Pat Kane of Hue and Cry on New Single “Stronger,” Post-Post-Punk Authenticity, and Keeping Imperfection in the Music

Host Tony Mantor introduces his podcast Almost Live Nashville and welcomes Pat Kane of Hue and Cry, the late-1980s duo known for blending pop, jazz, and sophisticated songwriting, including the hit “Labor of Love” from Seduced and Abandoned. Kane discusses promoting the new single “Stronger” and an upcoming album (out March 29), describing it as an optimistic electronic departure that reconnects with the band’s earlier electric phase while keeping their “post post-punk” core.

He cites influences including The Human League, jazz, big bands, and classic soul, and reflects on unexpected success, the political-romantic metaphor and production of “Labor of Love,” and the intensity and intuition of writing with his brother Greg.

Kane shares lessons about empathy in the music business, moments of renewed visibility via Grand Theft Auto and TV, resisting commercial pressure, valuing authenticity amid AI, embracing machine quirks in recording, and where to find the band online.

01:51 New Single and Album
02:28 Post Post Punk Vision
03:21 Influences and Sound
04:21 Breakout Success Stories
05:41 Why Labor of Love
06:38 Brothers in the Band
07:27 Hard Lessons in Music
08:21 Pop Culture Comeback
10:53 Staying Authentic
12:31 Start With Stronger
13:43 Fighting for Art
15:13 What Keeps Fans Hooked
16:22 Songs That Heal
18:09 AI and Real Performance
20:20 Machines and Happy Accidents
23:34 Advice for Creators
24:28 Stadiums vs Intimate Gigs
25:25 Where to Find Hue and Cry
26:25 Final Thanks

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI

Pat Kane of Hue and Cry on New Single “Stronger,” Post-Post-Punk Authenticity, and Keeping Imperfection in the Music 
Host Tony Mantor introduces his podcast Almost Live Nashville and welcomes Pat Kane of Hue and Cry, the late-1980s duo known for blending pop, jazz, and sophisticated songwriting, including the hit “Labor of Love” from Seduced and Abandoned. Kane discusses promoting the new single “Stronger” and an upcoming album (out March 29), describing it as an optimistic electronic departure that reconnects with the band’s earlier electric phase while keeping their “post post-punk” core. 
He cites influences including The Human League, jazz, big bands, and classic soul, and reflects on unexpected success, the political-romantic metaphor and production of “Labor of Love,” and the intensity and intuition of writing with his brother Greg. 
Kane shares lessons about empathy in the music business, moments of renewed visibility via Grand Theft Auto and TV, resisting commercial pressure, valuing authenticity amid AI, embracing machine quirks in recording, and where to find the band online.
01:51 New Single and Album 
02:28 Post Post Punk Vision 
03:21 Influences and Sound 
04:21 Breakout Success Stories 
05:41 Why Labor of Love 
06:38 Brothers in the Band 
07:27 Hard Lessons in Music 
08:21 Pop Culture Comeback 
10:53 Staying Authentic 
12:31 Start With Stronger 
13:43 Fighting for Art 
15:13 What Keeps Fans Hooked 
16:22 Songs That Heal 
18:09 AI and Real Performance 
20:20 Machines and Happy Accidents 
23:34 Advice for Creators 
24:28 Stadiums vs Intimate Gigs 
25:25 Where to Find Hue and Cry 
26:25 Final Thanks
INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild 
Mantor Music BMI

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism & Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Nashville based veteran music producer Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville podcast takes its listener on a journey through the business of music and entertainment. Following the success and popularity of his top-rated podcast on Autism &amp; Mental Health awareness - Why Not Me? - Mantor hosts thought-provoking conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from various celebrity guests from the world of music, television and entertainment. With more than 30 years as an accomplished music producer based in Nashville, Mantor welcomes a worldly guest list of musicians, actors and entertainers who share their unique stories about the roles they’ve played in creating and sustaining what we know as popular American culture. Conversations and stories that also give a deeper understanding on what it takes to achieve success in the entertainment industry for aspiring entertainers who are currently pursuing their own dreams of being a star someday. Whether listening for the entertainment or storytelling factor alone, or for tips on how his guests faced their life’s challenges, Almost Live… Nashville will have a story for anyone who has been a fan of popular culture in music, movies and television over the last few decades.

Tony Mantor's : Almost Live..... Nashville

Hue and Cry: The Evolution of Brothers in Harmony

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/df046602-2614-4827-9e2f-b4d5016a9388/transcript