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Read the Blog post:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/what-is-emotional-processing

Free Artist-Training:

https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/artist-mindmap

Courses:

https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/courses

Coaching: 

https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/coaching

Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

This episode wasn’t meant for an audience.

From emotional burnout to business bottlenecks, doubts around business partners and platforms to choose with, and the friction between art and commerce—this is an unfiltered window into the backstage of the Holistic Musician Academy and my own journey as an independent musician.

We talk about the things that don’t usually make it into polished podcasts or curated newsletters. Things like identity, masculinity, and the quiet pressure of always having to “perform.” The creeping role of AI in creative work. And whether building an artistic career part-time is a compromise or a legitimate survival strategy.

I also speak candidly about the personal:

If you’ve ever wondered what the real conversations sound like behind the coaching, the music, the launches—this is it.

Warning: This episode contains unpolished language, vulnerable moments, and a whole lot of truth.

Any tools, services, or platforms mentioned in this episode are shared solely based on personal experience. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially endorsing any brands or companies discussed.

Find out more about Chris Prestia 

Free Training

Self-Study Course.

Group Coaching

1 on 1 Mentorship

Music and Audio Production:

www.everynowheremusic.com

Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/musicians-and-martyr-syndrome

Free Training

Self-Study Course.

Group Coaching

1 on 1 Mentorship

Music and Audio Production:

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/macro-vs-micro

Free Training

Self-Study Course.

Group Coaching

1 on 1 Mentorship

Music and Audio Production:

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/macro-vs-micro

Free Training

Self-Study Course.

Group Coaching

1 on 1 Mentorship

Music and Audio Production: 

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/macro-vs-micro

Get my Free Training.

Waiting list for Group Coaching

Music and Audio Production: 

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/what-is-peoplepleasing

Get my Free Training.

Waiting list for Group Coaching

Music and Audio Production: 

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/artists-and-imposter-syndrome

Get my Free Training.

Waiting list for Group Coaching

Music and Audio Production: 

www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the blog post below:

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/information-diet

Get on the waiting list for my artist mastermind

https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist

Get my Free Training.

Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Download my FREE 'Artist Mindmap'. A one-page mini-masterclass for independent musicians.

Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com

What does it take to sustain both a marriage and a creative partnership—without one overshadowing the other? In this long-awaited conversation, we sit down with returning guests Kiran Ahluwalia & Rez Abbasi, a powerhouse couple who have built extraordinary solo careers while seamlessly collaborating as partners in both life and music.

From navigating creative differences to maintaining individuality within a shared artistic vision, Kiran and Rez open up about the complexities of working side by side in an industry that often blurs the line between personal and professional. We explore how they challenge traditions, support each other’s artistic evolution, and continue to create a sound that is both deeply personal and globally resonant.

We also dive into the challenges of navigating social media as artists—how they balance authenticity with the pressures of visibility, and the impact it has on their creative process and well-being.

Additionally, we discuss the risks artists take in pursuit of their craft. Kiran shares her experience of suffering a major accident while filming a music video, highlighting the dedication and sacrifices that often go unseen in an artist’s journey.

About Our Guests:

Kiran Ahluwalia is a two-time Juno Award-winning vocalist known for her contemporary take on the great vocal traditions of India and Pakistan. With roots in Sufi, Qawwali, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk, she masterfully weaves influences from Mali, rock, R&B, and jazz into a sound that defies boundaries. Leading a dynamic 6-piece ensemble, she crafts music that is at once reflective, groovy, and deeply human—what the Seattle Times calls “a transnational sound as fresh as tomorrow.”

Rez Abbasi is a Guggenheim Fellowship-winning guitarist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most original voices in modern jazz. Voted #1 Rising-Star Guitarist in the DownBeat Critics Poll, he has been ranked alongside greats like Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, raised in Southern California, and deeply influenced by jazz, classical, and Indian music, Rez creates a sonic landscape that is as intellectually profound as it is emotionally stirring.

Together, Kiran and Rez embody the beauty and challenge of being hyphenated global artists—shaping their own artistic identities while constantly inspiring each other.

Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion on love, music, and the delicate dance of sustaining both.

(Want more? The full, unedited version of this conversation—including behind-the-scenes moments—is available exclusively to our members. Membership is free! Sign up here to get access).

Connect with Rez Abbasi: 

Website: www.reztone.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rez-Abbasi-71229228740

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reztone/ 

Connect with Kiran :