Dorian Concept

Lost And Sound

Oliver Johnson, the synthesizer maestro better known as Dorian Concept, graces our latest episode with tales of musical evolution from "failed jazz artist" to electronic music luminary. Renowned for his collaborations with Thundercat, MF Doom and Flying Lotus, Johnson opens up about his unorthodox journey and the creative philosophies that guide him. We journey through the making of his latest EP, "Music from a Room Full of Synths," recorded at the Swiss Museum for Electronic Music Instruments, where jazz, funk, and hip-hop merge with club sounds.

Another topic that came up was on how Dorian navigates artistic identity and societal expectations, revealing how personal experiences can forge a path to authenticity. From childhood piano lessons that prioritized play over pressure, to encountering musical influences that shaped his tastes.

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"Music for a Room Full of Synths” is out now, check it out here.

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Lost and Sound is sponsored by Audio-Technica

My 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.

My 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.

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins

Chapters

1. Dorian Concept (00:00:00)

2. Dorian Concept (00:00:02)

3. Balancing Creativity and Technicality (00:06:13)

4. Nurturing Artistic Identity Through Play (00:14:03)

5. Navigating Societal Expectations and Creative Freedom (00:20:15)

6. Crafting Identity Through Musical Exploration (00:24:15)

7. Exploring Musical Influences and Inspiration (00:31:03)

8. Exploring Electronic Music History and Creativity (00:44:53)

9. Embracing Timing and Individuality in Music (00:53:56)

10. Coffee Dilemma in Berlin Street (00:59:14)