Karl Bartos is well-known as one-quarter of the “classic” Kraftwerk line-up. Many of their most influential rhythms and memorable melodies were actually conceived in his home studio. They would later be used on an unstoppable succession of hits from the Düsseldorf band as they ascended to the lofty heights of popular music culture.
Facts
1: „If this word ‚Music‘ is sacred and reserved for eighteenth and nineteenth century instruments, we can substitute a more meaningful term: organization of sound.“ (John Cage)
2: The meaning of music: „Come together, right now, over me, over you, over there“ (John Lennon)
3: So einen Musikunterricht hätte ich früher gerne gehabt – wunderbar. Die Erstklässler der Lemmchen Grundschule / Mainz performen „Die Roboter“: https://youtube.com/watch?v=WH-ycguHLBU
Questions
What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Sound and Silence.
How and when did you get into making music?
When I’ve heard »A Hard Days Night« by The Beatles sound became a different meaning.
What are your 5 favorite albums of all time?
What a worn out question… I can’t answer that. Too difficult.
What do you associate with Berlin?
The University of the Arts.
What’s your favorite place in your town?
At Falkenstein – a certain view at the river Elbe.
If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
When this will happen, I will let you know. I can’t imagine that, though.
What was the last record you bought?
Maurice Ravel – Daphnis et Cloé – City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Bernard Sumner – again.
What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
They have all a special place in my life – there’s no favorite.
How important is technology to your creative process?
Of no importance at all. Technic is just a tool.
Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career?
One sister – you have to ask her, though. But: She used to have a guitar when she was a teen. After a while I’ve grabbed it and it all started.
Our favourite:
Rhythmus
Musica Ex Machina
