S2E2: Substance Use in the Music Industry with Jeordie Shenton
In this episode I talk to Jeordie Shenton, a trailblazer in music industry related academic research.
Jeordie is currently undertaking a PhD and his current work focuses on substance use among working musicians. In this thought-provoking conversation we explore the complex factors that contribute to musicians' increased susceptibility to substance use. From personal characteristics to industry specific pressures, we discuss how neurodiversity, class, race, gender, disability, and mental health intersect with drug use patterns. It's a deep dive into topics that have a profound impact on musicians' journeys and the industry as a whole.
S2E1: Funk the Fear and Do it Anyway with Sofi Mari
As we kick off the 2nd season of the podcast, I talk to the wonderful Sophie Matera, known by her stage name Sofi Mari. Sophie is a highly respected singer, MC, lyricist, and songwriter and she has been making waves in the music industry since 2003. You are in for a real treat as we dive into Sophie's journey and experiences and we talk about courage, authenticity, creativity, successful collaborations and the importance of sometimes taking a step back and giving things the time they require.
S1E9: Self-Development, Body Image & Self-Esteem
In this episode I talk to Phil Stanley, better known as MC Fokus who is a Hitchin based drum and bass MC, signed to Dispatch Recordings. He has been active in the scene for decades and is highly regarded for his versatility and for his lyricism that is infused with meaning and substance. We talk about his music career, some of the significant milestones and challenges that he has overcome. Then, we dive deep into his experiences with low self-esteem and body image and the road he took to transform these challenges into fuel to help and support others.
S1E8: The Nights that Launch New Talent
In this episode I speak to Andy Easton, founder of the London based club night called Launch. Andy is a veteran of the drum and bass scene, having been a DJ since the 1990s and one of the most well respected independent promoters in London, where he regularly puts on Launch, since 2007. This is an important conversation because small promoters like Andy are the backbone of the electronic music scene and they don’t always get the support that they deserve from the industry.
S1E7: The Dynamics of the Bass Music Scene
In this episode I talk to the Bristol based DJ & producer, Enada, founder of Dynamics. You are in for an engaging conversation, where we talk about her journey in the dubstep scene, about DJing and music production, building up your confidence as an artist and all things Dynamics, a platform dedicated to showcasing female and non-binary talent from across the globe.
S1E6: Gender Inequality in Dance Music
In this episode I talk to London based drum and bass producer, DJ, radio host & mentor, Sweetpea. In our conversation she shares some great insights about the attitude that helped her and may help you deal with the challenges of crafting a lane for yourself in music. We also discuss her work within EQ50, some of the ways to go about achieving fairer representation for female and non-binary artists in music and why this is not only important but also in the interest of everyone in the industry.
S1E5: Hip-Hop, Wellbeing & Existentialism
In this episode I talk to Existential Life and Leadership Coach and Positive Psychologist Yannick Jacob. In our conversation, we revisit Yannick's MSc dissertation in Positive Psychology and we examine how music cultures, particularly Hip-Hop, and the science of well-being can complement each other and help us find ways to foster better mental-health. We also explore some existential themes and how might they show up as you create and live your life.
S1E4: The Art of Insubordination
In this episode I talk to the American psychologist Todd Kashdan, a leading expert on the psychology of well-being, curiosity, mental flexibility and social relationships. We discuss his new book, The Art of Insubordination and we talk about what is principled insubordination exactly, what are the costs, the barriers and the consequences to dissent, whether it is from the majority or from your own group, and some of the strategies that you can use to rebel in a responsible and successful way, with some musicians and bands serving as some of our examples.
S1E3: Perspectives on the Music Scene
In this episode I talk to the wonderful Verity Raphael. Verity is a music journalist based in London. She is the founder of Rave Report, an independent platform dedicated to the celebration of underground music communities. She has also written for the prestigious dance music platforms Knowledge Magazine and Data Transmission.
S1E2: The Journey of an Artist with Ross Harper
In this episode, I talk to the Brighton based electronic music producer Ross Harper. Ross has been producing music for 20 years and has received DJ support from the likes of Martin L. Gore of Depeche Mode and Laurent Garnier, among others. We talk about his creative journey, encounters and dreams as catalysts to new life chapters, overcoming perfectionism in music production and much more.
S1E1: How to Succeed as an Artist with Nomine aka Outrage
In this first episode, I talk to Andrew Ferguson, also known under the production aliases Nomine and Outrage. Besides being a DJ and producer, Andrew is an established music industry professional with 25 years in the industry behind him and the founder of Education & Bass. We talk about his journey, the attitude you need to have to succeed as an artist today and much more.
Podcast Trailer
Hello & welcome to StreetLevel Redefined - The Podcast! If you are looking for a place to hear interesting conversations that support you in building the music career and life you want, then this podcast is for you.