A Path Unfolding with Jesse Brede

Jesse Brede
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Dec 4, 2024 • 59min

A Hundred Drums: Breaking Barriers Through Community and Diversity

In this conversation, Jesse Brede and Gabrielle Watson, known as A Hundred Drums, explore the complexities of diversity and representation in the music industry. She shares her new role at Beatport to create and foster diversity. Gabrielle shares her journey as a DJ and producer, discussing the challenges she faces as a woman of color in a predominantly white male space. They delve into the importance of community, the impact of raving on personal identity, and the need for safe spaces for underrepresented voices. The conversation highlights the pressures of representation and the underlying politics within the music industry, emphasizing the need for change and inclusivity. Gabriele also shares her journey in the music industry, focusing on the evolution of B-Side, the challenges faced in event promotion, and the importance of intention and community. She discusses the impact of significant events like the Ghost Ship Fire and the pandemic on the music scene, as well as her personal growth as a producer and DJ. Takeaways - Gabrielle Watson emphasizes the importance of community in the music industry. - The pressure of representation can be overwhelming for artists of color. - Raving has played a significant role in shaping Gabrielle's identity. - Diversity in music not only enriches culture but also creates better experiences. - Gabrielle's journey reflects the challenges faced by women in the music industry. - Creating safe spaces is essential for underrepresented voices in music. - The music industry has deep-rooted politics that affect artists' experiences. - Gabrielle's team plays a crucial role in supporting her career. - The need for more representation in lineups is critical for the industry. - Gabrielle's story is a testament to resilience and passion in pursuing one's dreams. - It's important to understand the different facets of the music business. - B-Side started as a small crew and has grown significantly over the years. - The Ghost Ship Fire had a profound impact on the event scene. - Transitioning through the pandemic required adaptability and resilience. - Intention is crucial in the music industry and should guide all actions. - Diversity in lineups is essential and achievable with effort. - Independent promotion is challenging but rewarding in building community. - The journey of a producer involves continuous learning and collaboration. - Major opportunities can arise unexpectedly, like the Super Bowl mix. - Staying true to one's roots while evolving is key to long-term success. Sound Bites - "Black people invented EDM." - "Raving changed my life." - "I became a box to check." - "I didn't ask to be chosen one." - "I have to prove that I deserve it." - "Diversity makes it better." - "The politics in music goes so far deep." - "Being a promoter is fucking so hard." - "Intention is the biggest key ingredient." - "I didn't know you were going to be a girl." Chapters 00:00 - Navigating Diversity in the Music Industry 02:57 - The Journey of 100 Drums 05:52 - Building Community and Representation 09:09 - Challenges of Being Underrepresented 12:01 - Personal Experiences and Growth 14:55 - The Impact of Raving on Identity 18:11 - Creating Safe Spaces in Music 1:01 - The Pressure of Representation 24:14 - The Politics of the Music Industry 29:35 - Navigating the Complexities of Being an Ally 30:04 - The Evolution of B-Side: A Journey Through Events 31:02 - From Small Beginnings to Major Events 32:25 - Challenges and Triumphs in Event Promotion 33:21 - The Impact of the Ghost Ship Fire on the Scene 35:38 - Transitioning Through the Pandemic: A New Era for B-Side 38:00 - The Rise of a Producer: Key Releases and Collaborations 40:52 - Reimagining B-Side: A New Direction Post-Pandemic 43:14 - The Hardships and Rewards of Independent Promotion 44:40 - The Importance of Intention in the Music Industry 48:02 - Opportunities with Major Brands: The Super Bowl Experience Follow A Hundred Drums: - Official Website: https://www.ahundreddrums.com/ - SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ahundreddrums - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahundreddrums - Twitter: https://twitter.com/ahundreddrums - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahundreddrums/ - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1dUCaUhp2RZRXrwOyUnHxQ
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Nov 19, 2024 • 45min

Esseks: Brushstrokes and Basslines

Esseks (Sam Eckstein) and Jesse Brede delve into his journey as a multifaceted artist, his creative process, and the process of his first art show. The discussion also touches on the challenges of the music industry, working with Of The Trees, coming up with the name Memory Palace, working with Deadbeats, the balance between artistry and craftsmanship, and the future of AI in music. With a focus on maintaining joy in the creative process, Esseks shares insights on upcoming projects and the significance of emotional connection in music. Chapters 00:00 Exploring AI in Music and Artistry 02:57 The Evolution of Essex's Music Career 05:47 Self-Releasing Music: The New Era 09:09 Art Shows and Community Engagement 11:57 Creative Process: Inspiration and Play 14:49 The Role of Technology in Art 18:12 Performing at Iconic Venues 21:05 Navigating the Challenges of the Music Industry 23:57 The Balance of Artistry and Craftsmanship 26:59 The Future of AI in Music 29:56 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects and Shows
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Oct 8, 2024 • 60min

Zen Selekta: Conquering the Mind-Killer and the Spice of Creativity

In this episode of “A Path Unfolding” Jesse Brede and Nicole Barton, also known as Zen Selekta, explore the journey of artistic expression, the importance of authenticity, and the role of mindfulness in creativity. Nicole shares her early musical influences, the impact of sports on her work ethic, and her spiritual awakening through meditation. They discuss the significance of her stage presence, the challenges faced as a female artist in the electronic music scene, and the personal themes explored in her upcoming EP, 'The Mind Killer.' The conversation emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's authentic self and the power of music to inspire and heal.----Connect with Zen Selekta:Website: https://www.zenselekta.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenselekta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenselektaSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zenselekta Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35U1RcBFdxNezzySMgVVd3 Credits:Host: Jesse Brede - https://www.instagram.com/jesse.bredeVideo Editor - Dream:Freq Entertainment -  https://www.instagram.com/dreamfreq_entertainment 
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Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 19min

Ooah: Reinventing The Glitch Mob Sound

In this episode of *A Path Unfolding*, Jesse Brede interviews Josh (Ooah) from The Glitch Mob, diving deep into his creative journey and evolution. The conversation touches on pivotal moments like Josh's tattoo journey, Justin Boreta's departure from the band, and how the pandemic reshaped their music. Josh opens up about reconnecting with their roots in dance music, inspired by Burning Man and classic rave culture, moving away from the grandiose production they were known for. They also discuss new ventures like the label "All the People," which fosters a sense of community in the underground music scene. --- Josh "Ooah" Mayer is one of the founding members of The Glitch Mob, a prominent electronic music group known for pioneering a unique, bass-heavy sound that blends glitch, dubstep, and electro. Before co-founding The Glitch Mob in 2006, Mayer was already an established DJ and producer in the Los Angeles underground scene, known for his dynamic performances and ability to fuse hip-hop with electronic beats. With The Glitch Mob, he released several critically acclaimed albums, including *Drink the Sea* (2010) and *Love Death Immortality* (2014), which helped solidify their influence in the global electronic music community. Mayer's contributions, both as a solo artist and within The Glitch Mob, have expanded beyond music production, as he is recognized for his role in redefining live electronic performances through innovative technology and immersive visual experiences. --- **Connect with Ooah:** Website: https://theglitchmob.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ooah Book a tattoo session with Ooah: https://www.joshualawrencetattoo.com/ SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/theglitchmob Credits: Host: Jesse Brede - https://www/instagram.com/jesse.brede Video Editor - Dream:Freq Entertainment - https://www.instagram.com/dreamfreq_entertainment
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Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 27min

Ben Cantil: Remixing Reality with Art, Innovation, and Music

In this episode of A Path Unfolding, host Jesse Brede engages in a fascinating conversation with Ben Cantil, one half of the audio-visual duo Zebbler Encanti Experience (ZEE). They delve into Ben's artistic journey, including his education at Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills in sound design and synthesizer techniques. Ben shares how his time at Berklee shaped his approach to music, ultimately leading him to explore the dance music scene after being inspired by the Burning Man community. They discuss their creative process, emphasizing the synergy between sound and visuals. Ben describes how he and Zebbler work together, with Ben focusing on music production and Zebbler crafting the visuals, often rallying around innovative concepts that inspire both their audio and visual outputs. This collaborative spirit has led to the creation of memorable projects, including their acclaimed album "Synchorswim," which was particularly meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Ben reflects on his involvement with Shpongle, detailing how he was introduced to the project through Zebbler, who created the first Shpongletron, a groundbreaking projection-mapped touring rig. This connection further illustrates their deep ties within the electronic music community and their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. The episode captures the essence of their journey as artists dedicated to innovation and exploration in music and visual art. The discussion highlights their unique creative process, emphasizing the collaboration between Ben and Zebbler, where sound and visuals intertwine. Ben explains how their artistic relationship allows them to push boundaries, often rallying around innovative concepts that inspire both their audio and visual outputs. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in music production. Ben discusses how AI-generated music has become a significant topic in the industry, referencing various research papers and the contributions of data bots that have gained recognition in hackathons. He notes that many of these creators, often hackers rather than academics, have made substantial strides in the field, showcasing their work on platforms like YouTube. --- Ben Cantil, aka Encanti, is an electronic music producer, software designer, educator, and scholar. Most of his music has been released as Zebbler Encanti Experience (aka "ZEE"), a brand which encompasses both audio/visual in collaboration with visual artist Zebbler. ZEE's signature style of "psy bass" music has been featured on popular EDM labels such as Monstercat, Gravitas, and Wakaan, and with performances spanning the US festival circuit such as Lightning in a Bottle, Infrasound, Wakaan Festival, and Burning Man. As an educator, Cantil helped bring modern electronic music production into the curricula of Berklee College of Music, authoring courses across multiple undergraduate and graduate programs between Valencia and NYC. He now runs his own private school, Encanti Music Academy, while pursuing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He also recently won four UK-based grants to fund startup company DataMind Audio, an innovative audio software company specializing in AI-driven tools for music producers and sound designers. With the release of flagship plugin Combobulator and Artist Brain marketplace, which gives artists a 50/50 split on all neural networks sold, DataMind Audio is ushering in a new era in sound design while setting an ethical gold standard for "Farm-to-Table" AI. Encanti will headline this summer at Applecross Festival in Wilseyville, California September 13-16, 2024, an independent first-year music festival organized by artists from Encanti Music Academy.
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Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 9min

Axel Thesleff: A Road to a Billion Plays on Bad Karma

In this episode of "A Path Unfolding," we dive deep into the journey of Axel Thesleff, a trailblazer in the electronic music scene hailing from Helsinki, Finland. Axel shares his story of musical exploration, beginning with piano lessons at the age of nine, which laid the foundation for his later ventures into electronic music production. Influenced by genres like progressive rock and alternative rock, Axel's musical palette expanded as he discovered artists like Radiohead, Burial, and Aphex Twin. His transition into electronic music was marked by the arrival of dubstep in Helsinki, which inspired him to incorporate hard-hitting bass sounds into his productions. Axel's innovative approach to music, blending Western and Indian musical traditions, culminated in the creation of his hit track "Bad Karma," which skyrocketed to over a billion plays, thanks to its promotion by Trap Nation. As Axel's career progressed, he embraced live performance, integrating instruments like the keytar and electronic xylophone to create a dynamic stage presence. Touring with acts like Beats Antique and Clozee, Axel mastered the art of blending live instrumentation with electronic beats, captivating audiences worldwide. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity, as he navigated the evolving landscape of music production technology, from early experiments with Guitar Pro 5 on a family computer to mastering Ableton Live. Axel's journey underscores the importance of adapting to new trends and technologies while staying true to one's artistic vision, making him a compelling figure for electronic music fans eager to explore the intersection of live performance and digital innovation. In addition to his impressive musical talents, Axel takes full creative control by producing his own videos, showcasing his performances through captivating visuals. Notable works such as "Island Live," "Hangar Live," "Mountain Live," and "Arena Live" highlight his unique style and dedication to delivering an immersive experience for his audience. These videos not only complement his dynamic live shows but also reflect his artistic vision, allowing fans to connect with his music on a deeper level.
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6 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h

Mr. Bill: Sobriety and Success

In this engaging discussion, Mr. Bill, a renowned producer, educator, and DJ, shares his journey to sobriety and how it transformed both his life and music career. He talks about evolving his songwriting approach and embracing AI tools in music production. Mr. Bill discusses the excitement of collaboration while navigating the balance between technical skill and audience connection. He also reflects on pivotal moments in his career, tackling personal challenges, and the impact of addiction in the music industry.
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Jul 30, 2024 • 55min

Reed Stark: Kendama, Courage, and Killing the Game

Join us for an electrifying episode with Reed Stark, the BMX professional rider and kendama virtuoso who’s redefining the boundaries of fear and creativity. Reed dives into his adrenaline-fueled journey, from his first BMX tricks to mastering the art of kendama, and how these passions have shaped his innovative mindset. Discover how Reed has seamlessly woven kendama into the vibrant tapestry of the EDM including how he taught Boogie T and Subtronic , and his insights on conquering fear and failure. Reed also opens up about the transformative power of teaching, learning, and his exhilarating transition into DJing and music production. The episode crescendos with the heartwarming tale of his Mardi Gras engagement to his now-fiancé. Reed also shares his vision and efforts for his new non-profit, the Try Again Foundation. From encounters with luminaries like Paul Stamets and Lee Reynolds at Burning Man and Texas Eclipse to the magic of creating unforgettable moments, Reed’s stories are a testament to the power of passion. He also delves into the significance of superfoods for a healthy lifestyle and the profound impact music has had on his life. Tune in for a rollercoaster of inspiration, creativity, and fearless living! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:12 Reed's Journey in BMX and Kendama 04:29 The Impact of BMX and Kendama on Reed's Mindset 06:35 Overcoming Fear and Failure 09:22 The Power of Teaching and Learning from Others 10:23 Introducing Kendama to the EDM World 14:03 Reed's Transition into DJing and Producing Music 15:19 Finding Impact Outside of the Computer 18:21 Reed's Engagement during Mardi Gras 26:54 Creating Epic Moments and Memorable Experiences 30:25 Meeting Influential Figures at Burning Man and Texas Eclipse 34:48 The Power of Individual Hobbies and Activities 39:17 The Try Again Foundation: Bringing Communities Together 45:06 The Influence of Music on Jesse's Life 52:07 Houston Rap and DJing 53:48 The Impact of Music Shows 54:35 Embracing the Process of Learning Connect with Reed Stark https://www.instagram.com/youscaredstiff https://www.youtube.com/@reedstark https://soundcloud.com/reedstark https://www.tryagainfoundation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/youscaredstiff https://Tiktok.com/reedstark
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Jul 16, 2024 • 57min

Barclay Crenshaw: The Power of Commitment - Making an Album in 80 Days

Barclay Crenshaw dives into his exciting shift from helming the Dirtybird record label to embarking on his solo journey. He spills the tea on crafting an album in just 80 days, emphasizing the grind of treating music like a full-time hustle. Barclay gets real about the challenges and growth he's faced while pushing his musical limits, and he shares insights on personal discipline, his lively weekly newsletter, and experimenting with new genres in his latest album. Barclay breaks down the struggle of escaping genre boxes in the music biz and the thrill of creating unique, dynamic sets. He recounts an epic collab with Of The Trees and Strategy, showcasing the magic that happens when creativity flows. Barclay opens up about the rollercoaster of touring and the necessity of being your own biggest hype person. He also chats about launching his new company, Imperial Dust, and developing his innovative plugin, Nasty Channel. Jesse and Barclay discuss the freedom of owning your music and finding the perfect balance between label support and self-releases. Chapters 00:00 Transitioning from Dirtybird to Solo 04:19 Starting from Scratch: The Challenges of Going Solo 08:32 Connecting with Fans and Utilizing Modern Tools 12:28 The Power of Commitment: Making an Album in 80 Days 19:45 The Importance of Personal Discipline in Music 26:11 Exploring New Territory: Barclay Crenshaw's Musical Exploration 27:59 Breaking Genre Constraints: Creating Diverse and Dynamic Sets 29:43 The Magic of Successful Collaborations 38:20 The Demands and Rewards of Touring 43:29 Being Your Own Biggest Cheerleader: The Importance of Self-Promotion 45:17 Owning Your Music: Freedom and Creative Control 53:50 Finding the Balance: Label Support and Self-Releases Follow Barclay Crenshaw: https://barclaycrenshaw.com/ https://imperialdust.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@barclay-crenshaw https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uWK9g12Kh4IarZX052vJR?autoplay=true https://soundcloud.com/barclay-crenshaw-33544993 https://www.tiktok.com/@barclaycrenshaw
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Jun 18, 2024 • 59min

Maddy O'Neal: Stage Lights and Inner Insights

Welcome to A Path Unfolding with Maddy O'Neal and your host Jesse Brede, where we delve into the captivating chapters of her journey. Join us as Maddy shares poignant narratives, from the heartfelt tribute to her late father at Envision Festival, to the resolute path she forged beyond the confines of the Pretty Lights artist camp. Through her inspiring words, we explore the transformative power of female mentorship that has shaped her artistic odyssey. Discover the electrifying crescendos of her career as Maddy recounts the exhilarating experiences of gracing renowned stages like Lollapalooza and Coachella. Beyond the spotlight, she unveils the tender symphony of her mental and physical health routines, offering an intimate perspective on maintaining balance and wellness in the whirlwind of a musician's life. Join us on this sonic expedition, where Maddy O'Neal's melodic tales harmonize with her unyielding spirit, painting a vibrant mosaic of perseverance, empowerment, and the ever-evolving cadence of self-discovery. Maddy O’Neal - “Woofer feat. Clever Thoughts” - out 7/25 Listen Now: https://ingrv.es/woofer-n2n-1 Maddy O’Neal tour dates 8/17/23: Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival 2023 - Thornville, OH 8/19/23: Liquid - Madison, WI 9/2/23: North Coast Music Festival - Bridgeview, IL 9/7/23: Rifflandia 2023 - Victoria, Canada 9/8/23 - 9/10/12: Sacred Acre 2023 - Ninilchik, AK 9/22/23: Cascade Equinox Festival 2023 - Redmond, OR 9/24/23: Ursa Major Festival - Flagstaff, AZ 9/28/23 - 10/1/23: Same Same But DIfferent Festival - Lake Perris, CA 10/6/23 - 10/8/23: Evolutions 2023 - Pattersonville, NY Follow Maddy O'Neal https://maddyoneal.com/ https://soundcloud.com/maddy-oneal https://www.instagram.com/maddy_oneal/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/2G4VZIbfdmr60dYUB0oIxF https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HsSsRYre87Wq7SKjPwyVA

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