PIVOTAL SLICE: on writing & composing

Our guest today is Helen Bowie, a performer, multidisciplinary writer and creative facilitator. Through her work she explores the fluidity between these areas, and the way that words interact with the world. Jade speaks to Helen about puzzles and word games, interactive performance, and the comedy of mundanity. 

Pre-order Helen’s new book Exposition Ladies, ‘a love letter to the poorly-scribbled female characters of Hollywood and beyond, who exist solely to move the plot along.’

You can also follow Helen on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about her work through her website.

Music by David Mackenzie. Buy ‘Solace’ on Bandcamp, and watch the video for ‘Swan Song’ by artist Janet Lees.

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WARNING! This episode covers some deep, and possibly triggering, topics including drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide and mental illness. We also swear a lot. Please only listen if you are in a stable mindset. 

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The story of the ‘tragic artist’ is a dangerous myth in our society, and carries a morbid fascination for many onlookers. But the true roots of addiction are rarely discussed; it is a subject shrouded in shame. In this episode, Jade and David discuss why artists often struggle with addiction and mental illness, and talk about their own experiences with addiction and recovery.

Jade also shares an excerpt from a piece of writing about her path to sobriety. You can read the piece in full here.

If you are in a pattern of addiction and need help, please contact the NHS or your local support services. There is no shame in asking for help, and you do not need to suffer alone.

Music by David Mackenzie.

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Our guest today is Melissa James, a singer-songwriter, activist and mind-health advocate. She has organised many charity projects and events, and brought together artists and influencers to discuss social issues through ‘Stronger on Sundays’. Jade talks to Melissa about finding her way to her truth and how she uses music, spiritual practice and authentic communication to heal the wounds of society.

Follow Melissa: 

http://melissa-james.com/

Instagram: @melissajamesuk
Twitter: @MelissaJamesUK

David shares his new release, ‘Bliss & Shadow’, at the end of the episode. You can purchase the single on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green

Buy us a coffee!

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Photo by Tatiana Gorilovsky

David and Jade are in full deconstruction mode today, as they discuss how structure works in the contexts of storytelling, music and Hollywood movies. They ask the question: ‘How can we use structure to trigger emotional reactions in our audience?’ and talk about the works that have inspired their own process. 

David shares his new release, ‘Virtuoso’, at the end of the episode. You can purchase the single on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green 

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Jade and David speak to Mary in the Mirror, a singer-songwriter who weaves evocative storylines into her music, using her life experiences as inspiration in her writing process. With a distinctive Bristol sound, she infuses hip-hop, trap and drill beats with jazz soul vocals and a Celtic twist. Mary talks about her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she has adapted her process to fit the changing landscape of live music.

At the end of the episode Mary shares her latest single, ‘Haunt U’.

Visit Mary’s YouTube page to watch the brand new video for Haunt U

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Purchase Mary’s music on Bandcamp

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David talks to Rob MacDonald, a stonemason, sculptor, drummer, writer of poetry and political artist. Rob’s goal is to build an international movement of revolutionary artists. He does this through organizing Outa-Space arts podcast, community participation monuments like Solidarity Park, and creative teaching and workshops. 

Discover more about Solidarity Park: https://solidaritypark.com/

Listen to Outa-Space: https://outaspacearts.libsyn.com/

Support Rob on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RobMacDonald

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David’s new single, ‘Swan Song’ is available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green 

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice 

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Welcome to Season 2 of Pivotal Slice! In this episode Jade and David reflect on Season 1 of the pod, talk about what they've learned and why 'the art life' is so important to them. They also discuss society's view of artists and the beliefs we carry about pursuing a career in the creative industries. 

Music by David Mackenzie

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green 

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice 

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David chats to poet, photographer and filmmaker Janet Lees about her artistic process and the path she has taken through recovery and spiritual growth. Janet’s work is published in journals and anthologies around the world, and her own book of poetry and photography is entitled ‘House of Water’ (2019). 

View Janet’s work and purchase her book: https://janetlees.weebly.com/

Follow Janet’s Instagram: @janetlees2.0

David’s new single, ‘The Agreement’ is available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green 

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice 

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It’s ‘Childhood Month’ on Pivotal Slice! Your hosts discuss the link between past experiences and present beliefs about art, work and self-worth. They ask the question: ‘Are all children inherently creative?’ and explore the genesis of their own relationships to creativity. 

In the second half of the episode, Jade and David share pieces of work inspired by childhood and talk about how they created them.

You can read ‘Voices’, by Jade Green, in full here: https://www.orangesjournal.com/fiction/voices-jade-green 

Or listen to the audio version: https://soundcloud.com/jade-green-writer/voices-short-story

Music by David Mackenzie – purchase ‘Green’ on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

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https://linktr.ee/jade_green 

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice 

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Be kind to your inner child!

Jade speaks to prolific writer Irenosen Okojie about her unique path into the literary world, finding a mentor and tips for staying inspired. Irenosen is the author of novel Butterfly Fish and two short story collections, Speak Gigantular and Nudibranch. She is known for her forays into surrealism, richly complex characters and vividly poetic imagery, and is one of the most exciting Black female voices in the world of contemporary literature.

Find out more about Irenosen: https://www.irenosenokojie.com/

Follow her on Twitter/Instagram: @IrenosenOkojie

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice 

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Music by David Mackenzie. ‘Embrace’, his new single, is released on 1st April and will be available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/ 

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