Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

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 Magazinewww.nowspinning.co.uk

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 BaconThis 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 supportMagazine

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...Magazine

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, 2025Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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