Category: Indie

Interview with Damian Fowler, founding member/chief songwriter/lead singer of The Secret Radio.

Hello, Damian, Let’s talk about The Secret Radio’s new single, “Swimming Pool on Mars,” what is the meaning? 

“Swimming Pool on Mars” is a song about loneliness, nostalgia and the dream of reunion with someone who’s far away in space and time. I’d like to think there’s a touch of the Romantic (capital R) longing for the sublime in the song, especially in the chorus. So, it sort of fluctuates between an extravagant fantasy and the melancholy of isolation.

I wrote this song after hearing “Lago en el Cielo” by the brilliant Argentine rock musician Gustavo Cerati, former frontman of Soda Stereo. Though I don’t speak Spanish fluently, I translated the lyrics, which start, “A lake in the sky is all that a heart could wish for.” The song is dreamy, impressionistic, and soaring — all at once.

I also want to say, the song can’t escape the gravitational pull of Life on Mars?, Bowie’s masterpiece from his 1971 Hunky Dory album. Bowie really helped define space as a metaphor for isolation. I love the idea of filing my song in the ‘bibliography of space’ category, hopefully drifting out there with the cosmic classics.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

I’m drawn to literate artists who perhaps lean toward melancholy. British bands like Elbow and Radiohead have always resonated with me. Nick Cave is endlessly inspiring and smart in everything he sings and writes. If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Red Hand Files. You won’t regret it.  One of my songs, “Red,” was directly inspired by Cave’s Murder Ballads album. I love pretty much anything on the Nonesuch label, especially The Black Keys and Lianne La Havas. What else?  In recent few years, I’ve been drawn to the music of Birdy and The Japanese House, and lately, Circa Waves’ single, “Let’s Leave Together,” has been on constant rotation.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2025?

The ability to record and release music with relative ease, whether you’re in a living room or a studio. Since we formed The Secret Radio in 2006, recording technology has advanced dramatically. You don’t necessarily need a Neve mixing desk or a major-label budget to produce high quality recordings. For me, releasing this music is just one part of my life, and while I’m not in a position right now to tour with a band and promote it in a traditional way, I’m grateful that technology has changed the game. Streaming services mean the music can travel for us. It still blows my mind to check Spotify and see listeners on every continent. I’d like to believe that a song, once released, can find its own way in the world.  

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

My wife, Magdalena, is a classical pianist, which means we have a 6-foot Yamaha grand dominating our living room. It takes up half the space. At night, after the kids have gone to bed, I love to sit there in the low light noodling on an idea that’s forming. Sometimes it goes nowhere, but other times it sticks around and becomes the seed of a song. I love that moment. I grab my iPhone and record it, so it doesn’t dissolve into the ether.

What is your first memory of music? 

My parents had an incredible vinyl LP collection, marking the formative years of my childhood somewhere between the mid ‘70s and the mid ‘80s. On weekends, my sisters and I would be conscripted into house-cleaning duty, but at least we had a killer soundtrack to get us through the dusting. We’d listen to Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, Billy Joel’s The Stranger album, Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, Bob Dylan’s Bringing It All Back Home, Dusty Springfield’s Dusty in Memphis to name a few.

Eventually, we started buying our own LPs. One sister was into David Bowie and The Cure. She was cool! The first album I ever bought was Ghost in the Machine by The Police. I’m still obsessed by Sting’s bassline on Spirits in the Material World. Great times and great music to which I always return.

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Photo Credit: The Secret Radio.

What inspired you to explore themes of mental health and depression in “Freeze”?

I experienced postpartum depression after both of my pregnancies over twenty years ago. When I faced cancer ten years ago, it was also very challenging, but I found myself ready to talk about it sooner. My earlier single “Fire” was inspired by my cancer struggle. However, witnessing others struggle with depression made me realize it was time to share my own story. I wanted to offer a personal perspective and capture the true essence of depression as I remember it, even after all these years. Depression taught me the importance of caring for my body and mind and not overextending myself. Even now, when I sense I’m taking on too much, my body signals me to slow down, and I make sure to listen.

The music video is excellent, how many takes did you have to do?

Thank you, the making of the video is actually a great story. The efficient and skillful shooting of the video is thanks to the director, Juha Särestöniemi. Watching him work was like watching a symphony conductor leading a full orchestra. He even got the weather to cooperate! The video was shot in two parts, the part inside the bus was done in April and the embrace at the end outside the bus was done in May. The part in April was done with a larger group of people, but Juha directed everything and everyone so skillfully that the whole thing was done in an hour, and this included two versions, one in Finnish and the other in English. 

The weather indeed cooperated magically on both days. For the main part of the video that took place inside the bus, we had hoped to get some kind of bad weather to illustrate the despair of depression. In April, it had been a nice weather all week, but on the day of the video shooting, we got a snowstorm. It worked out perfectly. And then in May, the plan was to shoot the end part outside the bus on a sunny day since the lyrics at the end talk about a sunny day and how it will help me survive. We actually had to chase the sun that day because it kept drizzling. Juha would look in the weather app to see where we would have to drive the bus to find a potentially sunny moment. We found our moment, Juha did three takes of the embrace, and we were done.  It took five minutes to do the video shooting for that part. Once we were done, it started raining again. 

What message do you hope listeners take from “Freeze,” especially those who might be struggling?

Any of us can fall ill, but we must remember we’re not alone in this world. When you’re depressed, it’s easy to think that nobody will understand how you’re feeling. But I’m here to tell you that there are people who do understand what you’re going through. Even when you think your soul is broken, and you feel like you’re sinking deep, there is still always hope. The sunny day will eventually come and help you survive.

How does “Freeze” fit within your current single series, and what makes it unique?

My other singles have also been based on personal experiences and reflections, but this topic is now extremely personal and vulnerable. Mental health is also very timely in many people’s lives. Even though I have been lucky to be free of clinical depression for twenty years by now, I still remember the lessons from those times on a regular basis. Whenever my body gives me signals that I’m doing too much, I know I must listen. So, it’s still very personal and something to be mindful about.

Any more releases planned in the future?

I plan to continue making singles until I have a full album. Once I have the full album, I’d love to create a live show with elements of a musical and make it into a full story-telling performance on stage. And I plan to have a vinyl album made once I have enough songs. It is important for me to make these singles at my own pace to keep my stress levels in check. And since I’m making these myself in my own studio, I can adjust the pace to my needs, which again supports my mental health. For the next single I do have some initial inklings about a topic, but it’s not quite ready to be worked on. I always need to hold space between the singles to kind of reset everything. I can’t force it. The day will come, most likely in the next few weeks, when I get an impulse to grab the guitar and start composing.

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Photo Credit: Minna Ora.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Prophetic Psychosis are back and they are back at their best with new track ‘Seeds of Stars’. This indie rock delivery hits all the right notes for me and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The vocals are powerful and compelling, while the mix is filled with a multitude of sounds and styles.

There is a fresh vibe present on this track which brings something new to the table. Also, although it is lengthy, it still feels as though I could listen to this for hours. The music is a stand-out for me too with a quality akin to some of the best indie stars on the planet right now.

You can take a listen below.

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Photo Credit: Prophetic Psychosis.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Jejune are back and mighty with new song ‘Have A Nice Day’. The band known for their ‘Boogie Juice’ release are on top form here, proving that good old indie is as alive as ever! Although, could we call this indie? It is in a world of its own this release, there are vibes which could be compared to many genres.

‘Have A Nice Day’, is perfect for the summer! There is a warm quality to it which makes it ideal for those late summer evenings sat in the garden. Although, personally, I could envision this one echoing out of indie halls for a long time to come, even long after the sun has gone down!

You can stream below.

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Photo Credit: North Ship

Words By Joey Rochert.

Bold as you like, North Ship from Copenhagen rock up with new album, ‘It Looked Like Rain’. From the first spin, this album proves to be one to keep close. The album starts with the title track, a massive stadium filling overture fills our ears ahead of a catchy verse driven by contagious vocal melodies.

Into ‘Scent’, a single the band had previously released and here we come to realise that this two piece are not giving half measures. They have their talents synergising with a sound which could easily be compared to that of those towering at the top of the charts. ‘Good and Gone’ is a personal favourite of mine. It has a quirky edge to it with syncopated drum strikes and a bold instrumental.

The album wraps up with ‘From the Living’, a track which sums the record up perfectly with its silky-smooth guitar riffs and thought-provoking storyline.

You can stream below.

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Photo Credit: North Ship

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

North Ship’s latest single, ‘How Like You This?’ propels them straight out of Copenhagen and into the realm of indie brilliance. With a sound that blends nostalgic echoes of yesteryear with contemporary flair, this track proves to be a refreshing addition to the indie scene. Moreover, the duo exhibits a remarkable knack for melding vintage tones with modern sensibilities, resulting in a musical experience that’s difficult to criticize.

The guitars shimmer with an ethereal echo, while the drums resonate with unwavering energy, creating a dynamic backdrop for Tom’s emotive vocals that strike straight to the heart. ‘How Like You This?’ also proves North Ship’s ability to craft music that transcends time, leaving us eagerly awaiting their next release.

You can stream below.

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Photo Credit: North Ship

Words By Joey Rochert.

The indie scene never fails to astonish, and North Ship continues this trend with their latest single, ‘Scent.’ Infused with a delightful crunch and a soothing warmth, this track stands out like a radiant beacon, effortlessly claiming its place at the forefront of the game with a timeless style.

Fueled by room-filling guitar riffs, ‘Scent’ unfolds gradually, unveiling a potent vocal delivery that seems to emerge from the very fabric of the ether. The track reaches its zenith in the chorus, where an irresistible hook cements itself, adhering like glue to the robust mix that provides a weighty backdrop.

You can take a listen below.

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Photo Credit: North Ship.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, North Ship, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Scent’, what is the meaning? 

I was a pallbearer at the funeral of one of my Guy Bailey, who was the co-founder of The Quireboys and one of my oldest friends. “Scent” is a positive message about how we can choose to remember people we lose. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Gosh, that’s a tricky one. I don’t think there’s a single artist who inspires me the most but I do like music that does something new with a genre. I love Wet Leg for example, although them being from the Isle of Wight definitely contributes to that! I like French The Kid as well.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The democratization of recording and releasing music. 

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g. a certain room, or environment?

Not really, to be honest. I try to keep within arm’s reach of a pen and paper, and I’ve always got my phone on me to record an idea.

What is your first memory of music?

I have a vague recollection of hearing “Substitute” by The Who on the radio but I could be wrong!

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Photo Credit: North Ship.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Once again, it is that time of the year when we are greeted by new festive releases for the season, and ‘Snow Filled Field’ by Ray Thompson has been keeping us glued to our seats like gum on the bottom of a boot!

Ray Thompson, casts his spell here alongside a group of choir singers, and together they all rise to the occasion with vigour, filling us with the joy of the holiday season. This song is the ideal complement to our extensive collection of holiday favourites, and the feeling that Ray provides is so irresistible that it is really difficult to say no to it. This song has a rhythm that makes us feel great, and we find ourselves tapping our feet in time with the rhythm. In addition to this, the guitars explode forth with wintery bite, while the vocals smash through the speakers with confidence!

You can take a listen below.

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Photo Credit: Ray Thompson.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Ray, Let’s talk about your new single. “Snow Filled Fields”, what is the meaning?

In 2004, along with my then wife and our four children, we emigrated to Australia. My two boys and girls all found Christmas strange in the sun and longed to see snow in the fields. This stuck in my mind. Whisk forward to 2009 and I was back in the UK supporting my eldest of the 4 children through breast cancer. She was only 20 and had returned to the UK to go to college. But that is a whole other story. Anyway, whilst back in the UK. I saw an advert on the internet for a Christmas song hosted by someone from Nashville. So, I thought I would give it a go. Surprising thing was it came second. Took me a while though to get around to recording it. It was nearly ready for release Christmas 2022, but I wanted children to sing backing vocals and when better to record this than Christmas time. So, we recorded the Children in Christmas 2022 and waited a whole year to release.

What is your favourite Christmas song of all time?

‘Fairytale of New York’ is probably my favourite Christmas song.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

For me being a musician in 2023 is great. This was the year I released a lot of new music and really started taking myself seriously. It marked the beginning of my rise to better things.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g. a certain room, or environment?

I have a summerhouse that I converted into a little practice studio. This is where I go to play my piano and adding tracks to an App on my I-phone. But to be honest most of my songs have been wrote while sitting on my bed or at the kitchen table. I use voice notes a lot on my phone then convert the vocal and acoustic track to MP3, then I use an App to add more tracks on my phone. The metronome in my head is so good I have often used the MP3 as guide tracks in the studio. The engineer has been able to put a click to it without much editing.

What is your first memory of music?

This would be of my mum dancing and singing to Rod Stewart song’s. Usually after she had been out drinking and was in the party mood. Much to my dad’s disgust. Who was never a big music fan and a real killjoy.

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Photo Credit: Ray Thompson.