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Dreams Not Memes Podcast

Dreams Not Memes Podcast

By Brian Walker

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/dreamsnotmemes/subscribe Dreams Not Memes is a podcast curated by Brian Walker of A Day Without Love. The podcast is about going more in depth about the ins and outs of being an independent creator, collaborator, activist or entrepreneur. This podcast will include 1000 interviews from people around the world and their stories about navigating the struggles associated with finding your own vision.
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Episode 11: Eating Chicken with Branden King a man of Wings, Wisdom and Wokeness.

Dreams Not Memes Podcast Oct 02, 2019

00:00
43:04
Episode 337: Challenging the Exposure Economy : A Conversation with Rainar

Episode 337: Challenging the Exposure Economy : A Conversation with Rainar

I spoke to Rainar Aasrand a multifaceted artist from Estonia about his experiences as a professional creator. We cover topics such as creative fullfillment, exploring the internet and remaining motivated. Learn more about Rainar in today's episode and read his bio below and check out his website where his works are hosted.


Rainar Aasrand is a transdisciplinary artist. Among other things, he explores the human condition within the realm of technology and expanded nature. His work draws on interdependent and often awkward relations between humans, natural phenomena, and new technologies aiming to reveal and exacerbate, with both humour and gravity. This is a quest to find ways to explore the production of culture through aesthetic means while remaining personal and accessible.

In 2017 Rainar graduated from MIT Program in Art, Culture, and Technology, where he further developed his interest in the statistical quantification of human activities and how this is altering, creating, and bending social and cultural norms. Before MIT, Rainar studied cultural theory at Maastricht University and the Estonian Institute of Humanities. He has worked on various film and theater productions, and is part of the SKATKA collective.


https://www.rainaraasrand.com/

Jul 13, 202336:29
Episode 336: Talking About the Love of Linguistics : A Conversation with Anna

Episode 336: Talking About the Love of Linguistics : A Conversation with Anna

I spoke to my friend Anna who is a Russian native about her career as an English teacher. Anna has an academic in linguistics and speaks up to five languages. In our conversation, we discuss her love for language and culture and how the world of linguistics connects others and your perspectives of the world around us. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

Jul 07, 202336:51
Episode 335: Learn about Malaysia: A Conversation with Tiffany

Episode 335: Learn about Malaysia: A Conversation with Tiffany

I got to catch up with my friend Tiffany. Tiffany is an Advertising/ PR professional originally from Malaysia who is currently based in the States. We met through mutual friends in college. In this episode, we talk about her experiences growing up in Malaysia and how Malaysia has had an influence in food, media, and her own experiences. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

Jun 14, 202329:55
Episode 334: The Art of FAFO: A Conversation with Andy Freego

Episode 334: The Art of FAFO: A Conversation with Andy Freego


Andre Freego is the artist moniker of András Tóth from Budapest, Hungary. He dabbles in music under multiple outfits - No Whales, Pixel Cranes and Known Bug. He shares his sentiments on his relationship with music making and life in general. In our conversation Andre talks us through the history of his discography as an artist based in Budapest. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes.

Jun 11, 202345:17
Episode 333: Learning Your Niche in Videography: A Conversation with Arash

Episode 333: Learning Your Niche in Videography: A Conversation with Arash

I spoke to Arash about his journey with wedding videography and how he started his business Emotionss Films. Operating out of the UK Arash tells us about his experiences with entrepreneurship, finding your niche, and continuous improvement in the field of videography. Learn more via the bio below and listen to this episode of Dreams Not Memes.

Bio I’m Arash from Iran and raised in London. I have been shooting weddings since 2018 but always as a 2nd shooter. Since 2022 I have decided that I love shooting weddings and I’m going to stick to it. The Fulltimefilmmaker online course really helped me to gain on my skills and I always recommend it to whoever if they looking to do this job professionally.

Jun 01, 202329:31
Episode 332: Lets Talk About Traveling: A Conversation with Anastasia

Episode 332: Lets Talk About Traveling: A Conversation with Anastasia

I spoke to Anastasia a graduate student finishing their degree in France. Anastasia has lived all over Europe from Russia, to Turkmenistan, Germany and more and shares her story about her experiences with travel, communicating cross culturally and how she wants to inspire others to travel. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

May 25, 202318:43
Episode 331: Beauty in the Picture: A Conversation with Alina Pullen

Episode 331: Beauty in the Picture: A Conversation with Alina Pullen

In this episode I speak to London based photographer Alina Pullen about her experience with motherhood photography. It is Pullen's goal to help mothers see their own beauty and value of their own life. Pullen found this while taking a photography course and learned her own worth after having her child a few years ago. Learn more about Alina's journey on this episode of Dreams Not Memes.


To see more of Alina's work go to www.alinapullenphoto.com/motherhood

May 15, 202340:14
Episode 330: An Exploration of Green Spaces and Architecture: A Conversation with Ailara Khojayeva

Episode 330: An Exploration of Green Spaces and Architecture: A Conversation with Ailara Khojayeva

I spoke with Ailara Khojayeva a Turkmenistan born, Belarus resident who is studying architecture. Ailara shares her story with pursuing an education, navigating "green spaces" and providing them to her community , and her values of persistence to achieve her ambitions in architecture. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

May 05, 202320:51
Episode 329: Exploring the World through Creativity : A Conversation with Han

Episode 329: Exploring the World through Creativity : A Conversation with Han

Dreams Not Memes is back! After a 10 month hiatus due to touring , I am back to interviewing folks across the world!
I spoke to Han, a South Korean born, Kyrgyzstan raised musician currently residing in the United States about her journey with international schools, the missionary community, international conservatism, and escaping religious trauma. Han shares her story around how songwriting has allowed her the ability to redefine her perspectives and her relationship with her community. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.
Apr 19, 202321:24
Episode 328: Learning to Trust Your Gut : A Conversation with Brooke Williams

Episode 328: Learning to Trust Your Gut : A Conversation with Brooke Williams

I spoke to Brooke Williams, a Philadelphian native who is a professional in the life sciences industry. Williams has worked as a biomedical technician and researcher covering varying topics from genomics, gene therapy, and other topics in the biomedical field. Currently, Brooke works as a Business Development Manager for a life sciences and biomedical research firm. In today's episode, Brooke discusses her career, her curiosities, and how she continues to move forward in her career. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

May 25, 202232:03
Episode 327: Rediscovering Your Music: A Conversation with Lia Menaker
May 08, 202228:04
Episode 326: Finding Yourself and Finding Your Voice: Speaking to Derek of Archpalatine

Episode 326: Finding Yourself and Finding Your Voice: Speaking to Derek of Archpalatine

One of the freshest new artistic voices standing out amongst the backdrop of the City of Brotherly Love’s many multi-faceted and musically talented artists. Archpalatine the singer, songwriter, pianist, performer, and charismatic band front-man Derek Anthony Wilson is poised to not only create a lane for himself and his bandmates (Anthony Pompey - vocals, Aaron Wolf - percussion, Ben High – bass, and John Palmer - Synths/Direction), but also blaze a trail for creative risk takers, soulful story tellers, and theatrical musicians who challenge the old guard of musical gate keepers.

Wilson is a classically trained concert vocalist, National Marian Anderson Historical Society scholar artist, and internationally touring musician who’s accolades both on and off-stage are only rivaled by his desire to use his musical platform and gifts to initiate and support social change, engage spirit and talent, and course ambitions within the musical landscape. With a penchant for beautifully and seamlessly blending genres, Archpalatine sires a sound that is just as difficult to pigeonhole into one category as it is to forget.

Archpalatine breaks down genre to create a new sound that may eloquently and appropriately be called “Histrionic Cosmic Soul”.  The feel-good music gifted to the audience at an Archpalatine show offers a long-time abandoned experience that can be enjoyed by every group of people from all walks of life, every taste in entertainment, all preferences and interests, and moves the soul, be it in the form of smiles on faces to dancing out of your seat.Archpalatine infuses his musical presentations with theatrics traditionally reserved for stage shows and are reminiscent of large-scale Broadway features — be they performed on a grand scale, in intimate rooms, or at the trendiest outlets.  

Performances by this musical powerhouse develops rapport with the audience, encourages audience participation through call & response, and incorporates danceable rhythms. Shows regularly include one-of-a-kind fashion designs and electronic components that engages both the audible and visual senses, alike.  Not content with mere showmanship and intriguing music that makes you feel elation. Archpalatine aims to leave his audience so infused with good vibes and positivity that any in attendance is prone to leave a show feeling more jubilation than possessed upon arrival.

In our conversation we talk to Derek about his beginnings as a musician from the choir to what he does today. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

https://linktr.ee/Archpalatine

Apr 19, 202230:59
Episode 325: Life in Sweden and Learning the Piano: A Conversation with Elin Rehn

Episode 325: Life in Sweden and Learning the Piano: A Conversation with Elin Rehn

Elin Rehn discovered music very early in her life through her mothers piano. She would writesongs instead of practising her piano assignments and quickly found her own world throughsongwriting.She grew up in Bjursås. A small village in Dalarna where the outdoors were just around the corner.But life as a musician was much more distant. Yet it was the music that was more exciting forRehn. The road off of the beaten path is always more interesting. After studying at couple of yearsat a Folkhögskola, a Batchelor at the Royal college of music in Stockholm and a small detour at thereputable Studio Rymden(First Aid Kit etc) she found herself lost in a new formed, newly buildstudio collection in Sickla. At that moment she decided tofinish an album she already started.The album as a whole is (as good albums often are) a reflection of a difficult time in Reins lifewhere dealing with the emotions that comes from loosing someone, being mortal, sadness, to bepresent, to be lost without direction. And about following ones dreams. All these things wereimportant components in the end result.“When I wrote the first song I was inspired by an image of two clouds. One cloud above the otherand with rain in-between. The one on top is bright and the one below is dark. It’s could also havebeen a hourglass. As you turn it, there’s no up or down. This image is something that’s beenpresent throughout the whole album.


Learn more about Elin's story on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. 


Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/elinrehn

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/elin.rehn/

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2889x1Ew8NMybENNE6BQWJ?si=MXXhTaDSSx2ya62F5lZ0fQ



Apr 07, 202221:08
Episode 324: Learning About Connection with Susana Raya

Episode 324: Learning About Connection with Susana Raya

Susana Raya is a Spanish singer, guitarist and composer based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A pure, honest, unaffected voice that will captivate you. The woman who American music critic and historian Ted Gioia coined “the Andalusian Eva Cassidy” made her way into international music scene along with her inseparable guitar. “Her songs are rich and emotional performed with great creativity and spontaneity”, AAAmusic, UK.

After getting her classical guitar propers at a conservatory in her native Cordoba (Spain), spending a good chunk of the aughts racking up titles in European jazz vocals competitions and graduating in jazz guitar in Amsterdam, Susana found her personal   voice: a melting pot of different influences from folk to jazz.

She has toured extensively in Europe,USA, and abroad: Saitenprünge (Germany), Holland Festival (Netherlands) Silk Road Festival (Syria), Music Festival Amman, etc.

Her Spanish roots come to the surface in the songs on her album Wind Rose, which was recorded with a five start team: Steve Swallow, Clifford Carter (James Taylor), Ira Coleman (Sting, Dee dee Bridgewater), Leo Amuedo (Ivan Lins, Chris Botti), Cyro Baptista (Paul Simon, Yo-yo Ma, Herbie Hancock). The producer, Gary Burke (Bob Dylan), says: “Susana Raya is the most accomplished debut artist I have ever come across in all the years I have been doing this. She can sing, she can play and she can write. A triple threat as we say here in the States.”

In our conversation we talk about her diverse experiences and how it has shaped her own creativity. Learn More on Dreams Not Memes. 


Susana is endorser of Rick Turner Guitars (Santa Cruz) and Labella Strings.


AWARDS

– International Young Jazz Singers Contest Nomme Jazz, Tallinn, Estonia,2006.

– International Jazz Singers Contest Lady Summertime, Finland, 2006.

– International Jazz Soloist Competition”, Monaco, 2007.

– International Jazz Competition for Singing Musician, Zory, Poland. 2011

– Best Spanish Group II International Jazz Granada Festival Contest. 2003


Social Media 

facebook.com/susanarayamusic

instagram.com/susanarayamusic/

youtube.com/user/susanaraya/videos

susanarayamusic.com/

open.spotify.com/artist/3K1JeIUlWJ2fGjqIR3KcHY

Mar 16, 202230:18
Episode 323: Learning About Service Design: A Conversation with Tina Fung

Episode 323: Learning About Service Design: A Conversation with Tina Fung

Tina Fung is a Service Designer at Meld Studios; Organiser of the Sydney Speculative Future Meet-Up; Design Studio Tutor at the University of Technology Sydney. With a dose of pragmatism, she believes designers can make more ethical and rigorous decisions by understanding the human needs of the present, drivers, and trends of the future. In our conversation, we discuss Tina's journey , her career and her hopeful ambition in this field. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Feb 11, 202230:02
Episode 322: Exploring Scenes Within Your Dream: A Conversation with Die The Monk
Feb 05, 202223:31
Episode 321: From the Piano to the Stage: A Conversation with Eydis
Jan 17, 202219:18
Episode 320 : NeuroDiversity is a Human Rights Movement : A Conversation with Jude Morrow

Episode 320 : NeuroDiversity is a Human Rights Movement : A Conversation with Jude Morrow

Jude Morrow is an autistic entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, consultant, philanthropist, and the founder of Neurodiversity Training International, the world’s premier neurodiversity-led training and consulting firm (neurodiversity-training.com). In 2001, Jude was diagnosed autistic at the age of eleven, after having been viewed as having communication and social difficulties. Jude’s journey to becoming a proud autistic adult is chronicled in his first book Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?, which also follows Jude’s experience of being an autistic dad to his non-autistic son, Ethan. Jude graduated with an honors degree in social work in 2012 and brings his personal and professional experiences to all the work he does. His most recent book Loving Your Place on the Spectrum: A Neurodiversity Blueprint released in September 2021.

Jude and I talk about the importance of inclusion in the world of mental health, inclusion, and his career. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Social media

https://twitter.com/judemorrow10

https://www.instagram.com/judemorrow/

https://www.facebook.com/judemorrowauthor/

Jan 11, 202236:28
Episode 319 : Discussing the Intersection of Art and Science: A Conversation with Catherine Sarah Young
Jan 06, 202223:57
Episode 318 : The Musician With 1,000 Songs: A Conversation with Paul Marchesani of Forest Kids Collective
Dec 30, 202137:60
Episode 317: The Honest Art of Harsh Noise: A Conversation with Robbie of Human Fluid Rot
Dec 22, 202133:02
Episode 316: Jazz, Trumpets and Sweden: A Conversation with Fabian Rosenberg

Episode 316: Jazz, Trumpets and Sweden: A Conversation with Fabian Rosenberg

Fabian Rosenberg (@TheArtByFabian) is a Swedish artist located in Stockholm. He has roots in the jazz tradition as a trumpet player but he moves seamlessly between being a producer, pianist and composer. His music has the capacity to sonically transfer you out of this world. A universe created with artistic accuracy. Intimate piano compositions and field recordings blend together with acoustic instruments and electronics, processed together to create haunting ambiance stringed together with heartfelt melodies.

His pseudonym Klangriket has received international recognition as ”a breath of fresh air” on the ambient and contemporary classical scene. Among his solo works there are several international and local collaborations with artists such as Sjors Mans, Dominique Charpentier and Jakob Lindhagen. Among them is ”The Amsterdam Sessions” with the dutch composer Sjors Mans. It was featured on several of the well established blogs in the genre.

Headphone Commute wrote this about the album:

”It roots in the known, picks up in the affluent, and expands on the serene. The keys are gentle and earnest, dancing their melody in the warm space touched by peaceful strings, tranquil synths, and beautiful soundscapes. What begins as a lo-fi analogue arpeggio (on “Prinsengracht”), slowly develops into a cinematic theme, that cradles and holds, all that is dear in music.”


Learn more about Fabian in our conversation on Dreams Not Memes. 

Spotify 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YJ10jocbeWrzx6u190SwV?si=0Wxb72pLSPqXusKJ2RAqawI

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/theartbyfabian

Dec 13, 202116:44
Episode 315: Traveling Around the World Solo and Getting What You Deserve: A Conversation with Lau Noah

Episode 315: Traveling Around the World Solo and Getting What You Deserve: A Conversation with Lau Noah

Lau Noah and I speak about the experiences of touring solo and colonialism. Lau is a musician from Spain who is currently touring in Mexico and hopes to travel across the world. Learn more about her on Dreams Not Memes and view her bio and socials below. 

Lau Noah’s musical tapestry is composed of deep Spanish folklore and classical music influences; is as harmonically rich as jazz and holds the profound lyricism of folk music. Praised by renowned musicians for the virtuosic counterpoint in her music, Noah represents a new era of song composers who bring forth quality, depth, and poetry to the public. Noah performed a Tiny Desk Concert in 2019 and played with Jacob Collier at the Blue Note in NYC in 2021.

Noah released her first EP in July 2021 and has been touring extensively through Europe, US and Latin America since.

Billboard Magazine: “Lau Noah is enchanting music lovers one song at a time”

Mixed world music:

“ Since Joni Mitchell left her unique mark in music history, few have managed to develop a completely unique language with nothing but a voice and a guitar that is recognizable at “ear glance” by thousands; Lau Noah therefore, belongs to a very selected group.”

I

Socials: Instagram @launoah57

Dec 08, 202125:38
Episode 314: Breaking Barriers from the East to the West: A Conversation with Gauri Paghan

Episode 314: Breaking Barriers from the East to the West: A Conversation with Gauri Paghan

I spoke to Gauri Paighan, a singer and a songwriter based in India. Paighan has been influenced by western music on her which makes her write original songs in english despite it not being her native language. 

Gauri believes that "human consciousness can be changed with the words we put in our lyrics" this is what Gauri values as a creator and songwriter. 

Despite the barriers she faces due to the language in her country she still believes music is a universal frequency that holds power to connect us all.

In our conversation Gauri speaks about advocating for herself and her goals as a songwriter and how she hopes to connect with people on an international level. 

Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. 

Nov 23, 202119:54
Episode 313: Being Good Enough : A Conversation with Linnea Lundgren
Nov 15, 202132:24
Episode 312: Maybe There's Something Special: A Conversation with Jamie and the Guarded Heart

Episode 312: Maybe There's Something Special: A Conversation with Jamie and the Guarded Heart

I spoke to Jamie of Jamie and the Guarded Heart about his music career and goals as an original artist. Jamie has been in the cover band circuit for many years and shares his insights with being a professional musician. Check out his bio and learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Bio

Bonded by tomato pie and storytelling, Jamie Salvatore and Morgan Russo lead the Guarded Heart as they prepare the followup to 2020’s “Nikki Used to Play the Drums”.

Chosen as the Band of the Month by world renowned WMMR here in Philadelphia, the song propelled the band into the club scene and led to live appearances for iHeart Philly’s 104.5 with Jammin’ Jesse on Live@5, and support from WXPN as well.

The first song from the forthcoming record is “I Don’t Love You” and was released in September via digital outlets and the band’s bandcamp site.

The accompanying video, shot outside of Philadelphia and directed by Bob Sweeney, features the band hanging around their hometown as well as performance shots from their home base, The Lannutti Post.

“The recording process was the most "us" we've ever felt in the studio. We really had the support and freedom to channel our influences into an authentic representation of who we are.” remarked Jamie about the time making the record and the video.

Drawing on their Conshohocken roots and influences, Jamie and Morgan decided to "leave it all on the field" while making this new record, just as they had when they formed the band.

After a decade of playing cover music 200 nights a year in bars, Jamie was ready to quit. He was burned out, uninspired and lost. That's when his partner Morgan hatched a scheme. "Why don't you start a project where you just play your songs and you really give it a go? Something real, something you believe in." she asked. "I'll do it, but only if you do it with me." he replied.

Jamie and Morgan formed Jamie and the Guarded Heart, a name that comes from a play on their personalities, the always out in front Salvatore and the more quiet and carry a big stick, Russo.

They were raised outside of Philly by working class parents on The Stones, Tom Petty and the radio. And they grew up dreaming of playing sweaty packed clubs to music fans like them. With every every show, with every song, they've watched their crowds grow. Now, they're ready to hit the highway and continue to make their dream real.

Their new record "Funeral Song" is about that. The dream chasing, the lost nights, the hopelessness, the dead end jobs, the ghost of people gone from your life and the undying pursuit of the thing you love most. If you want it, it's there, and if you need someone to show you how to get it, it's Jamie and the Guarded Heart.


Social Media 

jamieandtheguardedheart.com

facebook.com/jamieandtheguardedheart

instagram: @jamieandtheguardedheart

youtube: Jamie and the Guarded Heart

Nov 10, 202126:37
Episode 311: Microniche Twitter Celebrities vs Reality : Speaking with Maja of Queers to the Front

Episode 311: Microniche Twitter Celebrities vs Reality : Speaking with Maja of Queers to the Front

I spoke to Maja of Queers to the Front. Learn a bit more about Queers to the Front below.
We're a queer-run artist management and touring company that prioritizes queer, BIPOC, female, and disabled musicians and performers and advocates for safer spaces. Our mission is to make the touring community and the music industry safer and more inclusive for marginalized artists who often face discrimination in music. We operate all over North America, UK, and Europe. We offer artist management, PR services, tour booking, and crew services at affordable rates.
Maja is also the host of Queers to the Front Podcast where she invites marginalized artists and crew to discuss getting started in music, networking, accessibility and so much more. Tune in for new episodes every second Saturday!
In our episode we talk about Maja’s career in the music industry and learn about reasons why she moved from being a musician to working in Management and PR. Learn more today on Dreams Not Memes.
Nov 03, 202123:31
Episode 310: Channeling Your Own Desire Factor : A Conversation with Christy Whitman
Oct 27, 202136:39
Episode 309: Learning About Culture and Genre : A Conversation with Rauli V
Oct 25, 202143:29
Episode 308: Music is a Reflection of Human Experience: A Conversation with Jason Lee

Episode 308: Music is a Reflection of Human Experience: A Conversation with Jason Lee

In today's episode of Dreams Not Memes I speak to Jason/Tsung-Yuan Lee. Jason is a Taiwanese classical/jazz/world music violinist, multi-instrumentalist (piano, bass, guitar, drum, erhu, cello), composer, sound designer and an electronic musician.

In 2017 Jason appeared and composed music for the film “Accommodation”. He also appeared on Dream Theater’s “Along for the Ride” tour and live released DVD “Breaking The Fourth Wall”. In 2015, Jason Lee toured in China with his Chinese/Jazz fusion quartet for the first time and was interviewed by Huaxia Magazine as the theme of the month- “The rising star of the music world”. And later on, went on a sold-out tour with Yo-Yo Ma’s silkroad Ensemble branch project in 2018. In 2017, Tsung-Yuan join The Boulanger Lab as a musical software developer, directed by the creator of Csound computer language, Dr. Richard Boulanger. 

During 2018-2020 Jason was the co-leader of string revolution funk/rock band “2 Birds Band”, the great modern violin pioneer Jean-Luc Ponty has once commented on the band, “I'm glad to see young compatriots at a level that I rarely hear!”. The band is a unique strings-based ensemble with a rhythm section that explores the boundaries of violin and cello through different styles of music. Fusing classical tradition and contemporary styles, the band presents a new way of approaching strings with a sound both cultured and groovy. It has been performing and teaching clinics in Boston, New York, Toronto and France. The band has released 3 albums First Flight (2015), For Lack Of A Better World (2016) and String Groover (2017). 

Through recent years, Tsung-Yuan (Jason) Lee has worked and performed with many renowned musicians from modern jazz innovators such as, 4-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard; 2-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier; modern drummer Jojo Mayer; Mark Guiliana, modern guitarist David Fiuczynski, to King of Chinese Pop Lee Hom Wang; to classical musicians including 4-time grammy winner Eugene Friesen; grammy-winning Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Ensemble, to Hollywood Oscar nominated composer AR Rahma, progressive rock band Dream Theater; electronic music composer Robert Rich; oud master Simon Shaheen and suona master Yazhi Guo. 

In our conversation, Jason and I speak about his experiences with playing the violin and exploring his love for music and how he has been able to work on music in New York and Taiwan. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 


https://www.instagram.com/jasonleety/

Oct 21, 202145:04
Episode 307: Standing on Giant's Shoulders: A Conversation with Xenai

Episode 307: Standing on Giant's Shoulders: A Conversation with Xenai

On Episode 307, I spoke to Ashwin Shenoy aka Xenai, here is a little bio about him. 

My name is Ashwin Shenoy aka Xenai and I’m a third culture alien/artist blending Indian and Middle Eastern elements into Hip Hop & RnB.

Music is my way of connecting with the many facets of who I am and the realities around me.

Known as Xenai, I started composing my own music as a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. The spectrum of cultural influences I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to from Western sounds like ‘The Weeknd’ and ‘Jeff Buckley’ as well as Eastern traditions like the Arabic vocal music mawwāl and Hindustani classical music, all which shaped my unique kaleidoscopic sound.

So far, I’ve released 40 original singles that I’ve written, composed, produced, engineered and performed myself. I won the Flash Entertainment 2019 Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition in Abu Dhabi and the award for Breakout Artist of the Year 2019: Gulf Indie Music Awards by Museland. I’ve been featured on U.A.E.‘s Gulf News, Bahrain National Newspaper: Gulf Daily News, Bahrain Confidential and Bahrain This Month for my creative endeavors.

My most notable performances include the F1 Grand Prix 2019 in Abu Dhabi opening for Marshmello and The Killers, the “Musicians Without Borders” at the Bahrain Cultural Hall 2019, the 2019 Mubadala Tennis World Championship, 2020 BIRA Makeplay Festival and the Art Fusions Art Exhibition, “Love & Inspire” attended by H.E. Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

I composed the title track and film score for a feature film proposed to be on Netflix, as well as having acted a lead role. I worked as assistant producer for multiple jingles and commercials for companies such as Nissan, Suzuki, Shiseido, DHC, Philip Morris and Kose. As an independent artist in Bahrain with a global outreach, I have a thorough understanding of multiple areas of my craft and the music industry.

In our conversation Xenai share's his story about how he has had to reshape his sound from personal experiences and what he plans to do with his music career in the future. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 


Social : https://www.instagram.com/xenaimuzik/?hl=en

Website: https://www.ashwinxenai.com/

Oct 18, 202135:15
Episode 306: Composing for Film: A Conversation with Ana Ortiz

Episode 306: Composing for Film: A Conversation with Ana Ortiz

Ana Ortiz Wienken is a Berklee College of Music alumni, graduated with a Magna Cum Laude in Film Scoring, Conducting and Music Production.  Her career has been eventually intense as she began her musical training at the Russian Conservatory Katarina Gurska of Madrid, in where she obtained a Magna Cum Laude degree in classical piano performance and contemporary composition.
 
Ana had the honor of assisting and working with award winning composers in relation with Warner Bros. Studios, Music & Motion Productions, Team Disney, Output, Velvet Green Music, Chroma Music for TV and Advertising and the Latin Grammy Scholarship Foundation.  
 
Her knowledge and experience in recording studios in Los Angeles, CA. Boston, MA. New York, NY. Madrid, Spain. Panamá, Venice, Italy, and Dublin, Ireland has taken her to found her company AOW Music Productions.

In our conversation Ana speaks about her experiences with working in the film and composing industry and how she works for herself as an entrepreneurial composer. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Oct 11, 202135:47
Episode 305: A Discussion on Taiwanese Cuisine: A Conversation with Lillian Lin
Oct 07, 202129:51
Episode 304: Jazz and Composition: A Conversation with Jernej Bervar

Episode 304: Jazz and Composition: A Conversation with Jernej Bervar

Jernej Bervar is an award-winning musician, guitar player, composer, arranger, and
producer, living in New York City and a native of Slovenia. 

Jernej discovered his passion for music at early age of 4. Coming from a classical
background, he soon developed interest in jazz. In 2012, Jernej was awarded the
scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music and has moved to Boston to study jazz
guitar.

Jernej won several notable awards, including John Laporta Jazz Award and Performance
Division Award. In 2014, he won first prize at the international Wilson Center Guitar
competition in Milwaukee, USA.

Jernej is performing at concerts nationally and internationally in Europe, USA, Africa,
and Asia, including festivals such as the prestigious Montreux Jazz festival. He has been
featured on numerous albums, released in Europe, USA, Japan, and China, and has
worked with leading artists such as Divinity Roxx, Victor Wooten, Nona Hendryx, Ali
Caldwell, Cory Henry, and Sharay Reed, among others.

Jernej and I speak together about his journey as an artist and his future goals. Tune in today on the next episode of Dreams Not Memes. 


Socials

https://www.youtube.com/user/jernejbguitar

https://jernejbervar.com/

Sep 30, 202127:12
Episode 303: Jpop, Anime, and Pop Culture: A Conversation with Shihori

Episode 303: Jpop, Anime, and Pop Culture: A Conversation with Shihori

Shihori is a visionary LA-based singer and songwriter who has enjoyed over a decade of success in the Japanese pop industry and beyond. Her work encompasses original songs as well as compositions for internationally-acclaimed anime tv shows (Fairy Tail, The Irregular at Magic High School, Macross Frontier including collaborations with Kohei Tanaka ( One Piece)) and computer games including 'League of Legends'.  She boasts 11 gold-certified singles and albums that total over a million sales. Her music champions a message of love and life empowerment. In our conversation Shihori and I talk about her journey as a creative, her goals with being a songwriter and composer from Japan. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes and Subscribe today to hear the past episodes. 


Social Media 

https://linktr.ee/shihorimusic

Sep 21, 202125:07
Episode 302: : Be Important To Yourself : A Conversation with Molly Compton

Episode 302: : Be Important To Yourself : A Conversation with Molly Compton

A little to folk for punk and little too punk for folk, Molly Compton is a creative with many hats based in Chicago. Amateur gardener, unofficial soup club member, hidden gem, CEO and hemorrhaging heart at Ur Mom Records. Compton shares her story about her relationship with music, art, and her vision for creating an accessible community. Molly and I take a deep dive into Compton's origin story and talk about having multiple skills in the arts, arranging music, and finding your calling. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.


@mollstermash IG AND FB

@mollster_mash Twitter

Molly Compton on spotify

Sep 16, 202144:38
Episode 301: Hip Hop in the Netherlands : A Conversation with Kevan Dre

Episode 301: Hip Hop in the Netherlands : A Conversation with Kevan Dre

“Born Kevin van Drecht in the Netherlands, Kevan Dre is a 21-year-old upcoming rapper, producer, songwriter and engineer.

At a young age Kevin fell in love with music from the likes of Lil Wayne and Bay Area artists E-40 and Mac Dre.

From playing the organ at his grandparents’ house to building his own studio and recording actual songs that could take you places.

In the summer of 2018 he started messing around with different DAW’s and made his first beats. As soon as he got the hang of producing, Kevin started writing songs and rapping the following year. On May 21st 2019 he finally released his first single called “Drifting Off” with Italian singer Marco Finotti under his old artist name “KD”. Between then and January 2020 Kevin continued to release numerous singles featuring artists around the globe.

After a year of releasing songs as KD, Kevin and the label he was under decided it was time to rebrand to something more unique. He eventually  landed on “Kevan Dre”, which takes parts of his real name, and pays homage to artists like Mac Dre and Dr. DRE. On July 3rd Kevin officially came back to the rap scene under Kevan Dre with his debut single called “Lonely” featuring Miami based artist Don Jones, which amassed over 4000 streams. He then continued releasing singles like “Hurt”, which amassed over 10.000 streams, Need That, which surpassed 4500 streams, and overseas, surpassing 16.000 streams.

Inspired by artists like E-40 and Mac Dre, to G-Eazy and P-Lo, Kevan Dre is set to bring American Hip Hop and West Coast Hip Hop to western Europe.”

Kevan and I speak about his life ambition in becoming an MC and his interactions with hip hop. Learn More on Dreams Not Memes and Subscribe today. 

Social Links:

https://www.instagram.com/Kevan_Dre/

https://www.Twitter.com/Kevan_Dre

Sep 13, 202121:55
Episode 300: Julia Flores Interviews Brian Walker of Dreams Not Memes

Episode 300: Julia Flores Interviews Brian Walker of Dreams Not Memes

Julia Flores (Episode 100) requested to interview the host of Dreams Not Memes Podcast, Brian Walker.  Walker is not only the host of this podcast, he holds many hats. Walker is the singer songwriter of A Day Without Love, Co Producer of Safe x Sound Film, Freelance Scoring Musician, A Change Management Consultant, Author/ Poet, and a Creative Community Centered Collaborator.

Walker has released 104 songs and is currently working on his third studio recorded album, the release of a documentary and hopes to create a community based on acceptance, diversity of thought, and teamwork. Flores interviews Walker about his creative and professional goals, why he started Dreams Not Memes, and how he has overcome his battles with mental health, trauma and inequality as a creative entrepreneur and professional. Learn more about Walker on the 300th episode of Dreams Not Memes.

Socials and Fundraising Links

Bandcamp: https://adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/09JoYdZo9cekYMqyN1bsGD?si=xsYvSGwRTh6FGjDBIEKv6g&dl_branch=1

Merch: https://www.adaywithoutlove.com/merch

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adaywithoutlove

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/adaywithoutlove

Tik Tok : @adaywithoutloveband

Instagram: @adaywithoutlove

Subscribe to Dreams Not Memes: https://anchor.fm/dreamsnotmemes/subscribe

Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lyUjL_W1xM&t=13s

Sep 01, 202151:13
Episode 299 : Be Nice Because Everyone Comes Back Twice : A Conversation with Jesse Lundy of Point Entertainment
Aug 30, 202133:03
Episode 298: Regrouping and Pivoting : A Conversation with Meredith Rounsley

Episode 298: Regrouping and Pivoting : A Conversation with Meredith Rounsley

Meredith Rounsley is a singer and songwriter who melds candid storytelling with an organic, folk-pop sound. Inspired by a life of travel and casual conversations with strangers, Meredith creates music that is warm and grounded, placing her comfortably in the company of confessional songwriters like Sara Bareilles and KT Tunstall. Meredith released a 4 song EP in the summer of 2016, Weapon, followed by her latest single, “Fluent” in 2020.

Meredith grew up in rural Maryland on a mixture of the hymns played at her grandmother’s piano and the soul music coming through her parent’s stereo. She picked up an acoustic guitar at thirteen, learning to write her own songs while joining every music program that her school offered. She eventually started playing small local venues and regional shows, following her curiosity to Australia to study music performance in college. When she returned to the states, she began recording and releasing music from her parent’s spare bedroom, borrowing their car to tour up and down the east coast.

She spent the next few years gathering a following at local wineries and restaurants while premiering at esteemed singer-songwriter venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Jammin’ Java, and The Basement. An impromptu writing trip to Nashville in 2018 became a move to town, where she experimented with new co-writers and began expanding her solo performances.

Meredith collaborated with Nashville producer Kyle Dreaden to build lush instrumentation around her acoustic guitar driven arrangements. Hints of Norah Jones’ intimate vocal delivery and Feist’s playful hooks are woven in to complement her vulnerable songwriting. The result is a collection that feels like a favorite sweater - cozy, soft, and familiar. 

Meredith and I spoke about her origin story as a musician, her future goals, her recent release Ember and her challenges as an artist. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. 


Social Media 


www.meredithrounsley.com

www.facebook.com/meredithrounsleymusic

www.instagram.com/meredithrounsley

Let Somebody Love You Music Video 

Aug 27, 202159:46
Episode 297: From Singer, to Student, to Band Leader: A Conversation with Esperanza Delgado

Episode 297: From Singer, to Student, to Band Leader: A Conversation with Esperanza Delgado

I spoke to Esperanza Delgado, born in 1994, at age 15 she began studying classical singing at the professional conservatory of music in Cordoba, where she is trained as a lyric soprano, after graduating with honors she received a scholarship at Angela Carrasco's musical theater school in Madrid. Although with her insured place at the school, It is necessary to postpone her entry to Berklee for one year, having been awarded the only scholarship granted by the SGAE association in 2016 to Berklee students worldwide, due to her boom in national television in 2016, because of the program of La Voz (The Voice, Spain), being the semifinalist of Alejandro Sanz's team. She sings with artists such as the winner of uncountable grammys Alejandro Sanz, David Bisbal, and the Colombian band Morat, among others. In the summer of 2017, just before entering to Berklee, she toured theaters and halls around the national scene, finally, and as was in her plans, she starts her studies at Berklee in contemporary writing and production. She is currently studying at Berklee College of Music (Boston) and immersed in the Mestizas band, with whom she plans to release an EP, and a Europe-Latin America tour for Summer 2020. In our conversation we spoke about Esperanza's journey as a musician and how her upbringing help mold her current ambitions. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 

Instagram: @laespedeverdad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EsperanzaDelgad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxTIzHoVBEr1EAJeAnXPevg

Aug 23, 202118:11
Episode 296: Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: A Conversation with Enya

Episode 296: Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: A Conversation with Enya

Professing over two decades of experience as a performing vocalist, Enya is known among peers for her versatility and creative value as an artist, songwriter, session singer, vocal arranger, and producer. In addition to having opened for and being featured in lifestyle and music festivals including Beerfest Asia, The Conscious Fest, Earthfest, Newport Folk Festival (RI, USA) Boston Greenfest (MA, USA), and Gardenbeats, her artistic appearances under the stage alias NyaLi have garnered critical appraise wherever received, from the North Americas (USA and Canada), to Europe (Spain), to South Asia (Nepal), to Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar. Career highlights include supporting household names in the music industry such as Andrea Bocelli, Kristin Chenoweth, Wang Lee Hom, and Jacob Collier—on world-renowned stages not limited to Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Berklee Performance Center and Boston Symphony Hall.

As far as events engagements go, NyaLi has accrued an impressively diverse and international clientele, including such established names as BMW, Heineken, Google, Samsung, Lululemon, Woh Hup Group, Beerfest Asia, and most recently, Vogue Singapore. In our conversation Enya and 

I speak about her journey as a musician, her profession as a vocal teacher and getting into the authentic and human side of being a creative. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 


Social links

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3mdzg6Fp1vTlkwrg8MMIce

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nyali/1040543406

FB https://www.facebook.com/nyaLiMusic

IG @nyalimusic https://www.instagram.com/nyalimusic/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/NyaLiMusic/

SoundBetter https://soundbetter.com/profiles/88412-nyali-music-bar

Website https://www.nyalimusic.com/ - quite in need of a facelift!

Aug 16, 202134:13
Episode 295: Family, Growth, and Beyond: A Conversation with Odd! Drey

Episode 295: Family, Growth, and Beyond: A Conversation with Odd! Drey

Odd!Drey is a singer songwriter, musician, performer and music producer hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia. She's currently 19, and has been learning music since the age of 3, starting with vocals, piano, drums and then violin. She has won multiple music competitions both in national levels and international levels.   Now she's a fulltime musical artist, working on her own work whilst doing multiple gigs and music for others. In today's episode of Dreams Not Memes, we learn about Odd! Drey's journey and her ambitions in the world of music. Listen today 


Socials 

IG: fg.odd.drey

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4V1ld8DslVKAY2r3yoskdb

Aug 12, 202126:46
Episode 294: Discipline is Needed to Achieve Your Dream: A Conversation with Estefania Nunez

Episode 294: Discipline is Needed to Achieve Your Dream: A Conversation with Estefania Nunez

Estefanía Núñez Villamandos is a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator born in Havana, Cuba. She started studying music at the age of 6 and graduated from the National School of Music with a performance degree. Nowadays, she is a current student of Berklee College of Music, doing a dual-degree in Film Scoring and Performance and a minor in Music Production & Engineering.

Estefania is a member of the band Mestizas, a musical group, specialized in the fusion of flamenco, jazz, and various Latin American and Caribbean folklore genres, where she plays the piano, sings and arranges the music. Pianist of the band The Timba Messenger, a group where Cuban music and Latin jazz are pillars in the repertoire.

In 2015, she was selected by Salomón Gadles Mikowsky, Professor of the Manhattan School of Music, to perform at the 3rd Meeting of Young Pianists, a prestigious piano festival hosted in Cuba since 2013. Estefanía has had the honor to work perform with many distinguished artists such as Miguel Núñez, Aldo López Gavilán, Ernán López-Nussa, Aida Cuevas, Yaroldy Abreu, Osmany Sánchez, Reinaldo Melian, Sergio Félix Rabeiro, Sidy Maiga, among others.

In 2016, she won the full-tuition scholarship at Berklee College of Music. She has had the opportunity to expand her musical horizons, from scoring films until the experiences of performing and learning many different styles of music from all around the world. Among these are Jazz, Flamenco, Brazilian Music, Greek Music, Cuban Music and Latin Jazz Music.

Social Media:

@estefania_nunez_villamandos

Aug 01, 202127:59
Episode 293: What is Inclusion without Representation?: A Conversation with Olivia Farkas of Eclectica Division
Jul 28, 202133:07
Episode 292: Rock and Roll in Philadelphia : A Conversation with Coleman Rigg
Jul 20, 202126:06
Episode 291: Finding Your Voice Through the Universe: A Conversation with Margot Sergent

Episode 291: Finding Your Voice Through the Universe: A Conversation with Margot Sergent

Margot Varret is a classically-trained harp player and has performed in orchestras, chamber groups, and as a soloist in France for ten years. In 2015, Margot moved to New York City from Paris where she was performing in several prominent jazz clubs such as 38 Riv, Club Rayé, and Baiser Salé, as well as other publicly sponsored musical events, such Fete de la musique (The national day celebrating music) and Dialogues on Humanity in Lyon (world wise conferences about philosophy, society and arts). 

Margot has toured with two high-profile big bands: a Brazilian jazz band with the notable bandleader Mônica Passos, where she had the honor to collaborate with legendary saxophonist Archie Shepp, and also a band led by French singer-songwriter Nolwen LeRoy, the best-selling artist in France in 2011.

In 2011, while completing her studies in vocal performance, songwriting and jazz improvisation at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Margot decided to create her own project, So French Cabaret. Margot arranged French versions of swing standards for a harp-based jazz quartet and quickly began booking performances.

Margot received an “Artist Visa” (a Visa to the United States granted in exceptional circumstances for extremely talented and culturally important artists) in January 2015, and was encouraged to develop So French Cabaret for New York audiences by Archie Shepp, legendary saxophone player, who used to be a co-performer of  John Coltrane. Since January 2015, So French Cabaret has performed in many European-themed cafes, jazz clubs and upscale social clubs in New York, such as the Flat, Matisse restaurant, Chez Oskar, Brasserie de Paris, Café du Soleil, O Cabanon, AOC, Gloo, BK9, Olivier Bistro,  Saju Bistro, Cornelia Street café, and Club Bonafide.

So French Cabaret has been invited with increasing frequency to represent the connection between French and American culture in prominent public events, such as the 10th anniversary of the press French Morning, the Air France 5000 runners race in Central Park - Run for Life, and Albertine Library literary conferences.

In 2019, she had two residencies in NY, at Bonafide Jazz Club and Jules Bistro.

November 22nd and 23rd 2019, she made her debut show at Birdland Theater. She brought there the Piaf Experience, a immersion in the French iconic singer world. The two shows were sold-out.

In our conversation Margot and I speak about her journey with finding herself as a songwriter and entertainer. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. 


Socials 


Webiste : https://www.sofrenchcabaret.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margotsergentmusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margotsergentmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MargotSergentOfficial


Jul 14, 202142:41
Episode 290: Entrepreneurship and Entertainment PR: A Conversation with Maggie Poulos
Jul 07, 202147:57
Episode 289: Global Social Media, Marketing, Branding and Authenticity: A Conversation with Melissa Pothier

Episode 289: Global Social Media, Marketing, Branding and Authenticity: A Conversation with Melissa Pothier

Melissa Pothier is an online entrepreneur from Quebec, Canada. She started in the online world back in 2015 with a multilevel marketing company. Pothier fell in love with the possibilities that the online world is providing so she decided to become a marketing coach, she also created an e-commerce company and sold it 2 years later. Her recent business is a branding agency ''Brand expansion agency'' and they do branding strategies and they create visual identities for online entrepreneurs. She is multi-passionate and truly believes that if you show up authentically online you are going to attract the right client this way. Her mission is to create more impact and more influence online to live a fulfilled and aligned life. She is also helping her clients to do the same. In our conversation we speak about Pothier's career journey and her future endeavors. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes. 


Socials @melissa.pothier

Jul 02, 202118:03
Episode 288: Talking to a Full Time Punk: A Conversation with Shaiful

Episode 288: Talking to a Full Time Punk: A Conversation with Shaiful

I spoke to full time punk, organizer and anti capitalist Shaiful from Singapore. Shaiful is the founder of Prohibted Projects a booking agency and punk distro based in Singapore. In our conversation we discuss anti capitalism, living without the dependency of money, and his future dreams towards alternative culture and the elderly. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. 

Jul 01, 202129:23