Dreams Not Memes Podcast

I spoke to Gabrielle Peck an east coast based creative about her journey with starting the accessible, inclusive and strategy minded project, the Free Art Collective. Read the bio below and learn more about her journey on today's episode of Dreams Not Memes Podcast.Bio Gabrielle Peck aka Iris Nectar is an artist based in Rochester, NY. She is the founder of Free Art Collective and Feminist Fiber Art. She believes in building community through creativity and random acts of kindness, which is why she gives away free art and art supplies and hosts free community art events! She dreams of a world filled with art on every wall, art supplies in everyone's hands, and free food on everyone's plate.Social MediaInstagram: @freeart.collective @irisnectarstudio    

I spoke to my friend Alex Munro from Scotland about their journey as a musician. I learned about their journey from finding themselves as a musician through songwriting and life in Scotland. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. https://linktr.ee/al3xxmunro?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_munroville_/

I spoke to my friend Razan who is an activist and creator from Gaza,Palestine. Razan and I speak about the power of protest, activism, and why one should never give up on your goals and dreams. Learn more on today's episode of Dreams Not Memes.

I spoke to one of my local friends Ivory who is based in Boston but grew up in Burma. Ivory shares her story about how she grew up in Burma and came to university for entrepreneurship and navigated her career in the tech industry and transitioned to the arts. Currently, Ivory is in school for the visual arts and shares her ambitions to pursue the arts by painting her past into a canvas for others to see. Learn more today, on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke to Kennedy Rice about his journey with starting Panther Revival. Rice and I met at Compost Heap music festival and became friends through the national music community that Compost Heap brings to touring and local musicians. Rice and I talk about our experiences with relating to afrofuturism, new punk culture and today's politics with helping black voices have a presence in underground punk scenes. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Bio: Originating in the northeast Texas city of Greenville, Panther Revival live by their motto: Power to the Panther. Comprised of Kennedy Rice (vocals/guitar), Chris Edwards (drums) and Sam Boatner (bass), their righteous anger and focused desperation channeled itself into the release of their Punkerton Records debut, the full-length album "Animality". Described as "Body Count meets AFI meets La Dispute", Panther Revival brings a socially conscious voice against a darkly furious backdrop. The trio has been bringing their unique energy to various shows and festivals, screaming about the issues important to them (and even leaving stage during their set to mosh with the crowd!). With the release of their sophomore album, recorded in Arizona with producer Matt LeFevers, Panther Revival has no intentions of settling. Always and forever, Power to the Panther.  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cJtGHqIozwiBkE47q28CE?autoplay=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pantherrevival/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I met Efa Supertramp at a music festival in Bristol,UK called Commoners Art Fest. We met at a merch table and immediately started talking about intersectionality, travel, and the experiences of being a touring musician. In today's Dreams Not Memes Episode Efa and I dive into her experiences growing up as a Welsh Musician and her thoughts on community care, anarchy, and people powered movements. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Efa Supertramp is a Welsh folk-punk grrrl who comes armed with an acoustic guitar and a powerful voice. She regularly tours across Europe – appearing at festivals, bars, squats, venues, living rooms and street corners to perform her songs. Originally from North Wales and now based in London, Efa sings in both English and Welsh and has been shouting about the world's wrongs in one form or another since she started her bilingual punk band The Stilletoes at the age of 15. Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nMtklCZU7JAOrJ4eILRrN?si=xI7vzAXuRwCvDm7QSwyPGQ Website: https://efasupertramp.co.uk/ Bandcamp: https://afiach.bandcamp.com/album/efa-supertramp-rhyddid-yw-y-freuddwyd --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke to Brook Pridemore in my apartment while Pridemore was on tour about their life journey. Brook and I get deep into their life journey of touring, exploring folk punk, and their ups and downs of being a musician. Currently this is what Brooke is up to “In the midst of relentless touring and general moving around, Brooklyn-based songwriter Brook Pridemore is hard at work on their 8th album, ‘Only I Can Prevent Forest Fires.'”Listen more on Dreams Not Memes Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brook_PridemoreSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZWHEFolveKJpzm9Cbd5ml?si=pVqvk5GNSSueP9A_OVs23QBandcamphttps://brookpridemore.bandcamp.com/musicPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/Brookpridemore --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke to Cheap Dirty Horse in Nottingham, England while on the A Day Without Horse Tour. This tour was special for many reasons, but this was also my first non US interview in person! I spoke to Fin, Lou, Amy and Ellen about the formation of the band, the values of community, reacting to internet trolls, and the importance of punk in today's late stage capitalistic society. Find out more on today's episode of Dreams Not Memes and check out their tunes!  Bio  Cheap Dirty Horse are a big rowdy queer trash folk-punk band from Nottingham. Blending acoustic and electric guitar with banjo, accordion, bass, drums, and sometimes mandolin, they write energetic, joyful protest music. They sing about trans rights, dead billionaires, and the importance of doing the things you love. They sing about grief, washing machines, and stealing shit. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29GJwI7K5PGd2JelFIiQ9m?si=vO67vU_bT7-KwwwbvcEyWA Bandcamp: https://cheapdirtyhorseband.bandcamp.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheap_dirty_horse/?hl=en Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@cheapdirtyhorse/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke with Anna Yorko, a Central Mass based resin jewelry , accessories, and novelities maker. Yorko vendors across Massachusetts and has ambitions of spreading art, joy and community through the messages of her art across the New England area. Her art centers around destigmatizing raunchy and taboo topics and getting people to feel seen. Listen to our episode today on Dreams Not Memes. Follow Anna's vending adventures on @lightbetweenthestars. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

In today's episode I speak to Lenox Monroe, a midwest based artist who shares her story about how music gave her a place of comfort and peace after experiencing intense grief over the past few years. Learn more on today's episode! BIO: Lenox Monroe is an emerging singer-songwriter who is bringing a refreshing new voice to pop music. Monroe mixes the emotion and lyrical storytelling historically celebrated in the singer-songwriter, Americana, and country genres with brilliant pop production and fantastic melodies. Monroe writes about love, loss, friendships, relationships, growing up, and growing apart. She writes music for all of us, to connect with and inspire others, and to remind us we're not alone. SOCIALS:  https://instagram.com/lenoxmonroe https://tiktok.com/@lenoxmonroe https://facebook.com/LenoxMonroeMusic https://x.com/@thelenoxmonroe ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/lenoxmonroe WEBSITE: https://lenoxmonroe.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

Dreams Not Memes is back after a year long hiatus. I have been on the road touring as a musician and working my day job, but I am here to continue to explore the world digitally and physically and learn the stories from the people I meet. Today we bring you Leila Ziari, who I met at Camp Punksylvania music fest. Ziari is a coach, a creative, and counselor who shares her story about the power of finding love in what you do . Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Website ⁠https://fillyourcupupcoaching.com⁠ IG ⁠@the.leilashow⁠ ⁠@leilaz.artistry⁠ ⁠@fillyourcupupcoaching --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke to Rainar Aasrand a multifaceted artist from Estonia about his experiences as a professional creator. We cover topics such as creative fullfillment, exploring the internet and remaining motivated. Learn more about Rainar in today's episode and read his bio below and check out his website where his works are hosted. Rainar Aasrand is a transdisciplinary artist. Among other things, he explores the human condition within the realm of technology and expanded nature. His work draws on interdependent and often awkward relations between humans, natural phenomena, and new technologies aiming to reveal and exacerbate, with both humour and gravity. This is a quest to find ways to explore the production of culture through aesthetic means while remaining personal and accessible. In 2017 Rainar graduated from MIT Program in Art, Culture, and Technology, where he further developed his interest in the statistical quantification of human activities and how this is altering, creating, and bending social and cultural norms. Before MIT, Rainar studied cultural theory at Maastricht University and the Estonian Institute of Humanities. He has worked on various film and theater productions, and is part of the SKATKA collective. https://www.rainaraasrand.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dreamsnotmemes/support

I spoke to my friend Anna who is a Russian native about her career as an English teacher. Anna has an academic in linguistics and speaks up to five languages. In our conversation, we discuss her love for language and culture and how the world of linguistics connects others and your perspectives of the world around us. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

I got to catch up with my friend Tiffany. Tiffany is an Advertising/ PR professional originally from Malaysia who is currently based in the States. We met through mutual friends in college. In this episode, we talk about her experiences growing up in Malaysia and how Malaysia has had an influence in food, media, and her own experiences. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

Andre Freego is the artist moniker of András Tóth from Budapest, Hungary. He dabbles in music under multiple outfits - No Whales, Pixel Cranes and Known Bug. He shares his sentiments on his relationship with music making and life in general. In our conversation Andre talks us through the history of his discography as an artist based in Budapest. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes.

I spoke to Arash about his journey with wedding videography and how he started his business Emotionss Films. Operating out of the UK Arash tells us about his experiences with entrepreneurship, finding your niche, and continuous improvement in the field of videography. Learn more via the bio below and listen to this episode of Dreams Not Memes. Bio I'm Arash from Iran and raised in London. I have been shooting weddings since 2018 but always as a 2nd shooter. Since 2022 I have decided that I love shooting weddings and I'm going to stick to it. The Fulltimefilmmaker online course really helped me to gain on my skills and I always recommend it to whoever if they looking to do this job professionally.

I spoke to Anastasia a graduate student finishing their degree in France. Anastasia has lived all over Europe from Russia, to Turkmenistan, Germany and more and shares her story about her experiences with travel, communicating cross culturally and how she wants to inspire others to travel. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

In this episode I speak to London based photographer Alina Pullen about her experience with motherhood photography. It is Pullen's goal to help mothers see their own beauty and value of their own life. Pullen found this while taking a photography course and learned her own worth after having her child a few years ago. Learn more about Alina's journey on this episode of Dreams Not Memes. To see more of Alina's work go to www.alinapullenphoto.com/motherhood

I spoke with Ailara Khojayeva a Turkmenistan born, Belarus resident who is studying architecture. Ailara shares her story with pursuing an education, navigating "green spaces" and providing them to her community , and her values of persistence to achieve her ambitions in architecture. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

Dreams Not Memes is back! After a 10 month hiatus due to touring , I am back to interviewing folks across the world! I spoke to Han, a South Korean born, Kyrgyzstan raised musician currently residing in the United States about her journey with international schools, the missionary community, international conservatism, and escaping religious trauma. Han shares her story around how songwriting has allowed her the ability to redefine her perspectives and her relationship with her community. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

I spoke to Brooke Williams, a Philadelphian native who is a professional in the life sciences industry. Williams has worked as a biomedical technician and researcher covering varying topics from genomics, gene therapy, and other topics in the biomedical field. Currently, Brooke works as a Business Development Manager for a life sciences and biomedical research firm. In today's episode, Brooke discusses her career, her curiosities, and how she continues to move forward in her career. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

With expressive, soulful vocals soaring over a mix of ambient pop, electronic, and alternative R&B sounds, Lia Menaker's music moves beyond genre to sit in a world of its own. Dubbed “Noirtronica” by WXPN radio, Menaker's music calls back to jazz vocalists like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse - while also experimenting with space and percussive electronic elements reminiscent of Bjork and Portishead. Menaker's music has been played over radio stations across the east coast, including Philadelphia's iHeartRadio (Alt 104.5) and NPR (WXPN 88.5), who consequently included Menaker in the “2020 Best of Philly: Pandemic Edition.” She also created the original score for Welcome to Campfire's danceplay and subsequent film, "Subject". Now based in Philadelphia, Menaker has performed in 50+ cities around the country. She balances performing (locally and online) with producing and vocal coaching through her home studio. Learn more about Lia's journey and her journey of discovery and rediscovery on today's episode of Dreams Not Memes. Socials IG: instagram.com/liamenaker; FB: Facebook.com/liamenaker Bandcamp: https://liamenaker.bandcamp.com; Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/37NS0lpeIGIA2qNDr5HtyM; YouTube: youtube.com/liamenaker

One of the freshest new artistic voices standing out amongst the backdrop of the City of Brotherly Love's many multi-faceted and musically talented artists. Archpalatine the singer, songwriter, pianist, performer, and charismatic band front-man Derek Anthony Wilson is poised to not only create a lane for himself and his bandmates (Anthony Pompey - vocals, Aaron Wolf - percussion, Ben High – bass, and John Palmer - Synths/Direction), but also blaze a trail for creative risk takers, soulful story tellers, and theatrical musicians who challenge the old guard of musical gate keepers. Wilson is a classically trained concert vocalist, National Marian Anderson Historical Society scholar artist, and internationally touring musician who's accolades both on and off-stage are only rivaled by his desire to use his musical platform and gifts to initiate and support social change, engage spirit and talent, and course ambitions within the musical landscape. With a penchant for beautifully and seamlessly blending genres, Archpalatine sires a sound that is just as difficult to pigeonhole into one category as it is to forget. Archpalatine breaks down genre to create a new sound that may eloquently and appropriately be called “Histrionic Cosmic Soul”. The feel-good music gifted to the audience at an Archpalatine show offers a long-time abandoned experience that can be enjoyed by every group of people from all walks of life, every taste in entertainment, all preferences and interests, and moves the soul, be it in the form of smiles on faces to dancing out of your seat.Archpalatine infuses his musical presentations with theatrics traditionally reserved for stage shows and are reminiscent of large-scale Broadway features — be they performed on a grand scale, in intimate rooms, or at the trendiest outlets. Performances by this musical powerhouse develops rapport with the audience, encourages audience participation through call & response, and incorporates danceable rhythms. Shows regularly include one-of-a-kind fashion designs and electronic components that engages both the audible and visual senses, alike. Not content with mere showmanship and intriguing music that makes you feel elation. Archpalatine aims to leave his audience so infused with good vibes and positivity that any in attendance is prone to leave a show feeling more jubilation than possessed upon arrival. In our conversation we talk to Derek about his beginnings as a musician from the choir to what he does today. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. https://linktr.ee/Archpalatine

Elin Rehn discovered music very early in her life through her mothers piano. She would writesongs instead of practising her piano assignments and quickly found her own world throughsongwriting.She grew up in Bjursås. A small village in Dalarna where the outdoors were just around the corner.But life as a musician was much more distant. Yet it was the music that was more exciting forRehn. The road off of the beaten path is always more interesting. After studying at couple of yearsat a Folkhögskola, a Batchelor at the Royal college of music in Stockholm and a small detour at thereputable Studio Rymden(First Aid Kit etc) she found herself lost in a new formed, newly buildstudio collection in Sickla. At that moment she decided tofinish an album she already started.The album as a whole is (as good albums often are) a reflection of a difficult time in Reins lifewhere dealing with the emotions that comes from loosing someone, being mortal, sadness, to bepresent, to be lost without direction. And about following ones dreams. All these things wereimportant components in the end result.“When I wrote the first song I was inspired by an image of two clouds. One cloud above the otherand with rain in-between. The one on top is bright and the one below is dark. It's could also havebeen a hourglass. As you turn it, there's no up or down. This image is something that's beenpresent throughout the whole album. Learn more about Elin's story on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/elinrehn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elin.rehn/ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2889x1Ew8NMybENNE6BQWJ?si=MXXhTaDSSx2ya62F5lZ0fQ

Susana Raya is a Spanish singer, guitarist and composer based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A pure, honest, unaffected voice that will captivate you. The woman who American music critic and historian Ted Gioia coined “the Andalusian Eva Cassidy” made her way into international music scene along with her inseparable guitar. “Her songs are rich and emotional performed with great creativity and spontaneity”, AAAmusic, UK. After getting her classical guitar propers at a conservatory in her native Cordoba (Spain), spending a good chunk of the aughts racking up titles in European jazz vocals competitions and graduating in jazz guitar in Amsterdam, Susana found her personal voice: a melting pot of different influences from folk to jazz. She has toured extensively in Europe,USA, and abroad: Saitenprünge (Germany), Holland Festival (Netherlands) Silk Road Festival (Syria), Music Festival Amman, etc. Her Spanish roots come to the surface in the songs on her album Wind Rose, which was recorded with a five start team: Steve Swallow, Clifford Carter (James Taylor), Ira Coleman (Sting, Dee dee Bridgewater), Leo Amuedo (Ivan Lins, Chris Botti), Cyro Baptista (Paul Simon, Yo-yo Ma, Herbie Hancock). The producer, Gary Burke (Bob Dylan), says: “Susana Raya is the most accomplished debut artist I have ever come across in all the years I have been doing this. She can sing, she can play and she can write. A triple threat as we say here in the States.” In our conversation we talk about her diverse experiences and how it has shaped her own creativity. Learn More on Dreams Not Memes. Susana is endorser of Rick Turner Guitars (Santa Cruz) and Labella Strings. AWARDS – International Young Jazz Singers Contest Nomme Jazz, Tallinn, Estonia,2006. – International Jazz Singers Contest Lady Summertime, Finland, 2006. – International Jazz Soloist Competition”, Monaco, 2007. – International Jazz Competition for Singing Musician, Zory, Poland. 2011 – Best Spanish Group II International Jazz Granada Festival Contest. 2003 Social Media facebook.com/susanarayamusic instagram.com/susanarayamusic/ youtube.com/user/susanaraya/videos susanarayamusic.com/ open.spotify.com/artist/3K1JeIUlWJ2fGjqIR3KcHY

Tina Fung is a Service Designer at Meld Studios; Organiser of the Sydney Speculative Future Meet-Up; Design Studio Tutor at the University of Technology Sydney. With a dose of pragmatism, she believes designers can make more ethical and rigorous decisions by understanding the human needs of the present, drivers, and trends of the future. In our conversation, we discuss Tina's journey , her career and her hopeful ambition in this field. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

Born in London, England, moving to the capital of the United States, and now residing in Brooklyn, New York, DIE the Monk has evolved into an expressive persona and presence to be reckoned with. DIE the Monk first became a pursued character in 2018 when Sebastien Carnot felt the urge to express his energy outwards and publicize his emotions. Today, the stage is his battleground as he tells stories through dramatized lyrics and industrial sounds, the essential elements to his craft. Sebastien and I speak about his journey as an artist, his values for community and his explorations between Vermont, DC and New York. Learn More today on Dreams Not Memes and reivew his social media links to follow. https://www.instagram.com/die.the.monk/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Maev3xOwLLdl4IqciJ4k4?si=TEmAdNpMTcGn54n32S8gvw

As a child, Eydís Evensen would stare out at the Westfjords as the wind howled around her, pretending to conduct the clouds. In these daydreams, she was a meteorological maestro: controlling the Icelandic stormfronts in the distance, bending the weather and the world to her will like an orchestra. “The weather was intense where I grew up but so inspiring. There was such harshness to our winters, but at the same time, such beauty. I used to sit there for hours,” recalls the Blönduós-born composer. Years later, Evensen is still finding musical expressions for the awe she feels when staring out at the vastness of nature. Eydis and I spoke about her album, living in Iceland, learning about her own needs as an artist and staying genuine. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. @eydisevensen (Instagram) @eydis_evensen (Twitter) @eydisevensen (Facebook) www.eydisevensen.com

Jude Morrow is an autistic entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, consultant, philanthropist, and the founder of Neurodiversity Training International, the world's premier neurodiversity-led training and consulting firm (neurodiversity-training.com). In 2001, Jude was diagnosed autistic at the age of eleven, after having been viewed as having communication and social difficulties. Jude's journey to becoming a proud autistic adult is chronicled in his first book Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?, which also follows Jude's experience of being an autistic dad to his non-autistic son, Ethan. Jude graduated with an honors degree in social work in 2012 and brings his personal and professional experiences to all the work he does. His most recent book Loving Your Place on the Spectrum: A Neurodiversity Blueprint released in September 2021. Jude and I talk about the importance of inclusion in the world of mental health, inclusion, and his career. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. Social media https://twitter.com/judemorrow10 https://www.instagram.com/judemorrow/ https://www.facebook.com/judemorrowauthor/

Catherine Sarah Young is an artist, designer, and writer born in Manila, the Philippines. She uses her background in molecular biology, fine art, and interaction design to create interdisciplinary and experimental artworks on the environment. She has an international award, exhibition, publication, and fellowship profile, most recently in China, Southeast Asia, Austria, and the Amazon rainforest. She is currently doing her PhD at UNSW Sydney, is an Obama Foundation Leader for Asia-Pacific, and is a Creative Peacebuilder for The Peace Studio. In our conversation we discuss petrichor, fine art, and the global climate crisis. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Social Links Facebook: www.facebook.com/catherinesarahyoung Instagram: @catherinesarahyoung Twitter: @catherineyoung

Producer and multi-instrumentalist Paul G. Marchesani has over 1000 published songs via his 27+ aliases under the umbrella name Forest Kids Collective. Has worked with artists like Robert Glasper working at Philadelphia's own WRTI 90.1 FM. Has his own podcast and is now freelance recording and producing local and major artists. Learn more about Marchesani's process in today's episode of Dreams Not Memes. https://twitter.com/ForestKidsPA https://www.instagram.com/forestkidscollective/ https://www.twitch.tv/forestkidscollective https://linktr.ee/ForestKidsCollective

Human Fluid Rot has been performing energy filled, crowd oriented harsh noise since 2005. Originally from south Florida, HFR has been scouring the US and neighboring islands with brief but intense electronic performances including shows and festivals from California to the Dominican Republic with hopes to expand further into the world. HFR creates a hardcore and chaotic atmosphere. Audiences are always encouraged to physically interact with each other as well as with the performer. During HFR sets, nothing is off limits. Crowds have been seen moshing and even crowd surfing making Human Fluid Rot performances unmissable. Learn more on Robbie's story as a noise musician and an indpendent artist on Dreams Not Memes Podcast , please note due to minor internet connection errors there are minor audio hiccups. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanfluidrot/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TLgzpXpux3Fzmq83CNnWz Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/human-fluid-rot/1581681457 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B09CWML4F5/human-fluid-rot Bandcamp: https://humanfluidrot.bandcamp.com/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd61Hjcy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanfluidrot Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/c0ncentrati0n

Fabian Rosenberg (@TheArtByFabian) is a Swedish artist located in Stockholm. He has roots in the jazz tradition as a trumpet player but he moves seamlessly between being a producer, pianist and composer. His music has the capacity to sonically transfer you out of this world. A universe created with artistic accuracy. Intimate piano compositions and field recordings blend together with acoustic instruments and electronics, processed together to create haunting ambiance stringed together with heartfelt melodies. His pseudonym Klangriket has received international recognition as ”a breath of fresh air” on the ambient and contemporary classical scene. Among his solo works there are several international and local collaborations with artists such as Sjors Mans, Dominique Charpentier and Jakob Lindhagen. Among them is ”The Amsterdam Sessions” with the dutch composer Sjors Mans. It was featured on several of the well established blogs in the genre. Headphone Commute wrote this about the album: ”It roots in the known, picks up in the affluent, and expands on the serene. The keys are gentle and earnest, dancing their melody in the warm space touched by peaceful strings, tranquil synths, and beautiful soundscapes. What begins as a lo-fi analogue arpeggio (on “Prinsengracht”), slowly develops into a cinematic theme, that cradles and holds, all that is dear in music.” Learn more about Fabian in our conversation on Dreams Not Memes. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YJ10jocbeWrzx6u190SwV?si=0Wxb72pLSPqXusKJ2RAqawI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartbyfabian

Lau Noah and I speak about the experiences of touring solo and colonialism. Lau is a musician from Spain who is currently touring in Mexico and hopes to travel across the world. Learn more about her on Dreams Not Memes and view her bio and socials below. Lau Noah's musical tapestry is composed of deep Spanish folklore and classical music influences; is as harmonically rich as jazz and holds the profound lyricism of folk music. Praised by renowned musicians for the virtuosic counterpoint in her music, Noah represents a new era of song composers who bring forth quality, depth, and poetry to the public. Noah performed a Tiny Desk Concert in 2019 and played with Jacob Collier at the Blue Note in NYC in 2021. Noah released her first EP in July 2021 and has been touring extensively through Europe, US and Latin America since. Billboard Magazine: “Lau Noah is enchanting music lovers one song at a time” Mixed world music: ““ Since Joni Mitchell left her unique mark in music history, few have managed to develop a completely unique language with nothing but a voice and a guitar that is recognizable at “ear glance” by thousands; Lau Noah therefore, belongs to a very selected group.” I Socials: Instagram @launoah57

I spoke to Gauri Paighan, a singer and a songwriter based in India. Paighan has been influenced by western music on her which makes her write original songs in english despite it not being her native language. Gauri believes that "human consciousness can be changed with the words we put in our lyrics" this is what Gauri values as a creator and songwriter. Despite the barriers she faces due to the language in her country she still believes music is a universal frequency that holds power to connect us all. In our conversation Gauri speaks about advocating for herself and her goals as a songwriter and how she hopes to connect with people on an international level. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

Linnéa Lundgren, is a singer and composer based in Stockholm, Sweden. She has a degree in performance from Berklee College of Music and a music education degree from SMI in Stockholm. She currently works as a musician in church, leading choirs and writing and performing in services and concerts. With her upcoming release “Wish I thought it through”, Linnéa has been working with a large ensemble to explore the borders between pop and jazz music. Intertwining melodies creates the harmonic landscape visualized in her mind. Release date: 8th of december. To see more of what Linnéa does, visit: www.linnealundgren.com or contact her on www.facebook.com/linneakristinalundgren You can tag me on Instagram: @musikarn Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.

I spoke to Jamie of Jamie and the Guarded Heart about his music career and goals as an original artist. Jamie has been in the cover band circuit for many years and shares his insights with being a professional musician. Check out his bio and learn more on Dreams Not Memes. Bio Bonded by tomato pie and storytelling, Jamie Salvatore and Morgan Russo lead the Guarded Heart as they prepare the followup to 2020's “Nikki Used to Play the Drums”. Chosen as the Band of the Month by world renowned WMMR here in Philadelphia, the song propelled the band into the club scene and led to live appearances for iHeart Philly's 104.5 with Jammin' Jesse on Live@5, and support from WXPN as well. The first song from the forthcoming record is “I Don't Love You” and was released in September via digital outlets and the band's bandcamp site. The accompanying video, shot outside of Philadelphia and directed by Bob Sweeney, features the band hanging around their hometown as well as performance shots from their home base, The Lannutti Post. “The recording process was the most "us" we've ever felt in the studio. We really had the support and freedom to channel our influences into an authentic representation of who we are.” remarked Jamie about the time making the record and the video. Drawing on their Conshohocken roots and influences, Jamie and Morgan decided to "leave it all on the field" while making this new record, just as they had when they formed the band. After a decade of playing cover music 200 nights a year in bars, Jamie was ready to quit. He was burned out, uninspired and lost. That's when his partner Morgan hatched a scheme. "Why don't you start a project where you just play your songs and you really give it a go? Something real, something you believe in." she asked. "I'll do it, but only if you do it with me." he replied. Jamie and Morgan formed Jamie and the Guarded Heart, a name that comes from a play on their personalities, the always out in front Salvatore and the more quiet and carry a big stick, Russo. They were raised outside of Philly by working class parents on The Stones, Tom Petty and the radio. And they grew up dreaming of playing sweaty packed clubs to music fans like them. With every every show, with every song, they've watched their crowds grow. Now, they're ready to hit the highway and continue to make their dream real. Their new record "Funeral Song" is about that. The dream chasing, the lost nights, the hopelessness, the dead end jobs, the ghost of people gone from your life and the undying pursuit of the thing you love most. If you want it, it's there, and if you need someone to show you how to get it, it's Jamie and the Guarded Heart. Social Media jamieandtheguardedheart.com facebook.com/jamieandtheguardedheart instagram: @jamieandtheguardedheart youtube: Jamie and the Guarded Heart

I spoke to Maja of Queers to the Front. Learn a bit more about Queers to the Front below.  We're a queer-run artist management and touring company that prioritizes queer, BIPOC, female, and disabled musicians and performers and advocates for safer spaces. Our mission is to make the touring community and the music industry safer and more inclusive for marginalized artists who often face discrimination in music. We operate all over North America, UK, and Europe. We offer artist management, PR services, tour booking, and crew services at affordable rates. Maja is also the host of  Queers to the Front Podcast where she invites marginalized artists and crew to discuss getting started in music, networking, accessibility and so much more. Tune in for new episodes every second Saturday! In our episode we talk about Maja's career in the music industry and learn about reasons why she moved from being a musician to working in Management and PR. Learn more today on Dreams Not Memes. 

Christy Whitman is a New York Times bestselling author and transformational leader. She has appeared on The Today Show, The Morning Show, TedX, and The Hallmark Channel, and her work has been featured in numerous publications and magazines. Christy teaches the Law of Attraction, energy mastery, and personal development classes, meditations, and private sessions to help clients feel more aligned with the Divine Design of well-being, abundance, and success. She currently lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and two boys. Meet her at www.christywhitman.com. Christy and I speak about her career , entrepreneurship and the art of committing to your own goals. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Web: ChristyWhitman.com Instagram: @christywhitman1 Facebook:christywhitmaninternational Twitter: /ChristyWhitman

Fueled by his Afro-Latino heritage, Rauli V's compositions navigate multiple genres colliding Rock n' Roll Chaos with Culture. Although he was born in NYC his journey with music began in Santo Domingo (DR) and continued on in the Baltimore/DC area, specifically PG County. Live, Rauli V is known for his disruptive stage presence, huge belting vocals and infectious passion on/off stage which led him to take matters into his own hands to remind the world that Dominican's can head bang too. Rauli and I speak about his origins from DR to America, the culture intersection between genre and communities and learning how to be a team player. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast.  Socials: https://solo.to/iamrauliv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TyllKWCaozGr3Ytrw95FG Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamrauliv IG: https://Instagram.com/iamrauliv Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCh27vkHkXK6o5v1WBH5sOnA FB: https://facebook.com/iamrauliv

In today's episode of Dreams Not Memes I speak to Jason/Tsung-Yuan Lee. Jason is a Taiwanese classical/jazz/world music violinist, multi-instrumentalist (piano, bass, guitar, drum, erhu, cello), composer, sound designer and an electronic musician. In 2017 Jason appeared and composed music for the film “Accommodation”. He also appeared on Dream Theater's “Along for the Ride” tour and live released DVD “Breaking The Fourth Wall”. In 2015, Jason Lee toured in China with his Chinese/Jazz fusion quartet for the first time and was interviewed by Huaxia Magazine as the theme of the month- “The rising star of the music world”. And later on, went on a sold-out tour with Yo-Yo Ma's silkroad Ensemble branch project in 2018. In 2017, Tsung-Yuan join The Boulanger Lab as a musical software developer, directed by the creator of Csound computer language, Dr. Richard Boulanger. During 2018-2020 Jason was the co-leader of string revolution funk/rock band “2 Birds Band”, the great modern violin pioneer Jean-Luc Ponty has once commented on the band, “I'm glad to see young compatriots at a level that I rarely hear!”. The band is a unique strings-based ensemble with a rhythm section that explores the boundaries of violin and cello through different styles of music. Fusing classical tradition and contemporary styles, the band presents a new way of approaching strings with a sound both cultured and groovy. It has been performing and teaching clinics in Boston, New York, Toronto and France. The band has released 3 albums First Flight (2015), For Lack Of A Better World (2016) and String Groover (2017). Through recent years, Tsung-Yuan (Jason) Lee has worked and performed with many renowned musicians from modern jazz innovators such as, 4-time Grammy winner Terence Blanchard; 2-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier; modern drummer Jojo Mayer; Mark Guiliana, modern guitarist David Fiuczynski, to King of Chinese Pop Lee Hom Wang; to classical musicians including 4-time grammy winner Eugene Friesen; grammy-winning Yo-Yo Ma's Silkroad Ensemble, to Hollywood Oscar nominated composer AR Rahma, progressive rock band Dream Theater; electronic music composer Robert Rich; oud master Simon Shaheen and suona master Yazhi Guo. In our conversation, Jason and I speak about his experiences with playing the violin and exploring his love for music and how he has been able to work on music in New York and Taiwan. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. https://www.instagram.com/jasonleety/

Ashwin Shenoy is an Artist, Actor, Singer-Songwriter, Session Vocalist, Multi-instrumentalist, Producer, Voice-over artist and Recording/Live Sound Engineer. He also dances and acts in collaborations and other projects, eager to apply his talents in any means possible. The aims of this aspiring musician and actor are to bring together music of different cultures in his own experimental ways. Currently based in Boston, he has done a number of projects and is looking to continue working and performing wherever it takes him. He is best known for his versatility in various genres of music, striving to expand his repertoire, adding his own essence along the way. He recently released an EP series with a renowned Poet from Bahrain, Omar Ahmed Al Khulaqi a.k.a. ‘Beneath the Oak Tree' weaving his poetry into musical compositions. Simultaneously, Ashwin recently launched his Hip Hop/RnB Alias, ‘Xenai' having already released 36 singles and counting produced, mixed, mastered, engineered and written by him. In our conversation Xenai share's his story about how he has had to reshape his sound from personal experiences and what he plans to do with his music career in the future. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes. Social : https://www.instagram.com/xenaimuzik/?hl=en Website: https://www.ashwinxenai.com/

Ana Ortiz Wienken is a Berklee College of Music alumni, graduated with a Magna Cum Laude in Film Scoring, Conducting and Music Production. Her career has been eventually intense as she began her musical training at the Russian Conservatory Katarina Gurska of Madrid, in where she obtained a Magna Cum Laude degree in classical piano performance and contemporary composition. Ana had the honor of assisting and working with award winning composers in relation with Warner Bros. Studios, Music & Motion Productions, Team Disney, Output, Velvet Green Music, Chroma Music for TV and Advertising and the Latin Grammy Scholarship Foundation. Her knowledge and experience in recording studios in Los Angeles, CA. Boston, MA. New York, NY. Madrid, Spain. Panamá, Venice, Italy, and Dublin, Ireland has taken her to found her company AOW Music Productions. In our conversation Ana speaks about her experiences with working in the film and composing industry and how she works for herself as an entrepreneurial composer. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes.

Lillian grew up in Taipei munching on succulent pork baos and chewy bubble teas. She is a former management consultant who followed her passion into becoming a food entrepreneur. Currently, she is a partner at Yun Hai, a NYC based online gourmet shop focused on Taiwanese artisan foods. Lillian and I speak about her journey with with working in the food industry and how she hopes to help the US Food Industry adopt Taiwanese cuisines. www.linkedIn.com/lillianlin Instagram @lilyiann www.Yunhai.shop is the company website @yunhaishop is the store's Instagram

Jernej Bervar is an award-winning musician, guitar player, composer, arranger, and producer, living in New York City and a native of Slovenia. Jernej discovered his passion for music at early age of 4. Coming from a classical background, he soon developed interest in jazz. In 2012, Jernej was awarded the scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music and has moved to Boston to study jazz guitar. Jernej won several notable awards, including John Laporta Jazz Award and Performance Division Award. In 2014, he won first prize at the international Wilson Center Guitar competition in Milwaukee, USA. Jernej is performing at concerts nationally and internationally in Europe, USA, Africa, and Asia, including festivals such as the prestigious Montreux Jazz festival. He has been featured on numerous albums, released in Europe, USA, Japan, and China, and has worked with leading artists such as Divinity Roxx, Victor Wooten, Nona Hendryx, Ali Caldwell, Cory Henry, and Sharay Reed, among others. Jernej and I speak together about his journey as an artist and his future goals. Tune in today on the next episode of Dreams Not Memes. Socials https://www.youtube.com/user/jernejbguitar https://jernejbervar.com/

Shihori is a visionary LA-based singer and songwriter who has enjoyed over a decade of success in the Japanese pop industry and beyond. Her work encompasses original songs as well as compositions for internationally-acclaimed anime tv shows (Fairy Tail, The Irregular at Magic High School, Macross Frontier including collaborations with Kohei Tanaka ( One Piece)) and computer games including 'League of Legends'. She boasts 11 gold-certified singles and albums that total over a million sales. Her music champions a message of love and life empowerment. In our conversation Shihori and I talk about her journey as a creative, her goals with being a songwriter and composer from Japan. Learn more on Dreams Not Memes and Subscribe today to hear the past episodes. Social Media https://linktr.ee/shihorimusic

A little to folk for punk and little too punk for folk, Molly Compton is a creative with many hats based in Chicago. Amateur gardener, unofficial soup club member, hidden gem, CEO and hemorrhaging heart at Ur Mom Records. Compton shares her story about her relationship with music, art, and her vision for creating an accessible community. Molly and I take a deep dive into Compton's origin story and talk about having multiple skills in the arts, arranging music, and finding your calling. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. @mollstermash IG AND FB @mollster_mash Twitter Molly Compton on spotify

“Born Kevin van Drecht in the Netherlands, Kevan Dre is a 21-year-old upcoming rapper, producer, songwriter and engineer. At a young age Kevin fell in love with music from the likes of Lil Wayne and Bay Area artists E-40 and Mac Dre. From playing the organ at his grandparents' house to building his own studio and recording actual songs that could take you places. In the summer of 2018 he started messing around with different DAW's and made his first beats. As soon as he got the hang of producing, Kevin started writing songs and rapping the following year. On May 21st 2019 he finally released his first single called “Drifting Off” with Italian singer Marco Finotti under his old artist name “KD”. Between then and January 2020 Kevin continued to release numerous singles featuring artists around the globe. After a year of releasing songs as KD, Kevin and the label he was under decided it was time to rebrand to something more unique. He eventually landed on “Kevan Dre”, which takes parts of his real name, and pays homage to artists like Mac Dre and Dr. DRE. On July 3rd Kevin officially came back to the rap scene under Kevan Dre with his debut single called “Lonely” featuring Miami based artist Don Jones, which amassed over 4000 streams. He then continued releasing singles like “Hurt”, which amassed over 10.000 streams, Need That, which surpassed 4500 streams, and overseas, surpassing 16.000 streams. Inspired by artists like E-40 and Mac Dre, to G-Eazy and P-Lo, Kevan Dre is set to bring American Hip Hop and West Coast Hip Hop to western Europe.” Kevan and I speak about his life ambition in becoming an MC and his interactions with hip hop. Learn More on Dreams Not Memes and Subscribe today. Social Links: https://www.instagram.com/Kevan_Dre/ https://www.Twitter.com/Kevan_Dre

Julia Flores (Episode 100) requested to interview the host of Dreams Not Memes Podcast, Brian Walker. Walker is not only the host of this podcast, he holds many hats. Walker is the singer songwriter of A Day Without Love, Co Producer of Safe x Sound Film, Freelance Scoring Musician, A Change Management Consultant, Author/ Poet, and a Creative Community Centered Collaborator. Walker has released 104 songs and is currently working on his third studio recorded album, the release of a documentary and hopes to create a community based on acceptance, diversity of thought, and teamwork. Flores interviews Walker about his creative and professional goals, why he started Dreams Not Memes, and how he has overcome his battles with mental health, trauma and inequality as a creative entrepreneur and professional. Learn more about Walker on the 300th episode of Dreams Not Memes. Socials and Fundraising Links Bandcamp: https://adaywithoutlove.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/09JoYdZo9cekYMqyN1bsGD?si=xsYvSGwRTh6FGjDBIEKv6g&dl_branch=1 Merch: https://www.adaywithoutlove.com/merch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/adaywithoutlove Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/adaywithoutlove Tik Tok : @adaywithoutloveband Instagram: @adaywithoutlove Subscribe to Dreams Not Memes: https://anchor.fm/dreamsnotmemes/subscribe Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lyUjL_W1xM&t=13s

Jesse Lundy has been working as a concert promoter and publicist in Philadelphia area since 1995 (Electric Factory Concerts 95-97; and New Park Entertainment/Jack Utsick Presents 97-01). In 2002, he joined Point Entertainment as Talent Buyer and Publicist at award-winning listening room The Point in Bryn Mawr, PA. Since The Point closed in June of 2005, Point Entertainment has been producing shows at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA, concerts series and special events at numerous venues including the Campus Philly Kickoff Concert. Since 2009, Point Entertainment has been programming the Philadelphia Folk Festival. He also manages The Wallace Brothers Band http://www.wallacebrothersband.com The Brakes http://www.brakesband.com and John Francis http://www.johnfrancismusic.com and is proud to teach at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University. Lundy is happily married. Jesse and I speak about his journey as a concert promoter and the shifts in promotional trends in entertainment over the past 20 years. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Social Media https://pointentertainment.com/about-us/

Meredith Rounsley is a singer and songwriter who melds candid storytelling with an organic, folk-pop sound. Inspired by a life of travel and casual conversations with strangers, Meredith creates music that is warm and grounded, placing her comfortably in the company of confessional songwriters like Sara Bareilles and KT Tunstall. Meredith released a 4 song EP in the summer of 2016, Weapon, followed by her latest single, “Fluent” in 2020. Meredith grew up in rural Maryland on a mixture of the hymns played at her grandmother's piano and the soul music coming through her parent's stereo. She picked up an acoustic guitar at thirteen, learning to write her own songs while joining every music program that her school offered. She eventually started playing small local venues and regional shows, following her curiosity to Australia to study music performance in college. When she returned to the states, she began recording and releasing music from her parent's spare bedroom, borrowing their car to tour up and down the east coast. She spent the next few years gathering a following at local wineries and restaurants while premiering at esteemed singer-songwriter venues like Rockwood Music Hall, Jammin' Java, and The Basement. An impromptu writing trip to Nashville in 2018 became a move to town, where she experimented with new co-writers and began expanding her solo performances. Meredith collaborated with Nashville producer Kyle Dreaden to build lush instrumentation around her acoustic guitar driven arrangements. Hints of Norah Jones' intimate vocal delivery and Feist's playful hooks are woven in to complement her vulnerable songwriting. The result is a collection that feels like a favorite sweater - cozy, soft, and familiar. Meredith and I spoke about her origin story as a musician, her future goals, her recent release Ember and her challenges as an artist. Find out more on Dreams Not Memes Podcast. Social Media www.meredithrounsley.com www.facebook.com/meredithrounsleymusic www.instagram.com/meredithrounsley Let Somebody Love You Music Video