Kazim Rashid, an artist and creative director based in Berlin and London, discusses the intricate balance between creativity and commerce in the music industry. He shares insights on the challenges artists face in gaining recognition and support, especially amidst the streaming revolution. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape. They also explore the emotional impact of social media on artists and emphasize the need for meaningful connections between performers and their audiences.
Kazim Rashid emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the music industry to navigate challenges and enhance creativity.
The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of music consumption, highlighting the need for innovative marketing strategies to stand out.
Rashid highlights that success in the music industry relies on balancing artistry with effective marketing and strategic planning.
Deep dives
Reconfiguring the Studio for Creativity
The speaker shares their experience of reconfiguring their studio space to enhance productivity while working on a video game project. What began as a part-time commitment has evolved into a full-time obsession, prompting a complete overhaul of their modular setup to align with their creative process. They emphasize the importance of thoughtful module layout and cable management, advocating for a system that allows for quick access and efficient workflow. Specific strategies, such as organizing cables by color and length, are highlighted as essential for maximizing their creative output.
Exploring Software Synths for Production
In addition to physical studio changes, the speaker discusses the enhancement of their laptop as a production hub through the integration of various software synthesizers. They express enthusiasm for specific tools like G4 and Plogue, noting their ability to recreate classic sounds that inspire creativity. This shift allows for idea generation outside the traditional studio environment, showcasing the versatility and convenience of modern music production. The speaker encourages others to explore these technologies for their potential to elevate creative projects.
Collaboration and Artistic Insights
Collaboration is emphasized as a vital element in the creative process, with the speaker reflecting on their work with artist AJ Nils. They recount their improvisational sessions that not only fostered musical innovation but also led to the discovery of Nils' album 'Eat Something', which contains noteworthy pieces. By sharing these collaborative experiences, the speaker underscores the importance of building artistic connections to enrich personal and professional artistic journeys. They express genuine excitement in featuring compelling new music as part of their ongoing creative exploration.
Insights from a Music Manager Perspective
The speaker engages in a deep conversation with music manager Kazim Rachid, whose experience lends insight into the intersection of creativity and commercial viability. Rachid discusses the challenges artists face in today's music industry, particularly in navigating the balance of artistry with effective marketing and promotion. He emphasizes finding passion in both the creative process and the broader industry dynamics to achieve success. The discussion reveals that success often relies on understanding the importance of teamwork and strategic planning, rather than strictly adhering to DIY methods.
The Evolving Landscape of Music and Listening
The podcast addresses the changing landscape of music consumption and the varied challenges new artists encounter in gaining visibility. The vast increase in album releases over the past two decades complicates the music industry's competitive landscape, making it harder for individual works to stand out. Insights shared stress the need for innovative marketing strategies and long-term audience engagement rather than relying solely on traditional methods. Ultimately, the conversation reflects the need for artists to adapt to this evolving environment and focus on creating quality work while staying resilient through the ups and downs of their careers.
Kazim Rashid is an artist, manager, and creative director based in Berlin and London.
I found out about him through my good friend David Okumu who is our magical, mutual connection.
Aside from his work as a manager, Kazim is chief creative officer at Resident Advisor, the world's largest and most influential electronic music platform.
His work often focuses on collaborating with artists, record labels, and brands to help them achieve their goals in the music industry.
We get into the current state of things for artists navigating the changing tides of music commerce.
Strap in!
Music for this episode comes from a chap I met in Berlin thanks to Hainbach.
Mr Ayjay Nils plays Viola in the Berlin Phil and is a great improviser :)
A rare combo! He’s also super into weird and wonderful electronic music which is featured in this show. It’s all from an upcoming album
Here’s his Bandcamp to check the action!
https://ayjaynils.bandcamp.com
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