Ever wondered what it’s like to transition from being one of the UK's first graffiti writers to a distinguished DJ and producer? In our latest episode, we sit down with Richard Sen, who not only faced prison for his graffiti but also first started DJIng through the Acid House movement of the late '80s. We journey through his eclectic career, exploring his collaborations with icons like Brian Ferry and LCD Soundsystem, and discussing the impact of his new album "India Man," which delves deep into his multicultural heritage.

Richard's story is a captivating blend of musical evolution and cultural exploration. From early influences shaped by a legendary Rolling Stones concert to discovering his own music taste through the Two-Tone movement and 80s pop, Richard takes us through the sounds that formed his artistic persona. We also explore the profound influence of hip-hop on his life, particularly how seminal works like "Subway Art" and "Style Wars" inspired his graffiti art during the turbulent times of Thatcher's Britain.

But Richard's journey doesn't stop at music and art. He’s also a criminology scholar and volunteer, dedicated to helping prisoners reintegrate into society. We discuss how his academic pursuits and volunteer work with Saint Giles Trust have provided him with a unique perspective on the justice system. Join us for an episode rich with personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and the transformative power of art and community.

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! 

Listen and buy Richard Sen’s “India man” here.

Listen to Richard’s show on Do!! You!!! Radio every Fri 12-2pm here.

Follow Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s BBC World Service radio documentary “The man who smuggled punk rock across the Berlin Wall” is available now on BBC Sounds. Click here to listen.

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culturet Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Prepare to be inspired as we bring you an electrifying conversation with Blixa Bargeld, the visionary behind Einstürzende Neubauten and a former pivotal figure in Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Discover Blixa's groundbreaking approach to music, from the inventive use of found objects to his rigorously disciplined writing techniques. He shares fascinating, lesser-known anecdotes involving music legends like Jimmy Page and John Lydon, all while combining his signature intensity with moments of humor and profound insight.

Journey with us as we unravel the vibrant musical connections between Berlin and New York, delving into how the unique conditions in both cities fueled a wave of artistic experimentation. Learn about the impact of urban decay and affordability on Berlin's underground culture, drawing parallels to New York's creative flux during the same era. We also explore Neubauten’s latest album "Rampen," delving into its live improvisational essence and the playful genre term "Alien Pop Music," emphasizing how creative constraints can spark unparalleled innovation.

Lastly, we dive deep into Blixa's cryptic and non-linear writing style, understanding how he values the resonance of his work, even if it touches just one person. Blixa reveals his approach to improvisation and how the band's music serves as a medium for intellectual and artistic exploration. Through personal stories about Berlin's music scene in the 70s and 80s and his evolving writing process over the decades, this episode offers an intimate and compelling look into the mind of an avant-garde musical legend.

To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! 

Listen and buy Einstürzende Neubauten’s “Rampen” here.

Follow Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s BBC World Service radio documentary “The man who smuggled punk rock across the Berlin Wall” is available now on BBC Sounds. Click here to listen.

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culturet Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Matthew Collin has written some of the most seminal books about electronic music culture. His latest, ”Dream Machines," captures the essence of innovators who embraced technology to shape the future of music, through looking at electronic in Britain from Doctor Who to Acid House.  Our dialogue spans the rich textures of synth-pop, the deep grooves of dub, and the raw energy of hip-hop, all set against the backdrop of social and cultural revolutions that have ignited forward facing music.

Uncover the influences that have invigorated the electronic music scene, from the revolutionary tape recorders post-World War II to the democratisation of music production that gave rise to bedroom techno artists and acid house legends. Matthew sheds light on the Hartnoll brothers' epic "Chime," and how the biggest expense for the track was £3.50 for cassette. We navigate the complexity of maintaining inclusivity in an industry that's ever-evolving, especially as new technologies like generative AI continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in music innovation.

We explore the intriguing connections between psychedelic music and drugs, where the tabloid frenzy around acid house and ecstasy inadvertently fuelled a cultural movement. We reflect on the indelible marks left by pioneers like Delia Derbyshire and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop on synthesizer-driven pop. Matthew and Paul muse over the challenges of chronicling iconic figures and the importance of placing them within the ever-shifting cultural landscapes.

Dream Machines is available now, published by Omnibus Press

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

I spoke with Gruff Rhys, the always inventive artist, frontman of Super Fury Animals, sometomes half of Neon Neon, author, director and all round potential Welsh national treasure.

Super Fury Animals, often considered the last great band on Creation Records gave  a sense of surreal adventure and a global musical pallet unusual for the Britpop era. They sung sometimes in Welsh, were politically conscious, at one point they had a tank, they mixed in techno, tropicalia and a million other sonic sources and of course there’s that song The Man Don’t Give A Fuck that sampled Steely Dan.

Then at some point, Gruff set out with a solo and collaborative body of work that’s seen his music grow into films, collaborations, such as Neon Neon (with Boom Bip) a book and a rather novel use of power point presentations.

We had a chat about language, about the Velvet Underground, about his film American Interior and about scoring a hit with a song that says “fuck” over 50 times. Enjoy!

Title music by ESO

Fresh up in Lost and Sound today, legendary Brit in Berlin, Mark Reeder. 

Musician, record producer, label owner, the man who bought Joy Division to Berlin, who pioneered Trance with his MFS label, he’s been an outlier and creative force in the city from post-punk to now, whose story of arriving in Berlin over 40 years ago is vividly chronicled in the amazing doc B-Movie. 

This is a kind of redux. A really rather short version of this interview appeared in one of the very first episodes of Lost and Sound, the idea was always to share a much longer cut, because the story he tells, of arriving in Berlin in the 70s initially just to buy some records, and how he smuggled cassettes across the border into East Berlin, eventually setting up a punk gig under the noses of the Stasi, needs to be heard in full. 

Right now, he’s just released SUBVERSIV-DEKADENT, a double album featuring his own tracks, and remixes for the likes of New Order, Yello and Liars. But we recorded this conversation in a cafe on Zossener Strasse, a real cafe with real atmosphere in 2018 on the 1st of May, as the annual street celebrations were kicking off a kilometre away. Get ready to be transported back to the early 80s…

MFS Label Website
Mark Reeder

Title music by ESO 

I had a chat with Hannah Holland - DJ, producer, composer, promoter, label boss. Hannah’s played a key role in London’s alternative and queer club scene since the mid-noughties, firstly as resident at the legendary night Trailer Trash and then with Batty Bass. She’s played everywhere from Panorama Bar to Fabric. Now, not only composing the music for Channel 4’s Adult Material, she’s debuted the krautrock tinged single Midnight Horizon from her new LP.

I know Hannah a little bit from when I was living in east London, but havn’t spoken to her for years. We had a fun, open chat reflecting on the energy and freedom of the party scene in East London during the early naughties, her early experiences being super young and going to Goldie’s Metalheadz nights, building up to a 9 hour set at Panorama Bar and levelling up with new work.

Title music by ESO

This week, I had a chat with Chilly Gonzales, the suave  all round musical polymath. 

Where do you start with Chilly? From early rap-infused works where he declared himself the President of the Berlin Underground, to his sublime Solo Piano albums, via collaborating with Daft Punk, Feist and Jarvis Cocker. Then there's running his own music school (The Gonzervtory) to holding the Guinness world record for the longest ever solo performance and of course writing a book about Enya. We got into a flow that took in everything from the hidden genius in Iggy Azalea’s Fancy to the connection between chamber music and bedroom producers. A charming and erudite gent to spend an hour with!

Title music by ESO

I had a chat with Ella Zwietnig, film composer, sound designer, performer and songwriter. I’ve only recently discovered the Austrian artist’s music, and I was really captivated by the sonic soundworld she creates and the incredible things she does with vocal arrangements. We spoke about the shocking lack of female composers getting work in films, how making electronic music is a liberating power and lots more. It was a super fun chat to have and I hope you enjoy listening.

www.ellazwietnig.com

Title Music by ESO

I spoke with composer and producer Robot Koch. His music is a real cyborg mix of natural stuff like strings and high tech immersive 3D elements. He made an album that toured planetariums and in a change of pace, scored the music for the new Christiane F remake Wir Kinder Vom Banhof Zoo. We had a really warm talk  about the universe and leaving Berlin for LA, amongst other things.

https://www.robotsdontsleep.com

Title music by ESO

I zoomed across to Scotland to have a chat with the one and only Arab Strap - Aidan Mofat and Malcolm Middleton. 

About to release their first new album together for over 15 years - As Days Get Dark, I’ve always loved the band’s confessional lyrics, often pre-occupied with sex and hedonism, half sung, half spoken in Aidan’s Falkirk accent, and the atmosphere they conjur up around this. I felt like I was dropping in on two old friends having a good lunchtime natter and I loved it.

https://www.arabstrap.scot

Title music by ESO

Fresh up on the new Lost and Sound I connected to Istanbul, to chat with the influential pianist and interior architect Büsra Kayıkçı. Her compositions have a unique way of capturing something in the moment and her social media presence, particularly on instagram has become, I think, a really positive beacon in a world where its still perhaps unusual in the west to see a woman wearing a headscarf in a creative role.

I love her sound, the space and emotion she conjures up and I was so fascinated to discover more about how she combines all of her different disciplines, this is what happened one snowy Sunday when we had a chat.

I had a chat with pianist and composer Hania Rani, whose  two beautiful albums so far on the Gondwana label - Esja and last year’s Home to me, feel like the perfect listening for these  snowy days.

I love the atmosphere she’s able to conjure often with little more than piano and we got into a really nice conversation from Berlin to her home in Warsaw about, amongst other things, finding the things that give creative freedom, releasing sheet music, The Hobbit and pianos as objects.

Hania Rani Website

Theme music by ESO

I had an intimate and honest chat with Stuart Staples, frontman of Tindersticks,  who’ve been carving their  unique atmospheric music for over thirty years.

When I first heard them, I was immediately drawn to this kind of melancholic romanticism that they seem to tap so well into. I’d listen and in my mind picture a group of gentleman musicians that wear good  suits and read old paperbacks. On the eve of the release of new LP, Distractions, we had a conversation  from his home in France where we discussed the validity of being pretentious, film scoring, recording in lockdown and what drives his creativity.

Tindersticks

Title music by ESO

Chloé Caillet's career has blown up expodentially in the last couple of years and now with her LGBTQ+ party series SMIILE currently touring the world, the DJ, producer, label owner and party starter sits down with Paul to reflect on her journey.

Growing up between Paris, New York and London, Chloé taps into her rock origins, unveiling her advocacy for Queer party values and talks about balancing the demanding rhythm of a music career with the essential practices of mindfulness, fitness, and therapy. The episode pulsates with Chloe's drive to remain authentic in an industry that constantly evolves, and her insights are a beacon for those navigating the frenetic world of music and self-discovery.

This week's episode isn't just about beats and basslines; it's an anthem to the spaces that music creates and the communities it builds. Our conversation dives into the symbiotic dance between DJing, production, and the influence of diverse musical spaces – from band nights in Paris to the ecstatic communion of raves. We revel in the shared energy that courses through genres, binding the likes of Andrew Weatherall with the unadulterated joy of discovery.

Chloé and Paul round off with a reflection on the scene's metamorphosis, the social fabric of past and present raves, and the how social media is altering underground culture. We share the electric buzz of creating inclusive, empowering spaces that resonate with authenticity, as evidenced by a transformative party in Los Angeles where barriers were joyfully dismantled.

Follow SMIILE

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

I had a chat with Anna Meredith, who is the only person I can think of who has been awarded both an MBE and released albums on indie label Moshi Moshi.  

Mercury nominated Anna has been Composer in Residence with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and won the 2019 Ivor Novello Composer Award for Innovation. Not only that but was Goldie's mentor on the TV show Classic Goldie and at the same time I find her own LPs bristle with an impossible to define physical voltage . I love her unique approach to music, and we had a revealing and, I think, funny chat that debunks a lot of the romantic perceptions about creativity.

http://www.annameredith.com

Title music by ESO

In the new episode, or should I say the Neu! episode, I had a chat with Michael Rother, of legendary Krautrock pioneers Neu! and Harmonia and ten solo LPs.

 I’ve always loved his music, which seemed to birth a kind of radical year zero approach to rock, mixing electronics, experimentation, drones and textures. He was also in a very early line-up of some band called Kraftwerk and we had a really warm chat on a cold morning about his complicated relationship with drummer Klaus Dinger, the new LP Dreaming, which he finished in lockdown and the way in the 70s West German music makers like him made music like nobody had ever heard before.

Michael Rother’s website

Title music by ESO

Enjoy!

For the first Lost and Sound of the year I had the pleasure of chatting with KMRU aka Joseph Kamaru, one of 2020’s true breakout stars, whose stunning field recordings are helping redefine ambient music.
 
Last year he released two LPs, a cassette and tons of tracks and reached high up in much of the music press’ end of year lists. We had a chat about his move from Nairobi to Berlin, the influence of his grandfather, the Kenyan legendary cultural activist Joseph Kamaru and how he translates what he hears into emotive, beautiful sound. Enjoy!

Lost And Sound, is about meeting music people with real vision and together we delve into the culture that inspires them. New episode every Wednesday.

Listen to KMRU on Bandcamp

Title music by ESO 

I hope you enjoy listening!

Lost And Sound, is about meeting music people with real vision and together we delve into the culture that inspires them. 

I spoke with NZCA Lines, aka Micheal Lovett, whose neon-hued disco pop has charmed me since the middle of the last decade. He’s also played with Metronomy and Christine And The Queens and is currently living in New York. We had a really loose and easy chat about living in a new country, vulnerability, sandwiches, Beck’s Midnight Vultures, about having to show up for creativity to happen and the creative benefits of setting limitations. Enjoy!

NZCA Lines on Bandcamp

Title music by ESO 

I spoke with Zakia Sewell,  Broadcaster, DJ and Audio Producer. Her amazing BBC Radio 4 series, My Albion, goes deep into the songs, stories and symbols that make up British national identity and taps into a super inclusive, multicultural and magical look at folklore. Her show every Saturday morning on NTS delves deep into celestial grooves, spiritual jazz, mythical folk and hazy psychedelic sounds and always sets my weekend up in the right way.

I really enjoyed chatting with her about taking an inclusive look at  the land,  the ecosystems of music and  balancing the practical with the woo woo.

My Albion on BBC

Questing on NTS 

Lost and Sound theme music by ESO

I had a chat with Robert Henke, dare I say it a true electronic music pioneer. Composer, artist, software developer and co-creator of Ableton Live. Founding member of Monolake, who were making techno music in Berlin back when I was most likely bopping to Kula Shaker in the indie disco, not that there’s anything wrong with that of course. But we spoke in person before lockdown, and listening back I feel an extra wistfulness in his wonderful descriptions of clubbing as a space to both lose and find yourself. Enjoy! 

And also, from today, Lost and Sound goes weekly. In this strange, tough year the word lost has taken on a new unexpected meaning. But music gets me through and I honestly feel inspiration is flourishing more than ever, wether being forced to be creative about how we approach what we do or just hearing a piece of music in a new way. Sometimes talking about it is a pretty good antidote too. Let’s see how it goes. Lost and Sound, every Wednesday!

I had a chat with the one and only Peaches. Can you believe her seminal work The Teaches of Peaches has just turned 20? We spoke about this, about Daft Punk, about WAP, about her two massive shows last year and not only that, it was the day of the US election, how about that for hyper background ambience! She’s always been someone who I’ve felt to be fearless and totally raw in her work and I was super happy to chat with her.

Peaches website

Lost And Sound music by E S O

This episode is sponsored by talentful.com 

And hosted by bearradio.org , home of English language podcasts from Berlin 

In this episode of Lost and Sound, I spoke with Thurston Moore, founder member of the iconic Sonic Youth, now living in London where he’s inspired by the city’s improv scene. 

I remember as a kid handing over my pocket cash for a copy of the band’s album Daydream Nation and being blown away by the way they played rock music, suddenly, it seemed there were no rules, and that appealed massively. His latest album, By The Fire is incendiary and was recorded just before lockdown. We spoke in late October and had a really good chat about the dimensions of sound, New York’s post punk scene, improvisation, his thoughts about the future of live performance and the uncannily accurate future predicted in The Simpsons, amongst other things. 

A true sonic architect, he was a real gentleman in conversation and I hope you enjoy listening.  

Thurston Moore

Lost And Sound music by E S O

This episode is sponsored by talentful.com 

And hosted by bearradio.org , home of English language podcasts from Berlin 

I met up with Laetitia Sadier.

Singer with the hugely influential group Stereolab and solo artist, we got into a deep and frank conversation about creativity and the state of the world. Her music has been there in my life since I was a lanky teen, so I was thrilled to have this conversation and grateful to Laetitia for being so open! 

I hope you enjoy listening.

Title music by ESO

www.instagram.com/___e.s.o/

Featuring excerpts from Laetitia Sadier Source Enseble's Find Me Finding You LP
www.laetitiasadier.bandcamp.com/album/find-me-finding-you

I met up with iconic DJ, producer and label owner Ellen Allien.

Part punk, part cosmic being. She talks about the early days of Berlin techno, being a resident in legendary venues like Tresor right through to dealing with this weird ol’ year, via playing in the town of her favourite spicy Mexican sauce and noticing the bling in nature.

She’s both a world touring techno icon and a uniquely homegrown hero and I hope you enjoy the chat we had.

https://www.facebook.com/EllenAllien

https://www.instagram.com/ellen.allien

Help support Lost And Sound at 
https://ko-fi.com/lostandsound

Luke Slater has remained an authentic titan in underground clubland for over 35 years. Among the very first European DJs and producers to be influenced by the techno and house coming out of Detroit and Chicago, he speaks with Paul ahead of the release of his new LB Dub Corp album.

Luke and Paul dissect the seismic cultural shifts that propelled a once clandestine scene into a global phenomenon, pondering the balance between the rebellious soul of the genre and its mainstream allure. The dialogue ventures into the impact of technology on music creation, revealing how artists like Slater are not just navigating but shaping this science-fiction reality we live in today.

The episode crescendos as we explore Slater's alchemic process of fusing diverse musical influences, from dub to collaborating with legends like Robert Owens and a spontaneous musical partnership with Miss Kitten. As we recount the journey of Planetary Assault Systems and the birth of tracks shaped by the unique acoustics of venues like Berghain, we draw back the curtain on the philosophy that drives this techno virtuoso's life and art.

The new LB Dub Corp album ‚Saturn To Home‘ is out on Dekmantel on May 24th 2024. Pre-order it here.

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

I had a chat with Merrill Garbus,  who with her long term collaborator and husband Nate Brenner, makes the wonderful sound that is Tune-Yards. 

The first time I heard Tune-Yards, I think it being on the 4AD label drew me in, I totally fell for the rhythms and harmonies bursting out of the at the time lo-fi production. Ever since then, new Tune-Yards material is always such heaven to my ears, whether its been on big tunes like Water Fountain or scoring the film Sorry To Bother You. 

Zapping in from Oakland, California, where the skies were still very much effected by fires. We speak about her long term support for Black Lives Matter, feminism and how that plays a role in her songwriting. In the process, the conversation kind of became an examination of the cultural issues behind Paul Simon’s Graceland. 

There’s also a new tune, Nowhere, Man out this week, which takes their sound to realms of squelchy funk.

I hope you enjoy listening.

For the first face to face interview in ages, I met up with the one and only Ghostpoet. 

Twice Mercury Prize nominated, genre-defying and also a really nice guy. We went for a tea and had a chat about his recent LP, the massively brooding and krauty I Grow Tired But Dare Not Fall Asleep, why he decided to move to Berlin during a pandemic and being a musical outsider. It’s definitely one of those interviews that just freewheels and does its thing, I had lots of fun, I hope you do listening.

www.ghostpoet.co.uk

In the new episode of Lost and Sound, we go over to Brooklyn to chat with DJ, producer and multi media artist Tygapaw. 

I love the ferocious, eclectic energy of her mixes. She talks about growing up in Jamaica, going to dancehall seshuns whilst also listening to Nirvana and how she grew in confidence as a DJ in New York and setting up the club night and label, Fake Accent to raise the visibility of black queer artists in New York.

Recently she made the EP, An Ode To Black Trans Lives, in one day during the height of the recent protests. A lot of ground gets covered, I loved chatting with Tygapaw and I hope you enjoy listening.

www.instagram.com/tygapaw/

www.instagram.com/fakeaccentrecords/

In Season 3, I’m setting off to discover how music can connect us all around the world now and in the future. And who better than choreographer and dancer Kianí Del Valle to talk about how music and the body are connected.

A true global traveller, her stunningly physical work has appeared in videos for Floating Points, Dirty Projectors, Matthew Dear and Clark, and her troupe The KDV Dance Ensemble recently headlined at Berlin’s legendary music venue Funkhaus. 

She talks about how music and physicality played a role in her childhood in Puerto Rico, how creativity in groups can evolve through the crisis and the benefits we can reap from shaking it all up.

Also, you lucky people, Kianí has made a kaleidoscopic playlist of music that’s inspired her, listen here…

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1TNbxUnHlCAUI3zK3z3qK8?si=gibVAA9hTdO9kDHULHkeeg

Title music by ESO

This episode features two tracks from Kiani’s playlist:

Tendril by Lyra Pramuk 

Laniakia by Ziúr

Mastered by Kieron Yates

Hosted by Bear Radio 

And you can check out other English language podcasts from Berlin by visiting 

www.bearradio.org

Please hit subscribe and leave a comment if you enjoyed

Hi and welcome back. In Season 3, I’m setting off to discover how music can connect us all around the world now and in the future.

And who better to start with than a true globe trotter, Ahmed Gallab, better known as Sinkane. I’ve always found it totally impossible to listen to his fusion of Afro rock, funk, krautrock and Sudanese pop and without feeling totally energised!

From his home in Brooklyn on a recent Sunday morning, he speaks about the importance of slowing down, and how creativity can shine through this.

A bloody charming chap, just like his music really. And I came away feeling super inspired, and much better in myself about slowing down over the last few months. I hope you enjoy and a little of his vibe rubs off on you too!

https://www.sinkane.com

It’s Friday night. Finally, I actually go clubbing. Kyiv’s top venue for underground music, Closer provides a valued space for the city's creatives to meet and dance. I meet up with the co-op’s PR officer, Alisa Mullen, who talks about how she quit a 9-5 job, like many others in the last few years, on a mission to give creativity, music and dancing a spectacular platform in the city. 

Music Credits:

Adventure Time by Ghetto Sunrise

Part of Criminal Practice, a Kyiv dj and producer community

Check out more on their Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ghetto_sunrise

https://soundcloud.com/criminal_practice

Kiss by John Object

https://soundcloud.com/johnobject

Support the show (https://www.ko-fi.com/lostandsound)

Friday afternoon, I met up with Maya and Tanya, two thirds of Tight Magazine - the stylish online zine with an international and erudite approach to music culture. 

High up on a hill, overlooking the giant Motherland Monument,  we talk about how their new post-soviet generation are making the most of the shifting landscape in the city and forging new creative outlets and collaborations.

Check out the magazine here: https://en.tight.media

The music you heard in this episode, chosen by Maya and Tanya is…

Xtal by A-Body

VA Deck by Acid Jordan

Both these tracks released on the compilation ШЩЦ/SHITS 01

A kyiv based record label and experimental events series focussing on innovative and obscure underground music

You can buy the compilation as a Limited Edition DVD or as MP3 via their Bandcamp page. 

https://ssshitsss.bandcamp.com/releases

All the music you hear in this series is by Kiev based artists

Support the show (https://www.ko-fi.com/lostandsound)

Timur Dzhafarov records and DJs under the name John Object. He makes sublime, hectic electronic music that reflects the over-saturation of modern life. 

We met up in Ocean Plaza - the second largest shopping mall in Ukraine. We discuss difficult music, how a creative journey led from The Beatles to playing at Cxema - Kyiv’s most prominent techno party and how KFC is a metaphor for European capitalism. All of this in the coleslaw isle of a supermarket. 

Music Credits:

Bellweather by John Object

Available on his Heat EP

Released on the Bio Future Laboratory label

You can buy it digitally by going onto the Bio Future Laboratory Bandcamp

https://soundcloud.com/johnobject

https://soundcloud.com/bio-future-lab

Support the show (https://www.ko-fi.com/lostandsound)

My second day in Kyiv began meeting up with multi-media artist Georgiy Potopalskiy - who records as Ujif_Norfound. His studio is high up on a hill, surrounded by technology old and new, where he is immersed in street art, audio visual tech and has a new LP that is 5 hours long. Georgiy talks poetically about how the landscape around him influences his work.

Music Credits:

Process excerpt by Ujif_Notfound (Kvitnu Records)

Car Beat by Ujif_Notfound

http://kvitnu.com

http://www.un2114.com

Support the show (https://www.ko-fi.com/lostandsound)

My first day in Kyiv, I met with Igor, Vera and Alex, the collective behind Kyiv party organisers and label, Rhythm Büro. They've created a niche for atmospheric and deep techno. We meet in their bunker-like studio where they talk about their backgrounds and how deep sounds inspire them.

Music credits

Log by Na Nich

The Key by Na Nich

And you can find out how to buy digital and 12” vinyl of that from their Soundcloud

https://soundcloud.com/rhythm-buro

All the music you hear in this series is by Kiev based artists

Support the show (https://www.ko-fi.com/lostandsound)

Imagine stepping into a studio where the walls echo with a fusion of alt-pop and club ready electronic innovation, colored with the vibrant heritage of Honduran American culture. That's the journey we embark upon with multi-hyphenate Lorely Rodriguez, better known as Empress Of. Lorely doesn't just talk about her music, she takes us through the raw and transformative process of her creative process.

The conversation takes us deeper, where the art of music production unfolds in its most genuine form. Stripping back the layers, Lorely muses on how the simplest of melodies can sometimes reveal the true strength of a composition. The chat turns to tales of stepping into the unknown, embracing the newness of a studio gadget, or the raw vulnerability of an acoustic performance.

For Your Consideration by Empress Of is available now here.

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

I’ve been living in Berlin for nearly two years now, I went to meet fellow Brit, Sasha Perera, aka Perera Elsewhere. Her soulful and experimental electronica feels both London and distinctly Berlin. She moved here at a time the Stadt was off many people’s radar and she talks frankly and with searing wit about cultural identity.

Lost and Sound In Berlin is a podcast exploring music and identity in Berlin written and produced by myself, Paul Hanford. Theme music by Tom Giddins

This episode also features Sunk In Motion by Perera Elsewhere Featuring Dis Fig

Check out her website

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It’s a year full of change, and for the first podcast of the year the theme is Protest. 

I met up with DJ and film maker Ace of Demons, part of the No Shade crew, who explained to me the way gentrification threatens diversity in Berlin, and what we can do to make conscious decisions. 

Then I went to meet Berlin legend and Possibly the suavest man to have been a political prisoner, the leader of an experimental band and a one time housemate of Nick Cave - Christoph Dreher, who recounts the atmosphere and of protest in 1970s West Berlin and the incredible story that led to the birth of his band - Die Haut.

I met up for with three artists pushing club music expectations here in Berlin. Perel is signed to New York’s DFA label but sings in Deutsch. Her album, Hermetica, is one of my favourite’s this year, she talks frankly about finding her musical identity. Simon Kaiser runs the night, TRADE, bringing an experimental edge to the party scene. And Bakläxa brings touches of UK Bass to her genre-mashing sets, she joined me for a coffee along Graefestraße. Recorded on location in Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

www.facebook.com/perelmusic

www.facebook.com/tradeberlin

www.facebook.com/bklxa

I went off to explore how creating the right environment is so key to making music. Ulrike Haage, pianist, sound artist and composer talks about the way food unlocks creativity, and then over on Washauer Straße, Tom and Nadine talk about what inspired them to build the Michelberger Hotel, and how this space inspired a music festival.

Lebensqualität = Quality of Life

https://www.ulrikehaage.com

https://michelbergerhotel.com/de/

Paul starts the day in Neukölln, meeting electronic producer and DJ Mobilegirl. Then heads over to Karl Marx Allee to grab a coffee with producer Ziúr. These two artists share a similar approach that avoids easy categorisation. Then Paul heads to the historic surroundings of the Martin Gropius Bau museum to talk with Ben Fawkes from the ISM (The Institute For Sound and Music) about how electronic music is creating it's own immersive space within the art world. https://soundcloud.com/mobilegirl https://soundcloud.com/ziurziurziur https://www.berlin-ism.com 

Paul meets two legendary Brits who’ve made Berlin their special place. Daniel Miller, founder of Mute Records, and the man behind the original electro-erotic classic Warm Leatherette, talks about how Berlin inspired him and Mute artists such as The Birthday Party and Depeche Mode in the 80s to his first DJ set at Berghain. Then, Paul heads to Kreuzberg to meet Mancunian legend, label boss Mark Reeder, who came here forty years ago to buy some records, never left, and how he helped organise illegal punk gigs in East Berlin under the noses of the Stasi. You can find out about Mark’s new album Mauerstadt here… www.mauerstadt.com 

Paul meets No Shade, the all female and non-binary DJ collective addressing gender values on the dance-floor. Then he hotfoots it to Wedding to meet Daniella De Picciotto, the multi-disciplinery artist who co-founded one of the city’s most defining happenings - The Love Parade. Supported using public funding by The Arts Council of England

Paul arrives in Berlin and drinks tea with Alexander Hacke from Einstürzende Neubauten and then meets students and teachers at Music Unite - a music workshop for people who have experienced being refugees. 

Supported using public funding by The Arts Council of England

Sebastian Mullaert, prodigious electronic musician and former classical violist, voted by Resident Advisor as one of the world’s top live acts and twice Swedish Grammy nominated, reveals the enigmatic blend of spontaneity and meticulous craftsmanship that defines his practice, from his transition into electronic music, his acclaimed Circle Of Live project and his latest collaborative project HIND with Henrik Frendin.

The essence of creativity and connection takes centre stage in this episode, where the interplay between intellect and emotion in music is dissected. Sebastian explores the transformative power of presence in the artistic process. Music lovers and creators alike will find resonance in our discussion on the challenges of pop production, and the importance of infusing recordings with the authenticity of the human touch.

Finally, we challenge conventional notions of creativity, venturing beyond the quantifiable into the realm of natural energy and life force. In a society that often equates creativity with productivity, Sebastian advocates for an approach that honours the ebb and flow of the artistic cycle, emphasising the importance of nurturing an environment where artists can truly thrive. Sebastian Mullaert's insights serve as both inspiration and invitation to rediscover the joys of unfettered artistic expression.

The album HIND – Sebastian‘s collaboration with Henrik Frendin is released 24th May via Lamour Records, pre-order it here.

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Alt R&B sonic sculptor Eddington Again and I shared stories of our creative voyages—one leading to the bustling streets of Berlin, and the other to the quiet solitude of a writing nook. In our latest episode, the songwriter, singer and composer delves into their artistic metamorphosis, charting a course from their West Coast beginnings to the introspective melodies of their debut album "Naomi 9." Our conversation taps into how physical spaces, from sun-kissed coasts to the brooding German capital, leave an indelible mark on artistic expression.

There's an unspoken language in the meticulous composition of music, much like the careful curation of a living space. This episode peels back the layers of Eddington Again‘s songwriting craft, where each note is placed with intention, telling its own story. We wax poetic about the pressures of industry demands and the constant pursuit of output, celebrating the purest form of expression that emerges despite, or perhaps because of, these challenges. It's a dialogue that honors the intricate dance of creating art that resonates with the soul of listeners.

Finally, we bridge the gap between solitude and the rich tapestry of collaboration. Reflecting on the transition from pen to keyboard, and how our individual journeys through isolation can unexpectedly fuel the creative flames. Eddington Again opens up about the dynamics of working solo versus in harmony with others, and the search for those rare collaborators who share the same fervor for music.

Eddington Again‘s album Naomi9 is out now on !K7 Records here

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to assert artistic independence in the ever-changing maelstrom of the music industry? Alt popstar Allie X joins us this week to unravel the tapestry of her career, from the depths of Canada's underground to her rise to stardom, and the creative force behind her latest LP "The Girl With No Face." Together, we traverse the terrain of her musical influences, the unmistakable imprint of '80s new wave and synthpop on her work, and the challenges she had been secretly braving in the industry.

Through tales of attending legendary rock concerts to embracing the nuances of goth culture, we celebrate the journey of music-making and the intimate relationship between influence and personal expression. Allie X pulls back the curtain on the meticulous craft of album production, from the steep learning curves to mastering Ableton Live—all through the lens of an artist who maintains control over every beat of her journey.

As the spotlight intensifies, we get real about the seldom-discussed intersection of chronic illness and the music industry. The conversation shifts to the raw and vulnerable aspects of Allie X's life, challenging the norms of what it means to be a public figure with private battles. Hear how the power of fan support emboldens authenticity and risk-taking in an artist's evolution. We wrap up with the emotional highs and lows that accompany an artist's trajectory, emphasizing the significance of resilience and the profound impact of a community that listens and lifts each other up through the rhythm of life.

The Girl With No Face is available now, order it here.

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Step into the ambient world of trailblazer Dr. Alex Paterson of The Orb, sharing his captivating story on Lost in Sound. Our journey with Alex takes us from the inception of ambient house to his acoustic adventures with the Sedibus project, all while uncovering the artistic vigor that has fueled his five-decade-long voyage through the music industry. We relish the nostalgia of chart-topping victories, a totally surreal chess-themed performance on Top of the Pops, and delve into the enduring resonance of "Little Fluffy Clouds."

With laughter and earnest reflection, Alex recalls the exuberance of the acid house scene, his time as a roadie for Killing Joke, and the antics of The KLF, painting a vibrant picture of the friendships and chaos that shaped an era. This episode isn't just a look back at the past; it's a testament to music's timeless journey and the undying passion that drives an artist like Alex, who eschews retirement and zeitgeist for the relentless pursuit of creation.

Finally, through candid anecdotes and personal memories, Alex provides insight into the lasting influence of late artists, muses humorously about secret islands for escaping fame, and shares how non-traditional musicians like himself have brought new sounds to the forefront. From wild rave stories to the enduring friendships forged in the heat of the acid house scene's heyday, this episode is an affectionate homage to the rhythms that keep legends like Dr. Alex Patterson crafting the soundtrack of our lives.

The second Sedibus album ‘SETI’ out now on Orbscure Recordings, check it out here. 

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Embark on a journey through the innovative soundscape of Jasper Marsalis, known artistically as Slauson Malone 1, in a conversation that transcends the conventional boundaries of music genres. As we sit down with Jasper, we uncover the multifaceted layers of his album "Excelsior," a fusion of the avant-garde, alt R&B, and lo-fi rock that defies easy categorization. He talks about his rich heritage, his father being Pulitzer Prize winning jazz legend Winton Marsalis, yet this ain’t no nepo baby: Jasper is an acclaimed exhibiting visual artist and his music feels like the communication of a true outlier.

In a broader exploration of artistic expression, we tackle the subjective nature of art evaluation and the complex dynamics of inspiration. Through discussions on alter egos in music to the legacy of 60s experimental composers, we navigate the interwoven themes of music, societal commentary, and the creative legacy that define our cultural landscape. Jasper's reflections on balancing the weight of a musical family name with his individual path provide a candid glimpse into the world where personal history and artistic aspiration converge. Join us for this compelling episode, where we dissect the essence of what makes music a timeless form of human connection and self-expression.

Excelsior is out now on Warp Records

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Paul heads into a deep dive into the transformative world of improvised music, where Anenon aka Brian Allen Simon shares his artistic evolution. From crafting beats in LA's vibrant Low End Theory scene to the raw, unedited improv of his latest work 'Moons Melt Milk Lights,' we uncover the emotional resonance that springs forth when production veils are lifted.

Embark on a journey through the creative ebbs and flows that define a musician's life, as Anenon recounts his transition from a digital realm to the tangible immediacy of live performance. The quiet of the pandemic served as an unlikely muse, presenting Anenon with the time to refine his mastery of saxophone and piano – a path that culminated in an album unmarked by edits, a pure expression of presence and vulnerability.

Moons Melt Milk Light is out now on Tonal Union

Presented and produced by Paul Hanford 

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’s debut book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is out now on Velocity Press. Click here to find out more. 

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins