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 Press

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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.

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Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

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 SMIILE

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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

Luke Slater has remained an authentic titan in underground clubland for over 35 years. Among the very first European DJs and producers to be influenced by the techno and house coming out of Detroit and Chicago, he speaks with Paul ahead of the release of his new LB Dub Corp album.

Luke and Paul dissect the seismic cultural shifts that propelled a once clandestine scene into a global phenomenon, pondering the balance between the rebellious soul of the genre and its mainstream allure. The dialogue ventures into the impact of technology on music creation, revealing how artists like Slater are not just navigating but shaping this science-fiction reality we live in today.

The episode crescendos as we explore Slater's alchemic process of fusing diverse musical influences, from dub to collaborating with legends like Robert Owens and a spontaneous musical partnership with Miss Kitten. As we recount the journey of Planetary Assault Systems and the birth of tracks shaped by the unique acoustics of venues like Berghain, we draw back the curtain on the philosophy that drives this techno virtuoso's life and art.

The new LB Dub Corp album ‚Saturn To Home‘ is out on Dekmantel on May 24th 2024. Pre-order it here.

Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is proudly sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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