Kraftwerk are probably best known for their Top 20 hits ‘Autobahn’ and ‘The Model’, these tracks brought the seemingly serious and intriguing German electronic band to the attention of the British media and the record buying public. However to a whole generation of musicians, artists and fans, Kraftwerk are the key pioneers of electronic music and they have influenced numerous music genres such as Electro, New Wave, Hip Hop and Techno.

By rarely giving interviews and maintaining a ‘loud’ silence, Kraftwerk have always remained enigmatic, ironically this silence has made Kraftwerk one of the most talked about and written about electronic groups of all time. In 2015, two academic conferences were held at Aston University and Kraftwerk’s home city, Düsseldorf. Speakers came from all over Europe to deliver papers and discuss Kraftwerk’s ongoing legacy.

Artistic curator and regular Catalyst Club speaker Suzanne Rolfe is delighted to present Stephen Mallinder, David Stubbs and Alexei Monroe, plus special guest Rudi Esch, who all gave presentations at these previous conferences.

Talks will include ‘Growing up a bit German’ by Stephen Mallinder (Mal) who is the founding member of the pioneering electronic band Cabaret Voltaire. David Stubbs, music journalist and author of Future Days, Krautrock and the building of modern Germany, will reflect on the early development of Neu & Kraftwerk. Alexei Monroe, author of Interrogation Machine: Laibach and NSK, will discuss Kraftwerk’s eighth studio album in ‘Beamed into the future: Computer World at 35’ and discuss the album’s relevance then and now.

Plus live music from Paul Boddy.

All are welcome to come and join DJs Codex Europa, James Pappademitrie & Pete Wiggs (The Séance/ Radio Reverb) for a Kraftwerkian after party which will be held in the Spiegel bar, right next door to the Bosco tent. All robotic moves welcome!