John Maul, Rick Astley / Nik Kershaw / Dire Straits Experience

We catch up with John Maul, who aside from an impressive and ongoing career as musical director and keyboard player, is also still working in the musicial instrument industry itself. We cover both aspects of John’s work, alongside guest co-host Damon McMahon. Lots of fun in this one! To listen / watch: * Audio-only: click on the play button in the audio player above, or: * Video: watch the embedded video below or check it and previous episodes out on our YouTube Channel Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):   John’s website Touring with Dire Straits Experience Recreating the Dire Straits sounds – direct recreation or interpretation  The most challenging Dire Straits songs from a playing perspective A taste of Dire Straits Experience John’s favourite keyboards to cover Dire Straits material John’s musical upbringing, attending the Royal Academy of Music Joining Roland UK as an employee Perspectives on the ‘industry’ after 27 years Challenges faced by today’s retail music industry Consumer feedback and influence on new keyboard development, and the challenges of implementing changes The perceptual divide between arranger keyboards and the synth / keyboard ranges manufacturers release John’s decade or so with Rick Astley as keyboard player and MD. John in action with Rick Astley in 2013 John in action with Rick Astley in 2016 Working with Pete Waterman, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan Working with Howard Jones Working with Nik Kershaw Learning from the diverse range of collaborations Playing for Musical Theatre John’s musical train wreck story Tag a Keyboard Player: Bruce Hornsby, Dave Arch Desert Island Discs: Here Come The Noise Makers – Bruce Hornsby, Wind & Wuthering – Genesis, 17-11-70 – Elton John, Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell, Here’s To Life – Shirley Horn, The Montreux Years (Live) – Monty Alexander. Key links: Buy some keyboard related merchandise Drop us a line via the website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, TikTok or LinkedIn Complete our listener survey to help us improve the show, it only takes 90 seconds.