By Nat
I still have a DDM membership. I always remember its renewal time because it’s around my birthday. Long, long ago, I must have gifted myself a subscription. When I renewed my subscription is when I last visited the site in depth. Several fans have expressed how s/he have let their subscriptions lapse. I get it. While the website has been updated with content, the community aspect and VIP access has declined. I shall not go down this “rabbit hole” right now, Dear Readers.
I maintain a DDM subscription for VIP tickets and exclusive content. Katy recently announced the return of the “End of the Year” Kafes. This is the material that I subscribe to attain. Therefore, her 2021 proclamation was met with a joyful heart. I don’t listen to Katy and Simon’s “Whoosh” podcast. It seems to be doing well. I don’t listen to “Whoosh” episodes because I don’t have the time to listen to individual episodes and I think my musical tastes differ from their musical tastes. I respect that she and Simon have created a new collaboration. I would love to read someone’s opinion of their podcast on this platform. Perhaps, it would change my mind.
This blog seeks to explain why I enjoy the “Year End” Kafe episodes. Once upon a time, when I still had my beloved IPod Classic, I would download the episodes and listen at my leisure or repeatedly. I no longer have the download capability; I suspect this unavailability is intentional. DDM wants to keep subscribers with exclusive content. Well Played, Duran Duran! I enjoyed when the Daily Duranie posted summaries of the Kafe interviews; it was a valued time-saver.
I appreciate the “End of Year” Kafes because each band member gets individual attention. Some band members are more verbal than others and I like that each man gets to express himself without interruption or influence of his bandmates. By their conversations, you can tell that the band members have a relationship with Katy. This leads to a more intimate interview. John, Roger, Nick and Simon respond to her with more familiarity than other interviewers. Katy asks them to recap highlights of their year. These are the details that we don’t get from other sources. Katy has learned as moderator to press or back off of an issue. My favorite moments are when she asks for exclusive information nuggets and the band member skillfully declines or casually exercises largesse and obliges her.
I haven’t begun to listen to this year’s contributions. In fact, I’m treating myself to Roger’s episode when I submit this blog. I have yet to have a leather arm chaired, coffee chat with John in a bookstore, pontificate on life with Roger during a countryside walk, eat popcorn beside Nick before a film or Zoom chat with Simon for a charity. Until then, I shall listen to the monthly/yearly DDM Katy Kafes with deep affection. I also will continue to maintain a DDM subscription to have access to them.
With Warm Regards
