J. Willgoose, Esq. is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer best known as the founding member of the conceptual electronic rock group Public Service Broadcasting. Blending vintage synthesizers, samplers, and traditional instrumentation with extensive archival audio, he is recognized for constructing thematic musical narratives based around historical events. Known for his focused approach to sequencing and live looping, Willgoose effectively integrates old broadcast samples and public information films into atmospheric electronic and rock textures across albums like The Race for Space and Every Valley. We chat his and PSB’s career to date and get some great insights into what is an incredibly complicated live show.

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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab):

Night Flight – The Last Flight Remixes

Electra – Late Night Final Remix

J. Willgoose Esq’s musical upbringing

The Manic Street Preachers

The genesis of Public Service Broadcasting

The Yamaha CS6x

Public Service Broadcasting – People Will Always Need Coal

Public Service Broadcasting – The Now Generation

Expanding Public Service Broadcasting to a full band

J’s love for Reaper as a key component of PSB’s live performances

J’s keyboard rig and love of the Roland Fantom series

The challenges (and documentation) involved in a highly complex and integrated rig set-up amomgst multiple musicians

Public Service Broadcasting – Sputnik

Redundancy and backups

Operating a keyboard and guitar rig and level of integration

Public Service Broadcasting – Towards The Dawn

Public Service Broadcasting live at the Royal Albert Hall

Public Service Broadcasting with the London Contemporary Orchestra

A discussion on orchestras and experimentation

Public Service Broadcasting – Bright Magic

The SOMA Labs Ether

The next Public Service Broadcasting album

J. lists some key musical inspirations

Datassette

OMD – Second Thought

J’s train wreck stories

Desert Island Discs: Endtroducing – DJ Shadow, In Rainbows – Radiohead, Blade Runner – Vangelis, Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” – Tchaikovsky, Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana) – Monleone and Mascagni

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Check out our podcast guest playlist on Spotify to get a taste of each guest’s creations.

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