James Ellis Ford has opened up about the deeply personal and transformative process of crafting his latest solo album, Lost In Another World. The record, which arrives on August 14 via Domino, was written and recorded under extraordinary circumstances: while Ford was hospitalized at Barts Hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Known for his production work with iconic acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Blur, Pulp, and Fontaines D.C., Ford found himself in a state of physical and emotional vulnerability. The isolation required during his treatment—a period he describes as a "prison sentence"—became the unlikely crucible for his most intimate work to date.
Finding Creativity in Isolation
"The whole album was done in quite a short period, smack bang in the middle of when I was having chemo," Ford explained. "I was having to be isolated in a little room on my own, which was quite a lonely and discombobulating experience." Despite the physical toll of the illness, the urge to create provided a vital lifeline. "I just had an unshakable urge to do something and to connect myself back to a version of myself that I used to know."
The resulting music is raw and unfiltered. Ford noted that the experience stripped away his usual creative barriers. "I was just literally singing what was in my mind, almost in a journal, diary-writing way. Looking back now, it was almost too on-the-nose. It almost makes me wince a bit. I was quite happy that it’s coming out, because it’s quite a pure photograph of that period of my life."
A New Perspective on Life
The album serves as a meditation on mortality, gratitude, and the profound beauty found in small moments. Ford credits the NHS staff for their unwavering support during his recovery, noting that their dedication was instrumental in his survival. While the process of revisiting these songs to prepare for live performances has been "re-traumatizing" at times, he remains committed to sharing this chapter of his life.
"This whole past year has been some of the worst moments of my life, but also some moments of transcendental beauty and gratitude for the blessings I have in my life," he reflected. "It’s a very weird thing to process."
As he looks toward the future, including a headline show at the Horse Hospital in London this September, Ford is focused on holding onto the clarity he gained during his illness. "I feel more alive and viscerally connected to being alive and what that means than I ever have," he said. "It’s akin to the feeling you get after a heavy psychedelic trip or something like that. You can see through the mush to what’s important."