If you didn’t know, Phonic FM broadcasts beneath Exeter Phoenix. On 7 August 2026, Jim Semmens, better known as Phonic Jim, invited me into the studio for his Modulation show.
The programme goes out live each Friday and is also recorded so that people can listen afterwards. Phonic FM describes Modulation as featuring the very best in mod, ska, punk and indie. It is probably one of the best things you can do on a Friday night with your clothes on!
Jim is a big supporter of new bands and cares deeply about keeping the South West music scene alive. That is exactly what Involving Music stands for, so naturally I found an opportunity to mention IM between the music.
We chatted about Exeter’s venues and how, most weeks, you can find something worth going out to see. The city may be small, but its live music scene still offers plenty for anybody willing to look.
After the radio show, we raced across Exeter for a gig at the Cavern, promoted by Jim and headlined by King Zepha. The band combined ska, rocksteady, dub and jazz with wailing horns, thunderous bass and three-part harmonies.
Support came courtesy of Glyn Wilcox, lead singer of The Simmertones and a presenter on Palm Torbay Radio.
For anybody unfamiliar with the Cavern, it sits in the centre of Exeter and has the intimate, atmospheric feel that suits a grassroots gig. The show did not sell out, although Exeter was experiencing an unusual heatwave. Jim was still pleased to have brought King Zepha to the city. We need more people prepared to put on gigs like this.
Glyn came over to say hello and talk about his music after appearing on the radio show. Because of the timing, we missed the beginning of his performance, but what we heard was memorable. Glyn is a powerful singer, and his music makes you want to dance. The bright sound of ska and reggae went down well with the crowd.
King Zepha
After a short break, King Zepha took the stage. There had been a slight complication: the trombone player had accidentally left his instrument in Bristol following a gig the night before. Luckily, The Barefoot Bandit came to the rescue.
The missing trombone did not derail the evening. I enjoyed the jazzy instrumentals just as much as the high-energy ska numbers, which soon had the crowd dancing.
At one point, the saxophonist led members of the audience out of the main room, around the adjoining bar and back again. It captured the good-humoured energy of the performance and made the audience part of the show.
After the gig, I spoke with singer Sam Thornton. Sam explained that this was King Zepha’s first visit to Exeter, although hopefully it will not be their last. The band are due to tour Europe next year.
That is why it is worth going out to see live music when the opportunity appears. One evening you are watching a band in an intimate South West venue. Before long, they could be playing their way across Europe.
Music can be discussed, analysed and remembered. At its best, though, it still has to be felt in the room.
(L to R Richard Trump, Sarah Kemp, Jim Semmens and Glyn Wilcox)
