The Conduit

The Conduit

By Crewest Studio + Danube ProductionsMusicMusic CommentaryMusic Interviews
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The Conduit episodes

  • Art World Horror Stories Vol. 1: Virgin Nightmares - Not Real Art
    Today we are starting a new segment, something terrifying, something horrifying; introducing Art World Horror Stories! Over the last couple of weeks, we have been collecting stories from our larger network of artists and creators, intended as cautionary tales, or reminders about how wrong things can go in the world of art and beyond. Some of the time all the hard work and love you put into projects pays off, but sometimes the best-laid plans come to nothing, and the ship sinks in front of your eyes. Today's episode is the first of these and Sourdough kicks things off by talking about the events of 2014 when Crew West Studios almost saw through an amazing vision to oversee the painting of jumbo jets for Virgin Atlantic. Right before the plan really kicked into motion, the tragedy of the VSS Enterprise occurred, something that shook the whole of Virgin to its foundations, and unfortunately resulted in many ideas and initiatives being shelved or forgotten. To hear all about this, and a clear reminder of the lack of guarantees in life, listen in with us today for this segment of Art World Horror Stories!
    Key Points From This Episode:
    The kinds of bad things that can happen to anyone: a lesson from 2020 and the pandemic.
    Dreams at Crew West Studio of painting a jumbo jet!
    Connecting with Pippa Lambert at ICM and pitching the idea to Virgin Atlantic.
    How the competition was going to work; voting for designs across different continents.
    The great reception that the idea initially received at Red Dog and Virgin.
    The scheduled meeting with the Virgin Atlantic CEO and the rising tide of excitement.
    How tragedy struck on October 31st, 2014 with the crash of the VSS Enterprise.
    The resultant shelving of the global art project that Crew West had envisaged.
    Accidents happen and circumstances change; best-laid plans can be devastated.
    A reminder about counting blessings too soon, and staying focused on what really matters.
    For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/art-world-horror-stories-virgin/
    32 min
  • Launching Our New Segment: Gringo & The Man - Not Real Art
    In this episode we welcome our original co-host, artist Man One, back to launch our new segment Gringo and The Man, where a middle-aged white dude (aka Scott “Sourdough” Power) and an O.G. Latino graffiti artist (aka Man One) talk about living in a world gone loco!
    This premiere of Gringo and The Man takes NOT REAL ART back to its roots, to a time when Sourdough and Man One just hung out, talking about whatever they want, and having a good time.
    Nothing is off-limits with Gringo and The Man! GenXers from Chicago and L.A. respectively, Gringo (aka Scott “Sourdough” Power ) and The Man (aka Man One) bring their devil-may-care attitude to discussing contemporary culture. Long time friends, Sourdough and Man One’s banter is what you'd expect from two dudes who grew up in The Eighties. (Warning: Gringo and The Man may not be appropriate for those easily triggered.)
    In this first episode, the dos amigos discuss the curious name of their segment and wonder if anyone will understand the cultural reference. Man One shares more about gringos in Mexico and tells some hilarious stories from Spring Break. Then, they dive into Man One’s quest for an assistant or intern, and he talks about some of the character traits he looks for in those who help him. The wide-ranging conversation also touches on raising kids, the drawbacks of technology, and more of Man One’s tales from Mexico. We are so excited about this new project, so tune in today to hear it all!
    Key Points From This Episode:
    Hear about Man One’s colorful family tree.
    What the typical gringo on vacation in Mexico looks like.
    Talking about how many people will understand the reference Gringo and the Man draws on.
    The importance of fucking shit up to shake things up.
    Brainstorming whether or not we should drink tequila during this segment.
    How older Mexican people view partnering with a gringo.
    Man One’s experience of going on Spring Break to Mexico with white people from his high school
    A terrifying story of Google Translate gone wrong.
    So many people across Europe are polyglots.
    What we will do when Sourdough’s gringo privilege rears its head.
    Find out whether Man One is a sentimental person.
    Hear about how Man One pays attention to detail.
    The criteria Man One looks for in an assistant or intern.
    The catch 22 of hiring someone to help you with your art practice.
    Hear about what a VA is and how this could help if you need to delegate tasks.
    Gaming is a whole world separate from the real world, and people are getting left behind.
    How Sourdough feels about technology and his children immersing themselves in it.
    Before, playing outside was cool, but now gaming is cool.
    The difficult decision parents have to make when allowing their children to have social media.
    Technology is no longer viewed as a tool; it’s seen as entertainment.
    At the end of the day, it is about raising a mentally healthy child.
    Man One shares more stories from Mexico.
    We can now tell our wives we are going to record these episodes.
    For more info, visit: https://notrealart.com/gringo-and-the-man (https://notrealart.com/gringo-and-the-man)
    1 hr 31 min
  • Daniela Garcia: Winner of the 2021 NOT REAL ART Grant for Artists - Not Real Art
    Although we may see what’s happening on the U.S-Mexican border on the news, how many of us truly understand the plight of people who are stuck there or those who have made it across but live in constant fear?
    Daniel Garcia is a first-generation Mexican American artist and a 2021 NRA Grant Winner. Along with this, she is also an art educator and just an all-around incredible human being. In today’s episode, we hear about why Daniel is so passionate about the border and immigrant-related issues. Having grown up in California, a liberal state, she was not aware of just how dire things were at the border, and when she found out, she knew she could not stay quiet. We hear about her artistic process and what goes into her producing a piece of her moving work.
    Daniela also works as a teacher, and she talks about what this is like, particularly during Covid, and how she balances it with her artistic practice. Having a job while you are an artist takes the pressure off what you create, but it also does take time away from creating. Our wide-ranging conversation also touches on rituals, capitalism, and what Daniela is currently working on. Tune in to hear it all!
    For more info, visit the following: https://notrealart.com/daniela-garcia/
    Key Points From This Episode:
    • Where Daniela was in Mexico recently and what the province she was in is like.
    • Insights into the farm Daniela’s family has in Mexico.
    • This was Daniela’s first grant that she applied for, and she won.
    • Where Daniela was when she found out that she won the grant.
    • Daniela’s artistic process and why she feels so passionate about shedding light on what is happening at the border.
    • There is so much money to be made off of what is happening with immigrants.
    • Why Daniela makes such non-confrontational work.
    • The symbolism that is present in Daniela’s work.
    • There are so many people who are hurt and traumatized and they are taking it out on others.
    • Hear about what gives Daniela the most hope.
    • If you buy into the capitalist idea, there is a winner takes all mentality.
    • The students Daniela is teaching and what her teaching philosophy is.
    • Difficulty Daniela had in the first year of teaching a balancing teaching and her art practice.
    • What Daniela’s art production process looks like.
    • How Daniela markets her work and how she uses social media.
    • Daniela’s thinking around how she prices her work.
    • What Daniela is currently working on; exploring rituals.
    Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
    Daniela Garcia — https://www.danigarciaart.com/
    Daniela Garcia Hamilton on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dahnniii/ (https://www.instagram.com/dahnniii/)
    Man One — http://www.manone.com/ (http://www.manone.com/)
    Man One on Twitter — https://twitter.com/ManOneArt (https://twitter.com/ManOneArt)
    Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/ (https://www.instagram.com/sourdoughpower/)
    Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/ (https://notrealart.com/)
    Not Real Art School — https://school.notrealart.com/ (https://school.notrealart.com/)
    Not Real Art on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/ (https://www.instagram.com/notrealartworld/)
    1 hr
  • Gair Maxwell: Inspiring Leaders to Create Legendary Brands - Not Real Art
    Have you ever wondered how certain people and companies achieve larger-than-life status? Well, today’s guest has some theories about what legends are made of, with empirical evidence to back them up!
    International brand consultant Gair Maxwell has worked with some of the world’s most dynamic organizations, including Apple, Caterpillar, NAPA, and Virginia Tech. He has also shared conference stages with some of the world’s biggest business icons, such as Richard Branson and Gene Simmons, delivering 80 to 90 presentations every year with global representation from speaker bureaus in Canada and Mexico.
    “If you want to create something truly legendary, especially with something as intangible as a brand, there are no guarantees, but you have got to be the one to basically [do what] we were talking about earlier, with Steven Pressfield and the legend of Bagger Vance. You are the golfer, metaphorically. You have got to step up to the tee, and you have got to put the ball in play.” — https://twitter.com/GairMaxwell (@GairMaxwell) [0:40:02]“As the business world gets more focused on metrics and logic and that which is linear and analytical, that’s not, big picture, how you win over the long haul. I think it’s art. In the end, it comes down to the art that you create and, in many respects, your business or your nonprofit or whatever it is, think of it as a canvas. I know it sounds very metaphorical, but I see it that way. It’s a canvas, and then you paint it in the image that you feel good about.” — https://twitter.com/GairMaxwell (@GairMaxwell) [1:06:55]A former broadcaster, Gair racked up over 10,000 interviews and more than 30,000 broadcasts in an award-winning radio and television career in his native country of Canada. Today, he is a global authority for helping organizations create iconic brands that attract legions of customers and top talent.
    In this episode, Gair and Sourdough bond over their mural love for Van Halen, and Gair shares some stories about the people, companies, and communities that he has encountered who were determined to change the rules and compete on their terms. You’ll learn how they are creating raving fans, attracting top talent, enjoying substantial growth, and establishing themselves as what Gair defines as a Category of One.
    Fundamentally, Gair believes that you can’t create a legend without a story. Deep down, you have to come to grips with your own story and truly live it! Tune in today for some poignant advice on how to do just that.
    For more info, visit here: https://notrealart.com/gair-maxwell/
    Key Points From This Episode:
    • Gair emphasizes the power of virtual technology like Zoom, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
    • When Gair’s love for Van Halen started and why he calls them the “soundtrack of his life.”
    • The importance of communicating through feeling in a data-driven, KPI-obsessed society.
    • How to live up to your potential by understanding that everyone has a story to tell.
    • Gair reflects on his career journey and his lifelong fascination with all things ‘legendary’.
    • Why he believes that a story either happens to you or you have to make one happen.
    • The origin of legends and how to decode their enduring appeal to create great brands.
    • Find out how Gair got into TV and radio broadcasting in Canada in the first place.
    • His transition from broadcasting to business; creating a story grounded in emotional truth.
    • Why your story has to be about more than “making a buck” if you want to build a legacy.
    • Gair highlights the value of embracing the wisdom of uncertainty.
    • Scott explains to Gair where his pseudonym, Sourdough, comes from.
    • Setting yourself apart as an essential component of success; the enduring value of curiosity.
    • Why the human qualities and characteristics of someone legendary are so subjective.
    • The importance of embracing a growth mindset; be unafraid to experiment!
    • How Gair believes mortality intersects with legacy;...
    1 hr 19 min
  • Sy Smith: The Life of an Artistic Chameleon

    Discover the captivating journey of Sy Smith, a versatile artist renowned for her songwriting, session singing, and acting creds, with a resume featuring backup vocals for legends like Whitney Houston and Sheila E. In this episode, Sy shares her experiences growing up in a culturally-rich environment, exploring different musical styles, and her valuable insights on the ever-evolving realm of performing rights and the significance of adaptability for artists. Don't miss out on learning from Sy's fascinating career, along with invaluable resources and links. Check out the show notes at https://www.theconduitmusicpodcast.com/sy-smith/ now!

    1 hr 23 min
  • Peanut Butter Wolf: Founding Stones Throw Records

    Discover the inspiring story of Chris Manak, aka Peanut Butter Wolf, Founder of Stones Throw Records, as he shares his musical journey, the life-changing connection with rapper Charizma, and the steps to creating one of the most respected independent record labels today. Explore the art of balancing creative passion and business prowess, find out how streaming helped save the label, and get valuable tips from Chris's top record label and producer picks. Opportunities are knocking and it's time for you to unlock it all. Don't miss out on the links mentioned in this episode, which can help guide you on your path to musical success.

    Visit the show notes now at: https://www.theconduitmusicpodcast.com/peanut-butter-wolf/

    1 hr 26 min
  • DJ Nu-Mark: Two Turntables and a Drum Machine

    Discover the inspiring journey of DJ Nu-Mark, from his humble beginnings as a DJ in house parties to creating music for film and TV, and how his unique combination of rhythms, humor, and dedication led to Jurassic 5's success. Delve into the music-making process and valuable lessons Nu-Mark brings from his drumming and school band experiences into his turntable performances. Visit the show notes to access essential links and resources about his Zodiac Tracks series, collaboration with industry greats, and his favorite producers through the ages.

    Don't miss out on this wealth of knowledge and behind-the-scenes insights by checking out the show notes now:  https://www.theconduitmusicpodcast.com/dj-nu-mark/

    1 hr 40 min
  • Fitz & The Tantrums: Joe Karnes and Jeremy Ruzumna

    Discover the inspiring journeys and valuable insights from Fitz and the Tantrums' Joe Karnes and Jeremy Ruzumna in this fascinating episode of The Conduit Music Podcast. Learn about the importance of defining your own style, the challenges and rewards of being in a band, and how to find balance in the ever-changing music industry. Don't miss out on their expert advice on navigating record deals, maintaining professionalism, and their experiences working with renowned artists such as Macy Gray and Alanis Morissette. Visit https://www.theconduitmusicpodcast.com/fitz-and-the-tantrums/ for the complete show notes, links, and more resources discussed in this episode!

    1 hr 49 min
  • Jack "WildChild" Brown and Miles Brown: Family, Funk, and Creative Excellence

    Discover the inspiring journey of father-son duo, Jack "Wildchild" Brown and Miles Brown, as they open up about their musical and acting careers, family dynamics, and lessons learned from their unique experiences. From Miles' early passion for funk to Jack's upcoming album release, this candid conversation offers a glimpse of the intertwined path of these talented individuals. Don't miss out on important discussions about the greatest rappers of all time and much more! Head over to the show notes for a comprehensive list of links and resources related to this episode: https://www.theconduitmusicpodcast.com/jack-wild-child-brown/

    1 hr 40 min

About The Conduit

From the publisher's feed

The Conduit is a podcast featuring candid conversations between professional musicians and music biz veterans who give you the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.…