At home with Chris Hughes

The former Tears For Fears producer invites us in for a cuppa

Back in 1985, Propaganda made an astonishing debut with 'Dr. Mabuse' and the classic album 'A Secret Wish'. After years of silence, a split with ZTT records, and the departure of three-quarters of the original line-up, Michael Mertens is back with a new-look Propaganda, and feeds the party line to Nigel Humberstone.

Howard Jones was the first keyboard player to successfully exploit the new technology to the full by regularly performing solo concerts with nothing but MIDI instruments as his backing band. In this rare interview, Brian Jacobs talks to Howard about his music, recording, his decision to produce most of his new album himself, and his growing admiration for an instrument he once said he would never use.

Crying And Shouting With Bath's Finest

Messrs Smith and Orzabal explain how it can take a year to make two singles but only two months to make an album, among other things. Bits in between the chat by Dan Goldstein.

UK chart success may have been elusive of late but Howard Jones' continued popularity in the States has brought its rewards — an SSL-equipped 48-track home studio. Interview by Paul Tingen.

An interview with this innovative three-piece on the making of their new album, Points On The Curve, the result of a year's work in the studio with Fairlight, PPG et al.

Roland Orzabal picks over the Tears' gear

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

Chas de Whalley talks to the other John Williams about his recent work with chart-toppers The Housemartins

In 1985 Propaganda produced a seminal electronic music album - then they vanished. Five years on they've returned to pick up where they left off. Michael Mertens talks to Tim Goodyer about technology and the German tradition.

Dalek, I Love You!

Jim Betteridge leans on producer David Motion

Modular synthesis

A plaintive request for a return to modular synthesis, what it means and what it can do for the creative musician.

Richard Burgess, Roland Orzabal and David Lloyd

Nick Feldman

Nick Feldman chooses eight great tracks

A special 10th anniversary Diary hot from the lips of Adrian Deevoy

Up to the minute and down to the nitty gritty

A Soft Touch

Jay Chapman discovers why this 16 track MIDI sequencer package for the BBC B micro, described as the musical equivalent of the humble word processor, is receiving so much acclaim from studio users.