James Ford, the acclaimed British music producer and former member of Simian Mobile Disco, has revealed details of his new album, 'Lost In Another World', created entirely while he was receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Ford, whose extensive production credits include work with Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode, Blur, and Pulp, recorded the album during a two-week period in early 2025 while undergoing chemotherapy at Barts Hospital.
Ford's diagnosis with AML, an aggressive form of cancer affecting the white blood cells, led to a period of intense treatment and isolation. He described the hospital environment as 'lonely and discombobulating', prompting him to seek a creative outlet. With his wife bringing in a laptop and microphone, Ford began sketching musical ideas, which quickly evolved into the full album. This project marks his second solo LP and the first released under his full name, James Ellis Ford, due out on August 14 via Domino.
The album's lead single, 'Overtones', has been released, with Ford stating it 'sums up quite well' the 'otherworldliness' of his experience. He recounted to NME the profound impact of facing his own mortality and the unique mental state he was in. During periods of neutropenia – a side effect of chemotherapy where the immune system is severely compromised – he was confined to an isolated room, a situation he likened to a 'prison sentence'.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of his treatment, Ford found an 'unshakable urge' to create. He explained that the vulnerability of his illness stripped away 'filters', leading to a direct and unfiltered lyrical approach. The songs became a 'pure photograph' of his thoughts and struggles during that time, almost like a musical journal, addressing existential dread while also serving as self-encouraging 'pep talks'.
This deeply personal project follows Ford's involvement in the recent War Child 'Help(2)' charity compilation. His ability to channel such a challenging personal experience into a creative work offers a unique perspective on resilience and the power of art during adversity.
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. According to Cancer Research UK, around 3,100 people are diagnosed with AML in the UK each year. Treatment typically involves intensive chemotherapy, and sometimes a stem cell transplant, with the aim of achieving remission. The side effects of treatment, such as neutropenia, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, requiring strict isolation to prevent infections. The NHS provides comprehensive care for leukaemia patients, from diagnosis through to treatment and ongoing support.
Source: NME, Cancer Research UK