Renowned sound designer and composer Lance Massey's journey from Manchester, Tennessee, to the vibrant soundscape of New York City is nothing short of extraordinary. This episode of Creativity Jijiji gets into the serendipitous twists that led Lance to become a key figure in the dynamic NYC commercial music scene. From his unexpected acceptance to Oberlin College, where he discovered a passion for electronic music and pioneering computer systems, to his exploration of his Appalachian musical roots, Lance shares personal stories that weave a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation.

Lance and I discuss the delicate balance between technology and emotion in music creation, reflecting on the diverse genres that influence our work, from old-time music to EDM. We highlight a significant project that marked our transition into advanced sonic montage techniques, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of music technology and the importance of early sound integration in the creative process.

Our conversation crescendos with exploring the collaborative spirit that fuels innovation. We share insights from the now-renowned T-Mobile global branding campaign, which was launched in partnership with branding agency Interbrand. This campaign ingeniously combined world vocals, digital pulses, music, sound design, and algorithmic composition to create a unifying global sonic experience.

With contributions from talented artists Tim Leitner and Mike Harvey, we present the T-Mobile musical track that evolved into the world music masterpiece, 'Hello Hola,' underlining the essence of creativity that transcends borders and genres.

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Join us as we unlock the secrets of voice casting with Dane Gorman, a top-tier casting director and founder of Speaks Casting. Discover the often-overlooked magic that casting breathes into audio dramas, transforming mere scripts into award-winning productions. Together, Dane and I share our journeys and lessons from our collaboration on "Song in Space," a project highlighting the power of the perfect voice to turn complex narratives into engaging experiences.

Our conversation is nostalgic as we reminisce about the golden days of voice discovery when talents like Jim Gaffigan and Liev Schreiber first emerged. The landscape of the voiceover industry is undergoing a seismic shift, with talents now sprouting from every corner of the globe, thanks to the rise of home studios. We reflect on balancing the art of structured creative processes with the innovative possibilities offered by new technologies, ensuring that quality and authenticity remain at the heart of voice casting.

Explore the intricate world of professional voiceover studios as we discuss the technical and financial commitments needed to deliver top-notch productions. We unpack everything from the challenges of home studio setups to the undeniable benefits of professional environments. Learn about the importance of minimizing technical distractions so that talent can truly shine, and celebrate the dedication and resilience required in this competitive field. Wrap up this enriching journey with us as we thank Dane for her invaluable insights and invite you to continue exploring the ever-evolving landscape of voice casting and storytelling.

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Sitting at my kitchen table, anxiously scanning emails for that one response that could change everything, I found myself on a journey all too familiar to creatives—waiting for validation, fearing rejection. Join Air Jijiji and me, Chris Mchale, as we share this rollercoaster of emotions and lay out five strategies to help artists like you navigate the murky waters of creative rejection. We'll delve into the importance of developing a resilient mindset, drawing from personal stories and years of experience to help you stand strong against the inevitable "no" that every creative faces.

We redefine what success means in the creative world, emphasizing practice and preparation as the cornerstones of artistic growth. Hear how embracing positive and negative feedback can be transformative, and discover the power of distinguishing between valuable criticism and mere noise. Whether you're a writer, musician, or any creator, these insights will empower you to see rejection not as a setback but as a stepping stone to artistic achievement. Tune in for practical advice, motivational anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on turning those "no's" into "yes's.

From an outpost deep in space, an alien listens to the stars and is surprised to find content from the Studio Jijiji show, 'Short Wave Stories.'

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Can you imagine a world where artists struggle to earn a living despite creating beloved works? That's the reality we face today, as back-end revenue in the entertainment industry is vanishing, leaving creatives in the lurch. In this episode of Air Jijiji, we share a personal experience with the children's show "Chuggington" to illustrate how back-end deals once served as a financial lifeline for artists. We'll examine the seismic shifts caused by Silicon Valley's disruption, which has redefined the industry to benefit a select few while leaving many artists struggling. We'll also challenge the notion that technology and AI can replace the irreplaceable value of great art.

Shifting gears, we explore how creators leverage new platforms like YouTube and Patreon to reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional media giants. Social media's role in fostering real-time fan engagement has never been more critical. We'll also unpack how blockchain technology and smart contracts could revolutionize back-end earnings, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tumultuous landscape. Plus, we'll discuss the balance between monetization through advertising and brand partnerships and the unyielding importance of maintaining artistic integrity. Please tune in for a comprehensive look at the evolving business of creativity and where it's headed next.

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Ever wondered how getting lost can lead to the most unexpected and creative discoveries? Join us as we recount a whimsical adventure through London in search of a Celtic bouzouki, only to find that the true treasure was the journey itself. This episode is a celebration of the unpredictable road to creative success, where maintaining a constant creative spirit—regardless of how it might bewilder those around us—is key. We touch upon the necessity of a little selfishness in artistic pursuits and the profound impact mentors can have on our creative paths. Through personal tales of my diverse career, we reveal how adaptability and embracing the unknown are vital in today’s intricate creative landscape.

In another engaging chapter, we dive into the essence of pursuing a creative career—highlighting persistence, risk, and the importance of a beginner's mindset. From my experiences in a New York recording studio to the transformative journeys of icons like Lady Gaga and Harrison Ford, we showcase how being "lost" can lead to the most profound artistic breakthroughs. Closing with reflections on creating a unique studio environment and surrendering to the creative process, this episode invites you to join our community at Studio Jijiji. Follow your instincts, explore your passions, and connect with others through shared interests—because the most beautiful creations often arise when we least expect them.

From an outpost deep in space, an alien listens to the stars and is surprised to find content from the Studio Jijiji show, 'Short Wave Stories.'

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What if a simple walk up a creaky staircase could alter your perception of art forever? Join us as we journey to Johannesburg, South Africa, where a teenage encounter with the Phoenix Players and the legendary playwright Athol Fugard planted the seeds of a lifelong understanding of art's power to catalyze social change. We'll recount those youthful days filled with musty old buildings, spirited rehearsals, and life-changing lessons that continue to shape our perspective on activism and the arts.

Dive deep into the transformative role art has played in pivotal social movements, from the stirring protest songs of the civil rights era to the provocative feminist pieces by Judy Chicago and the Gorrilla Girls. Discover how the LGBTQ+ community, Black Lives Matter, and climate change activists use artistic expression to fight for justice and policy reforms. With today's digital tools, artists have more ways than ever to spread their messages globally, proving that art remains an indomitable force for change in our hyper-political world. Tune in for a profound exploration of how creativity can inspire and enact societal transformation.

From an outpost deep in space, an alien listens to the stars and is surprised to find content from the Studio Jijiji show, 'Short Wave Stories.'

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In this discussion, we delve into the increasing importance of unions for voiceover artists, actors, musicians, and writers, especially amidst the ongoing disruption and exploitation of the arts industry. As technology accelerates and corporate interests push for faster, cheaper content production, creative professionals face a "creativity crunch"—a pressure to deliver more with fewer resources and less protection. We explore how unions serve as a critical safeguard, ensuring fair pay, job security, intellectual property rights, and protections against the misuse of AI and automation, which threaten to devalue human artistry.

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