This is Disruption

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What drives an artist to move from traditional painting methods for the raw energy of street art? Rosie Woods, the visionary muralist known for her stunning large-scale works and innovative use of textures and light, joins us for this episode of This is Disruption to shed light on her incredible artistic journey. Discover how a childhood passion for art evolved into a full-blown career. Rosie’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, as she navigates the delicate balance between abstraction and realism in her work, creating visually striking pieces that captivate audiences worldwide.

Rosie opens up about her pivotal transition from traditional painting to street art, spurred by frustrations with airbrushes and a newfound love for spray paint. Hear about her early experiments on garage walls and the invaluable mentorship from the Graffiti Life collective that honed her skills. This episode dives deep into the emotional support she received from her family, especially the poignant memories of encouragement from her late parents and the ongoing inspiration she draws from her siblings and young niece.

Follow Rosie’s artistic evolution as she takes us from London’s gritty street art scene to the vibrant murals of Melbourne. Initially planning a short trip, Rosie’s stay in Australia extended into seven years of artistic growth and personal discovery, including meeting her partner and moving to a seaside town. Explore her seamless blend of commercial work with her distinct style and her (hopefully soon to be fulfilled!) dreams of painting at legendary Wynwood Walls in Miami. From the challenges and triumphs in Melbourne to the culturally rich landscape of London, Rosie's journey highlights the importance of community and self-belief in the world of street art.

As I mentioned in the episode, you can check out Rosie's Art CV here:

And find her on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/itsrosiewoods/ 

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
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What happens when two jazz musicians from Cape Town decide to electrify the world with their unique sound? In this episode we unravel the story of Goldfish, the South African electronic duo making waves from their base in San Diego.

Goldfish dialled in from Switzerland for this episode, the birds in the first half are the backing musicians we didn't know we needed! 

Discover how Goldfish seamlessly blend live jazz instruments with electronic beats, crafting a style that's both soulful and innovative. From their formative years at the University of Cape Town to their performances on renowned international stages, experience the vibrant cultural exchanges that have defined the Goldfish journey, drawing parallels between the South African braai and the Irish failte, and how these traditions foster deep connections among expatriates. 

We delve into the pride South Africans take in sharing their heritage through rugby, music, and more. Listen to touching anecdotes of camaraderie and support among South African abroad, and the memorable moments like concerts at Kirstenbosch that exemplify the strong sense of community and music appreciation.

Get an insider look at the creative processes behind Goldfish's animated music videos, including their collaboration with animator Mike Scott creating their iconic music videos and the spontaneous magic that birthed their beloved Goldfish Man character. 

The episode also covers their serendipitous career-defining moments in Ibiza, the strategy behind their tours, and an exciting announcement about their upcoming performance at the Roundhouse in Camden. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Goldfish, filled with stories of unplanned successes and creative triumphs.

Grab your ticket for the upcoming Goldfish Show on Sunday 7th September at the iconic Roundhouse in Camden here: https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/goldfish-live 

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
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What if you could relive the gritty magic of the UK's underground rave scene? Join me, Rua, as I sit down with Mark Wright, also known as DJ Pressure M, to discuss the birth of the UK rave scene and Mark's experience of a music revolution. We talk about the emergence of illegal raves, warehouse parties, and the pirate radio stations that fuelled a cultural revolution. Mark takes us through his remarkable journey from a music loving teenager to a DJ at legendary Centerforce radio station. We also dive into his deeply personal battle with cancer, uncovering the invaluable lessons he's learned about cherishing every moment and the irreplaceable support of community.

Our conversation navigates the seismic shifts in the rave and club scene, particularly the impact of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. Discover how this legislation pushed the vibrant, lawless raves into more controlled environments and how it was met with mixed feelings from the community. Mark also shares nostalgic memories of the pre-digital era of DJing, where the physicality of lugging heavy record boxes to venues was part of the mystique, contrasting it with today's streamlined digital age. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the resilience of rave culture and the technological revolutions that have reshaped it.

Mark also reminisces about the golden age of crate digging in record shops and the thrill of anthems like "Sweet Harmony" and "Moby Go." Mark reflects on his progression from DJing to music production, the formation of his musical partnership, Urban Mods, and the creation of tracks like "Dark Light." But beyond the beats and basslines, this episode touches on the fight for life, with Mark's inspiring story of overcoming bladder cancer. Hear about the crucial role of community, the importance of staying positive, and the profound changes in perspective that come with facing such a challenge. This episode is a blend of inspiration, nostalgia, and life lessons from a legend of the rave scene and I can't wait to share it with you. 

Rua x

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

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Meet Endless Artist - The prolific London based artist who has made an indelible mark on both on the streets and in the galleries. This episode explains his unique creative process, blending digital and traditional techniques to produce layered mixed media masterpieces.

We discuss the exhilarating risks and freedoms of creating illegal street art, and how Endless uses modern culture and advertisements to subvert commercial messages with his work. You'll hear about the transition from fine art education to the raw, unsanctioned world of street art, and how he navigates the balance of following bursts of inspiration and self-imposed deadlines, a challenge for many creatives (speaking for myself!)

Endless shares stories of his nighttime escapades in London, the unexpected collaborations that have sprung from his visibility in the street art scene, (like how a serendipitous encounter with a local street art appreciating priest led to a monumental installation in a church) and the eerie but inspiring moments encountered during the wee hours.

Endless also opens up about the philosophical choice to remain anonymous, taking a stand against selfie culture, and the critical role of resilience in the face of criticism. We explore the chaos of constant inspiration and the importance of setting goals while staying adaptable. 

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the motivations, inspirations, and untamed creative spirit of an artist who continues to redefine the landscape of contemporary street art. Don't miss out on hearing the insights and stories from a modern legend in an episode that promises to inspire and captivate.

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
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What drives creative minds to challenge the status quo and push boundaries, even when there may be consequences for doing so? 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of This Is Disruption. Hosted by me, Rua, a street artist and DJ from Ireland now based in East London. This podcast shares the captivating stories of the creatives in street art, graffiti, music, photography and beyond, who boldly challenge the norms, break barriers making room for others, and share their work unapologetically.

I'll tell you a secret.. This was never meant to be a podcast. This series started out as a feature on my radio show, sharing short interviews with creatives that inspire me. This podcast was born out of the desire to give those artists the space they deserve to share their uncut, full-length conversations, and to share those conversations with anybody who could benefit from hearing these inspiring stories. 

Each episode promises to be a raw, authentic, and inspiring look at what drives artistic risk-takers to create, speak their truths, and sometimes push the boundaries of legality. 

Follow @thisisdisruptionpod on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to join the journey every week.

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
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Ever wondered how a street artist transitions from the unseen world of graffiti writer to a legitimate and respected career in the spotlight? Join us for episode 2 of this is Disruption, as David Speed, the prolific London based street artist and co-host of the Creative Rebels podcast, takes us on his incredible journey. 

In this episode we hear about David's introduction to graffiti, and how it has led to his multifaceted career today. David reveals what has inspired him and his distinctive vibrant art, as well as his insightful stories highlighting the importance of embracing imperfection ("published is better than perfect", I reassure myself as I write this) and the courage needed to pursue your creative passions against societal norms.

Learn about the pivotal moments and near-fatal experience that shaped his path, as well as the invaluable lessons gained from hosting the Creative Rebels podcast. 
David's mission to inspire others by sharing motivational conversations is evident as he shares practical advice about never giving up. 

We cover a lot of topics in this conversation - loss and grief, the realisation that we must live for today, planting flags, the importance of taking action, navigating the challenges and benefits social media, finding creative flow, and much more. 

I'm sure that David's passion for creativity and inspiring others to follow their dreams will inspire you as much as it inspired me. Now while you're listening to this - go and make something :)

Be sure to tune in to hear this influential and inspiring voice in the creative community.

Rua x

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
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What if the walls around you could give you messages on hope, love and heartbreak? Well, if WRDSMTH, the legendary LA-based street artist and writer, is in the area, that might just be the case. 

In this episode WRDSMTH shares his journey from comic book enthusiast to an internationally celebrated muralist in the very first episode of "This is Disruption", hosted by me, Rua.  

We delve into WRDSMTH's fascinating shift from advertising to street art, the trials of scriptwriting, and his pride for his novel "The Holden Age of Hollywood". His powerful mantra, "Talent plus perseverance = Luck", and his process for getting the words he is feeling to being words on a wall. 

Have you ever wondered how serendipity shapes our creative paths? In this heartfelt episode, I recount my own transformative encounters with fate. From a Hollywood muse who inspired WRDSMTHs piece "Blush Shine" to a life-changing chance meeting I had with WRDSMTH on a London street—these moments of chance have guided my own journey into the world of street art, where I'm learning all the time. We discuss the unspoken rules of graffiti, the tight-knit community of street artists, and how these relationships have nurtured our respective growth and kept us inspired through initial missteps and unexpected successes.

The world of street art isn't always painted in bright colors; sometimes, it’s the darker hues that give depth to our work. WRDSMTH opens up about handling creative blocks, the emotional toll of loss, and how these experiences can shape art. We explore the dual nature of public reactions while doing street art, the strategies for creating art in plain sight, and the importance of confidence—even when confronted by law enforcement. 

From personal heartbreaks to finding love where you least expect it, and the therapeutic power of art - this episode is a raw, real, and uplifting look at how creativity can rise from adversity and evolve into something truly transformative.

Thanks for tuning in, 

Rua x

Thanks for checking the podcast out! If you'd like to come and say hi on socials, you'll find more content and trailers for upcoming episodes below:

Instagram (https://instagram.com/thisisdisruptionpod/)
TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisdisruptionpod)