Sundown Sessions

09/06/2026

I've always championed Sparks on the show.

In fact, they featured on the very first Sundown Sessions, where I played "Propaganda" and "At Home, At Work, At Play" – two tracks from my album of choice.

So, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ian Hampton.

Ian was a wonderful bass player who toured and recorded with Sparks on Propaganda (1974) and Indiscreet (1975), helping to shape the sound of two albums that remain hugely important to me.

By all accounts, he stayed close to the Sparks world throughout the years, and his enthusiasm and spirit clearly left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Tonight, I'll be raising a glass and revisiting those records. Rest in peace, Ian, and thank you for the music.

And, fittingly, here is a live performance of the very two tracks I mentioned. Ian doesn't feature here, but it feels like an appropriate way to celebrate the music that meant so much to many of us.

"Propaganda" and "At Home, At Work, At Play" – played loud, just as they should be.

Check out Sparks' "Propaganda" and "At Home At Work At Play", from ...

06/06/2026

Two years ago to the day... well, actually yesterday... the very first edition of The Sundown Sessions went out live on K107 FM.

I still remember the nerves of following The Letty Rock Show – a seriously hard act to follow and a brilliant way to be thrown in at the deep end!

Fast forward two years and what a journey it's been!

There have been incredible guests joining me in the studio, unforgettable interviews, first plays of new music, competitions, laughs, occasional chaos, and the privilege of sharing Tuesday evenings with so many of you. I've discovered amazing artists, made new friends, and had experiences that I could never have imagined when I first sat behind that microphone wondering if anyone would actually tune in.

To everyone who has listened, contributed, guested on the show, sent messages, requested songs, tolerated my ramblings and supported what I've been trying to build – thank you. You really have helped make The Sundown Sessions what it is.

And the story isn't over.

In fact, I'm excited to say that the next chapter in the Sundown Sessions story is just around the corner... and I can't wait to tell you all about it very soon.

Watch this space.

05/06/2026

Big Country just dropped 'Eastworld' today!

When Tommie Paxton came in to the studio last year for interview - I did reveal that this track was my favourite (post Crossing) BC track.

Stick the headphones on and give it a listen - your ears are in for a treat!

Official Video for Eastworld by Big Country ReduxNew single, East...

28/05/2026

At Sundown Sessions we just heard Fiires "Concrete Angels" for the first time this morning. Absolute dynamite!!!!

Expect this to be playlisted in an upcoming show!

26/05/2026

A chance to play in our favourite band!

What's not like to like?

Redemption ZERO are no stranger to the show airwaves and now YOU could be part of the story - see link below...

Evening all,

Redemption ZERO is looking for a drummer.

We are currently rehearsing in Huddersfield on a Saturday afternoon in preparation for shows later in 2026 and into 2027.

It’s a really exciting project with the debut album receiving great reviews and selling really well, and the first (announced) show selling out within 24 hours.

The band includes ex members of Chameleons Vox and The Rose of Avalanche and we will be recording and releasing a new EP, Stay Weird EP later this year.

If you are interested in having a chat about this great opportunity, or know someone who may be suitable, please do message me via Messenger.

Oh, and please do share this far and wide - it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

AD

21/05/2026

🔥 Without doubt, the hottest ticket in town. 🔥

Within hours of tonight’s Logan's Close gig being announced, it sold out. Such was the demand, a second night was added... and that sold out just as quickly. 🎟️⚡

I was lucky enough to get a ticket for tonight’s show and I’m genuinely really looking forward to this. 🙌🎶

Logan's Close are very much riding high at the moment and attracting attention from all the right people. Delighted to say they’re lined up to come into the studio for an interview on a future edition of The Sundown Sessions. Watch this space as they say... 📻

The following quotes probably sum them up better than I ever could:

"The sexiest band in Scotland" – Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland

"This is a superb outfit who deserve great things to happen in the future" – Edinburgh Evening News

“They have a seemingly endless energy on stage, coupled with clever harmonies and really groovy tunes. It would be very odd indeed not to like what they do. Utterly infectious.” – The Write Angle

If you see me tonight, please do come up and say hello. 🍻🎵

19/05/2026

Just wanted to post a quick update and say thank you.

Honestly, I've been overwhelmed by the amount of support, messages, comments and private conversations since announcing my departure from East Coast FM. The response has genuinely meant a lot to me and reminded me just how special the wider music and radio community really is.

While things may have gone a little quiet publicly, there is actually a huge amount happening behind the scenes right now.

Although I'm still technically "open to opportunities", there are some really positive conversations happening at the moment which could lead to exciting things for The Sundown Sessions moving forward. Nothing is finalised yet, so I can't really say much more than that just now - but I am feeling very optimistic.

One unexpected bonus of this break has been having the time to focus on building out some new ideas around the show itself.

One such ideas has been building an on-demand player and broader self-hosted platform for The Sundown Sessions and it's honestly becoming something I'm incredibly proud of.

One thing that is very important to me as this develops is making sure everything stays firmly on the right side of copyright law and PRS for Music licensing. Artists deserve to be properly recognised and paid for their work and that's something I take very seriously.

So yes - while things may appear quiet from the outside, trust me when I say there is a LOT going on behind the scenes.

More soon.

Colin

13/05/2026

This is genuinely exciting news from Redemption ZERO!

I’ve said it before, but The Babylon Sessions absolutely floored me when it landed last year, and Audition only reinforced just how special these songs are. Seeing more material on the horizon already is a very welcome surprise indeed.

Personally, I’d love to see The Stay Weird EP get both a vinyl and CD release if possible. Vinyl has that unbeatable nostalgia and collectability, but CD still absolutely has a place too.

But you can help influence what format could be landing through our letterbox by commenting on the original post included below.

11/05/2026

After a great deal of thought, I have decided that I am stepping away from East Coast FM with immediate effect.

I have always been more than happy to volunteer my time for radio, music, listeners, and the wider community. However, over time, expectations placed upon volunteers increasingly moved far beyond broadcasting itself and ultimately reached a point where I no longer felt comfortable or valued in the role.

I believe community radio should be about creativity, inclusion, music, ideas, and giving people a platform - not creating an environment where volunteers feel pressured into commitments and responsibilities they never expected to take on.

As disappointing as this is, I want to focus on the positives.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, supported the show, sent messages, requested tracks, and shared in the music each week. From exclusive first plays to old favourites and everything in between, it has genuinely been a privilege to soundtrack your evenings.

I am now actively exploring opportunities to rehome The Sundown Sessions at another station that better aligns with my values and allows me to focus on what I actually came to radio for in the first place - the music and the listeners.

I also note that East Coast FM continue to advertise “The Sundown Sessions” with a different presenter. For clarity, any version of the show broadcast on East Coast FM going forward is NOT associated with me in any way.

The Sundown Sessions has always been a reflection of my own musical direction, curation, passion, and personality - and listeners will know the difference. Accept no imitations.

Watch this space.

Colin

08/05/2026

Be quick. Very quick.

For, without doubt, the hottest ticket in Leeds!

Show favorites Redemption ZERO have just 6 tickets left for this gig.

Redemption ZERO Live - The Fox and Newt, Leeds - Saturday 21 November from Redemption ZERO