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A Path Unfolding with Jesse Brede

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Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 31min

Poranguí: The Healing Power of Music

In this episode of A Path Unfolding, Jesse Brede interviews Poranguí, a multifaceted artist whose journey spans various cultures and musical influences. Poranguí shares his experiences growing up between Brazil and the United States, highlighting how his diverse background has shaped his identity and artistic expression. He discusses the transformative power of music as a healing force and the importance of improvisation in live performances. The conversation delves into the relationship between technology and ancestral sound, emphasizing the significance of the human body as an instrument. Poranguí's commitment to creating unique, live experiences through music serves as a testament to the unifying and empowering nature of sound. In this conversation, Poranguí shares his journey as a musician and the intricate technology behind his performances. He discusses the evolution of his sound setup, emphasizing the importance of connection with the audience. The dynamic partnership with Ashley, who adds a unique energy to their performances, is explored, highlighting the balance of masculine and feminine energies on stage. Poranguí also delves into his experiences with plant medicine, particularly Ayahuasca, and reflects on the future of ceremonial practices in the context of modern music culture. In this conversation, Poranguí shares his journey of integrating music and medicine, discussing the impact of his work with ayahuasca and the creation of the Music is Medicine platform. He emphasizes the importance of music as a healing tool and its potential to foster connection and empathy. The discussion also covers his Brazil land project aimed at creating a sanctuary for music and healing, as well as the therapeutic potential of the Kuya Sessions, a music project designed for use in ketamine therapy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Poranguí01:41 Cultural Roots and Early Influences06:22 The Power of Music as Medicine11:08 Improvisation and Live Performance15:11 Facing Uncertainty and Creativity19:52 Bridging Technology and Ancestral Sound25:35 The Instrument of the Body30:13 Technology and Live Performance Rig31:09 Crafting the Perfect Sound: Poranguí's Tech Journey36:19 The Dynamic Duo: Poranguí and Ashley's Creative Partnership49:11 Exploring Plant Medicine: A Journey Through Ayahuasca01:00:01 The Future of Ceremony: Balancing Tradition and Modernity01:01:53 The Journey of Music and Medicine01:04:44 Creating Music as Medicine01:07:37 Empowering Through Music Retreats01:10:40 The Brazil Land Project01:20:12 The Kuya Sessions and Therapeutic MusicFollow Poranguí:🌐 Website: https://porangui.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/porangui📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/porangui🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/porangui▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/porangui🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kWcLaQyRXzG3mJ5DFr6jQ🎧 Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/porangui/388764509📀 Bandcamp: https://porangui.bandcamp.comSound Bites"Music is able to really transcend that.""How do I come into any place with music?""Improvisation keeps us all on the edge of our seat.""Cultivating our resiliency is essential.""We are all creating a field of coherency.""Music has the power to unify people.""The human body is the most complex instrument.""Our birthright is to be musical.""Technology is a descendant of fire.""Improvisation is my commitment to live performance.""I have a machine pedal board that I've created.""I want to offer this to other people.""Music is the soundtrack of our lives.""We're all searching for meaning and connection.""Music is sustainable, it's an infinite resource.""Music is essential in the ketamine space.""This is my Dharma.""Listen to your heart first."
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Apr 22, 2025 • 59min

Jorge Brea: Consistency Is Your Secret Weapon

Join us for a candid conversation with Jorge Brea, CEO of Symphonic Distribution, as we dive deep into what it really takes for independent artists to make waves in today’s music landscape. Jorge shares hard-earned insights on why consistency matters, how building your music catalog is like investing in real estate, and why treating your art as a business is non-negotiable. We get into the nuts and bolts of digital distribution, the evolving role of artist development, and what sets Symphonic apart from the pack.From the explosive growth of Latin American music to the challenges posed by AI and streaming fraud, Jorge doesn’t hold back. We talk about the real risks of artificial streaming, how tools like StreamSafe are fighting back, and why authenticity will always win in the age of AI. Plus, Jorge opens up about the importance of mentorship, building a strong team, and finding the right partners to help you grow.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry stories, and a whole lot of inspiration for independent artists ready to carve out their own path.Links: https://symphonic.com/https://jorgebrea.com/https://www.instagram.com/symjorge/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeebrea/00:00 The Importance of Consistency in Music Distribution02:59 Building a Music Catalog as Real Estate05:52 Understanding Digital Distribution and Its Role09:14 The Unique Value of Symphonic Distribution11:51 Artist Development and the Role of DSPs15:11 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Music Genres17:58 Expanding into Latin American Markets21:08 The Future of Music Distribution and Challenges Ahead24:10 Addressing Fraud and AI in Music Distribution32:02 The Impact of AI on Authentic Branding35:52 Navigating the Challenges of Artificial Streaming39:07 Leveraging Technology for Business Intelligence41:55 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Dynamics49:03 Funding Strategies and Business Growth53:46 Staying True to the Mission of Supporting Artists
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Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 12min

Tony Moss: Crafting Joy Through Sound

In this conversation, Jesse Brede and Tony Moss explore the intersection of music, spirituality, and healing through ayahuasca ceremonies. They discuss the profound influence of Tony's musical background, the transformative power of ayahuasca, and the role of music in creating a healing environment. The conversation also delves into the creation of the I Am Life music label, the significance of gratitude in personal healing, and the release of Tony's new album, Joy, which aims to blend various musical influences into a cohesive experience. Tony explores the profound impact of music on social experiences, the definition and essence of medicine music, and the collaborative process of creating music with notable artists. He emphasizes the importance of trust in the producer-artist relationship, the central theme of joy in his work, and the duality of life experiences. The discussion also touches on the sensual connection with nature and the artistic expression of masculinity. Chapters 00:00 Musical Influences and Unique Background 05:49 Ayahuasca and Spiritual Transformation 11:52 The Role of Music in Ceremony 18:01 Creating the I Am Life Music Label 23:50 The Power of Gratitude and Healing 29:54 The Joy Album: A Musical Journey 36:35 The Power of Music in Social Settings 37:35 Defining Medicine Music 38:29 The Essence of Medicine Music 39:30 Collaborations with Notable Artists 41:19 The Journey of Song Creation 43:28 The Role of a Producer 50:13 Trust and Collaboration in Music Production 56:08 Joy as a Central Theme 01:00:28 Embracing Duality and Paradox 01:07:30 The Sensual Connection with Nature Follow Tony Moss: https://www.tonymoss.me/ https://iamlife.bandcamp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mosstony https://linktr.ee/tonymoss https://www.iamlifeproject.org/
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Dec 17, 2024 • 51min

Somatoast: Authenticity in the Algorithm Age

Jesse Brede and Mark Rubin, aka Somatoast, explore the multifaceted journey of being an artist in today's world. They discuss the balance between creativity and management, resilience in the face of challenges, and the evolution of artistic presentation in the digital age. Mark shares his experiences with social media satire, self-management, and AI's impact on music creation. The dialogue emphasizes the need for artists to adapt, learn, and find joy in their craft while navigating modern marketing complexities. Key Takeaways:• Management as a second creative outlet• Hurricane experience changing outlook on humanity• Evolution of artistic presentation into a cohesive brand• Exploring new musical directions for deeper creativity• Using social media satire to cope with pressures• Self-management for personal growth and learning• The importance of caring deeply about your own projects• Finding joy in the creative process• AI collaboration as the future of music production• Navigating modern marketing challenges Chapters:00:00 The Duality of Creativity and Management00:59 Resilience in the Face of Adversity06:11 The Evolution of Artistic Presentation09:04 Exploring New Musical Directions15:00 The Satirical Lens of Social Media22:05 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Marketing30:04 The Journey of Self-Management40:59 The Future of Music and AI Collaboration Follow Somatoast:Bandcamp: somatoast.bandcamp.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5TRPicyLGbAF5nBjAOTezTInstagram: www.instagram.com/somatoastFacebook: www.facebook.com/somatoastTwitter: twitter.com/somatoast
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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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