Traffic, Led Zeppelin, Sparks, Detective right through to his incredible recent work with Black Sabbath and even more recently Deep Purple’s 50th anniversary of Made in Japan.We’re going to look back at some of those classic sessions — the young bands, big ambitions, fast-paced studio life — and also dig into the modern world of archiving, remixing and preserving those recordings for new generations. Richard will share stories of the tech, the people, the accidents (yes, including the one where a guitar sleeve switch caused a famous moment), and the philosophy behind bringing timeless rock to life.So pour yourself a drink, fire up your headphones, and join us behind the console with a man who’s been doing this for four decades.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
This Podcast episode is a joy: Annie Haslam joins me and Sue —surprise-guested by Jim McCarty—to talk about the new Renaissance “stories & music” concerts, the band’s beginnings, Annie’s five-octave voice, the magic of Betty Thatcher’s lyrics, “Northern Lights,” and how Annie paints songs with colour and feeling. We also touch on deep cuts, Illusion-era gems, and even Jim’s Shoot project. Uplifting, insightful, and full of heart—Renaissance at their most human.
Peter Hammill on Voice, Vision & Vulnerability: Inside The Charisma & Virgin Recordings 1971–1986Peter Hammill joins me to explore his new 18CD + 2 Blu-ray anthology The Charisma & Virgin Recordings 1971–1986 — including new remasters, 5.1 & stereo mixes of The Future Now and pH7 by Stephen W. Tayler, rare BBC sessions, unreleased European TV performances, and a 76-page hardback book with Peter’s own notes.We discuss: Hammill’s unique vocal style (from chorister roots to dramatic restraint), early home recording as creative survival, the late-’70s pivot to left-field textures, writing about mortality (and the impact of his 2004 heart attack), the balance with Van der Graaf Generator, physical media vs streaming, and whether a future companion box could cover the later years. Peter also suggests a perfect starting album for newcomers: Nadir’s Big Chance.Thank you for all your support - Phil
Prince: A Sign O’ The Times — An Interview with John McKie“I spoke to 220 people. I still wanted more—Prince is bottomless.” — John McKieIn this episode, I’m joined by John McKie, acclaimed music writer and former editor of Smash Hits and Q Magazine, to talk about his epic new book Prince: A Sign O’ The Times, published by Bonnier Books.This incredible book is based on over 200 interviews with people who knew Prince best — from bandmates and engineers to ex-girlfriends, bodyguards, and personal assistants. It explores how Sign o’ the Times became the lens through which we can truly understand the man behind the myth.We talk about Prince’s relationship with Michael Jackson, his legendary work ethic, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitar solo, and the generosity and humour often hidden behind the mystique.If you’re a Prince fan — or just fascinated by how one artist could blend funk, rock, pop, and soul into pure magic — this conversation is for you.👉 The book Prince: A Sign O’ The Times by John McKie is out now on Bonnier Books.
Derek Shulman: Giant Steps - Exclusive Interview An in depth interview with Derek Shulman—Gentle Giant founder and the executive who helped power Bon Jovi, Pantera, AC/DC, Dream Theater, Slipknot and more. I discuss his remarkable memoir Giant Steps: grief and grit after his father’s passing, the leap from Simon Dupree & The Big Sound to Gentle Giant, mentorship from Tony Visconti, live reinvention, and the bold move to the business side (minus the clichés). Derek also drops news on remixing In A Glass House with cutting-edge AI, and explains why hip-hop embraced Gentle Giant.If you love honest music stories—from Top of the Pops to arena tours—this is essential.“We didn’t have a plan. We just needed musicians who would push each other. Out dripped Gentle Giant.” — Derek Shulman“Bon Jovi said, ‘I want to be bigger than Elvis.’ You can’t stop that kind of drive—you nurture it.” — Derek Shulman
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nad Sylvan (lead singer with Steve Hackett’s band) joins Phil Aston to unpack his new solo album Monumentata—a deeply personal work shaped by family, memory, grief, and resilience. Nad explains how his music arrives fully formed in his head, why lyrics come last, and how a painful moment with his father became the seed for the title track.
He also talks about adapting his voice for Genesis classics, the emotional power of live shows (including a moving “Supper’s Ready” moment in Italy), and the stubborn self-belief that kept him creating for forty years.
Featuring song insights (“Secret Lover,” “Flowerland,” “Wildfire,” “That’s Not Me,” “Monumentata”) and tour notes ahead of the USA run with Steve Hackett.
Guitar legend Steve Hackett returns to the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast for our fifth conversation.
We talk candidly about health, the healing power of music, his packed 2025–2026 touring schedule, 38 minutes of new studio material, band lineup changes (Nick D’Virgilio, Felix Lehrmann, L.A. Lawson), the Dolby Atmos experience of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and the long-form magic of Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, and “Supper’s Ready.”Steve also addresses the big question: could there be a future classical-leaning collaboration with Tony Banks and other Genesis members?
His answer: “Never say never”—if it serves a greater purpose and the music.
Guitar legend Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) returns to Now Spinning Magazine for the 3rd time! to go deep on the new reissues of Portraits of Bob Dylan (1999) and Natural Timbre (2001). We discuss how he chose the songs, why he avoided the obvious Dylan hits, arranging with taste (and restraint), performances with Jon Anderson, Annie Haslam, PP Arnold, Phoebe Snow, Allan Clarke, Max Bacon, Keith West, and the elegant drumming of Dylan Howe.We also explore the acoustic architecture of Natural Timbre—fingerstyle breakthroughs (“Dream River”), sequencing as storytelling, and knowing when to put the brushes down. Plus: Steve hints at a new Dylan-related EP, Signals Crossed, bringing the Portraits spirit into the present.
Derek Trucks - Exclusive Interview It’s not every day you get to sit down with one of your all-time favourite guitarists. Derek Trucks — slide innovator, bandleader, and co-captain (with Susan Tedeschi) of the mighty Tedeschi Trucks Band — joined me to talk about the long-awaited release of Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (Live at LOCKN’), the legacy of Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, the telepathy of sharing a band with your spouse, Indian classical music as a nightly compass, and the quietly radical idea of being a joyful, human big band in turbulent times.The conversation traces how a one-off 2015 tribute bloomed into a definitive live album, why “Space Captain” helped launch TTB itself, what happened when a rehearsal room turned electric with 20 original Mad Dogs, and why Derek’s red SG keeps calling him home. Along the way we touch on grief, gratitude, and the kind of communal music-making that makes ushers stop in their tracks at soundcheck.Thank you for all your supportPhil Aston
“Where Are the Accounts?” – John McCoy on the Collapse of GillanIn this explosive interview, John McCoy – the powerhouse bassist of the Gillan band – tells the inside story of one of rock’s most volatile and exciting groups.From the chaotic birth of the band after the Ian Gillan Band faltered, to the raw energy of Mr. Universe and Glory Road, the wild stage antics, the brilliance of Bernie Tormé, and the shocking collapse when Gillan disappeared into Black Sabbath – McCoy holds nothing back.We cover his work with Zzebra, Samson, Mammoth, Angel Air Records, and his enduring legacy in British rock. Essential viewing for fans of Deep Purple, Gillan, and the entire Purple family tree.“When I first worked with Bernie, he blew my mind. He wasn’t like anyone else – punk attitude, Hendrix fire, and just wild. I knew immediately he was the one. He gave the band that danger and rawness it needed.” John McCoy
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
I don’t usually go click-baity, but here we are. Lately I’ve had a wave of messages from viewers saying their new LPs arrive scratched, noisy, warped or covered in paper dust.Do Modern Vinyl Pressings Suck? My Honest Take (and Yours!)Is modern vinyl quality slipping—or am I just unlucky? In this video I share real examples from my recent purchases: factory scratches, split seams, noisy sides, over-tight inners… and some truly excellent, silent pressings too. I explain what I mean by a “great pressing,” why 180g and half-speed stickers don’t guarantee results, and how packaging/shipping choices make a huge difference.Most importantly, I want your experiences. I’ll compile your comments and send a summary to labels and pressing plants so your voices are heard. Are you returning more records? Which labels get it right? Has price vs reliability changed your buying?
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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The final episode in our six-part journey with Rock Band Cats in Space. I am joined once again by Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon to talk about the band’s latest album Time Machine, their new record deal with Cherry Red, the challenges of following Kickstart the Sun, and their ambitions for the future.We discuss the making of the album, standout tracks like My Father’s Eyes and Velvet Rush, the epic drum sound at Salvation Studios, and the bonus covers on the CD edition. The band also share plans for live shows.If you’ve missed the first episodes, catch up on the full story of Cats in Space’s first ten years on the Now Spinning Magazine channel.PLEASE SUPPORT 'NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE'Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningor Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/joinGet a Now Spinning Magazine T-Shirt and Mug - The Merch Shop is now open! https://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/
Deep Purple Made in Japan: Steven Wilson Remix : The Ultimate VersionSteven Wilson remix of Deep Purple’s legendary Made in Japan.This is part one of a three-part detailed look into the 2025 super deluxe edition. In this episode I unbox the CD/Blu-ray edition, exploring the packaging, and give a personal reaction to the new mix – explaining why, after decades of collecting every version, this might just be the definitive Made in Japan.
➡️ Part two will cover Richard Digby Smith’s remixes of all three nights.
➡️ Part three will look at the massive 10LP vinyl box set.If you love Deep Purple, live albums, or the art of remixing classic recordings, you won’t want to miss this.👉 Subscribe for more reviews, interviews, and music chat.👉 Become a Patron or YouTube member for exclusive content and community perks.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Join me for episode five of my special interview series with Cats in Space.
“Every band has an Out of the Blue or a Physical Graffiti in them – Kickstart the Sun is ours.” – Greg Hart
“We weren’t just pushing the boat out… we were pushing out the boat, the harbour, and the tide!” – Steevi Bacon
This time, Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon take us inside the making of Kickstart the Sun – the band’s stunning 2022 double album that became one of my all-time favourites. We discuss the inspiration behind its ambitious scale, the challenges of creating such an epic work, plus the stories behind the songs.Thank you for all your supportPhilPLEASE SUPPORT 'NOW SPINNING MAGAZINE'Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime) https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningor Join the YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZSsMr4k8ZVlrJ8MUYR4GA/joinGet a Now Spinning Magazine T-Shirt and Mug - The Merch Shop is now open! https://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/Now Spinning Magazine - MAC Upgrade Fundhttps://ko-fi.com/nowspinningmagazinewithphilaston
Episode 4 of the six-part From Gods to Time Machines series with Cats in Space.Greg Hart recalls first hearing Damien Edwards audition recordings:“He could sing like a 13-year-old Donny Osmond or Freddie Mercury… and then he sends back four lead vocals in a day. Ian Capel just sat there and said, ‘Well, he’s the best singer I’ve ever recorded in my career.’”In this fourth episode of my 10 Years of Cats in Space interview series, I’m joined by Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon to explore the making of the band’s 2020 album Atlantis. This was a pivotal release — a new singer, a global pandemic, and personal challenges all shaped its creation. Hear how Damien Edwards joined the band, how Stevie recorded before major heart surgery, and how Atlantis became one of the band’s most cinematic and uplifting albums.🎧 Featuring stories behind I Fell Out of Love with Rock and Roll, Sunday Best, Spaceship Superstar and more.Thank you for all your support
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Episode 3 of the six-part From Gods to Time Machines series with Cats in Space.“We had cabin fever, no money, and a double album to finish… the only option was to go big or go home.” – Greg HartI’m joined by Greg Hart and Stevie Bacon to discuss the making of Day Trip to Narnia – their most ambitious album yet.We cover:🎵 The birth of Johnny Rocket and the 27-minute rock musical at the album’s heart🎵 The accidental disco hit “Thunder in the Night”🎵 Creating the collectible “Narnia Box” and selling out in days🎵 The pressures of recording, financing, and keeping creative vision alive🎵 The end of the Paul Manzi era – and what came nextFull of behind-the-scenes stories, humour, and heartfelt reflection – this is the definitive Narnia conversation.
In Episode 2 of From Gods to Time Machines, we dive into the making of Scarecrow (2017) — the bold and cinematic second album from Cats in Space.Join Phil Aston (Now Spinning Magazine) in conversation with founding members Greg Hart and Steevi Bacon as they reveal how Scarecrow took the band from a promising studio project to a full-blown live phenomenon. Hear the inside stories behind legendary studio gear, writing “259” and “Time Bomb,” and the emotional real-life drama that unfolded during rehearsals.🔧 Studio freedom🔥 Arena gigs with Deep Purple & Thunder🎨 Hidden meanings in the album art❤️ A near-death moment saved by instinct🎶 And why Scarecrow was the moment everything changed...
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Wishbone Ash Special - In this in-depth interview, I talk to Martin Turner — founding member, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for Wishbone Ash — about the acclaimed Madfish box sets, the creation of Argus, There’s The Rub, New England, and more.Martin shares personal stories behind “The King Will Come,” “Everybody Needs a Friend,” and “Lifeline,” discusses his classical influences, and reflects on how the meaning of songs changes over time.Emotional, candid, and full of rare insights, this conversation is essential for any Wishbone Ash fan.“Everybody Needs a Friend was written to comfort my wife after she lost her mum. I never imagined how many people it would help.” Martin Turner
Glenn Hughes joins me for an exclusive in-depth interview about CHOSEN, his first solo album in nine years — and possibly his final rock album.In this emotional and deeply personal conversation, Glenn opens up about:The spiritual themes behind ChosenWriting from a place of recovery and awarenessPreserving his iconic voice through breathwork and Buddhist practiceWhy this might be his last album with Frontiers RecordsA potential return to the soul and funk of Feel and F.U.N.K.Reflections on loss, love, and legacy — from Tommy Bolin to Ozzy OsbourneThis is one of the most candid interviews Glenn has ever given, and it’s a powerful portrait of an artist who remains a force of nature, still reaching for truth through music.📅 Album out Sept 5, 2025
In this exclusive Now Spinning Magazine interview, I sit down with Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull for a wide-ranging conversation covering the Curiosity concert series, setlist creation across 24 albums, upcoming deluxe box sets, and the spiritual significance of the annual Christmas concerts.Ian opens up about the physical demands of performance, his views on health and aging, and why he's speaking out on men's health topics like prostate exams and DVT awareness. He also shares strong thoughts on AI in music and the importance of preserving artistic legacy with integrity.🎶 Plus: Will we ever hear “In Brief Visitation” live? Could it feature in a future Christmas concert?📌 Watch now for rare insights from one of rock's most enduring and articulate voices.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
