Now Spinning Music Magazine - Artist Interviews and Music Reviews

Steven Wilson joins me for an exclusive conversation following The Overview winning Now Spinning Magazine’s Album of the Year vote — and Phil’s Editor’s Choice.Steven discusses how he writes with both stereo and immersive formats in mind, why spatial audio matters, and what fans can expect from his two special Royal Albert Hall shows featuring orchestra and choir. They also explore Steven’s philosophy around “imperfection” in recordings, why limitations can create magic, and how classic production techniques still shape his approach today.A major focus of the conversation is Headphone Dust — Steven’s new high-resolution platform designed to preserve immersive audio beyond the limitations of physical formats, and to bridge the gap between low-res streaming and limited deluxe editions.The discussion also touches on “prog vs progressive,” generational listening habits, and whether we’re living in a golden age of sound quality — but a fragile age of musical value.Thank you - PhilBecome a Patron for exclusive videos and join the Now Spinning Arms virtual pub twice a month.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

Neal Morse returns to the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast to discuss the brand new Neal Morse Band album L.I.F.T. — a powerful progressive rock journey about belonging, disconnection, faith and restoration.In this in-depth conversation, Neal reveals:How the album was written in just seven daysThe meaning behind “Hurt People Hurt People”The deeply personal inspiration for “Shame About My Shame”Why L.I.F.T. must be heard as one continuous pieceAnd how faith can be cyclical rather than linearIf you love progressive rock, concept albums and music that truly moves the soul, this is one not to miss.Become a Patron for exclusive videos and join the Now Spinning Arms virtual pub twice a month.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

Welcome to the first episode of Metal Monthly on Now Spinning Magazine!In this new series joined by musician and sound engineer Wayne McAloon to explore the modern heavy metal landscape — from new British traditional metal to atmospheric black metal, thrash legends, underground discoveries and upcoming releases.Is heavy metal really in decline… or is it stronger than ever?We discuss:Tail GunnerKreatorWormSODOMURNEMegadeth’s latest releaseThe evolution of thrash and black metalWhy metal fans still buy physical mediaWhat’s coming next in 2026Metal Monthly will return every four weeks.Thank you for all your supportPhilBecome a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I’m joined once again by Danny Vaughn from Tyketto to talk about the band’s brand-new album Closer to the Sun. We explore the album track by track, the optimism and hope running through the songs, Danny’s approach to songwriting and vocal health, the importance of band chemistry, and why recording together still matters.We also discuss touring plans, recording at Rockfield Studios, and how music continues to connect people across cultures and generations. Closer to the Sun is out March 20 — and it’s one of the most uplifting rock albums you’ll hear this year. PhilBecome a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

“We’ve been saying for years — stop telling everyone that the CD is dead, because it’s not.”— Karen Emanuel OBE, Key ProductionIn this exclusive Music Biz Chat, Phil Aston from Now Spinning Magazine goes inside the physical music industry with Karen Emanuel OBE, CEO of Key Production — one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of CDs, vinyl and premium physical formats.Forget the headlines. Karen shares what labels, artists and independents are actually ordering, why CDs are far from dead, how vinyl is evolving, and what collectors should expect next.If you care about physical music, this is a conversation that truly matters.👉 Are you still buying CDs, vinyl or deluxe box sets?Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

On this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I’m joined by Joe Nally — bassist and vocalist from London heavy metal force URNE.We dive deep into URNE’s new album Setting Fire To The Sky: how the songs were written (including a brilliant “Tesco riff” moment), the band’s surprisingly broad influences (from Metallica and Priest to soul music, Toto and Peter Gabriel), and how Joe approaches vocals in the studio vs surviving the demands of touring.Joe also shares the meaning behind the album title (with a nod to Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore), the story behind the epic closing tracks, working with Troy Sanders, and why heavy metal can be a genuinely spiritual, uplifting force.If you love modern metal with real heart, huge production, and riffs for days — this one’s for you.Thank you for all your supportPhilBecome a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

Tales From Topographic Oceans by YES has always been an album that divides opinion — even among prog fans.In this video, I take a deep dive into the Super Deluxe “Definitive” Edition, exploring the packaging, the vinyl, the extensive CD content, the newly unearthed live recordings, and — most importantly — the 2026 Dolby Atmos and surround mixes.This isn’t just an unboxing. It’s a personal journey through an album I’ve grown into over decades, and a reflection on why this music matters more now than ever.If you love progressive rock, physical media, and albums that reward active listening, this one’s for you.☕ Make a pot of tea.🎧 Turn off your phone.🎶 And let the music take you somewhere else.Remember — music is the healer and the doctor.If you’d like to support the channel, get ad-free videos, and join our private community and virtual pub The Now Spinning Arms, check out the links below.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I am joined by Gregory Spawton of Big Big Train for an in-depth interview about the band’s new album Woodcut.We explore how an accidental visit to a woodcut exhibition sparked the band’s first full-length concept album, the creative shift that came with Alberto Bravin producing, the expanding role of Clare Lindley, and why Big Big Train insist on recording together in the same room.From philosophy and storytelling to guitar solos, restraint, and the power of active listening, this is a deep dive into one of the most thoughtful and rewarding progressive rock albums of recent years.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

Big Big Train return with Woodcut, their 16th studio album and second with vocalist Alberto Bravin — and it’s an absolute triumph.In this album review, I explore the album’s concept, musicianship, standout tracks and why Woodcut feels like an album full of hope, light and human emotion. Whether you’re a long-time Big Big Train fan or completely new to the band, this is a perfect entry point into one of the finest progressive rock catalogues of the modern era.Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine https://www.nowspinning.co.uk Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/

I’m More Famous Now Than When I Was Famous” — Peter Goalby’s Incredible ReturnI’m delighted to welcome back Peter Goalby — the voice many of you will remember from Uriah Heep, plus Trapeze and more.In this interview we dive into Peter’s astonishing “lost DAT tape” album Don’t Think This Is Over — recorded after he left Heep, then believed gone forever until a poorly-labelled tape resurfaced 34 years later. Even better, Mick Box and John Sinclair added new overdubs in 2025, and Peter personally oversaw the whole release from transfer to mastering to artwork.We talk songwriting, why Peter writes from the chorus/title backwards, what makes a Peter Goalby chorus work, the story behind “The Sound of a Nation”, how “I Don’t Want to Fight” was reinvented, and why Peter says he’s more famous now than when he was famous.If you love heartfelt, feel-good melodic rock with huge choruses — and you’ve got a soft spot for the Peter Goalby era of Uriah Heep — this one’s for you.Become a Patron (free trial -cancel anytime)https://www.patreon.com/nowspinningNow Spinning Magazine Storehttps://burningshed.com/store/now-spinning-magazineVisit the Now Spinning Magazine Merch Shophttps://nowspinningmagazine.co.uk/