Godsticks’ Darran Charles on VOiD, Heavy Prog & the Loss of Nuance
Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music ReviewsShow Notes
Darran Charles from Godsticks about the band’s new album VOiD — their darkest, heaviest and most uncompromising record to date.In this in-depth conversation, Darran discusses the themes behind the album, the loss of nuance in modern life, writing lyrics from a more personal place, the importance of melody, the challenge of performing complex progressive metal live, and how Tom Price, Gavin Bushell and new bassist Francis George helped shape the final sound of the record.A thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about music, creativity, community and why some albums need time to fully reveal themselves. Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
More from Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews
Ritchie Blackmore: In His Own Words – Episode Five.What does Ritchie Blackmore actually listen to today?In this episode of my exclusive 13-part interview series, I ask Ritchie about the classical and Renaissance music that has influenced him throughout his life — and whether his musical tastes have changed over the years.His answer takes us from Bach and Beethoven to 16th-century instruments, a contemporary American guitarist he greatly admires and a rather unexpected Christmas album recommendation.This original interview was recorded exclusively for Now Spinning Magazine.A huge thank you to Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night for making this series possible.
In the second part of my interview with Dave Hill from SLADE he reflects on the personal experiences that have shaped his songwriting.From working on music during lockdown to the memories behind “Dirty Foot Lane” and “Sweet and Tender,” Dave talks about family, his musical influences, spirituality and the creative ideas that arrive while walking or gardening.There are more Slade memories along the way, including Reading and the songs that helped define the band. At the centre of this episode is Dave’s growing confidence in expressing his own story through music.Dirty Foot Lane is released on 30 October 2026. In the final part, we discuss recording with Django Holder, the album itself, and Dave’s experiences of depression and recovery.
My guest on the Now Spinning Magazine podcast is Leo Lyons, founding bassist of Ten Years After and producer of UFO’s Phenomenon, Force It and No Heavy Petting.Beginning with the Chrysalis reissues of Ssssh and Cricklewood Green, we explore how Ten Years After created music in the moment, both onstage and in the studio. Leo shares memories of Alvin Lee, the pressures that followed Woodstock, the band’s blues, jazz and rock and roll influences, and how “I’d Love to Change the World” began as an acoustic session with Alvin.We also discuss the rushed recording session that led to Leo producing UFO, how his time in Hamburg helped him communicate with Michael Schenker, and his determined journey into songwriting in Nashville.Leo reflects on Hundred Seventy Split, the loss of drummer Damon Sawyer, his work on a book, and discussions with Chrysalis about another possible Ten Years After reissue.A fascinating conversation about musical freedom, friendship and a lifetime of making records.Which Ten Years After or UFO album means the most to you? Let me know in the comments. Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
What happens after you have just stepped onto a stage with Deep Purple again for the first time in more than 30 years?In this episode, I ask Ritchie about the journey home after the reunion, whether he watched any footage afterwards, and how quickly family life returned to normal once the performance was over.It is a short answer, but one that reveals another very human side of the story.This original interview was recorded exclusively for Now Spinning Magazine.A huge thank you to Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night for making this series possible.Please subscribe to Now Spinning Magazine so you don’t miss the next episode.
Dave Hill from Slade joins me for the first part of a warm, funny and wide-ranging Now Spinning Magazine interview.Dave takes us back to his first guitar, his father’s encouragement and the chance encounters that brought him together with Don Powell, Jim Lea and Noddy Holder. He also remembers what Chas Chandler saw in the band, the development of Slade’s sound and image, and his continuing affection for the music they made together.This is Part 1 of a three-part conversation leading up to Dave’s solo album, Dirty Foot Lane, released on 30 October 2026. In Part 2, Dave reflects on family, songwriting and finding his own voice.🎵 JOIN OUR MUSIC COMMUNITYLove physical music and friendly, knowledgeable music conversation? Join the Now Spinning community on Patreon for early ad-free videos, private Facebook and WhatsApp groups, exclusive content and invitations to our twice-monthly virtual meet-ups at The Now Spinning Arms.Your support helps keep Now Spinning Magazine independent.Join us here:https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningWebsite: https://nowspinning.co.ukCD & Vinyl Store: https://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazine