Creative Connectors

Selva is the Art Director for Cosmic Convergence Festival, a multi-day conscious event offering music, art, and education in Central America. In this episode, Selva explains her journey from the Milan fashion world through to running a festival in Guatemala. She provides insight into their unique social outreach program and how the festival and her fashion brand (Conscious Convergence) support the Mayan community, whilst also offering insight into sustainable design practices. We chat about connecting to your heart through creation, building trust with indigenous communities, repurposing materials, and the importance of pushing forward with ideas that have an impact. Sit back and enjoy the chat.

Luke Poulson is one of the previous Directors of Quest Festival in Vietnam and now continues to work in event operations internationally. In this episode, Luke takes us on his journey from creating events in the English woodland as a kid, to becoming one of the directors of Vietnam's first multi-day music and art festivals. The story and detail behind why and how Quest Festival stopped so abruptly after many years of success have not been shared publicly to date, so grab a cup of tea and settle in for this one. Luke opens up about the emotional journey that brought Quest to a close whilst also providing some of the most entertaining memories I think we'll ever hear on this podcast. Expect tears, a lot of laughter and a sneak peek into the wild and wondrous world of running a festival in Vietnam. Sit back and enjoy the chat, because this is one episode not to be missed.

Justin Rudge is the Program Director for Port Fairy Folk Festival.  In this episode we discus his journey from musician to Director and the learnings he's discovered along the way. We're delving into the need for more collaboration, festivals as a platform for positive challenge, striking balance, and the magical moments that will stick with him from across his career. Justin also sheds light on his move to Madrid, the cultural nuances of international events, his top tips for finding 'your thing' within the industry and much more. So sit back enjoy the chat. 

David Tait is the event organiser for Twisted Frequency, a multi-day underground New Years festival in NZ. In this episode we're delving into his journey growing and evolving the event, the wider festival landscape in NZ and the challenges that come with organising events in a smaller country. Discover how and when David feels weaponised and at his strongest, his insights into sharing responsibility and keeping the peace along with the moves happening in the music scene. We also chat about the positives that came out of COVID-19, the plague of tall poppy syndrome, social politics and drama mitigation. So sit back and enjoy the chat - Kia ora

Kyra Bramble is a powerhouse from the US, 11-year burner, author of Burning Wings, Chef and More Pleaze Founder. In this episode, Kyra takes us on her journey from being a tour baby right through to publishing a book based on her first experience of Burning Man. We're chatting about everything from writing tips, how to manage volunteers, conscious food, and the importance of play. Expect topics including cultural appropriation, intention setting, vulnerability, and how festivals have supported Kyra exploring and fostering every aspect of her being.

Shannon Moroney is one half of the techno duo Handsdown & Leigh Boy, along with being Euphorie Bezirk Records Founder. In this episode we delve into Shannon's journey from metal to heavy techno, the dedication and hard graft he put into his DJ career, and how this has taken him to Australia's biggest electronic festivals including Strawberry Fields, Elements, and Rainbow Serpent to name a few. We explore important topics including suicide, mental health and discover the impact COVID had on him as an artist, along with how it felt to play Sydney Myer Music bowl as lockdowns lifted. Shannon also sheds light on his purpose-fuelled vision for Hope Fest, a new project that aims to combine doof culture with mental health awareness and self-development. Sit back and enjoy the chat. 

Matt Backhouse is one of the Directors for Jai Thep Festival in Thailand. In this episode, Matt takes us on a journey from his involvement in animal welfare through to his baptism of fire into the world of festival culture. We delve into the emotional intelligence and skills he's gained along the way, the importance of art and expression, and the role festivals play in helping us to coexist and connect peacefully on this planet. It's honest, authentic, and an open conversation covering everything from creativity to mental health. Expect insights into the Jai Thep community, their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and how they create their magic.

Sit back and enjoy the chat with two northerners who love tea and a good chinwag.

Asher Luber is the Director of a number of businesses centred in festivals and events including Elite Image Events, The Timber Yard and The Petting Zoo Festival. A man with a huge amount of passion and experience, we're talking about everything from giant flying disco balls, his experience working on the infamous Fyre festival and the differences between the US and Australian festival scene. Tune in as Asher takes us on his journey from an early age in event land, right through to managing some of the biggest festivals in the US and combatting criminal activity as part of his role. Sit back and enjoy this passionate chat.

Lea Lewin is the Managing Director of Treecreds, a support, management and advocacy agency for climate change mitigation. Treedcreds work with festivals and artists alike to support events and tours having less impact on the environment around us. Delve into Lea's journey from practicing law, through to being the first face that greets you at the festival gates. We're discussing the role of environmental education, carbon calculators, generational shifts in attitudes and how festivals enable us to be generous, creative and set new rules. Sit back and enjoy the enviro chat.

Paul Abad is the Director of Earth Frequency Festival and long time music promoter. In this episode, we discuss his journey from throwing underground and land care parties, through to developing an annual, intention-based, and sustainably driven festival. We delve into the challenges that come with growing an event, the rise of compliance culture, community complaints, and discovering the impact of your event. Gain insight into the industry trends Paul has observed, the amazing creative collaborations he's enabled, and how the broader media narrative needs to change to the positive outcomes of festival experiences. Sit back and enjoy the chat, this is an awesome deep dive into the festival industry and Paul's creative mind.