In the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast, synthpop legend Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark sat down with guest host Michael Donaldson to cover ground as diverse as the political bite of their latest work, post-modern society’s grip, the influence of krautrock, and the inspiration of the Bauhaus art school.
OMD isn’t leaning on the nostalgia circuit, though they’ve earned the right. Instead, they’re releasing great new music that critics and fans alike rank as their best, and they’ve already carved out a good chunk of 2025 for touring.
Last year, OMD made a bold return with Bauhaus Staircase (out via White Noise/The Orchard). This album stands apart as their most overtly political to date, diving into contemporary issues with a sharpness that reflects the times. It also represents the band’s ongoing ambition to fuse avant-garde influences—like the experimentation of Karlheinz Stockhausen—with the infectious, sleek hooks of ABBA. It’s a balancing act they pull off with the ease of seasoned pros, never resting on past laurels but constantly pushing the boundaries of their sound.
In this podcast, McCluskey delves into Bauhaus Staircase, OMD’s lasting legacy, and the crossroads where art, music, and politics collide. He touches on everything from Kraftwerk’s towering influence to the power of art in pushing back against authoritarianism. It’s a sharp, thought-provoking conversation, peeling back the layers of a musician who’s always been more than just a hitmaker. McCluskey navigates the high stakes of creativity in a world rife with chaos, giving listeners a glimpse into his relentless drive to fuse the avant-garde with accessible pop, all while keeping a critical eye on society’s shifting landscape.
You can stream Bauhaus Staircase below.
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