In The Spotlight: Interviews

14: Episode 13: Mayer Nissim author of 'Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album'

For the latest episode of In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by music critic and journalist Mayer Nissim (Digital Spy, Gold Radio, NME.com [http://NME.com]), author of a career-spanning new biography Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album. They talk about their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination (their inclusion was confirmed this week), the formative years of Joy Division, the portrayal of Ian Curtis, the albums and singles in New Order's catalogue that signposted their evolution as a group, the influence of club culture, their legacy, and much more. They also touch on their shared love of physical music Factory Records, Manic Street Preachers, The Smiths, Luke Haines, Top of the Pops, Tony Wilson, Football Songs and much more. Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album dives into both groups’ studio albums, pulling together a comprehensive narrative of two of the most vital bands in pop history. From their rehearsals at TJ Davidson’s in Manchester to their number one records, it takes you through their fallouts, reunions and fragmentations to their lasting legacy.  As well as extensive interviews with band members Bernard Sumner andPeter Hook, Joy Division and New Order: Album by Album features long-form interviews with several band collaborators from across their career. They include graphic designer Peter Saville, Scissor Sisters frontwoman Ana Matronic (‘Jetstream’), producer Stephen Street (Waiting For The Sirens’ Call and Lost Sirens), recording engineerMichael Johnson (Closer and all New Order albums from Power, Corruption and Lies to Technique) and filmmakers Grant Gee (Joy Division) and Charles Sturridge (‘Confusion’).  It also features photographs by Anton Corbijn and official group snapper Warren Jackson, as well as full colour reproductions of all Peter Saville’s groundbreaking album sleeves and a complete discography of both bands. Order online on the link below or pick it up in book shops.  https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Joy-Division-and-New-Order-Hardback/p/57270 [https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Joy-Division-and-New-Order-Hardback/p/57270]

13: Episode 12: In The Spotlight: Eaves Wilder

For the latest In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by emerging artist Eaves Wilder, who releases her debut album Little Miss Sunshine on 17th April via Secretly Canadian. They talk about her songwriting, the new album, her recent single 'Hurricane Girl', naturalistic imagery to express inner turmoil and the inspiration of grunge and Pearl Jam. As well as anxiety, ADHD and the trigger of big crowds and loud sounds. They also discuss TikTok, the importance of music venues, expectations upon female artists compared to men, mental health, AI, Lily Allen, how underrated Throwing Muses are, and much more. Eaves releases her euphoric new single ‘Mountain Sized’ today. The transcendent new track transforms a crisis of purpose into an explosive sense of release. Find out more here www.eaveswilder.com  [http://www.eaveswilder.com/]

12: Episode 12: In The Spotlight: Juanita Stein (Howling Bells)

For the latest In The Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by Juanita Stein of Howling Bells, who release Strange Life, their first album in 12 years via Nude Records on the 13th of February. Stein talks about their new album and their new singles 'Unbroken' and 'Melbourne'. She also reflects on recording their "spiky" debut album in Liverpool with Ken Nelson, the very male music scene of twenty years ago, touring with Coldplay, Editors and Placebo. Plus how she feels Howling Bells fit more into the music world now than they did then and much more. Podcast produced by Andy VonPip.  Orginally from Australia but based in Brighton for over two decades, Howling Bells are vocalist/guitarist Juanita Stein, her brother and guitarist Joel Stein, and drummer Glenn Moule.  They might have moved to the other side of the world in pursuit of the dreams that soon became a reality, playing at an NME Tour and then in stadiums supporting Coldplay, Howling Bells’ hypnotic indie rock always stood apart from the pack and was very much a reflection of their unbreakable union. Influenced by the likes of Tom Waits and Sonic Youth, as well as Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac, and Björk, their recipe created a heady, immersive stew - equal parts sepia-toned romance and gritty rock 'n' roll thrills. The band’s first album since 2014's Heartstrings, Strange Life was recorded with Howling Bells’ long-time friend and collaborator, producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Elbow) at his Agricultural Audio Studios. Strange Life is both a vibrant document of and an exploratory testament to this alchemical magic. Strange Life is both familiar and new; a record that will unfurl like an old friend to long term fans whilst speaking in a language that only hard-won experience and a few more trips around the sun can understand. It is, suggests Juanita, a record about experience and wisdom. “If you're not able to acknowledge the mistakes and the pain and make beautiful music out of it, then they're left festering inside of you,” she says. “And I don't ever want that to happen.” Howling Bells [https://ffm.bio/howlingbells] FEBRUARY UK IN-STORE SHOWS Friday 13th February – Rough Trade Denmark Street - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/0b289msmwqagaeqmbwanaumwealaqyjj/click.php] Saturday 14th February – Crash, Leeds - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/04028msmwyadaeqmbwavaumweadaqyjj/click.php] Sunday 15th February – Jacaranda, Liverpool - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/7c008msmqsaoaeqmbwaraumweacaqyjj/click.php] Monday 16th February – Truck, Oxford - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/1ac85msmquacaeqmbwaxaumweaxaqyjj/click.php] Tuesday 17th February – Banquet, Kingston - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/05e95msmqeagaeqmbwaoaumweataqyjj/click.php] Wednesday 18th February – Pie & Vinyl, Southsea (daytime) - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/3f4e4msmqmaxaeqmbwadaumweanaqyjj/click.php] + Vinilo, Southampton (evening) - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/233c8msmqjanaeqmbwadaumweapaqyjj/click.php] Thursday 19th February – Gatefield Sounds, Whitstable - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/3edc1msmqbataeqmbwaiaumweazaqyjj/click.php] MARCH/APRIL UK TOUR  Pre-sale tickets below - Tickets go on general sale on 9th December at 10 AM  Thursday 12 March - Think Tank - Newcastle - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/41fd2msmqhagaeqmbwanaumwearaqyjj/click.php] Friday 13 March - King Tuts - Glasgow - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/1f192msmqwaaaeqmbwaxaumwealaqyjj/click.php] Saturday 14 March - Brudenell Social Club - Leeds - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/3f939msmqqataeqmbwaraumweagaqyjj/click.php] Sunday 15 March - Deaf Institute - Manchester - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/6787dmsmqyaraeqmbwazaumweaaaqyjj/click.php] Thursday 19 March - Bodega - Nottingham - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/64ee8msmysapaeqmbwaraumwealaqyjj/click.php] Friday 20 March - Clwb Ifor Bach - Cardiff - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/1ccedmsmyuazaeqmbwanaumweakaqyjj/click.php] Sunday 22 March - Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/8b20cmsmyealaeqmbwadaumweaaaqyjj/click.php] Tuesday 24 March - Oslo - London - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/64ee8msmysapaeqmbwaraumwealaqyjj/click.php] Thursday 26 March - Fleece - Bristol - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/89f55msmymavaeqmbwafaumweaoaqyjj/click.php] Friday 27 March - The Sugarmill - Stoke - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/495e3msmyjaoaeqmbwaxaumwearaqyjj/click.php] Saturday 28 March - Hallamshire Hotel - Sheffield - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/8aa4bmsmybagaeqmbwataumweafaqyjj/click.php] Sunday 29 March - The Waterfront Studio - Norwich - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/8fb61msmyhalaeqmbwafaumwealaqyjj/click.php] Thursday 23 April - Alphabet - Brighton - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/1d5a8msmywagaeqmbwalaumweanaqyjj/click.php] Friday 24 April - Dead Wax - Birmingham - TICKETS [https://ymlpcl6.com/29b5amsmyqavaeqmbwagaumwearaqyjj/click.php]  Photo Credit: David Titlow  In the Spotlight is a series of interview podcasts where Bill Cummings talks to artists, authors and interesting figures and tries to get to know them and their work better. In memory of James McMahon and his podcast.

11: Episode 11: In The Spotlight: Laura-Mary Carter

For the latest episode of In The Spotlight, Bill Cummings is joined by Laura-Mary Carter, best known as one half of Blood Red Shoes. She recently released her debut solo album Bye Bye Jackie.  [https://laura-marycarter.bandcamp.com/album/bye-bye-jackie]  They talk about her first solo record, the personal experiences that inspired it, and the shift in sound for her solo work, including the influence of 50s rock n roll, country and vintage sounds, and the work of David Lynch.   They also chat about the highs and lows of two decades in Blood Red Shoes, the financial issues faced by musicians, indie sleaze, and the shocking physical abuse she faced early in her career. Plus supporting Queens of the Stone Age and Rage Against the Machine, playing Reading Festival and much more.   "Bye Bye Jackie marks a bold creative shift for Carter, showcasing a more introspective and personal side to her artistry. Written between hotel rooms and quiet nights at home, the album was recorded in Hackney with producers Oscar Robertson (sholto) and David Bardon (Sunglasses for Jaws), known for their experimental edge and genre-defying work. Carter's lyrics are filled with dry wit and emotional depth, matched by production that evokes lo-fi indie, vintage soul, and late-night introspection." Laura- Mary Carter heads off on a string of headline shows across the UK and Europe this winter, with dates in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Dublin and more. Tickets are available now via www.lauramarycarter.com [http://www.lauramarycarter.com] [https://vampandfade-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2raV6oDwpdcRMfGFP3NGtzDY3-EztGo0DgmijjNaqA1FksvlSmQH4G_ceZ34kbhtoVAXf0BNrMAWDV3swxV77GIQ8PcsJhyPPlY8gqFXkowt--4E4mLToLxWN0VG5B0erAAOfFsUivQEnTNLgf8XKjxF9jTSsKnRj9RXl3LpdWrs89tl6]. https://laura-marycarter.bandcamp.com/album/bye-bye-jackie [https://laura-marycarter.bandcamp.com/album/bye-bye-jackie] Produced by Andy VonPip

10: Episode 10: In The Spotlight with Gruffydd Owen (Libertino)

For the latest In the Spotlight podcast, Bill Cummings is joined by Gruffydd Owen: who is the owner and label manager at Libertino. They discuss Swigod, the new compilation celebrating a decade of Libertino, [https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2025/04/23/swigod-libertino-adwaith-ynys-los-blancos-keys-angharad-at-cwrw-carmarthen/] the founding of the label, and the key compilations, including releases on Ankst that shaped Gruff's formative music taste. Listen below. They also talk the ethos behind the label partly inspired by Factory Records, and its key releases including Adwaith's debut album Melyn, plus the work of Manic Street Preachers, and R.E.M. Plus, creating a supportive community and infrastructure for music in Wales, They finish by discussing the treadmill for bands and artists, how the demands of streaming and social media in 2025, they also talk about being conscious of welfare and mental health for artists and those in the music industry in this environment.  Discovering Adwaith at their second gig at the Tangled Parrot in Carmarthen, Libertino was founded by Gruffydd in 2017 and now has a roster of over 25 artists who create and perform in both Welsh and English. It's home to the likes of Keys, Los Blancos, Ynys, N’famady Kouyaté, Alex Dingley, Minas, ACCÜ, and many more.  Through Libertino Management Gruff also manages a large proportion of the acts on the label through their creative journey. Libertino is an all-encompassing home for its artists – booking agent/tour support, in house PR, artist management as well as creative support are all provided. He strongly believes that art should be inclusive and not exclusive, creating a community from grass roots level up. Libertino’s aim is to give artists a platform from which to fly and the knowledge of how to fly successfully. Libertino (@libertinorecs) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/libertinorecs/] CARTREF / HOME | libertinorecords [https://www.libertinorecords.com/]