Sandy Kaye
Sandy is a journalist with a long history in both radio and television, is extremely passionate about a good story and like most people, loves the music that takes her back to her youth.
Sandy’s podcast “A Breath of Fresh Air” began as a Covid project while she was locked down at home in Australia; now it’s a weekly radio show broadcast here; on the other side of the world.
Featuring in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of her favourite artists, you’ll learn something new each and every time. From Candi Staton, UB40 and Slade to Dr Hook, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Steely Dan and Suzi Quatro; Sandy always finds the best guests and musicians with great stories who keep us entertained with fascinating, fun and super interesting conversation that gets to the stories behind the songs. A Breath of Fresh Air recently won the award for Best Music Podcast in the 2024 Women In Podcasting Awards.
Catch up on some of the latest episodes below.
Gilbert O’Sullivan – The Secret Behind a 70’s Pop Legend
In this special deep-dive episode, we explore the extraordinary story of Gilbert O’Sullivan, the iconic Irish singer-songwriter who defined an era of melodic, thoughtful 1970s pop.
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The Story Behind Spandau Ballet with Gary Kemp
Sandy is joined by Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp fresh from the release of his third solo album, This Destination. It’s his most personal to date and sees Gary channel his own thoughts and feelings about the past, present, and future. Reflecting on of a lifetime dedicated to songcraft he talks to our Sandy.
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Gimme Some Lovin’: The Spencer Davis Story
Sandy is joined by Spencer’s friend and bandmate, Ed Tree who is a highly respected American guitarist, producer, and songwriter known for his versatile work across genres like rock, Americana, country, and blues. Ed honours his friend Spencer by sharing his story with us.
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UB40’s Jimmy Brown reflects on the band’s 45th anniversary and their journey to global stardom
Sandy sits down with UB40’s Jimmy Brown, founding member of one of the most successful British bands. Recounting memories over 45 years of making music, Jimmy tells all from their journey from middle-class Birmingham to global stardom and celebrates the release of their new album UB45.
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Slade’s Noddy Holder on a wild rock n roll journey
Sandy sits down with one of the most iconic voices in rock n roll to talk about Noddy Holder’s extraordinary journey. From the wild days when Slademania gripped the nation to Noddy’s cancer diagnosis and what it now means to be back on stage, doing what he loves best.
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Paul Carrack from Squeeze to Mike + the Mechanics and beyond
Paul Carrack recently celebrated 50 years in the music business with his 2023 album, Don’t Wait Too Long. Paul joins Sandy in this instalment to recount his story and some of his memories of a lifetime in music from Mike + the Mechanics to Squeeze and beyond.
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Stewart Copeland of The Police on a lifetime of drumming up the hits
Iconic drummer Stewart Copeland joins Sandy in this episode as he talks us through some of his memoirs and memories of his time with The Police. In 2002 Stewart formed a new rock-oriented project, Oysterhead and Stewart has written multiple books about his life in music. Here he tells all to Sandy.
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Steely Dan’s Elliott Randall reeling in the years
Elliot Randall is an iconic session guitarist best known for his work with artists like the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. Elliott relives memories and stories from his life in music from playing in iconic hits with Irene Cara, Kiss and Carly Simon to turning down the Blue Brothers, Sandy Kaye uncovers a fascinating life story.
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Steppenwolf’s John Kay on life, love and music
Over 56 years Steppenwolf have sold more than 25 million records released 7 gold albums, 1 platinum album and had 3 top 10 hits. Lead singer and founder, John Kay sits down with Sandy for a chat about his life in music and relives some fond memories of the band’s meteoric rise.
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Dexy’s Helen O’Hara introduces her memoirs “What’s She Like” named after the song that she inspired and relives her life in music
Violinist Helen O’Hara has an amazing story to tell. She’s written it all into a memoir titled ‘What’s She Like’, named after the Dexy’s Midnight Runners song that she herself inspired. It’s an exuberant, joyful account of a classical musical student who suddenly finds herself on Top of the Pops. Helen joins Sandy Kaye to tell us all about the book and shares memories of her life in music.
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Dr Hook’s Dennis Locorrier shares memories of the rock n roll journey as they celebrate their 50th anniversary
Sandy Kaye catches up with Dr Hook’s Dennis Locorrier on the rock n roll journey as they look back to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
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Darlene Love on her life in music and being back in the charts at 82 with Cher duet
Darlene Love is a highly acclaimed, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and actress whose career spans several decades. Darlene sat down with Sandy Kaye for an in-depth chat all about her career in music including her new duet with Cher and a friendship with that goes back more than half a century.
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Suzi Quatro on 50 years of music PLUS Joe Harris from The Undisputed Truth and Doug Ashdown
Suzi Quatro rocked the house down recently during a massive solo performance to celebrate her 50 years in the music business. Suzi zoomed in from her home in Essex to catch up with Sandy where she regaled us with stories about her life in music and her books too. Sandy also speaks to Joe Harris from The Undisputed Truth and Aussie legend Doug Ashdown.
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Candi Staton: Disco Queen looks back over a lifetime in music
Experiencing a remarkable journey in the music industry, Candi Staton’s life story exemplifies resilience and talent, overcoming adversity and leaving a lasting impact with her powerful voice and timeless music. Candi sits down for a long chat with Sandy Kaye as she looks back over the last 83 years.
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