'Are Friends Electric?' and 'Cars' will go down in the musical history books as classics of their genre but the writer of those hits, Gary Numan, has yet to match his early successes. Mark Jenkins met up with him during sessions for a forthcoming album at Rock City studios, Shepperton, only to discover that the Numan of today is finding it tough to get airplay for his recent work...

Sharpe & Numan

Gary Numan renews his working relationship with Bill Sharpe for another single project. Dan Goldstein drops in on them, and discovers the link could soon become permanent.

The meeting of two diverse talents and minds; Gary Numan and Bill Sharpe of Shakatak. We discover what they've been getting up to and where it will lead.

One of the most successful, certainly the most consistent, of Britain's electronic musicians, Gary Numan has succeeded in taking his eclectic and compelling music into the mass market. Gary talks of his songwriting and recording techniques, his past career, and what he plans for the future

Star of recording studio and airshow in conversation with Tim Goodyer. Is pop about to lose a hi-tech innovator, and display flying gain a star aviator?

An in-depth interview with this multitalented musician/composer/producer who reveals the techniques used on his new LP and explains how to use the E-bow to best advantage

Big night in Bristol

Steve Cogan takes time out to talk to the members of Yen

Techno music, the true successor to late seventies synth-pop, translates the desolation of post-Motown Detroit into electronic dance rhythms. Simon Trask listens to the programmer's tale.

Co-founder of the techno movement, Model 500's Juan Atkins discusses yesterday's technology and influences, and tomorrow's music. Technospeak: Simon Trask.

We report on this top chart group.

Weird tales from ace guitarist's LP sessions; shawms, theremins, and a silver band.

Since the members of Ultravox went their separate ways, Billy Currie's solo career has taken him from band leader, through studio owner, to record label boss for the release of his second solo album. Interview by Mark Jenkins.

First the BBC, then Shakatak, now a solo album: Bill Sharpe's list of Famous People is an impressive one. Dan Goldstein makes further enquiries.

Dead or Alive's Tim Lever surrounds himself with new technology as the band prepare for world domination. Tim Goodyer gets the word on writing, recording and performing.

Few producers begin their careers with experimental bands, become world-renowned for their work with electronic pop, and then turn their attention to traditional rock music. Paul Tingen talks to Mike Howlett, a man of many talents.

Andy McCluskey

Andy McCluskey reveals his dislike for synth programming and his penchant for the classics.

Chas de Whalley chinwagging with the man behind some of the best tracks by Toyah, Marillion, and Thin Lizzy — Nick Tauber

Contractual hassles have kept musician/producer Bill Nelson hopping from one record label to another since the demise of Be-Bop Deluxe, yet he has still managed to record some exemplary albums using the facility of his 16-track home studio. Ian Gilby finds out how he put his new album together.

Bill lays bare his recording techniques and reveals the innermost secrets of his home studio 'The Echo Observatory' which has recently been upgraded to 16 track status. Now being used to record tracks fora forthcoming Nelson masterpiece.

Crushed by the wheels of technology?

Ian Gilby visits The Garden Studio and learns how John Foxx composed and recorded tracks from his recently released album 'In Mysterious Ways'.

Paul Young's Royal Family

Guitarist Steve Bolton and bass player Pino Palladino explain the importance of being a Swedish Chef.

Thomas Dolby explains his new strategy