This episode I rant and rave about Pathologic 2, the most powerful experience I've had playing a video game. It's really gotten me excited for art in general at the moment.

Obviously, talent is integral to standing out and creating convincing art. But is it more important than making unique art for you? Is being incredibly skilled or being incredibly creative more rewarding?

I don't have an answer here but I certainly talk about it for a while on this podcast.

I don't believe this is the only reason, of course, but I can certainly realise it in myself when I just want to feel seen. Perhaps it's a good drive, perhaps it should be ignored. Who's to say.

I suppose a sense of progress and growth suggests an end goal. Of course, having a goal is a good thing, but allowing yourself to simply be 'moving forward' is extremely freeing.

Not in all things, but mostly, you're allowed to just exist.

So I had my album launch last week, and it was a blast! I loved playing with the band, and the support was so heart warming. But naturally, there is always a mixed bag of feelings when releasing something. I have a bit of an explore of those mixed feelings on today's episode.

It's good to prepare, and I should honestly practice a lot more for live performances. But one particular part I like to be prepared for is the unexpected. It's the part of live performance I enjoy the most while also being the most terrified of. The chaos and unpredictable nature of seeing what the fuck happens on stage.

Today's episode is me trying to calm my nerves before my album launch. Enjoy

A goal can be useful as a compass, but do you need to have your final outcome set in stone? The world is chaotic and impossibly complex, as is a creative venture. I riff on the idea of focusing on the underlying driving principles rather than having 'it all figured out".

I've always tried to put politics in my lyrics in a way that is approachable through abstract imagery. But I do wonder if its better to speak plainly. I don't really have an answer, but I chew on the idea for a bit on todays episode.

Who has the highest expectations for themselves? Is it you? Yeah, of course it is. Which I think just means you give a shit. And when you do a 'bad' performance, it means you know you can do better. No one else has the context of your head to frame that performance in, and in the worst-case scenario, they'll simply forget it.

I mused on that for a while on today's episode. Enjoy

Hello. I do sell a lot of wank, don't I.

I've been thinking about making approachable art or being very selective with the audience you seek for your projects. Where do your interests take you, or how do you find yourself naturally communicating?

Enjoy.

It's amazing what one person can do, but it pales in comparison to what a community can do. Be it working on a project by yourself or enacting political change.

I have a yarn about that in this episode. Enjoy

Of course, we all gotta push ourselves creatively and as people. But does that mean we have to challenge ourselves the way others do? Maybe you can feel when being challenged feels right and productive and when it's not for you.

Podcast time bb. Listen.

I've been very manic lately and have been really enjoying it. Something about my brain at the moment is allowing me to work really hard in a very excited and joyful way....

But that's just for now. Maintaining this forever is not possible or useful.

I rant about this and jump around a lot to other topics on this episode, so buckle up or skip it.

Love ya

When you're working on a project, it's obviously very easy to focus on the parts you doubt the most. But maybe it's best to focus on your strengths and allow your weak points to just be good enough to play their role.

Some thoughts on it. Podcast time. You get it.

Listen

With lofty goals, we risk never achieving them or not knowing what to do once we do. But then, with small goals, we might always be chasing the next one and just repeating ourselves. Maybe, I dunno, but I had a yarn about such a concept on this episode.

Enjoy

Well, this one I bloody got into it. Talking some fundamental values that drive both my work, and just who I am. I'm most likely just a big hippy at heart who doesn't know shit but, I'll hide that behind my black wardrobe until the grave.

Enjoy

Where is the line between raw and 'real' art vs unrefined and lazy art? IS there a point when you're polishing too much? I certainly try to embrace the jank but I'm also scared I'm just a lazy creator.

Ramble ramble ramble.

New episode. Enjoy

When is a project done? Can a project be perfect? Will you ever consider it either of these things?

I think I'm pretty good at finishing projects, at calling it when it can go no further. But I still of course have so much doubt every time if it's.... just not good enough.

Aaaaand I have a bloody ramble about that on today's podcast. Ok, enjoy.

We're always looking for springboards, launchpads, milestones, etc...

Markers to say now we're good, now we're seeing success, this was a big one, or what have you. But post release depression is a bloody nightmare, and taking the pressure off is important.

I'm trying to shift some things in my head around releasing, which is what this episode is all about.

Enjoy. Luv

I go on a lot about just making stuff as much as possible, which is all well and good, but I often struggle with just letting myself chill. Just exist. Not relaxing so you might work harder later, just exist with no purpose.