
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

Jul 10, 2024 • 47min
Rosie Lowe
What happens when a multifaceted artist like Rosie Lowe decides to record an album across multiple countries with nothing but a studio in a bag? Join us as Rosie shares the compelling story behind her newest creation, "Lover Other," and the profound influence of her upbringing in a musically rich family. From the soulful streets of Florence to the vibrant energy of Berlin, discover how different environments shaped the raw and spontaneous sounds of her latest work.We also dive into the complexities of navigating the modern music industry while staying true to one's artistic vision. Rosie opens up about the eclectic musical influences she inherited from her family and the challenge of resisting the industry's urge to box her into a specific genre. The conversation takes a closer look at the tension between authenticity and the pressures of self-promotion, offering valuable insights for any aspiring musician grappling with the business side of music.Rosie Lowe also sheds light on the importance of well-being and therapy in her life. From daily rituals like meditation and gratitude practices to the therapeutic nature of songwriting, Rosie reveals how these tools help her maintain balance and foster creativity. Whether you're a music enthusiast or someone seeking personal growth, this episode promises an enriching journey through the intersections of music, mental health, and self-discovery.To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Lover, Other by Rosie Lowe is available from August 16th. Pre-order it here.Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

Jul 3, 2024 • 36min
DJ Fuckoff (2024)
DJ Fuckoff returns with a bang! After moving to Berlin with just a backpack and big dreams, our guest DJ Fuckoff skyrocketed to fame during the lockdowns with her electrifying streaming sets. We explore her unique blend of genres and find out how she taps into the emotional pulse of the crowd, creating unforgettable experiences on the dance floor. Get ready to hear about the empathetic side of DJing and how she balances her own mood with crowd reactions to create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere.Next, we dive deep into creative freedom and personal empowerment with DJ Fuckoff. Her breakthrough album "Fucktopia" marked a pivotal moment in her career by allowing her to explore diverse genres, from hardcore techno to ambient. We discuss the pressures of producing new music, the role of social media, and her choice to take a more relaxed approach to her craft. Discover how the conceptual framework of "Fucktopia" ties her tracks together and how her bold moniker has grown to symbolize a blend of confrontation and empowerment.Finally, DJ Fuckoff opens up about the intersection of anxiety and empowerment in the world of DJing, especially from a female perspective. She candidly shares personal experiences with sexism and inappropriate behavior in the industry, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against such misconduct. From her early exposure to music in Auckland to her father's influence in the psytrance scene, we journey through her musical upbringing and the path that led her to DJing success. Tune in for some valuable advice for aspiring DJs: play what you love and stay true to yourself.Check out DJ Fuckoff's work hereTo let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

Jun 26, 2024 • 51min
HOMESHAKE
What happens when a Canadian multi-instrumentalist decides to blend jazzy electronic R&B with indie rock? Join us on Lost in Sound as Peter Sagar, better known as HOMESHAKE, takes us through his creative journey, right from the comfort of his Toronto home studio. Discover the intentional shift in his musical style, the influence of his early exposure to jazz, and the nurturing music scene in Edmonton, where he cut his teeth in Mac De Marco’s live band, that shaped his unique sound. Peter also shares his candid thoughts on being labeled as "bedroom pop" and how his latest album, "Horsey," marks a significant step in his evolving artistic identity.In our candid chat, Peter reflects on a recent trip to Greece and the historical richness of Athens, emphasizing the need for breaks before the whirlwind of album promotion and touring. We discuss the emotional highs and lows of touring, the peculiar sense of disconnection it brings, and the challenges of maintaining personal connections and mental health on the road. For anyone intrigued by the complexities of a musician's life, Peter’s insights offer a raw and intimate perspective.Peter also opens up about the transformative impact of streaming on the music industry and the sense of loss for the pre-digital era's community spirit. He shares his joy of discovering new music that maintains its mystery and magic, and how this influences his own production process. Wrapping up the episode, we chat about the spontaneous and subconscious nature of creating music, the discomfort artists feel with genre labels, and the idea of music ownership once their work enters the public sphere. Join us for a deep and heartfelt conversation with Homeshake that’s sure to resonate with music lovers and aspiring artists alike.Horsie and CD Wallet are available to stream and purchase via BandcampTo let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

Jun 12, 2024 • 54min
Maria W Horn
What if you could blend the haunting echoes of history with cutting-edge electronic music? This week, Swedish composer Maria W. Horn reveals the secrets behind her spectralist compositions. We delve into her latest album, "Panoptikon," and how she seamlessly integrates ghostly choirs and recordings from an abandoned Swedish prison to evoke emotions that are both eerie and deeply human. Maria's background growing up in a remote Swedish area plays a significant role in her creative process, offering a unique perspective on the importance of community for artists.Maria shares invaluable insights on developing a unique voice, free from external pressures, and the benefits of embracing mistakes and uncertainties. She uses tools like SuperCollider to add an element of unpredictability to her work.Our discussion takes a fascinating turn as Maria describes her site-specific sound art projects, particularly her installation in Sweden's only panoptic prison. The emotional resonance of the prison's history inspired her to create an imaginary prison choir, combining sound and light to evoke the cycle of daylight and lamenting voices. Maria also opens up about her creative routines, the impact of COVID-19 on her life, and offers heartfelt advice to young artists. Trusting one's instincts, valuing friendships, and courageously releasing work independently emerge as key takeaways from our conversation.Panoptikon is available now, listen an buy on BandcampTo let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

Jun 5, 2024 • 39min
Malonda
What does it take to balance a life of activism and artistry? We sit down with musician, activist and sometimes writer Malonda for a thoughtful conversation where the self styled electric diva and dedicated activist shares the raw realities of juggling her passion for social change with a vibrant musical career. Get an insider's look into this Berlin-based artist‘s struggles with creative burnout, writer’s block, and the unwavering resilience that fuels her belief that “defeat is never an option.” We discuss the role of visual components in music and the intricate process of grounding art in broader contexts as well as her non-linear artistic process that challenges conventional Eurocentric methods. The episode offers a humorous yet insightful look at the frustrations of unfinished projects and the language hurdles of living in Berlin, along with the collaborative magic that brings music to life. This episode was recorded live on October 15th 2023 at Berlin's PodfestTo let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Malonda’s album Mein Herz ist ein dunkler Kontinent is available via Applem Spotify, Amazon and wherever you get your musicThe video for recent single Scheißangst you can check out hereThe Miseducation of Achan Malonda podcast is hereFollow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

May 28, 2024 • 1h 10min
Róisín Murphy
What happens when an artist refuses to conform to industry norms and continually pushes musical boundaries? Join Paul for an enthralling conversation with the iconic Róisín Murphy, who has spent nearly three decades mesmerizing audiences with her unique blend of electronica, disco, house, techno, and soul. This arrives on the heels of her latest project, "Hit Parade Remixes," featuring interpretations of tracks from her most recent studio album by the likes of Moodymann, Payfone, and Eli Escobar.In this episode, we dissect the artistry behind Róisín’s music production, from her character-driven vocal performances to her complex, layered songwriting. Róisín shares her fascination with topics like oxytocin and we also reflect on Róisín's early days with Moloko, the vibrant Sheffield music scene and her transformative collaborations, particularly with Matthew Herbert. Róisín offers poignant insights into her personal and professional journey, exploring how family, inspiration, and the unpredictability of creativity have shaped her sound. From nostalgic reflections on the dynamic Moloko era to the emotional resonance of dance music. Hit Parade Remixes is available here.To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us an email or even a letter. We’d love to hear! Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

May 16, 2024 • 53min
Caterina Barbieri
Composer and musician Caterina Barbieri talks with Paul about her deeply philosophical and instinctive approach to synthesizers and building sonic communities. We chat about Caterina's journey from the classical conservatories of Bologna to the community-enriched soundscape of Berlin, capturing her transformation into a pioneer of electronic music. Woven into our conversation are the threads of Caterina's personal discovery, involving discovering the physical properties of sound at a SUNN O))) gig, how she navigates the often codified world of modular synthesis and finding a church like experience playing at Berlin’s iconic Kraftwerk space. Caterina Barbieri’s online shop is here.To let us know the artists you’d like to hear, send us a message. We’d love to hear! Follow Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

May 7, 2024 • 48min
Jonnie Wilkes - Optimo/Naum Gabo
When Jonnie Wilkes and former Lost and Sound guest JD Twitch began their Optimo Espacio night one sunday in 1997 at Glasgow’s Sub Club, did they think that their eclectic style of mixing house and techno with post-punk, krautrock and far outt exotic treats would kickstart an institution, as well as carve the way for a dancefloor seachange?On this week’s show, Jonnie takes the mic to share his auditory odyssey with us. The narrative weaves between his distinct loves for both DJing and music production, and how this ties into a background in fine art. With over two decades of experience to his name, Jonnie offers profound insights into how his artistry has shaped and been shaped by the reverberations of the industry. This echoes into talking about jis recently released Naum Gabo album (made with James Savage and released on the hugely influential DFA Records) is a dark, post-industrial journey that explores the outer reaches of electronics.Wilkes' candid reminiscences and musings on the emotional tapestry of live performances cast light on the intimate connections forged between DJ and audience, how our physical surroundings influence our creative process and the fluidity of art.F.Lux by Naum Gabo is available now here.Paul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’s book, Coming To Berlin: Global Journeys Into An Electronic Music And Club Culture Capital is published by 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

Apr 30, 2024 • 40min
Matthew Collin
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 PressPaul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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

Apr 22, 2024 • 48min
Chloé Caillet
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 SMIILEPaul Hanford on InstagramLost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-TechnicaPaul’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