In this episode of Born to Create, I sit down with New York City-born DJ, producer, and audio engineer Mike Salvione, a powerhouse in the electronic music world with an unmatched passion for House music. Known for blending House, Funk, and Tech into hard-hitting tracks that dominate dance floors, Salvione has made waves in the industry with releases on major labels like Toolroom and chart-topping hits on Beatport, earning praise from legends like Nic Fanciulli, Roger Sanchez, and Christian Nielsen.

Salvione’s journey is one of reinvention and relentless drive. From engineering for his musical idol Danny Tenaglia to headlining iconic venues like Ministry of Sound in London, Pacha NYC, and Ibiza Rocks, his story is a testament to the power of faith, sacrifice, and staying true to your craft. In our conversation, Salvione shares how he left behind a doctorate to pursue his dream of music, the mindset it takes to achieve success, and the vision behind his brand, Elevated, which seeks to raise the vibration of the electronic music community.

We explore the milestones that have defined his career, including his Ibiza residency, the launch of his Elevated Academy to mentor up-and-coming producers, and his innovative work with binaural beats to elevate the music experience. Salvione also offers practical advice on navigating the music industry, balancing passion with life’s demands, and achieving goals through small, consistent steps.

Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or a fan of electronic music, this episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom. Tune in to learn:
🎧 How Salvione developed his signature sound and broke into the industry
🎯 The role of mindset and discipline in chasing your dreams
🎵 The vision behind Elevated and its mission to build community and raise vibrations
💡 Actionable tips for aspiring producers and artists looking to make their mark

With recent recognition as a Mixmag Artist to Watch and a 5-week Ibiza Rocks residency, Salvione shows no signs of slowing down. His journey is proof that when you follow your passion and put in the work, anything is possible.

✨ Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. 🎙️

Episode Description:

In this deeply inspiring episode of Born to Create, we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Robert Babicz, a groundbreaking force in electronic music. With over 1,000 releases, seven albums, and a career spanning more than three decades, Robert has not only shaped the global music scene but has also become a guiding light for artists seeking to connect more deeply with their creative essence.

Robert opens up about his fearless journey—starting from humble beginnings with borrowed equipment, to taking bold risks that ultimately defined his career. He shares his transformative philosophy on creativity, describing how trusting his intuition and letting go of ego has allowed him to produce one track a day and approach music as a snapshot of the present moment. For Robert, perfection is an illusion, and music is not just a career—it’s a form of lifelong therapy and a way to channel inner struggles into something transcendent.

We also delve into his unique live performances, where he improvises sets and creates energy fields that connect audiences in profound ways. Robert discusses the importance of finishing creative ideas, breaking free from patterns, and using mistakes as opportunities for discovery. He reflects on how his experiences—both light and dark—have shaped his artistry and his belief in music as a ritual to honor life itself.

Whether you’re an artist, musician, or someone yearning to embrace their creative spirit, Robert’s story is a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. Tune in to hear his candid thoughts, powerful anecdotes, and timeless wisdom that will inspire you to trust your intuition, embrace imperfection, and create from the heart.

Connect with Robert Babicz:

I’m super excited to bring you this episode with the incredible Electroblaze, aka Michael Bleser! 🎧

Electroblaze has been steeped in music since birth, thanks to his musical family. Starting out as a hip-hop artist under the alias “Mr. Blazer,” he soon took his passion for music on the road, mixing beats and cocktails as he traveled the world.

🌍 From freestyle rap sessions to discovering electronic music in Mallorca, and then diving deep into Hamburg’s underground scene, Electroblaze’s journey is as dynamic as his sound.

We chat about how Berlin’s iconic club culture, including nights at Club Der Visionäre and Griessmühle, fueled his creativity and led him to fully immerse himself in music production with Ableton.

Now the founder of his own label, Nesh Recordings, Electroblaze continues to push boundaries, collaborating with artists across the globe. 🎶

In this episode, we explore how simplicity, thinking outside the box, and embracing constant change have shaped his music and life. Whether you’re an artist or just love an inspiring story, this conversation will leave you ready to follow your creative passions. Don’t miss it! 🚀

https://linktr.ee/electroblaze

https://www.beatport.com/artist/electroblaze/864005

In this episode, I sat down with the legendary Timo Maas, an influential DJ, producer, and Grammy nominee, to dive deep into his incredible journey through the world of music.

Timo opens up about his early struggles, from growing up feeling like an outsider to discovering that music was his true language of expression.

We talk about how music became not only his emotional outlet but also the driving force behind his success.

Timo shares powerful insights into how he stayed true to his artistic vision, even when it meant going against trends or overcoming personal and professional obstacles.

He also takes us behind the scenes of his Grammy-nominated project, explaining how setting big goals and then letting go of them allowed the creative process to flourish naturally.

From his early influences to his passion for remixing, and from working with global artists to mentoring new talent, this conversation is full of wisdom for any aspiring artist or music lover.

Whether you're looking for inspiration to push through your own challenges or want to understand how a true artist masters his craft, this episode is packed with the kind of stories and insights that can change the way you think about creativity.

Don't miss out on hearing Timo's candid thoughts about how to overcome the odds, follow your passion, and transform your life through the language of music. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to take your next bold step in your creative journey!

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Spicer, a multifaceted artist, writer, and self-described "creative survivalist."

We delve into his journey of self-discovery, including his late diagnosis of autism, and how it transformed his understanding of his life and work.

Rich shares the profound impact of this diagnosis on his art and personal narrative, exploring themes of masking, vulnerability, and the struggle to present authentic work to the world.

We also discuss his experiences during the pandemic, how he used art as a means of survival, and his ongoing projects, including a book titled *The Treasure Within the Ruins*.

Rich opens up about the challenges of translating deeply personal experiences into art, the tension between artistic expression and commercialization, and his views on the role of imperfection in art.

This conversation is a deep dive into the creative process, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity.

In this captivating episode, join Maria Richters as she delves into a profound conversation with Elizabeth Mikellides, a distinguished fine art digital artist renowned for her unique fusion of music and visual art. Discover how Elizabeth translates complex musical scores into vibrant, original artworks, offering listeners a glimpse into her innovative process. As they explore the intricate relationship between music, creativity, and personal expression, Elizabeth shares insights into her journey as an artist and the profound impact of creativity on mental health and healing. Uncover the challenges and triumphs of balancing artistic authenticity with the demands of social media, as Elizabeth reflects on the evolving landscape of creativity in the digital age. From her experiences curating exhibitions to upcoming projects that promise to revolutionize the art scene, this episode offers a captivating insight into the mind of a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. Tune in for an enriching conversation that celebrates the transformative power of creativity in all its forms.

Details

https://linkin.bio/elizabethmikellides/

@elizabethmikellides

Embark on a fascinating journey with Miguel and Iyvone as they share their profound insights into eco-art and sustainability in this captivating podcast episode.

From their humble beginnings studying set design to their remarkable collaborations creating art from recycled materials, Miguel and Iyvone's passion for environmental stewardship shines through.

Dive into their discovery of mycelium as an eco-friendly material, ignited by their experiences at Burning Man and driven by a commitment to finding sustainable alternatives to toxic substances. Explore their adventures in crafting intricate sculptures and immersive installations, seamlessly blending artistry with environmental consciousness. 

Delve into the world of bioluminescence as Iyvone recounts her pioneering collaboration with scientists to capture the ethereal glow of plankton. Journey alongside them through the highs and lows of experimentation, learning invaluable lessons from failures and setbacks that ultimately fuel their creative process. 

Discover their unwavering dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and mindfulness in all aspects of their art and lives. From advocating for sustainability to empowering others through workshops and education, Miguel and Iyvone are catalysts for change in the art world and beyond. 

As they share their future plans, including an ambitious Burning Man piece that bridges cultures through mycelium, listeners are invited to ponder the profound intersections between art, nature, and humanity.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the transformative power of art to shape a brighter, more conscious future. Tune in and be inspired to explore your own journey towards a more sustainable and artful existence.

Details:

https://www.iyvonekhoo.co.uk/linktree.com/wishingtotem

@wishingtotem

@iyvone_khoo

Meet Charlie Frances, the visionary behind Akta Photography. Through his lens, he's not just capturing headshots; he's capturing aspirations.

Charlie created Akta Photography during the pandemic from his own London flat, realizing that some of his actor friends needed headshots. Little did he know that word of mouth alone would turn his side gig into a fully-fledged business including two studios in London and more talented photographers joining him to shoot over 1200 actors in 2 years!

Driven by a thirst for understanding, Charlie spent two years engaging with industry leaders, refining Akta Photography's approach with insights from figures like Kharmel Cochrane and Amy Hubbard.

He has also worked with big names such as RADA or Theatre Peckham.

Charlie's mission is to help actors break into the elusive world of acting and support their journey every step of the way.

In this podcast episode, host and founder of Akta Photography, Charlie, shares his inspiring journey from being an actor to establishing a successful photography company. Joined by the excitement of creativity, Charlie discusses the unique approach of Akta Photography, working with talented individuals in the theater and film industry. The episode delves into the essence of portrait photography, emphasizing the importance of capturing the depth and authenticity of the artist rather than simply showcasing their skills. Charlie narrates the unexpected beginnings of Akta Photography, including a transformative encounter with filmmaker J.J. Abrams. The discussion unfolds the company's Pay What You Can initiative, highlighting the commitment to making professional photography accessible to all, while also exploring the challenges and lessons learned along the way. Join the conversation on the significance of comfort and commitment in the creative process, offering valuable insights for both artists and entrepreneurs.

In this captivating episode, join Maria and Indy as they delve into the world of surreal art with the talented artist and psychiatric nurse, Indy Chung. Discover the intersection of spirituality and mental wellness in Indy's artwork as he shares his unique perspective on creativity. Uncover the inspiration behind his iconic "Faceless Man" series and learn how his journey in art intertwines with his experiences in the field of mental health. From creating thought-provoking pieces to the profound impact of gifting art to musicians like Black Coffee, this episode offers a fascinating exploration of art, introspection, and the human experience.

Dive into the world of art advisory with Guy Maximo, based in London, as he shares insights into his role and the nuances of working with private collectors. From decoding the distinctions among art buyers to exploring the factors influencing an artwork's future value, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted realm of art curation and collecting. Join us for a conversation filled with valuable gems for both aspiring artists and art enthusiasts

Gui Maximino is an Art Advisor with over 15 years of experience in the art market. Prior to founding his own business Minerva Art Advisory, Gui had a gallery in Brazil and moved to London where he worked for established galleries and briefly with provenance research and recovery of Stolen art. 

He specialises in Modern and Contemporary Art and developed an international business with clients all over the world, offering a range of services that includes buying/selling, valuations, collection management and anything related to the arts.