In this special episode of The UNTITLED Podcast, host Indira Cesarine is joined by a true music legend, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran. Renowned for their iconic hits like “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “Girls on Film,” Duran Duran has significantly influenced the sound of pop music over the past four decades.
In our exclusive interview, Nick Rhodes, the iconic keyboardist of Duran Duran, delves into the band’s extraordinary legacy, their evolving sound, and the upcoming release of their highly anticipated deluxe album Danse Macabre. Known for their pioneering contributions to music videos, innovative sound, and captivating performances, Duran Duran has left an indelible mark on music history.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Duran Duran continues to affirm their status as one of the most influential bands in music history. This episode delves into the band’s recent achievements, including their sold-out arena tours across Europe and North America, their electrifying three-night stint at the Hollywood Bowl, and their headlining performance at London’s Hyde Park.
Nick Rhodes, a pivotal creative force behind Duran Duran’s iconic visual and sonic identity, offers insights into the band’s extraordinary journey and his own photography work, including his collaborations with The Untitled Magazine, featuring artists such as Charli XCX.
Rhodes opened up about the creative spark behind Danse Macabre, revealing that the album was inspired by the band’s love of Halloween. It’s a project filled with both nostalgia and innovation, featuring covers, reimagined versions of Duran Duran classics, and collaborations with artists like Nile Rodgers and Måneskin’s Victoria De Angelis. The deluxe edition of the album, which drops digitally on October 11th, also includes collaborations with former Duran Duran members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo, bringing a unique mix of past and present to the band’s ever-evolving sound. Rhodes explained, “It all started after a Halloween gig we did in 2022—something about the energy from that night sparked the idea for the whole album.”
The deluxe edition of Danse Macabre is more than just a collection of music; it’s an experience designed to captivate the band’s loyal fanbase. In true Duran Duran fashion, the band has infused the release with a theatrical flair, offering a limited-edition vinyl box set that includes tarot cards, a spirit board, and séance photos sourced from an auction, which Rhodes noted, “add a touch of the surreal and supernatural that really complements the album’s mood.”
For decades, Duran Duran has remained a groundbreaking force in music, pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to present their art. The band’s early embrace of music videos, a relatively new medium at the time, set them apart from their peers. Rhodes reflected on the significance of the music video for the band’s success, sharing the story of how their video for “Planet Earth” became a massive hit in Australia in the early 1980s. “We realized how powerful the medium could be,” Rhodes explained. “It allowed us to communicate our music visually in a way that hadn’t been done before.”
Duran Duran’s contributions to the evolution of the music video cannot be overstated. Their visually stunning and highly produced videos, such as “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio,” helped to define the MTV generation and cemented the band’s place as pioneers of the format. Rhodes credited the timing of their rise to fame, noting, “When we were putting out our first music, video recorders had just come of age. We were able to create something new and exciting, and it became a huge part of our identity.”
In addition to their impact on visual storytelling, Duran Duran’s music has continuously evolved while maintaining the essence of their original sound. The band recently re-released their first five studio albums on vinyl, a project spearheaded by Rhodes to ensure that their early work could be experienced in its original form. “Vinyl is still my favorite format,” he said. “It sounds more like what we hear in the studio when we’re making the record.”
As the band prepares for their upcoming North American tour, which kicks off on October 21st and includes a highly anticipated Halloween performance at Madison Square Garden, Rhodes reflected on the band’s enduring ability to connect with audiences. He explained that Duran Duran’s live performances are designed to create an emotional impact, whether it’s making people smile, tapping their feet, or evoking memories. “It’s all about affecting the audience emotionally,” Rhodes shared. “When you can make someone feel something through a performance, that’s when you’ve succeeded.”
Since their formation in 1978, Duran Duran has sold over 100 million records worldwide, earning numerous accolades and awards. Known for their blend of post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop, Duran Duran’s influence on modern music is undeniable. Their innovative use of technology, combined with a penchant for cinematic flair, helped shape the future of pop and rock music, securing their place in the canon of music history. With Danse Macabre, they continue to push artistic boundaries, crafting a release that celebrates both their past and their continued relevance in the modern music landscape.
The full interview with Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran is available now on The UNTITLED Podcast, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon, and more of your favorite podcast channels, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most influential and creative forces.
Tune in to discover Episode 5: “Duran Duran: Exploring The Legacy And Future Of One Of Pop Music’s Greatest Bands With Nick Rhodes”.
The UNTITLED Podcast, hosted by The Untitled Magazine’s founder and editor-in-chief, Indira Cesarine, features exclusive, in-depth conversations with some of the most inspirational talents in the entertainment and arts industries. Each episode offers a candid glimpse into the lives and careers of today’s most compelling figures. With a focus on authenticity and intimate storytelling, The UNTITLED Podcast goes beyond the surface to uncover the passions, struggles, and triumphs that define each guest.
For more details about The UNTITLED Podcast or to schedule an interview with Indira Cesarine, please contact The Untitled Magazine via email: info @ untitled-magazine.com
