I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee

As someone who has played the cello in my much more youthful days and is ineffectively trying to resurrect past glory, I fully appreciate Kishi Bashi's love of the violin and the way he uses that instrument in his compositions. You can literally hear it cascading through every release he has done – from the Room for Dream EP to the epic music and soundtrack for his film Omoiyari. 

He is an epic multi-hyphenate - songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, film maker, father, husband who has used his creativity, his energy and whole being to produce art that, well, makes you pay attention through the exquisiteness and purity of the songwriting and its humanity. 

There have been so many things that have fascinated me, intrigued me, filled me with respect and admiration, not least the ever-present authenticity in his work but also how that work conjures such strong emotions in me. Even though I find myself getting emotional at the smallest things these days – it’s getting ridiculous quite frankly – and even more so with some of the horrific acts of prejudice, greed and narcissism that structurally pervade our society - there are still only a few songwriters that can do this.

Now, he’s back with what I think is his musically most diverse (and that’s saying something) LP to follow up the stunning Omoiyari. It’s called Kantos and it was really exciting to hear about it all and to delve into some of the mindset topics that I’ve noticed present in his work, like emotional intelligence, curiosity, resilience and adaptability.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

I’ve long thought about our individual persona or personas and this idea of ever evolving identities …for example, people who have work and non-work personas: the arsehole in work, nice as pie out of work; the surprising competitive aggression at the work social bowling alley do, the extroverted party goer (ok, so there might be some substance impact for that one) – kinda like Henry the mild mannered janitor morphing into Hong Kong Phooey (does anyone remembers that show?!)

What does this mean for the authentic you? Who actually are you?

I think I’ve come to the conclusion that the times I’ve felt uncomfortable with the way I was behaving, was more to do with dissatisfaction with the environment and company I was keeping rather than myself and my identities, so eventually I’ve taken action to change them.

This led me to start thinking about why, for example, institutions, companies, communities, social networks seem to exhibit their own personality and employees, members or whatever can start to take on that personality and behaviours, which might be at loggerheads with their own individuality. How malleable is our individuality? How do we unearth that authenticity, when we strip away the masks and show ourselves devoid of external influences? 

And do these scenarios exist in bands? And especially in artistic or creative collaborations, which is really the very essence of individuality coming together, how do we as collaborators come together to achieve common goals?

Neil Cowley has just released his first record (although it hadn't been released when we recorded this) with his two longstanding friends and cohorts who had so much acclaim as The Neil Cowley Trio prior to its hiatus 7 years ago. Their reunion and reconnection, and the making of this record, perhaps provides some answers to my most mind churning questions!

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

Over the last few years, I’ve been trying to work out why certain things in my life have turned out the way they have. Friendships has been a particular thing that’s been on my mind, in particular why I’ve tended to let some slide. I’ve had occasions where I’ve reconnected with lost friends and family and realised just how important they are. Having said that, I do think that the way we handle friendships is kinda different to that of my parents generation, when it was definitely friendships for life. More people live a nomadic life these days, so community is less of a thing, and also I’m much more aware of my own identity shifting as I get older and what’s important to me changing and I think this impacts who comes on our own journey with us. I think it makes you realise how powerful your real friendships are.

Nicolette Vilar has dedicated her life to the creative arts as a fabulous graphic and visual arts designer and also the singer in Go Betty Go where her close, tight friendships with the band members have been forever, endured the rocky road of life and have, I think, been instrumental in the band reforming and recording their soon to be released EP called Black and Blue. The title hints at the bruises, yet it’s self-care, time, friendships – and our old, great mate, music - that help you heal. 


#musicpodcast 
#experimentalmindset 

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

One of the things that I was looking at about 7-8 years ago was the growth of the term ‘multi-hyphenate’ and how, with us living longer lives (well, that was the case up to 2019, I think Covid has probably affected that a little), more people – and across all ages - were moving away from the stable job, linear career trajectory and into a more multi-hyphenate way of working which involves doing more than one thing, often 3/4/5/6/7/8 different things. It struck me that many creatives, particularly musicians, have always had so many aspects – roles if you want - to their lives – songwriting, playing, producing, poetry, art, promotion, DJ’ing, band management, tour management, running a label, marketing – and that if you’re gonna hold up an example of what a multi-hyphenate life looks like, musicians would be it. It’s the DIY ethic that blew up when punk started and has filtered into a whole way of being for future generations.

You can’t really talk about a multi-hyphen life without talking to Tara Rez. She’s doing all of the above and more and more, including her own band, The Duel, inspired by punk rock, free of any clichés, rules, boundaries and 100% free spirited.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

So, as hopefully my faithful and long suffering subscribers will know after 120 + episodes, the whole idea behind this podcast is about the importance of mindset and specifically how an experimental mindset can help us to navigate the world today, a world that is becoming more complex, more volatile, full of more and more contradictions and where outcomes are less and less predictable or certain.

Within our mindset, I really believe that emotional intelligence is one of the most important attributes that we need. I still find it hard to believe that it’s not part of our education systems – well, I don’t find it hard to believe actually, because once you start to teach empathy, self awareness, that kind of stuff… the divide and conquer tactics of the ruling elite start to become less effective and their power starts to be eroded. I do believe that it should be taught to kids as soon as they are born, but I realise that there are a whole load of structural, systemic things that need to be worked out.

X-Raided. 

His lifestory is as big a headfuck that you can get.

He served a total of 26 years, five months, and 26 days in prison starting in 1992. He’s always been very clear and honest about what he did not do on that lifechanging morning and also very clear and honest about what he did do, about the bad choices he made – but it needs to be said, because this shit still goes on around the world, that the foundation of the case built to convict him back in 1992 was constructed on the systemic prejudice against black people and people of colour that had been pumped through the veins of the US through government operations like CoinTelPro with all its nefarious, community damaging tactics based on lies and manipulation. This was the longest consecutive sentence served by any musician ever and just six months less than the time Nelson Mandela served.

Whilst he was inside, he produced 12 albums give or take and he continued to create his music when he was released in 2018. 

Last year’s A Prayer in Hell was truly outstanding and as we were recording this episode, his latest, the huge 24 track A Sin In Heaven, was about to be released and it’s another hypnotic masterclass in how old school can evolve into the present. 

It’s powerful, distinguished and full of heart and soul.

I always like to take a moment to remember that music is always there for you, it will always come with you on your journey and it will always be your friend.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

I'm gonna keep this one brief.

Stress Positions would have been in the list of identity shapers for 14 year old me. No question. They are hands down one of THE most potent and important bands right now. They will pulverise you with their musical and lyrical intensity. And in 30 years time, people will be talking about Stress Positions as they did - and still do - those pioneers of the 80s hardcore scene. 

Trust me, they are that good.

I'm so very happy to have had this opportunity to talk to Stephanie Brooks, who takes vocal ferocity and progressiveness to a different level.

Big thanks to Justin Pearson at ThreeOneG for introducing us.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

As the devoted fans of this small but perfectly formed podcast will know, I’m a big believer that emotional intelligence is one of THE super powers for navigating the world, especially nowadays with all its complexity, volatility, uncertainty and division. It often feels like the critical components of emotional intelligence – like self-management, self awareness, empathy and social skills – are out of reach, I mean I also feel that it’s getting out of reach for myself, such is the helplessness and rage that I feel sometimes. It’s the hardest time I’ve ever known for keeping raw emotions in check, at least it is for me.

I went to a talk given by John Robb a month or so ago and he posed the question “Do you believe in the power of rock n roll?”. It made me think: Do I? What can music do? Music is always my friend, even when the world is going to shit – and believe me, being in the UK this past week really makes me think it is. It has been and always will be a constant in my life. It’s made me laugh, made me cry and dug me out of holes.

I’ve always believed that politics, protest and social commentary belongs in music. So, I always feel positive when I hear about or listen to musicians that care, ones that believe that we need to strive for unity.

Marquise Fair is doing just that with music to try and bridge those divides with messages of unity, peace and freedom.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

A few years ago, after I quit my job and decided to go self employed or freelance or whatever, I fell into the trap of trying to start a bit of a hustle which - I still think was a great idea – but was still with a mindset of doing things in “work” mode - how to start something and grow it. It was a bit of a fun concept but I was way too serious about it. It wasn’t where my head was at or where it should have been at and it was only through some fairly grumpy and anxiety filled days, weeks and months, that I started to see that. I mentioned that I still think the idea as great, and I do – it was also about mindset. So what I did, with a massive, inspirational push from my partner, was to flip the idea around and do it in a way that was way more fun and involved a bunch of people that I’ve been listening to since I was a kid: talking to musicians about their mindset and how they’ve navigated their way through life, Yes, everything evolved into this podcast. If this isn’t fun, then I’ll go and stand on the naughty step reserved for big fibbers.

Anne Tong and Bryce Barsten of Chinese American Bear are my wonderful guests today and, if my dodgy research – just for once  - doesn’t let me down, have their own stories around serious and fun and how those two things play out for our creativity and sanity. 

They have just released their latest single, Heartbreaker, which is a magnificent slice of 60’s nostalgic, lo-fi pop and I just have the perfect TV soundtrack for it.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

Nostalgia. Such a layered, gamut-running emotion. That experience of having what you lost or never had, of a band that split up before you could see them, of seeing a band in a venue that’s now a bunch of this-could-be-anywhere apartments, of lovers long lost, of finding yourself. Then there’s the nostalgia for the present, knowing that it won’t last forever and then there’s future nostalgia where we perhaps blend our past experiences and project them into the future.

I’m gonna read out some lyrics from a song by the Buzzcocks called serendipitously….wait for it…..”Nostalgia”

“About the future I only can reminisce
For what I've had is what I'll never get
And although this may sound strange
My future and my past are presently disarranged
And I'm surfing on a wave of nostalgia for an age yet to come”

It's wild when you try to get your head round it!

Jason Kwan has been heavily influenced by 70s and 80s pop and has brought this into the present with his debut EP, Déjà vu, a magical, romantic and, yep, futuristically nostalgic dream-pop record.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste

I’m really intrigued by instinct and the circumstances in which it can really flourish. For example, I’ve been classically trained – admittedly many more years ago than I’d care to mention – and that training can stay with you, or at least the modality or mindset of it can, if not the skills! I also have a tendency to analyse things, which is like watching a political debate – mind numbingly tedious and utterly pointless. I have got far better at going with my instinct – must be that thing of not giving a fuck as you get older. But, it intrigues me how an analytical nature and the pull of instinct have co-habited through my lifetime – it sometimes feels like a metaphor for the many paradoxes that exist in the world today.

Instinct is very much evident in the music of my wonderful guest Anna von Raison , a real clash of musical styles and there’s a noticeable evolution in the soundscape from her first EP 5 years ago with her latest album - and LP end-of-a-trilogy - Salvation, and makes me think about our own evolution - life, identity and experiences as well as a desire that I think we all possess somewhere – and that’s to experiment, let the subconscious do its work and see where it goes.

Really enjoyed this conversation with Anna about her life, her views, her ways of being and her honesty about so many things including herself. 



#avr #annavonraison #salvation #experimental #mindset #iwannajumplikedeedee #musicpodcast #selfawareness #emotionalintelligence #jazz #crossover 

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

- brought to you from the mothership of the experimental mindset™
- swirl logo and art by Giles Sibbald
- doodle logo and art by Tide Adesanya, Coppie and Paste