As a core member of Kraftwerk, some of the most beautiful, era-defining music has been co-composed by Karl Bartos. From ‘The Robots’ to ‘Computer Love’ and ‘Tour De France’ to Kraftwerk’s 1982 number-one single ‘The Model’, Bartos’s deft hand has shaped the contemporary musical landscape we know today.

In The Sound of the Machine, Bartos speaks candidly about his life in Kraftwerk. He recalls his experiences in the Kling Klang studios during the recording process and the joy, passion and synergy of the group.

Cerebral and witty, Bartos’s narrative journeys through his post-war childhood in Germany, his early musical ventures and his parallel career as a teacher. Offering a fascinating insight into both a band and a man at the forefront of musical innovation over the last 55 years, Bartos looks to the future, sharing his hopes and fears for today’s musical culture.

"Full and frank disclosure of life in the world's most influential electronic band... Karl Bartos' enjoyable tome." Record Collector, 4*

"A full-blooded insider's account of life inside the Kling Klang studio. This is a must read for the robots' fans." Prog Magazine


"An enjoyable memoir that tracks the course of a dual identity" Irish Times

"Funny, cultured, detailed" Classic Rock

Born in the German village of Berchtesgaden in 1952, sound, music and culture have been a lifelong fascination for Karl. He studied at the Robert Schumann Conservatory in Dusseldorf, played at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein and was in several experimental bands before he joined Kraftwerk for their American Autobahn tour in 1975. He co-composed tracks and performed with the band until 1990 and is featured on the seminal albums Radio-Activity, Trans-Europe Express, The Man-Machine and Computer World. Later Karl worked on Electric Cafe (now known as Technopop) and The Mix. After leaving
Kraftwerk, he first formed the band Elektric Music, releasing two albums, collaborated with Bernard Sumner (New Order), Johnny Marr (The Smiths)
and Andy McCluskey (OMD), and released two critically acclaimed solo albums,Communication and Off the Record.

In 2021, Karl Bartos was awarded the Early Influence Award/Kraftwerk as a member of the 'classic line-up' and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame.