Bogdan Raczynski has created a body of work as enigmatic as it is enthralling. Rumoured to have been discovered sleeping on a bench in Tokyo by Aphex Twin, he’s collaborated with Björk, remixed Autechre and at one point took a break from electronica to release an album inspired by Polish folk music.
Bogdan reflects on nearly three decades of defying norms within the music industry. We discuss his latest work, "You're Only Young Once, but You Can Be Stupid Forever," which captures his signature blend of playfulness and depth. Through the lens of his childhood experiences as a political refugee and his unique perspective on the world, we explore how these elements shape his creative process and continue to influence his groundbreaking sound.
As we talk with Bogdan, we explore creativity beyond the constraints of commercial success—we ponder the societal limitations that stifle potential artists. Emphasizing the importance of ambiguity in art, Bogdan shares personal anecdotes from his past, challenging the conventional need for predefined interpretations and advocating for spontaneous, personal engagements with creative works.
Our conversation also delves into the complex interplay between music, identity, and defiance. Bogdan shares how moments of feeling different have shaped his artistic identity, from the childhood discovery of a humorous hip-hop cassette to finding his place within the IDM scene of the '90s. We also tackle the struggle of balancing music with other career paths and the journey towards achieving a flow state in creativity.
You’re Only Young Once But You Can Be Stupid Forever is available on Vinyl / CD / download / stream from 18th October on Disciples. Check it out here.
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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.
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Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins