The Power of Presence with Sebastian Mulleart

Check out Scuba’s “Not A Diving Podcast” for interviews with musicians, their unique perspectives on making music, and navigating the world as a creative.

This conversation with Sebastian Mulleart resonated with me in many ways.

His approach to music focuses on the present moment to promote improvisation and turning off the default decision making mind. He talks about his mentorship program In Bloom and how each student takes something different away from every lesson.

Mulleart is a renaissance man and leverages his wide skill set to effectively transmit knowledge to his students.

It is more than obvious Mulleart is living his passion; thanks for the inspiration.

“Make music that heals you.” – SM

James Blake is a Eurorack nerd

James Blake and Mylar Melodies talk about the fun of learning new gear, getting inspired from unlikely sources, and how to sync modular hardware with a live drummer. Is that possible…apparently yes!

There was a lot to take in from this conversation, including staying true to artistic freedom or catering to expectations of fans and critics.

Both of these gentlemen are experts in their respective fields; if this is something you like there are more interviews with electronic artists and instrument manufacturers on the “Why We Bleep” website.

Four Tet and Tiga talk friendly competition amongst DJs

Tiga’s Last Party on Earth podcast is a fresh take on the unique paths to individual success with some of the most respected DJ’s and electronic artists.

The interview with Four Tet highlights how Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) continues to bring a positive mentality to his approach to producing music and performing live.

Four Tet described albums as a way to document his musical ideas and development over time; this philosophy resonated with me deeply.

Tiga and Tet also talk about the friendly competitive spirit they both share when it comes to DJing/making music; because at the end of they day it’s all about impressing your friends!

If you haven’t listened to any of these interviews this is a great place to start. If you enjoy it there are plenty more in the hopper.

I’ll also include a link to Soundcloud where you can hear a set Four Tet and Floating Points played for the Plastic People closing party Kieran references in this podcast.

Jamiroquai Jazz Chords Simplified

I grew up with the luxury of having a piano around at all our family gatherings. My sisters and I would always end up noodling away. I would like to formally apologize and also thank my aunts and uncles for not stopping what I am sure was absolute noise in the early years…

Eventually I learned some songs and basic triad chord shapes. As I got older I taught myself more via YouTube or memorizing sheet music found in our piano bench.

As I began writing my own music and learning basic music theory I was looking for new novel chords to add character to my progressions.

Matt Johnson, the keyboardist from the English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, has a ton of great videos to improve your keyboard proficiency.

This one specifically is a great “hack” on how to play minor 11th chords. Useful and easy to implement as long as you know major and minor triad shapes.

“Compressor Jesus” – The House of Kush with Gregory Scott

When you hit the point in your self produced music making process where you need to mix your tracks…this is where time and experience have the most impact.

So what better way to get a jumpstart than to learn from someone who has plenty of it?

Check out Gregory Scott’s “The House of Kush” YouTube channel for amazing bite sized videos that are both technical and philosophical. Not only is he a professional engineer, he also designs his own line of analog mixing gear and plug ins.

He has an easily digestible video on what a compressor actually does, how to use it musically, and other videos with pieces of advice that are more about mixing tactics or techniques vs. the nitty gritty details.

Worth a follow for any producer!