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Radical Optimism kicks off SEASON 2 with none other than THEE Pop Star giving Disco life, DUA LIPA. Over Zoom, Arman dials Dua — sitting at the Chateau with a green juice in hand — the two have a laugh, talk about music's transcendent power to break language barriers, and what it was like to call her upon her idols and create the anthems of Future Nostalgia soundtracking our states of self-isolation WHILE topping the Billboard Charts and becoming the most streamed album in history. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that it takes strength to be optimistic and fully present: Dua's Future Nostalgia serves as a testament to our collective need for more positivity — through the lens of an intergenerational dance party, of course.

WOLFGANG TILLMANS and ARMAN NAFÉEI sit down in his studio in Berlin - full of plants, printers, photographs and warmth. This journey through TILLMANS’ mind is one to enjoy - taking us from his first purchase of a $20 flash gun camera, to playing an unreleased track live on the show, and discussing the COVID vs HIV crisis, and shared yearning for the return of nightlife and human connection. TILLMANS is as prolific, perceptive and evolved as ever.

Almost exactly a year since his set at the Hollywood Palladium, we’ve tapped-in with the illustrious techno powerhouse RICHIE HAWTIN for a candid fireside chat on everything—from COVID's effects on the live music industry, to the lasting impact of the "Motor City" on his life and career. In this interview, HAWTIN situates his own work between the hypnotism of acid tracks and the futurism felt within Detroit Techno, noting the love of the 303’s raw simplicity and finding the similar feeling within a track by The Rah Band in his youth. Bonus: Can you guess his second-ever concert experience? Well, it’s none other than the late, great Prince.

With Colette at 20 and three years since it closed the boutique’s influence over the aesthetics of thee retail shopping experience remains unparalleled. Once noted as Karl Lagerfeld’s only go-to Parisian shoppe, the successful formula predates the contemporary “brand-activation,” simply based on the deeply personal connection with just about every “product” in-store. In this episode, SARAH ANDELMAN talks about her own musical history—forever reflected within Colette’s iconic compilations—plus her most recent obsession with Khruangbin and Olympic films on Criterion. Creative Directors: take note!

After being active almost two decades, THE KILLS’ catalogue remains rightfully cemented within our rock ’n’ roll memory In this episode, VV and HOTEL are on the eve of releasing Little Bastards, a collection of B-Sides and Rarities, so it’s only right that we discuss the records that influenced their blissfully hypnotic sound. From the allure of Punk and skateboarding culture to The Neptunes “brutal” drum machines on Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury, the duo talk about the legacy of Gary’s Bar and Trash in London, the fresh feeling of gigging across America, and embracing the limitations of your equipment.

The dance floor has always been the site for raw, unfiltered expression, which, in the current moment, takes on an immeasurable significance, leaving us yearning for togetherness. In this episode, Rhythm Section founder BRADLEY ZERO talks about London’s cultural explosion throughout the past two decades: from his own presence as a radio host/promoter/label owner, to working with Boiler Room when the platform was still too young to be defined. In pondering the future of nightlife, ZERO shares with us his affection for Leeds’ Carnival and Leeds’ Festival, one notably much angstier than the other. https://areweonair.com/bradley-zero https://www.instagram.com/areweonair/ https://www.instagram.com/armannafeei/

The legendary Irish singer, songwriter and powerful performer ROÍSÍN MURPHY emphasizes the importance of revisiting the past to inform the future. In this episode, we catch the wonderful and delightful Disco Queen and talked about our shared passion for Italian Cinéma and music from Lucio Battisti and Mina to her latest record Roísín Machine and of course, Moloko.

What words can even come close enough to capture the essence and magnetism of JANE BIRKIN? A timeless muse, canonical chanteuse, whose profound influence on culture within (and beyond) the 20th century remains unparalleled. In this episode, BIRKIN shares with us insight throughout her legacy: from memories of dancing to Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes with her siblings, to acknowledging the unfading infatuation of her relationship with Serge Gainsbourg. Minimal words, maximum sentiment: simply put, enjoy.

Within the process of their own work, KARL FOURNIER and OLIVIER MARTY, the architecture duo behind STUDIO KO, emphasize the importance of revisiting the past to inform the future. In this episode, we catch the partners delightfully off-guard: FOURNIER and MARTY disclose the underlying influence of music on their projects, describing Bach’s compositions as a carefully constructed audio architecture, alongside to their passion of playing with contrasting ingredients, creating a feel for the sublime through their practice.

From the influential Motown to rockabilly blues, LAURA HARRIER warmly remembers her first musical memories tied to her fathers’ taste. In this episode, HARRIER presents significant moments her life and work through music: including the perfect song kick everyone out of your apartment at the end of the night (See: LCD Soundsystem’s “Home”) and running into the arms of Rihanna after the latest Fenty fashion show.