Sign in

Ben Cardew

@bencardew.bsky.social
582 followers 171 following 489 posts

Music writing / music podcasting / who knows? linenoise.substack.com/ soundcloud.com/line-noise-podcast

PostsRepliesMedia
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: Too many DJs - or saying no to the DJ-ification of modern life. “I am getting fed up with seeing DJs literally everywhere…” linenoise.substack.com/p/too-many-d...
linenoise.substack.com
Too many DJs - or saying no to the DJ-ification of modern life
Plus BFTT, Starcleaner Reunion, Mike Nasty, Popol Vuh and more
021
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Line Noise 281 - Axel Boman Interview: The Story Behind Tell it to the Mountain. For the Line Noise podcast, I spoke to Axel Boman about glaciers, exhaustion, hiking and house music, as he looks forward to his new album with Superpitcher, Tell It To The Mountain. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 281 - Axel Boman Interview: The Story Behind Tell it to the Mountain
Ben Cardew spoke to Axel Boman about glaciers, exhaustion, hiking and house music, as they look forward to his excellent new album with Superpitcher, Tell It To The Mountain, the first to be released
110
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
On the newsletter: Boom-Chick-Wobble: 10 Dance Tracks Built on Absolutely Ridiculous Noises. “One of my favourite genres of dance music is that of ridiculous noise with a beat. Sometimes bass noises, often they mimic animals and sometimes just plain bizarre…” linenoise.substack.com/p/boom-chick...
linenoise.substack.com
Boom-Chick-Wobble: 10 Dance Tracks Built on Absolutely Ridiculous Noises
Plus Takuya Nakamura, Shelley Parker, OR, miaw, Gazella and more
110
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
I reviewed the new - gorgeously unsettling - Agnes Obel record for @pitchfork.com and I even got away with a Deep Forest reference. “For music that is so unashamedly beautiful, there is something distinctly unnerving about The Meaning of Flowers…“ pitchfork.com/reviews/albu...
pitchfork.com
Agnes Obel: The Meaning of Flowers
Read Ben Cardew’s review of the album.
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
PS It is apparently their first ever joint interview. I didn't realise that!
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
On the Line Noise podcast, a special head to head with @mikeparadinas.bsky.social + Frank Naughton. The interview is to celebrate the release of re-release of Tango N’Vectif, which was composed by both Paradinas and Naughton. It’s their first joint interview in years. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 280 - µ-Ziq: The Making of IDM Classic Tango N’Vectif
This week on Line Noise, we have a very special head to head featuring Mike Paradinas - aka µ-Ziq - and Frank Naughton - also aka µ-Ziq, in the early days. The interview is to celebrate the release
0157
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Dear @president.ie. I am not sure who is responsible but whoever designed the new(ish?) Irish passport definitely deserves a raise. It looks amazing! The dog is a lovely touch.
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
For the first ever Line Noise Files, I went deep into Super Discount, one of the most inspirational, graceful and eccentric records of the French Touch movement, on video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H9_...
youtube.com
Etienne de Crécy & French Touch: The Story of Super Discount - Line Noise Files #1
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
011
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
On the newsletter today: Beyond Flat Beat: 5 Essential Mr. Oizo Masterpieces. From inadvertent hit song to experimental film via screeching electro and tortured disco Mr Oizo - has one of the most fascinating histories of the French Touch … linenoise.substack.com/p/beyond-fla...
linenoise.substack.com
Beyond Flat Beat: 5 Essential Mr. Oizo Masterpieces
Plus Dianka, Manami, Fundido & Nieri, 300SkullsAndCounting
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: A mysterious devotion - three songs to fall in love with Jah Wobble. “Sometimes you don’t even know when you fall in love…” Plus reviews of new music from Sully, Andy Stott, Sam Alfred, Sir Hiss, Djrum and gyrofield  linenoise.substack.com/p/a-mysterio...
linenoise.substack.com
A mysterious devotion - three songs to fall in love with Jah Wobble
Plus Sully, Andy Stott, Sam Alfred, Sir Hiss, Djrum, gyrofield and more
030
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week: Nikki Nair’s Sick Dimension of house. I spoke to defiantly different US producer @nikkinair.bsky.social about DIY spirit, Pepe Bradock, humour, love, the wonder of Bang Face, Instagram self promo + more.  soundcloud.com/line-noise-p... @nikkinair.bsky.social
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 278 - Nikki Nair’s Sick Dimension of house
Ben Cardew spoke to defiantly different US producer Nikki Nair about DIY spirit, Pepe Bradock, humour, love, the wonder of Bang Face, Instagram self promo, Set The Roof, Hudson Mohawke and his new(ish
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
On the newsletter this week: If Daft Punk’s 2006 Coachella concert was the moment that the American public was introduced to live electronic music, then Orbital’s 1994 Glastonbury gig was the spark that sent British dance music into orbit. linenoise.substack.com/p/orbital-gl...
linenoise.substack.com
Orbital Glastonbury 94 was the UK’s Daft Punk at Coachella moment
Plus Black Bananas, Jazztronik, Skalah & Novelist
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I also reviewed the new Floating Points for @djmag.com. “From ‘Tron: Legacy’ to Classical Ibiza, the worlds of orchestral and electronic music have become increasingly common bedfellows. And yet there have been few genuinely essential records to come out of the crossover.” djmag.com/reviews/floa...
djmag.com
Floating Points - Mere Mortals
Music Reviews ALBUMS Release date: | Ben Cardew An imperfect union
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
I reviewed the new Saul Williams for @djmag.com. “‘Leap Life’ is a mulligatawny soup of a record: rich, wholesome and packed with dense flavour, the kind of album to be chewed upon, savoured and considered, rather than wolfed down whole.” djmag.com/reviews/saul...
djmag.com
Saul Williams - Leap Life
Music Reviews ALBUMS Release date: | Ben Cardew Full-on flavour
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: “I gave you my heart but not my fire” - an interview with Sébastien Tellier. Also includes the line “I'm the Kiss and the Beast”, which is one of the greatest things anyone has ever said to me. linenoise.substack.com/p/i-gave-you...
linenoise.substack.com
“I gave you my heart but not my fire” - an interview with Sébastien Tellier
“I'm the Kiss and the Beast”
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week, an interview with Sébastien Tellier, in which we talk about sheep in the head, relighting the fire, domesticated life, Eurovision, working with Daft Punk's Guy-Man and his fantastic new album Kiss The Beast, among many other things. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 276 - Sébastien Tellier
Ben Cardew spoke to the wonderful Sébastien Tellier about sheep in the head, relighting the fire, domesticated life, Eurovision, working with Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and his fantastic new album Ki
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: “I put my weapons to the floor” - an interview with Colleen. The French producer speaks to Line Noise about learning to swim, feeling free, letting down your guard and a lot more in a very charming and in-depth interview. linenoise.substack.com/p/i-put-my-w...
linenoise.substack.com
030
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
For the Line Noise podcast, I spoke to Femi and Ife from Ezra Collective about Tony Allen, The Shrine, live versus recorded, the band’s new album Here Because of Hope, drummers and drumming, at the Cruilla festival in Barcelona.  soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 275 - Ezra Collective
Ben Cardew spoke to Femi and Ife from Ezra Collective about Tony Allen, The Shrine, live versus recorded, the band’s new album Here Because of Hope, drummers and drumming, at the Cruilla festival in B
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
On today’s newsletter: Disco for funerals - PiL’s Metal Box and the grim power of freedom. “What’s the greatest British disco album? With all respect to Hot Chocolate, the answer might be PiL's Metal Box, 1970s Britain reflected through a rotted disco ball.” linenoise.substack.com/p/disco-for-...
linenoise.substack.com
Disco for funerals - PiL’s Metal Box and the grim power of freedom
The Sex Pistols were a slap in the face; PiL were a kick to the groin
011
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
On the newsletter this week: Le Patron Est Devenu Fou! - Super Discount at 30 It seems oddly, ineffably French that one of the best albums of the French Touch era isn’t really an album at all. Or not in the way that we commonly think of them, anyway. linenoise.substack.com/p/le-patron-...
linenoise.substack.com
Le Patron Est Devenu Fou! - Super Discount at 30
Plus Dave Angel, Marina Herlop, Arca and more
132
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
On the Line Noise podcast this week: Zora Jones on 50 Bullets to the Heart, her amazing new album. I spoke to Zora Jones about the sting from 400 bees, going off grid, singing in Spanish, playing LIVE live and more, as she looks ahead to her wonderful new album. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 273 - Zora Jones on 50 Bullets to the Heart, her amazing new album
Ben Cardew spoke to Zora Jones about the sting from 400 bees, going off grid, singing in Spanish, playing live live and more, as she looks ahead to the release of her wonderful new album 50 Bullets To
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Decided to listen to a Frank Zappa playlist. Song 1: Astoundingly awful. 2: Incredibly beautiful. 3: Just about passes as a pun. 4: ABSOLUTELY not funny. 5: Slightly annoying jazz funk. 6: Clever clever blues knock off. 7: Fabulous baroque rock. 7: Possibly the worst song in existence.
130
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I spoke to Saul Williams ahead of the release of his new album, Leap Life. We spoke about the role that music plays in Williams’ life, trusting the moment, shamanism, headphone listening, Sun Ra, Paris + more. We also discussed his role as a preacher in Sinners. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAgi...
youtube.com
Saul Williams on poetry, technology, Leap Life, Sinners and more | Line Noise
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I wrote a tribute to Kavinsky for Crack magazine, examining his impact on music and culture. “French producer Kavinsky, who has died at the age of 50, was an artist who seemed to manifest his dreams into reality.” (Hat tip @www.zensounds.de) crackmagazine.net/article/long...
crackmagazine.net
Dreams in Neon: Remembering Kavinsky
From the unforgettable 'Nightcall' to his lasting impact on modern pop and electronic music, we celebrate the singular vision and enduring legacy of French producer Kavinsky.
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Today on the newsletter: Not Daft, no Punk - Best of the French Touch underground, 1995 to 2000. My rules are: no Daft Punk, nothing too obvious and nothing I have covered at length on my Substack before. I hope you enjoy it. And let me know your favourites. linenoise.substack.com/p/not-daft-n...
linenoise.substack.com
Not Daft, no Punk - Best of the French Touch underground, from 1995 to 2000
Plus Zora Jones, Diagonals, The Dark Wizard and more
040
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
.... and so, for the first time in my life, I have met both the British Prime Minister (seemed charming, very professional) and the Leader of the Opposition (also seemed nice - not sure what happened there.)
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
My guest on the Line Noise podcast this week is Inès Boullant - better known as u.r.trax - who came to the RPS studio at @primavera-sound.bsky.social to talk sneaking into clubs at 14, annoying her Parisian neighbours, blowing up during Covid and “anti club music”. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 272 - u.r.trax
Inès Boullant - better known as French dance destroyer u.r.trax - came to the RPS studio at Primavera Sound ahead of her first live festival gig to talk sneaking into clubs at 14, annoying her Parisia
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
On the newsletter today: The question is more enjoyable than the solution - Sasha & Digweed’s Northern Exposure reviewed. Warning: contains progressive house, proto trance, US breakbeats, Apollo 440 AND Deep Forest. linenoise.substack.com/p/the-questi...
linenoise.substack.com
The question is more enjoyable than the solution - Sasha & Digweed’s Northern Exposure reviewed
Progressive house, proto trance, US breakbeats and Deep Forest unite!
130
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
On the newsletter this week: “It's never not funny” - an interview with Matmos. Includes Björk, fire, the Pavarotti of plastic pillboxes, Hit Em, gay energy and disgruntled Italian audiences. linenoise.substack.com/p/its-never-...
linenoise.substack.com
“It's never not funny” - an interview with Matmos
Plus Actress, Drew Ashby, TDF, GB, Vanishing Twin and more
040
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Finished Middlemarch this morning. I found is impressive in its scope and insight but, honestly, a bit boring. (From what I have read, even people who rate it very highly say it is a bit boring.) And I didn't really connect with the characters. Middlemarch lovers: why do you love it so?
110
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I reviewed the (largely great) new Tricky album - his 15th! - for @pitchfork.com. “…after the darkly desperate Fall to Pieces, Tricky’s punchy, punky album is further evidence of a career renaissance rooted in emotional power and musical exorcism.” pitchfork.com/reviews/albu...
pitchfork.com
Tricky: Different When It’s Silent
Read Ben Cardew’s review of the album.
030
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
On the latest Line Noise podcast, Johann Wald and I had an EXCELLENT time speaking to everyone’s favourite experimental music duo about the joy of being Matmos, Hit Em, ideas that just don’t work + a lot more. @primavera-sound.bsky.social soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 271 - Matmos
Ben Cardew and Johann Wald spoke to everyone’s favourite experimental music duo, Matmos, about the joy of being Matmos, Hit Em, ideas that just don’t work and a lot more, in a totally charming intervi
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
On the newsletter , “Things are ever more mysterious” - an interview with Call Super, live at Primavera Sound, in which we discuss everything from Basement Jaxx to Ivy Compton-Burnett. Plus new music from Karizma, Aquarian, Starcleaner, Inland Years and more linenoise.substack.com/p/things-are...
linenoise.substack.com
“Things are ever more mysterious” - an interview with Call Super
Plus Aquarian, Starcleaner, Inland Years and more
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A big Happy Birthday to Tanya Donnelly, a rock deity who I believed shared my birthday for years upon years upon years only to recently find out she doesn't. Still, I did get to interview her once: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UWm...
youtube.com
Tanya Donelly (Belly) on Major Labels, King & Fighting Spotify | RPS MUSIC
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
040
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
This week on the Line Noise podcast: Call Super, live at @primavera-sound.bsky.social 2026. We spoke about a folder called “Ladbroke Grove”, the enduring power of the mix CD, playing CircoLoco AND Victorian literature, in a particularly wide-ranging interview. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 270 - Call Super
Ben Cardew spoke to estimable DJ / producer Call Super about a folder called “Ladbroke Grove”, the enduring power of the mix CD, moving house, playing CircoLoco AND Victorian literature, in a particul
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
I reviewed Pixies Complete B Sides: 1988-97 for @pitchfork.com It’s one of the Pixies albums I listen to most and I totally adore it. “Pixies are arguably more Pixies in their flip-side freedom.” pitchfork.com/reviews/albu...
pitchfork.com
Pixies: Complete B Sides: 1988-97 (Remaster)
Read Ben Cardew’s review of the album.
040
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
On the newsletter: Officially, the dance music songs of the 90s. The Portuguese have saudade. I have the 90s. And so I started to think about what might be the most 90s dance music songs ever. The songs that could only happen in the 90s. What do you think? linenoise.substack.com/p/officially...
linenoise.substack.com
Officially, the dance music songs of the 90s are…
Plus Marina Herlop, IZCO, Djrum, Topdown Dialectic and more
060
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
This week, we welcome Étienne de Crécy back to the Line Noise podcast. We spoke about the Flashback tour, his excellent Warm Up album and working with Damon Albarn. We also look ahead to the 30th anniversary of his classic Super Discount album. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 269 - Étienne de Crécy returns
This week, we welcome Étienne de Crécy, a house hero for any sensible musical brain, back to Line Noise. Last time out, in 2023, we spoke about the origins of Étienne - Motorbass, Super Discount and a
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
I'm sorry but this new Norwich City shirt is TOO GOOD. Absolutely lovely.
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
On the newsletter today: Not your usual records from the first half of 2026. AKA some of my favourite records that I didn’t really get an opportunity to write about elsewhere, including Nondi_, TVAM and Anastasia Kristensen, PLUS special bonus words from dgoHn. linenoise.substack.com/p/not-your-u...
linenoise.substack.com
Not your usual records from the first half of 2026
Featuring Anastasia Kristensen, TVAM, dgoHn's incredible time singatures and more
021
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
On the newsletter this week: “I am an anti-loop person” - an interview with Dimitri From Paris. “I have history with Dimitri From Paris. It’s just that he didn’t know it…” I spoke to the great man about Sacrebleu, French House, looping, disco, remixing + more. linenoise.substack.com/p/i-am-an-an...
linenoise.substack.com
“I am an anti-loop person” - an interview with Dimitri From Paris
Plus Julia Holter, Black Bananas, Roy Montgomery and Martha Skye Murphy
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This week on the Line Noise podcast: I sit down with French Touch icon Dimitri From Paris. Discussion ranged from Dimitri’s classic Sacrebleu album being a joke - and not a joke at the same time - to the art of remixing, Compass Point + Dimitri’s unique style. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 268 - Dimitri From Paris
Ben Cardew finally got to tick off a long-time musical aspiration by sitting down with French Touch icon Dimitri From Paris this summer, ahead of Dimitri’s gig at La Paloma in Barcelona. Discussion ra
020
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
This week on the Line Noise podcast, Colleen returns to speak about learning to swim, feeling free, letting down your guard and a lot more in a very charming and in-depth interview. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 267 - Colleen returns
Ben Cardew spoke to musician and synth enthusiast extraordinaire Colleen about learning to swim, feeling free, letting down your guard and a lot more in a very charming and in-depth interview, recorde
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
An hour after stunning an early @primavera-sound.bsky.social crowd, folk singer extraordinaire Annahstasia visited the RPS studios to talk about music industry nonsense, finding the right vocal coach, Nina Simone and much more. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CXB...
youtube.com
Annahstasia interview Primavera Sound 2026 | RPS MUSIC
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
021
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On the newsletter this week: Pop subversion, robbing cowboys and Greek mythology - Nancy Sinatra in excelsis. Plus reviews of new music from Zora jones, Nikki Nair, Pye Corner Audio and Jah Wobble. linenoise.substack.com/p/pop-subver...
linenoise.substack.com
Pop subversion, robbing cowboys and Greek mythology - Nancy Sinatra in excelsis
Plus Zora Jones, Nikki Nair, Pye Corner Audio and more
131
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
I sat down with K-pop sensation Yves backstage at Sala Apolo in Barcelona during her European tour @primavera-sound.bsky.social. In the interview, Yves opens up about the challenging but rewarding journey of stepping out as a solo artist after her time in LOONA. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUnI...
youtube.com
Yves on her Solo Debut, LOONA & PinkPantheress Inspiration | RPS Interview
YouTube video by RPS_MUSIC
022
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
On the new Line Noise podcast I spoke to New York DJ hero Victor Calderone about 18-hour sets, phone-free zones, Bleep, working with Joey Beltram, signing to Sire and - of course - remixing Madonna. soundcloud.com/line-noise-p...
soundcloud.com
Line Noise 266 - Victor Calderone
Ben Cardew spoke to New York DJ hero Victor Calderone about 18-hour sets, phone-free zones, Bleep, working with Joey Beltram, signing to Sire and - of course - remixing Madonna. We also chatted about
010
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
There’s a playlist on Apple Music called “Inspired by Chic”. It might as well be called “breathes oxygen”. I went to see Nile Rodgers and Chic at the Blaumari festival in Barcelona yesterday and wrote about the results linenoise.substack.com/p/do-you-eve...
linenoise.substack.com
Do you even like pop music? - Nile Rodgers and Chic live in Barcelona
Plus The Cardigans and Victor Calderone
000
Ben Cardew @bencardew.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
how could you resist all those mascots? I will be there, on Sunday, asking all the long-suffering stall holders if they have any vintage Norwich.
010