Live2cre8

David "Z" Rivkin is a Grammy-winning record producer, engineer, mixer, and writer who has an ability and knack for finding and developing independent, cutting-edge artists into hugely impactful stars. David has hand his hands on some of the most iconic songs from the 80's, and is probably most well known for his long-standing collaborations with Prince, including hits like "Purple Rain" and "Kiss," but he's also contribute to award-winning albums by Etta James, Billy Idol, and Bo Deans, to name a few. He produced the #1 single "She Drives Me Cray" by Fine Young Cannibals. And he was also a member of Lipps, Inc, with whom he had a #1 hit with "Funkytown." David is widely regarded of one of the original innovators of the signature Minneapolis sound that artists like Prince mastered, and just about everyone else tried to copy.   In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:   • Learning recording and engineering techniques by the seat of his pants out of necessity • Meeting Prince and creating that signature Minneapolis “80’s sound” with drum machines and synthesizers that everyone tried to copy  • The importance of experimentation in the studio • How he made that hyper pop snare sound on Fine Young Cannibals “She Drives Me Crazy" • Using conscientious choices versus “happy accidents” while recording  • Prince’s prolific songwriting, and how he’d write 30 songs to get 1 good one • Must-have recording gear in the studio • How he’ll work in any musical genre except dub step  • The differences between analog and digital studios, and embracing the new technologies • And SO much more!

Reyn Guyer is a serial entrepreneur in a variety of creative fields including toys and games, music publishing, education, and art. He is perhaps best known as the inventor of Nerf and Twister, and is a member of the Hasbro Toy & Game Inventor's Hall of Fame.   Guyer has also founded music publishing company Wrensong Music of Nashville, which has had many number one singles and won a Grammy and two CMA Song Of The Year awards. He is the creator of Winsor Learning, an educational program for remediating those with dyslexia; and he is also the author of the book Right Brain Red: 7 Ideas for Creative Success.   Other projects that keep Reyn busy include: The Curly Lasagna project, a series of stories and songs for kids and parents that he created with Jeff Harrington The new dice game Rally Roll, which he invented in 2014 Creating sculptures and artwork, many of which are in private collections Doing croquet one better with a new lawn game called King’s Court In this episode, we cover a lot of ground including:   • Sketching techniques and doing graphic design before computers • How the Nerf ball “accidentally” got invented, and the origins of its name • How an appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor helped launch Twister • The challenges of starting a Toy & Game company, and what makes a good creative team • Learning to not talk yourself out of creative ideas • How rule-breaking is a key component of the invention process   .. and SO much more!   If you only have 5 minutes to listen, skip to 31:56 to hear Reyn’s 3 magic words, and his rules for Creative Success.