Ep. 263: Limahl discusses Kajagoogoo’s “Too Shy”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 16 June 2025

⏱️ 80 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, Limahl shares the story behind Kajagoogoo’s 1983 smash hit “Too Shy,” reflecting on the band’s rapid rise from local gigs to global stardom. He details his chance meeting with Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, whose mentorship helped land them a deal with EMI, and breaks down the experimental recording process that gave “Too Shy” its distinct synth-pop sound. Limahl also opens up about his early days working as a waiter at a celebrity hotspot, the playful inspiration behind the lyrics, and how the band’s diverse musical influences shaped their unique identity. With a mix of behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections, this conversation captures the magic and momentum behind a song that still shines more than four decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by DistroKit.
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0:21.4	up, online, in person, and on the go. Shopify is made for entrepreneurs like you.
0:27.2	Sign up for your $1 a month trial at Shopify.com slash setup.
0:36.2	Hey everyone.
0:41.4	Today's guest is LaMalle, lead vocalist for the English New Wave pop band,
0:46.3	Kajagugu.
0:47.6	Together we dissect the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the massive global hit song,
0:54.1	Too Shy, taken from their 1983 debut album,
0:57.2	White Feathers.
0:59.2	LaMalle tells the story of bartending at London's world-famous Embassy Club years ago,
1:03.8	and serving a drink to none other than Nick Rhodes, the keyboardist for Duran Duran.
1:08.8	Well, sometimes you gotta got to take your shot.
1:12.7	And after exchanging pleasantries,
1:14.7	LaMalle mentioned that he had a band,
1:18.3	with Nick casually providing him with an address to send a demo.
1:21.7	To LaMalle's surprise, Nick called a week or so later,
1:23.2	and the rest is history.
1:25.6	The band, along with Nick Rhodes,
	...

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