Art & Artist - Human Creativity in the Age of AI

Welcome to the Art and Artist Podcast! In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with independent singer-songwriter Anna Justen, originally from Seattle and now based in Montreal, Canada. Anna shares her unique musical journey, which began at 12 when she taught herself piano and guitar. With a style that blends indie pop and folk with experimental, grunge-influenced production, Anna is set to release her debut album, "Michou's Dream," on May 8, 2025.
Join us as Anna opens up about the inspiration behind her music, including her deeply personal songs "Buckman" and "Peppermint. " These songs explore themes of loss, family dynamics, and finding beauty in pain. She discusses the creative process, the significance of sampling her family's voices, and the emotional connection to her late aunt and cousin.
Listen in as Anna performs "Peppermint," a song that beautifully encapsulates her artistic vision and emotional journey. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of art as a means of processing grief and creating beauty from pain.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Transforming Pain into Art: Anna shared how her experiences with loss and grief have shaped her music. She believes art often serves as a means to create beauty from pain. This perspective is a powerful reminder that our struggles can fuel our creativity, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. Anna's song "Buckman," dedicated to her late aunt, exemplifies this beautifully, serving as a memorial every time she performs it.
2. The Importance of Conceptual Cohesion: In our discussion, Anna revealed her decision to create an entire album rather than just releasing singles. She felt a cohesive project would allow her to express a complete narrative and theme. This approach emphasizes the value of developing a concept that resonates with both the artist and the audience. Anna's upcoming album, "Mishu's Dream," encapsulates her journey and the dreamlike quality of her experiences, showcasing the power of storytelling in music.
3. Embracing Authenticity in Creation: Anna's creative process is refreshingly organic. She often starts with spontaneous ideas that evolve into fully formed songs. This highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to create without the pressure of perfection. As she mentioned, sometimes art flows out of us, and embracing that natural process is essential. Her song "Peppermint" emerged from a moment of inspiration during a trip, illustrating how creativity can strike unexpectedly.

LISTEN TO ANNA JUSTEN

• Spotify
• Apple
• Soundcloud

FOLLOW ANNA JUSTEN

• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube

In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with talented musician Eddie Irvin, known as Goodshivers. Eddie specializes in creating instrumental piano music for filmmakers and podcasters, crafting custom scores that evoke specific emotions and enhance storytelling.

One of the highlights of the conversation was when Eddie explained his unique approach to chord progressions and how he incorporates unconventional notes to add flavor to his music. He emphasized balancing familiar sounds with unexpected elements to create something fresh and engaging.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of Improvisation: Eddie shared how he began his musical journey at five, learning classical piano but quickly gravitating towards improvisation and songwriting. He emphasized the importance of allowing creativity to flow freely, stating that improvisation was not just a skill but a necessary outlet for processing emotions during his formative years. This reminds us that creativity often thrives in environments where we feel free to explore and experiment without constraints.

The Challenge of Finishing Projects: One of the most relatable points Eddie made was about the struggle many musicians face: starting songs enthusiastically but finding it difficult to finish them. He likened it to having a closet full of half-finished ideas. This resonates with so many of us in various fields—it's easy to get excited about new projects, but discipline and commitment are essential to see them through to completion. Eddie's journey highlights the importance of setting aside time to refine and finish our creative endeavors.

Visual Branding Matters: In today's digital age, Eddie discussed the significance of visual identity in music. He mentioned his captain's hat as a way to stand out and create a recognizable brand. This is a crucial lesson for all creatives: having a unique visual presence in a crowded marketplace can help you connect with your audience and make a lasting impression. Whether through fashion, artwork, or other visual elements, curating a cohesive brand can elevate your work and visibility.

Join us as Eddie shares his journey into music, from his early classical training at age five to his evolution into a creative songwriter and improviser. He discusses the importance of improvisation, the challenges of finishing songs, and how he navigates the world of music creation.

Eddie also discusses the significance of visual branding for musicians and shares insights on how to stand out in a crowded space. He also reveals his favorite chord and the unique approach he takes to songwriting, emphasizing the balance between simplicity and creativity.

Whether you're a musician, a fan of piano music, or simply curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights.

LINKS

• Follow Goodshivers on TikTok
• Follow Goodshivers on Instagram
• Follow Goodshivers on YouTube
• Visit Goodshivers.com - for filmmakers & podcasters who need instrumental piano
• Listen to Goodshivers on Spotify or Apple