Will Gregory

Explicit content warning

09/19/24 • 57 min

1 Listener

Ever wondered how an award-winning musician navigates an entire orchestra of analog synthesizers? Join us on this week's Lost in Sound as Paul sits down with Will Gregory, one half of Goldfrapp and head honcho of the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble. You'll hear about his journey from playing saxophone with Tears for Fears in the '80s to collaborating with industry giants like Peter Gabriel, The Cure, and Portishead in the '90s.

Discover the inspiration behind the Moog Ensemble's latest album, ignited by Wendy Carlos's "Switched-On Bach." Gregory sheds light on the unique challenges and nostalgic appeal of using vintage synthesizers, the logistics of live performances, and the thematic choice of making an album about Archimedes, connecting mathematics with music in unexpected ways. The pandemic reshaped his creative process, resulting in compositions that blend literal and abstract interpretations, akin to a film score for an imaginary biopic about the ancient mathematician.

Explore the ever-evolving landscape of music consumption with us, as we discuss the shift from detailed jazz albums to the instant gratification of digital platforms like TikTok. Gregory reflects on the impact of these changes on listening habits and the importance of live performances in sustaining the music industry. We also delve into the cultural and artistic shifts of the early '70s, highlighting the necessity of artistic growth and the continuous battle with creative uncertainty. This episode offers an intimate look at the artistic journey and evolution of an innovative musician who has consistently pushed musical boundaries.

Will Gregory Moog Ensemble - a Digital Deluxe edition of their debut album, Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project, set for release on Mute on 27 September 2024.

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Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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.

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Will Gregory Moog Ensemble - a Digital Deluxe edition of their debut album, Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project, set for release on Mute on 27 September 2024.

Follow Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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.

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Previous Episode

Lara Jones

Ever wondered how an artist balances authenticity while pushing the electronic music boundaries? Lara Jones, the London-based experimental producer, saxophonist, keyboardist, and lyricist, opens up about her creative journey and how her music has evolved from the ambient sounds of her 2020 EP "Enzo" to the more club-oriented beats of her latest release, "Divided EP." She candidly shares her thoughts on the importance of allowing her music to grow with her interests, the challenges of maintaining authenticity, and how her identity shapes her creative process.

Lara reflects on the emotional toll of the pandemic and the joy she found in touring her EPs. We explore the changing landscape of the music scene post-COVID, the rise of online collaborations, and the shifting attitudes towards live events. Lara's journey in creating her new EP is a testament to her desire to connect with her audience through a more community-driven approach, all while embracing a raw and varied vocal style inspired by artists like Lorraine James.

Lara delves into the realities of making do with limited resources and unconventional spaces, emphasizing the importance of a flexible and fluid creative process. We discuss the unique dynamics of recording versus live performance and the ephemeral nature of live shows. Lara also shares the significance of her latest ambient project, designed for a geodesic dome installation, showcasing how her previous works continue to evolve.

The Divided EP by Lara Jones is available from Sept 13th, find out more here

Follow Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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.

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Next Episode

Trentemøller

Paul sits down with Danish producer and musician Anders Trentemøller, unpacking his journey from early electronic EPs to the lush, melancholic soundscapes of his latest album, "Dreamweaver." Anders opens up about his creative process, the emotional depth of his music, and even the quirks of writing lyrics in a language that's not his own.

We also touch on the delicate balance between creativity and constraints. Anders shares how setting artistic boundaries can actually ignite innovation, and contrast the introspective solitude of studio work with the energy of live performance. We dive into the struggles of writer's block and the importance of receiving constructive feedback, all while emphasizing the joy that comes from evolving a piece of music with trusted collaborators. Anders has gone from bedroom producer to international success and we dive into one of his key moments with the seminal album, "The Last Resort."

Finally, we explore how childhood influences and early musical experiences shape our paths. We also get a peek into his collaborative spirit, whether working with musicians like Rachel Goswell of Slowdive or navigating the complexities of evolving musical styles.

Dreamweaver, Trentemøller’s 7th studio album is out now, find out more here.

Follow Paul Hanford on Instagram

Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

Paul’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.

Subscribe to the Lost and Sound Substack for fresh updates and writing.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins