This week on Line Noise a legend returns: Karl Bartos was first on Line Noise in 2022 around the release of his autobiography; The Sound of the Machine, My Life in Kraftwerk and Beyond. In 2026 he returns and the emphasis is on his solo career and especially, his debut solo album Communication, which was re-released by Bureau B last year and which initially came out in 2003.

We talk about leaving Kraftwerk, liberation, the power of a group and his love of The Beatles, getting away from computers, guitars, Johnny Marr, remixing Planet Rock, the Telephone Call - he even plays us a few bars, Esperanto and so much more, in a wide-ranging and very warm interview. I hope you enjoy listening half as much as I enjoyed doing it. Line Noise comes with the support of Cupra. Photo by Marion von der Mehden.