Welcome to the 1980s Edition of Chatting Tracks

Hi, I am Robbie, and today I am thrilled to bring you a very special edition of Chatting Tracks, where we step back into the neon glow, cassette clicks, and cultural firestorm that was the 1980s. My guest for this episode is the extraordinary Will, creator of the renowned podcast 1980s Now. Together, we explored what made this decade unlike any other – from politics and music to fashion, technology, and pop culture.

Meet Will – The Voice Behind 1980s Now

Will is a self-described middle-aged creative who proudly channels his energy into the 1980s Now podcast. He admits, with a touch of humour, that everyone of a certain age seems to have a podcast these days, but his has a unique mission. Rather than simply reminiscing, Will’s show links contemporary stories and trends back to their origins in that transformative decade. The scope stretches from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, but the essence is firmly anchored in the ‘80s.

For Will, the motivation came from a realisation: the 1980s produced an unparalleled wave of innovation across pop culture, politics, and technology – arguably unmatched in any era since the Renaissance. In just ten short years, the world experienced advancements and creative leaps that continue to shape society today. While nostalgia certainly plays a role, his fascination runs deeper. He sees the 80s as both a cultural explosion and a legacy that transcends generations.

The Sound and Spirit of 1980s Music

The conversation naturally turned to the sonic identity of the decade. Robbie observed that before the 1980s, the musical palette was largely shaped by acoustic and analogue instruments, but when synthesisers and electronic innovations entered mainstream production, music changed forever. Companies attempting to replicate acoustic instruments unexpectedly created entirely new, iconic sounds.

Will wholeheartedly agree. The affordability of synthesised instruments and samplers allowed creativity to flourish. What once cost tens of thousands of dollars became accessible to home musicians, and as a result, entirely new genres were born. The lush, stereo soundscapes of the era – from Simmons drums to Juno keyboards – became the very DNA of what we still call the 80s sound.

A Decade of Musical Diversity

One of the points Robbie raised was the remarkable variety of the UK charts during that period. Each week could bring reggae, vintage acts from the 60s, novelty tunes, foreign-language hits, or television theme songs. Will compared this musical diversity to the early effects of globalisation. English-speaking countries, particularly the UK and the US, became major cultural exporters, and music served as a bridge that connected global audiences.

He reflected on how regional influences, such as reggae’s presence in the UK, sparked new styles like ska. Similarly, in the US, the fusion of disco, R&B, and urban rhythms gave rise to hip-hop. This cross-pollination laid the groundwork for decades of musical innovation.

Politics, Pop, and the Cold War Backdrop

The darker realities of the 1980s also shaped its art. In America, the Cold War created constant tension; in the UK, Thatcherism and economic struggle left many people disillusioned. Yet paradoxically, these hardships inspired some of the brightest, most escapist art and music.

Will recalled MTV's influence, noting that even Mikhail Gorbachev once credited it with helping thaw Cold War hostility by exposing Soviet audiences to Western culture. Visual media, especially music videos, allowed people to see colour, glamour, and creativity that contrasted dramatically with the hardships around them. It was a decade of dazzling optimism and deep anxiety existing side by side.

Cultural Movements and Identity

Fashion tribes thrived. From the New Romantics and goths to pop enthusiasts and glam-metal fans, the 80s were defined by expressive identity. As Will pointed out, few later decades have offered such strong cultural or visual movements. Even the grunge of the early '90s seems to mark the final clearly defined style era. Today, youth culture feels more fragmented, with no single unifying movement or look.

The 80s also indulged in a fascination with the past. Films like Back to the Future celebrated the contrasts between the sleek modernism of the 1980s and the simpler 1950s. Will joked that if a film were made today about travelling back to the early 2000s, there would be little to distinguish one period from another besides a calendar date.

The Warmth and Colour of the Era

Both Robbie and Will shared vivid personal recollections – summers felt longer, colours seemed brighter, and everything appeared wrapped in neon optimism. Early in the decade, cultural design still showed traces of the 1970s’ browns and avocado greens, but by mid-decade, pastels, fluorescents, and geometric patterns had taken over.

Despite social and economic challenges, the era was projected to be warm and vibrant. Music and film delivered escapism, countering bleak realities such as unemployment, the AIDS crisis, and nuclear fears. Will described this duality as “the joyous soundtrack to unsettling times.”

Icons and Albums That Defined the Decade

When asked to identify one album that symbolises the 1980s, Will found it an impossible task. Each period within the decade had its own dominant sound. Early '80s energy was captured in works like Duran Duran’s Seven and the Ragged Tiger or the avant-garde edge of The Waitresses. By the late 80s, hip-hop was reshaping popular music with landmark releases such as Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill.

For Robbie, Adam Ant’s Prince Charming had a formative impact, thanks to its empowering message: ridicule is nothing to be scared of. It became a personal mantra – a lesson in confidence and creative freedom.

Will shared that Billy Joel’s lyrics deeply influenced him in his youth, teaching life lessons about relationships and self-expression. He noted that modern pop rarely offers comparable depth or storytelling. Songs of the 1980s often carried meaning alongside melody.

The Birth of 1980s Now – Podcast and Platform

Will’s background in theatre sound design naturally evolved into podcast production. Having previously written music and created audio for the stage, he embraced podcasting as the perfect creative medium. 1980s Now grew into a hub where conversations, insights, and interviews blend reflection with humour.

He co-hosts the show with two colleagues, Cat and John. Their light-hearted chemistry keeps the tone engaging even when discussions veer into complex topics. Will often jokes that he tries to lead discussions towards serious territory while his co-hosts skillfully lighten the mood.

What Listeners Can Expect

Episodes typically feature a collection of contemporary news stories that connect back to 1980s history – a format that bridges nostalgia with relevance. For example, a discussion might begin with today’s debate over concert ticket resale laws and lead into memories of the old “ticket scalpers” outside venues in New York.

Beyond topical episodes, the show occasionally features interviews with musicians, authors, or cultural figures who lived through or draw inspiration from the decade. Will’s guests range from 80s icons to modern creators such as Dream Kid and Chris Kamisso, both of whom reinterpret the distinctive synth-driven soundscape of the period.

Additionally, there are what Will calls “true crime” episodes – though often the term is used loosely. These stories explore strange or forgotten events from the 1980s, from odd pop culture controversies to eerie supernatural legends. One particularly intriguing story recounts how the famous Cabbage Patch Kids may have originated from a stolen design – a mix of mystery and nostalgia unique to his show.

The Book: Totally Bogus But True Tales from the 1980s

Will’s love of storytelling led him to compile the most fascinating of these historical nuggets into a book: A Totally Bogus but True Tales from the 1980s. It gathers remarkable stories from the podcast, echoing the spirit of shows like In Search Of and Ripley’s Believe It or Not that many of us remember from childhood.

Among the book’s most talked-about sections is the legendary “Montauk Project” – the alleged secret experiment said to have inspired Stranger Things. While Will remains sceptical of its authenticity, the myth perfectly captures the paranoia and imagination of the decade.

The book is available through the 1980s Now website and via online retailers such as Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores.

Reflections on the Legacy of the 1980s

Through his podcast and writing, Will continues to explore how the visual, musical, and emotional essence of the 1980s remains culturally relevant. Contemporary artists regularly borrow from its aesthetic, with recent pop releases drawing heavily on retro synth textures, electric drum patterns, and cinematic themes.

Will sees this as evidence that the decade’s creative innovations still ripple through global culture. The 80s were colourful, contradictory, and bold – a time when youth, experimentation, and technology collided to redefine art.

Closing Thoughts: Why the 1980s Still Matter

As our conversation drew to a close, we agreed that the 1980s were more than simply a point in history – they were an emotion. That balance of hardship and hope, simplicity and spectacle, continues to resonate today. It was a decade of warm tones, bright lights, and endless imagination.

Will summed it up best: despite the decades that have passed, the 1980s remain alive not only through nostalgia but through their ongoing influence on how we see, hear, and feel the world around us.

You can explore the 1980s Now podcast to relive that wonderful spirit – and perhaps discover that the era of colour and courage is still very much with us.

Website: www.1980snow.com