And the Hello and a very warm welcome to Soda Jaker on songwriting. This is Simon and this is Brian. And joining us for

episode 170 is an Ivan Novello and Brit Award winning English synthpop duo and one of the most prolific

and successful UK acts of all time. Between

1986 to 2007 they achieved an astonishing 24 consecutive top 40 hits and to date

have sold over 25 million albums worldwide.

They recently released their 18th studio album, The Neon, and anyone who's here can attest that 35 years

on from their first meeting, their ability to crack a sparkling,

Huck Laidin pop song remains undiminished.

We're delighted to welcome the wonderful Andy Bell and Vince Clark of Arrasia to the show.

This was such a fun interview, wasn't it bright? Oh yeah and a genuine thrill for us both.

Yeah I mean we've said this before I think but honestly getting a chance to talk songwriting with these

artists we grew up watching week in week out on top of the

pops will just never ever get old.

I mean I absolutely loved Erasmus as a kid I still love them now.

Me too they're just masters of irresistible uplift and pop music, aren't they?

They are and it's just impossible to be in a bad mood when you listen to them, isn't it?

Exactly, yeah. I've always enjoyed their on stage dynamic too with Andy the F of S and frontman and Vince's dead pan demeanor behind the keys.

Yeah, they're a little bit like sparks in that respect, aren't they?

They are, yeah.

Vince Clark grew up in Basildon, Essex.

He started out learning violin and piano,

but was inspired to make electronic music as a teenager

...