Karl Bartos, born on May 31, 1952, in Marktschellenberg, Germany, is a celebrated musician and composer renowned for his significant contributions to the electronic music genre. Originally trained as a percussionist and keyboardist, Bartos rose to fame as a member of the pioneering German electronic band Kraftwerk from 1975 to 1990. During his tenure, he co-composed and performed on several of the group's seminal albums, including "Radio-Activity," "Trans-Europe Express," "The Man-Machine," "Computer World," "Electric Café," and "The Mix."

Bartos' influence extended beyond Kraftwerk, as he was instrumental in shaping the band's sound, contributing to iconic tracks like "Das Modell" and "Computerliebe." His creation of the "Numbers" beat notably impacted hip-hop and rap music, as it was used in Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock."

After leaving Kraftwerk in 1990, Bartos founded his own project, Elektric Music, releasing albums such as "Esperanto" and "Electric Music." He collaborated with artists like Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr of Electronic, and Andy McCluskey of OMD. In 2003, he released his first solo album, "Communication," followed by "Off the Record" in 2013, which showcased his continued innovation in electronic music.

Beyond music, Bartos served as a visiting professor at the Berlin University of the Arts from 2004 to 2009, co-founding the "Sound Studies - Acoustic Communication" program. His academic contributions and lectures spanned various topics related to sound and media.

In recognition of his impact on music, Bartos was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as part of Kraftwerk's classic lineup. His autobiography, "The Sound of the Machine – My Life in Kraftwerk and Beyond," was published in 2022, offering insights into his illustrious career. Throughout his life, Bartos has been fascinated by the interplay of sound and image, continually exploring the boundaries of electronic music and media art.