
Lost And Sound
Lost and Sound is a podcast exploring the most exciting and innovative voices in underground, electronic, and leftfield music worldwide. Hosted by Berlin-based writer Paul Hanford, each episode features in-depth, free-flowing conversations with artists, producers, and pioneers who push music forward in their own unique way.From legendary innovators to emerging mavericks, Paul dives into the intersection of music, creativity, and life, uncovering deep insights into the artistic process. His relaxed, open-ended approach allows guests to express themselves fully, offering an intimate perspective on the minds shaping contemporary sound.Originally launched with support from Arts Council England, Lost and Sound has featured groundbreaking artists including Suzanne Ciani, Peaches, Laurent Garnier, Chilly Gonzales, Sleaford Mods, Nightmares On Wax, Graham Coxon, Saint Etienne, Ellen Allien, A Guy Called Gerald, Jean Michel Jarre, Liars, Blixa Bargeld, Hania Rani, Roman Flügel, Róisín Murphy, Jim O’Rourke, Yann Tiersen, Thurston Moore, Lias Saoudi (Fat White Family), Caterina Barbieri, Rudy Tambala (A.R. Kane), more eaze, Tesfa Williams, Slikback, NikNak, and Alva Noto.Paul Hanford is a writer, broadcaster, and storyteller whose work bridges music, culture, and human connection. His debut book, Coming to Berlin, is available in all good bookshops. Lost and Sound is for listeners passionate about electronic music, experimental sound, and the people redefining what music can be.
Latest episodes

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
more eaze
Emo ambient? That’s just one way to describe the ever-evolving work of boundary-pushing artist Mari Maurice, better known as more eaze. Her prolific output defies the norms of the music world, blending ambient, noise, autotune, and pedal steel with a deeply personal, human touch. In this episode, Mari shares her unique approach to making music that dissolves the lines between pop and what’s considered, in inverted commas, „serious“ music. Her collaboration with claire rousay on Never Stop Texting Me beautifully exemplifies this artistic ethos.We talk about the challenges Mari faced in Austin’s experimental scene and the creative freedom she‘s discovered since relocating to New York. Immersed in the city‘s rich musical landscape, she’s embraced collaboration and opened up new dimensions in her sound, drawing from both minimalist and maximalist influences to reshape her approach to composition.Mari also reflects on the joy of making experimental music more accessible, sharing how a live performance sparked her own musical journey and shaped her ethos as an artist. Along the way, we explore the serendipitous nature of sound creation and the growing acceptance of pop elements in avant-garde music.If you’re enjoying the show, please consider subscribing and leaving a rating or review on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you listen. It really helps to spread the word and support Lost and Sound.Kinda Tropical by more eaze and claire rousay is out now on Thrill Jockey, pre-order the album No Floor hereFollow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
Lias Saoudi
What happens when a rock and roller decides to venture into clubland? Singer, songwriter and author Lias Saoudi, the charismatic frontman of the Fat White Family, joined me initially to explore this question. Lending his seductive, slinky and sleezy tonsils to techno supergroup, Decius: their second album "Decius Volume 2: Splendor and Obedience,” absolutely pumps and you can see why they were picked to play at Berghain’s 19th Birthday. The Fat White Family have a rep. As Lias says in our conversation, they were a band made up of some of the five worst people in England, yet I found him to be a charming, erudite gent. From the psychological chaos of band dynamics to the romanticized notion of the tortured artist, our conversation touches on the existential struggles of maintaining artistic integrity. Lias offers a raw and honest perspective on balancing creative freedom with the pressures of performance, sharing humorous anecdotes about societal expectations and generational quirks along the way.If you like the show and you havn‘t already, please give it a subscribe and consider leaving a rating and a review on Apple, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you listen. It all really helps build the show.Decius Vol. II (Splendour & Obedience), released 31st January 2025 on The Leaf LabelThe Moonlandingz — The Sign Of A Man, listen here.Follow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
Rudy Tambala – A.R. Kane
There’s a quiet power in rediscovery. Some music doesn’t just endure; it pulses beneath the surface. A.R Kane were one of those bands. This week on Lost and Sound, I had the honor of sitting down with Rudy Tambala, one-half of the groundbreaking duo and also a key figure in the formative acid house/chart smashers M/A/R/R/S.Rudy Tambala isn’t someone who shouts about legacy. But you can feel it in everything he says. Back in the mid-to-late ’80s, A.R Kane crafted sounds that were indescribable at the time—blurring post-punk guitars with dub’s spaciousness, the ethereal textures of dream pop, and rhythms that felt beamed in from a future club culture still in its infancy. Their debut album, 69, and its follow-up, “i”, eschewed the live band format for a studio playfulness that pointed to bedroom producers and Ableton a good decade before this would even start to become norm. On the surface, AR Kane might not be a household name. But dig deeper, and their fingerprints are everywhere. You hear it in shoegaze, trip-hop, and the experimental corners of electronic music. The seeds of jungle, ambient, and post-rock are there too. These were records for outsiders, yet their influence seeps through so many of the sounds that defined the ’90s and beyond.It’s easy to place AR Kane in the same breath as My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, or even Prince in the way they created entire worlds of sound. But there’s something so singular about their vision, it incorporated old films, literature and design concepts. Rudy spoke candidly about what it meant to exist in a space where commercial success wasn’t the goal, but creating something new—something honest—was everything.This episode isn’t just about AR Kane’s legacy, though. It’s about the art of listening differently and I got the impression it’s clear that Rudy is no nostalgist. We talk about sonic boundaries, connecting this with both Marshall MacLuhan and, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know a food analogy or too.Tune in to Lost and Sound this week to hear Rudy Tambala in his own words—reflecting on the past, navigating the present, and imagining the future of sound.Rudy records now as Jübl, I think you could say AR Kane Mk 2, here’s the Bandcamp.Up Home Collected by A.R. Kane on BandcampFollow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
Dorian Concept
Oliver Johnson, the synthesizer maestro better known as Dorian Concept, graces our latest episode with tales of musical evolution from "failed jazz artist" to electronic music luminary. Renowned for his collaborations with Thundercat, MF Doom and Flying Lotus, Johnson opens up about his unorthodox journey and the creative philosophies that guide him. We journey through the making of his latest EP, "Music from a Room Full of Synths," recorded at the Swiss Museum for Electronic Music Instruments, where jazz, funk, and hip-hop merge with club sounds.Another topic that came up was on how Dorian navigates artistic identity and societal expectations, revealing how personal experiences can forge a path to authenticity. From childhood piano lessons that prioritized play over pressure, to encountering musical influences that shaped his tastes.If you like what I’m doing with Lost and Sound, please like, rate, review or subscribe to the show on your podcast app of choice – it really does help."Music for a Room Full of Synths” is out now, check it out here. Follow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Dec 10, 2024 • 51min
Demian Licht
This week, I’m joined by producer and sound designer Demian Licht. With a unique approach to creating deep techno, Demian treats frequencies and textures like an intricate structure, embracing minimalism and drawing inspiration from diverse sources beyond music itself, such as Greek mythology in her latest "Hémera" EP as well as Biohacking.Our discussion moves from Mexico City, where Demien honed her craft and became the first certified female Ableton trainer in Latin America to the chilly streets of Berlin, where she released her debut LP Die Kraft during the pandemic. We explore the transformative power of external influences on creativity, from surfing to learning new languages, and how stepping outside one's comfort zone can nurture genuine artistic expression. Demian highlights the significance of fostering an inclusive environment in music education, reflecting on the vital role of teaching in her career.If you like what I’m doing with Lost and Sound, please like, rate, review or subscribe to the show on your podcast app of choice – it really does help.HÉMERA VOL.1, out now on Demian Licht’s label Motus Records. Listen an buy through Bandcamp here.Follow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
Bjarki
A few Sundays ago I spoke with Icelandic producer and DJ Bjarki, whose seems to be at an interesting point in his artistic evolution, capable of creating club bangers yet seemingly more curious to explore dark yet heartfelt spaces between satire and science. From his explosive blunt weapon of a debut track "I Want to Go Bang,” almost ten years ago now, to his innovative new album "A Guide to Hellthier Lifestyle." Bjarki shares how he weaves themes like environmental awareness and the wellness industry into his music, shaping each track into a piece of conceptual art. Bjarki has built up a reputation for releasing under different pseudonyms and is able to create music that doesn’t sit under one label, he’s pretty hilariously dissmissive about how easy it is to make a club banger in our chat, for one. We discuss the creative journey of producing an album that examines wellness and influencer culture while embracing new technologies like spatial sound design to enhance the listener's experience. We also get to weave one of my favourite semi-regular sidenotes into the conversation — the connections between music and food!If you like what I’m doing with Lost and Sound, please like, rate, review or subscribe to the show on your podcast app of choice – it really does help. “A Guide To Hellthire Lifestyle” by Bjarki is released on February 7th, pre-order on Bandcamp.Follow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

4 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 51min
Laurent Garnier
It’s the 150th episode of Lost and Sound and I’m joined by the legendary DJ and producer Laurent Garnier, who this week releases his epic Fabric Presents Mix, celebrating 25 years of the London superclub.Garnier famously checks out 400+ tracks a day, and we discuss how he sustains his passion for music amidst an avalanche of daily releases. He underscores the relentless pursuit of musical treasures, maintaining that even in a saturated market, gems persist. Garnier also reflects on the evolution of DJ culture and music trends, highlighting the significance of resisting nostalgia and embracing fresh tracks while acknowledging the challenges posed by technological advances in music distribution.Our conversation also touches on the nuances of today's techno scene, where commercial and underground elements often blur, not always in the best way. Garnier's approach shifts towards intimate venues that prioritize artistic expression over mainstream success. Lastly, we celebrate Fabric's 25th anniversary with Garnier's contribution: a mix for each of Fabric's rooms and a special "fourth room" mix for home listeners. Garnier is also a keen cook, and we draw on the parralels between clubs and restaurants, and how good resident DJs fulfull the same need for the culture as good chefs do. I loved hearing his insights into maintaining a successful DJ career, understanding crowd dynamics, and the intricacies of performing for different audiences.If you like what I’m doing with Lost and Sound, please like, rate, review or subscribe to the show on your podcast app of choice – it really does help.fabric presents Laurent Garnier: celebrating 25 years of fabric. Initial deluxe vinyl and CD release: 29th November. Pre-order here. Follow me on Instagram at PaulhanfordLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaMy 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.My 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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
Sarah Davachi
Join us for an immersive journey into the world of sound and creativity with electroacoustic composer, Sarah Davachi. Discover her unique methodology that combines a secular interest in pipe organs with innovative approaches to music composition and psychoacoustics. Sarah invites us into her world, sharing insights into the process behind her latest album, "The Head Has Form’d in the Crier’s Choir," and reflects on her academic pursuits that enrich her art. Explore how Sarah balances the cerebral with the ethereal, blending insights from Greek mythology with modern musicology to craft evocative soundscapes. She reveals how taking inspiration from Monteverdi and Rilke helped her create a conceptual suite that embodies emotional depth and narrative coherence. Uncover her philosophy of creative limitations, where constraints are not obstacles but tools for shaping cohesive musical experiences."The Head Has Form’d in the Crier’s Choir,” on BandcampFollow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Nov 12, 2024 • 47min
Andy Bell
Andy Bell, celebrated for his work with iconic guitar bands Ride and Oasis, takes us on an unexpected journey into the world of electronic music. We chat about his latest project, Glok, and the new album "Alliance," crafted alongside Timothy Clerkin. Ride's early '90s shoegaze influence is unmistakable in his electronic creations, making for a fascinating blend of past and present musical elements. This episode touches on Andy's humility and creative spirit, offering a fresh perspective on his evolving musical path.Our exploration of minimalism uncovers its surprising role as a common thread across diverse musical genres. Navigating personal music preferences often led to the term "psychedelia," yet it is minimalism that for him truly ties together interests ranging from post-punk to ambient sounds. Conversations about Ride's reunion reveal insights into how cultures and eras influence each other, emphasizing a continued evolution of sound. The authenticity of past musical revivals is questioned while finding genuine connections in minimalism and transcendence.A transformative recording session in 2012 marks the beginning of Andy's electronic music journey, as he shares experiences with software and effects. Creating music during lockdown led to a serendipitous collaboration with Timothy Clerkin, highlighting the unpredictability of remote music production. We reflect on the influence of Andrew Weatherall and the tracks born from this unique partnership, with "Empyrean" standing out as a testament to Glok's sound.“Alliance” by Glok and Timothy Clerkin is out now on Bytes and available here.Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Nov 5, 2024 • 58min
Kid Simius
What compels an artist to stay true to their vision in a world full of expectations and pressures? Join us as we sit with the genre-straddling Granada-born, Berlin-based DJ and producer Kid Simius. We explore the psychology behind an artist’s decision to either fit in or break the mold, a theme central to hias career. He shares how the cultural backdrop of his hometown Granada and the bustling energy of Berlin have shaped his musical path, from his humble beginnings of releasing tracks in 2012 to performing on international stages. Kid Simius opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of releasing music, the challenges of being an international touring DJ, and how these experiences have influenced his creative process. He candidly discusses the personal significance of naming his album "Jose," a choice that reflects clarity and authenticity. We talk about the delicate balance of maintaining artistic integrity while navigating external pressures from social media and music industry expectations. Kid Simius’ journey emphasizes the importance of self-expression and letting go of self-judgment, encouraging listeners to interpret music in their own unique ways.“José” by Kid Simius is out now on Shall Not Fade. Check it out here.Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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. Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins