Line Noise

Shabaka Hutchings, now known simply as Shabaka, is one of the most important jazz artists of his generation, a brilliant saxophone and clarinet player who turned his attention to the flute on his fantastic debut album, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace. I spoke to him ahead of his Barcelona gig, about two years of change, switching instruments, emotional strain and the power of an intro. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra.

Today’s guest is someone I had interviewed two times previously but always wanted to get on Line Noise: Chicago house master Ron Trent. Trent has done so much in electronic music, from composing the classic Altered States at the tender age of 14 to producing the dazzling album What Do The Stars Say To You? as Warm in 2022, that sometimes even he doesn’t remember what songs he’s featured on. We spoke about the follow up to What Do The Stars Say To You?, learning percussion from his father, recording Altered States, Erykah Badu, the state of house music and so much more. Line Noise is with the support of Cupra.

Welcome to Line Noise. My guest this week is Catherine Backhouse aka DJ Bunnyhausen aka Xylitol, aka the winner of the first ever Line Noise album of the year for her absolutely divine Anemones. And a very worthy winner she is too. We talk about “Gutter Kosmische”, prog jungle, Gesamtkunstwerk, Yugoslav pop culture, the Belgrade Bananarama and everything in between. I hope you enjoy the interview. And do give Anemones a spin. Line Noise is with the support of Cupra.

For the tenth and final Line Noise episode celebrating Nitsa’s 30th anniversary, Radio Primavera Sound director  - and Nitsa veteran - Marta Salicrú shared her memories of (nearly) three decades dancing at Nitsa, with the spotlight on the early 2000s and electroclash.  Line Noise is supported by Cupra.

We got all up close and geeky about Aphex Twin in company with Disco Pogo’s Jim Butler, the editor of the new book: Aphex Twin - A Disco Pogo Tribute. We talked about our favourite Aphex myths, Richard James’ enduring appeal, Wolfgang Tillmans and the power of the Jockey Slut archive. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra.

As part of our ongoing series of Line Noise episodes to celebrate Nitsa’s 30th anniversary, I spoke to M8NSE, Felipe and Colomba from Latineo, a FLINTA collective created by queer migrants from Latin America in Barcelona that aims to be a safe space for dancing for women and non-conforming individuals. In a wide-ranging conversation we talked about the rise of Latin Club (for want of a better name), what the club space means to Latineo, creating safe spaces, anthems, their Nitsa parties (of course) and so much more. Line Noise is supported by Cupra.

This week on Line Noise my guest is Cameron Leslie, the co-founder of London’s iconic fabric, a club at which I have spent many a happy night and which is currently celebrating its 25th birthday. We talked about survival, keeping on top of trends, being very London,  his favourite Fabric night out and the new photographic artwork based on the club's  CD mix series. I hope you enjoy this show and lots of love to fabric for so many happy nights out. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra.

My guest on Line Noise this week is legendary Japanese producer and DJ Ken Ishii, a man who did more than anyone to bring techno music to Japan, bridging the gap with old school Japanese electronic music as he did so. We spoke about the 30th anniversary of his classic Reference To Difference album, the joy of weird noises, appearing on the cover of Newsweek, Pac Man, anime and more. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra.

Jane Weaver has been making music for three decades now and her excellent new album Love in Constant Spectacle is her 12th solo record.I caught up with her after her Barcelona gig this autumn to talk about Australian punk, bohemian households and constant inspiration. Line Noise comes to you with the support of Cupra. 

My guest on Line Noise this week is Teisha Matthews aka TSHA, whose new album Sad Girl is out now. We spoke about wedding DJs, being sad, Cher’s Believe and so much more. I hope you enjoy it. Line Noise comes to you with support from Cupra. Photo by Nicole Ngai.