Charlie Brooker on ‘Phaedra’
We spoke with Charlie Brooker, to hear why he finds this masterpiece “simultaneously fascinating, and a little bit scary”…
Karl Bartos: Nothing Is Real
Karl Bartos discusses his soundtrack for the expressionist shocker ‘The Cabinet Of Dr Caligari’, a film set in the 19th century, first released in 1920, and now reissued more than 100 years later
Maya Shenfeld: Shine On
Embracing modular synths, acoustic instrumentation and superb depth of expression, composer Maya Shenfeld’s sumptuous arrangements make for a hugely compelling listening experience
Office For Personal Development: Funny Business
Office For Personal Development are both a great synthpop band and a mischievous spoof of the more sinister side of motivational corporate culture. Where the line falls is anybody’s guess…
Tangerine Dream: Paradigm Drift
Epic and mesmeric, sensual and influential, ‘Phaedra’ is Tangerine Dream’s definitive masterpiece. It was recorded under trying circumstances, but the album’s sequenced, otherworldly sounds – built on Mellotron and Moog synths – arguably resonate even more today than they did in 1974. To mark its 50th anniversary this month, we tell the story of an enduring cornerstone of progressive electronic music
Disqualified For Doping
More random musings from Fat Roland. On his mind this month (as far as we can tell) is ‘Doctor Who’
Tangerine Dream: Dream Ticket
Post-Edgar Froese, Tangerine Dream have continued to evolve. Reinvented and revitalised with a contemporary line-up, they are fully embracing the 21st century
Martha And The Muffins ‘Echo Beach’
Singer Martha Johnson and songwriter Mark Gane of Martha And The Muffins discuss the making of their influential 1980 new wave classic, ‘Echo Beach’
Tristan Perich: Pattern Recognition
American composer and sound artist Tristan Perich tells us about using 1-bit electronics, working with organ virtuoso James McVinnie, and the importance of patterns in making music
Early Chicago House
Freewheeling through time and space, Kris Needs continues his adventures in sound. This month: The early days of Chicago house music