How did a friendship spanning nearly four decades evolve into one of the most compelling musical partnerships in Berlin's underground scene? Alexander Hacke and Daniella de Picciotto, collectively known as Hackedepicciotto, join us to share their remarkable journey. They open up about their creative processes, blending industrial beats, electronic sounds, and classical harmonies into what they call Symphonic Drone. Their latest album, "The Best of Hackedepicciotto (Live in Napoli)” is more than just a collection of live performances; it’s a reflection of their artistic evolution and enduring commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

Step back to the vibrant 1980s in Berlin—a city on the fringes. Hacke and de Picciotto reflect on the iconic underground music scenes of Berlin and New York, which served as creative ground zero for many artists. They share personal stories of this era and examine how the spirit of repurposing old ideas into new, groundbreaking concepts has influenced generations of musicians. Their experiences highlight the radical artistic atmosphere that fostered connections with like-minded individuals eager to challenge societal norms.

Imagine a life without a permanent address, driven by artistic freedom and cultural exploration. This episode also uncovers the couple's unique nomadic lifestyle and its profound impact on their music-making. Hacke and de Picciotto discuss the philosophical and spiritual insights gained from their travels, emphasizing a broader understanding of global interconnectedness in the face of modern consumerism.

The Best Of Hackedepicciotto (Live In Napoli) is out Nov 1st on Mute. Find out more here.

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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. 

Lost and Sound title music by Thomas Giddins