Part 2

What are the most important conclusions you've drawn from the entry of podcasting into the media landscape? How do they affect journalism in general and your own take in particular? What role does social media play for your approach?

Like I said before, there’s a beautiful democracy to podcasting.
I also think it’s a powerful new storytelling tool (fact/fiction or somewhere in between) and people are doing brilliant, innovative things with the format eg: ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’.

In terms of journalism, again I think it gives space for unique perspectives and really in-depth conversations/debates around topics - it’s an oasis for nuance which can often be lacking in most other media formats.

Social media really turns me off. I try to avoid it as much as possible but then it has made me a sort of grotesque self-promotion-Kraken, only really surfacing when I have something to plug (or to say thank you to kind people being nice to me). I’d like to engage more but the world is much more palatable under the surface for this Kraken - not that I am ignorant of local/global issues, I just prefer other sources of info.
 
Take us through a day in your life, from a possible morning routine through to your work, please. Do you have a fixed schedule? How do music and other aspects of your life feed back into each other - do you separate them or instead try to make them blend seamlessly?

Every day is different and it depends on the projects I’m working on, the only regularity in my routine is roughly when food will enter me.
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by music all day, every day. It’s an amazing thing but I do like to make space for a bit of separation, although it’s impossible to completely switch off your ears or creativity. I really enjoy bouldering as there is both a physical and creative element to it. It’s one activity that can be a bit of a sanctuary from music because your brain is engaged in that puzzle solving way which would normally be in use whilst making music.

Can you talk about a breakthrough episode of your podcast? Why does it feel special to you? When, why and how did you start working on it, what were some of the motivations and ideas behind it?

I have some that have a sentimental value to me - like the Robert Ames episode basically led to us working very closely together for quite a few years now on various orchestral based projects, the electro-duo I mentioned earlier (CARBS) is our new little outfit. I hassled Anna Meredith for years to appear on the podcast, eventually she did and it was brilliant. She is brilliant, and she brought doughnuts.
In terms of a breakthrough episode - if I’m honest no single episode ‘exploded’ [maybe I should be more active on social media ay…?]. Perhaps the breakthrough episode is yet to come…someone hook me up with Tyler, the Creator?

Music and sounds can heal, but they can also hurt. Do you personally have experiences with either or both of these? Where do you personally see the biggest need and potential for music as a tool for healing?

In terms of healing, nothing personally, but I know a few music therapists and the things you hear are utterly heart warming. Also, I recently met the founder of an amazing charity called Play for Progress here in the UK. They work with unaccompanied refugee children using music/the arts to provide safe and creative spaces, learning opportunities and skill development and above all a supportive community around them. Music/the arts are central to its positive impact.
In terms of hurt, I can only really think of one thing. Music does crazy things to the brain, all those pathways linking to memories and emotions… We might at one point associate an artist or album with a positive time in our lives but if for whatever reason the circumstances change and that period has negative connotations the music can sometimes become hard to listen to.

There is a fine line between cultural exchange and appropriation. What are your thoughts on the limits of copying, using cultural signs and symbols and the cultural/social/gender specificity of art?

Totally, it is a fine line. I think if you ever have a voice in your head saying “I’m not sure if this is ok”, then it probably isn’t ok - at the very least examine it closely. Ultimately it might be something you have a blind spot for AND often the goal posts/the ‘fine line’ moves as society evolves.

Our sense of hearing shares intriguing connections to other senses. From your experience, what are some of the most inspiring overlaps between different senses - and what do they tell us about the way our senses work?

This doesn’t really answer the question but I find food analogies really helpful when trying to describe music or when making music. When trying to incorporate an everyday element into music, it forces the already abstract-ness(?) of music to feel even more abstract. That can help you push whatever you’re working on into new territory when trying to translate your non-music aspect into sound, conceptually or literally. For example, you’re making a stack of pancakes and between each layer you’re going to have various contrasting fillings (peanut butter is banned).
 
Art can be a purpose in its own right, but it can also directly feed back into everyday life, take on a social and political role and lead to more engagement. Can you describe your approach to art and being an artist?

Currently, the way I approach music is quite abstract. I don’t start with something I want to say it’s just play, escapism for me and the sounds I find myself drawn to are a little otherworldly and sometimes they’re just daft. So maybe it’s escapism for me, a tonic for life and the world. If someone listening to music is able to get out of their own head a little bit then I think there’s value in that. It won’t start a revolution but it’s nice to take a holiday from reality and bob your head.

What can music express about life and death which words alone may not?
Hmm, toughie.

…still thinking…

Pass.

Am I allowed to pass?