Aubrey Williams is the Event Director of Backwoods Festival held at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, US. In this Creative Connectors episode, Aubrey takes us on a journey from yoga changing her life and how this brought her to the workshop space at festivals, a pivotal part in her path to becoming the Event Director. She shares how festivals acted as therapy for her and her partner and the magic they have offered her and so many others. We get the download on all the exciting things one can expect at Backwoods in 2024 along with delving into the importance these immersive events play in the lives of so many.
Gain a taste for the festival vibes in the USA and be reminded of the magic so many of us are trying to create.
It's time to sit back and enjoy the chat!
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Chris Williams is the Marketing and Programming Manager at Noisily Festival held in Leicester, UK. In this Creative Connectors episode, Chris takes us on a journey from his involvement in Glade Festival, through his decade in marketing and how he landed at Noisily Festival. He chats about his double life organising free raves whilst also working for the UK government and gets into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to successfully promote a festival in the modern era.
Gain insight into the state of the industry in the UK, where support is needed, along with trends, thoughts and some great festival stories.
Sit back and enjoy the chat!
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If you enjoy this episode and the Creative Connectors podcast please rate and review + share with a friend. Your support goes a long way.
Connect with Noisily Festival.
DJ Fish Eye is a Psytrance DJ, producer and co-founder of Intermind Records. In this Creative Connectors episode, we chat about his DIY days and the beginning of his connection to music and creativity. We delve into the barriers and blessings of knowledge sharing, identifying he was in the wrong career and his love for creativity. He speaks passionately about the utopian nature of the dancefloor and the freedom it offers society, whilst also getting real on the realities of being an international DJ going from country to country doing what you love.
From music to moving through creative blocks this episode has something for everyone interested in creativity.
Karen Bryant is the Chief Executive and Creative Director for Midsumma Festival which is held in VIC, Australia. In this Creative Connectors episode, Karen sheds light on the unique approach to Midsumma which provides an opportunity to choose your own festival adventure across 22 days and their ongoing work in mentorship and community development. She shares her journey from theatre directing and how this took her into the world of festivals and working specifically on a festival that spoke to LGBTQIA+ communities and beyond. We delve into her role in helping Midsumma become a credible arts organisation that has grown its attendance by 66% and its focus on connecting to new communities.
We discuss the honest challenges of bringing diverse communities together and the power of giving unheard voices a safe platform to be represented along with the transformation this has offered individuals.
Sit back and enjoy the chat and discover the many facets and opportunities that Midsumma offers Victorian communities and beyond.
Jared is the Creative Director for Skydance Festival which is held in NSW, Australia. In this Creative Connectors episode, Jared talks us through what brought him and the founders to create a festival on top of a mountain post covid. We delve into the impact that other events like Burning Man and Subsonic had on his perceptions of challenging societal norms and breaking the mold through collective spaces of culture, community and conscious actions. We chat about the challenges of hosting an event in such a unique location, tales of 140km winds and the personal challenge of having too many ideas to share with the world. Jared opens up about his long-term relationship with music and creativity, what you can expect at Skydance and their intention to surprise patrons and provide opportunities for personal growth and igniting the inner child.
Sit back and enjoy the chat and let’s think of festivals a celebratory weekends.
Flufee is a Conscious Showman who is involved in the creation and organisation of Shindig Festival in the UK. In this Creative Connectors episode Flufee takes us on a wild and wonderful journey of how his life became entwined with events, performance and creative expression. He discusses the impact substances and key books had on his life path, how he ended up joining the circus, got the name Flufee and combined performance and activism. We delve into stories of festival chaos, the driving force behind his creativity and his journey with Shindig and the amazing humans who have influenced and supported his journey.
Sit back and enjoy this wide-ranging and fun chat with Flufee.
Felix Beltran is one of the Directors of Parallel Festival which is held in Spain. In this Creative Connectors episode, Felix talks about the influential experiences and festivals that inspired him and his co-directors to develop something of their own, the key role festivals play in helping us to navigate life's challenges and the importance of giving back and respecting the local community.
Felix provides insight into the challenges they've faced hosting a festival in the mountains, specifically one that is the first of its kind in the area. Hear about the magic, simplicity and intention behind Parallel and what they're all about. Sit back and enjoy the chat as we are transported to Port del Comte for a slice of the music and intimacy that Parallel Festival is known and loved for.
Melissa Carey is a multidisciplinary artist from Perth whose art has been shown at multiple festivals across Australia and beyond. In this Creative Connectors podcast episode, Melissa takes us through her journey from the corporate world to full-time artist and the realisation she had around sharing her gifts. She discusses her love and drive to encourage others to tap into their creativity, how to move through creative blocks and her own creative processes. We chat about the know-how needed to make your art a profitable business and the beautiful moments of community and connection that her art have facilitated at festivals.
If you're looking for tips on quietening your inner critic and tapping into your creative side this is the episode for you.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Donna Sparx is Head Hoop Honcho at Hoop Sparx, which offer hula hoop classes, community, courses and beyond both in and outside of festivals. In this Creative Connectors podcast episode Donna takes us through the unusual path she took to running a successful hooping business, the role festivals played in this journey and how she had dreams of a different circus-related journey. Discover a new perspective and the power of the hoop as Donna delves into the benefits of moving your body in new and unfamiliar ways, along with the mirror moments and self-reflection this practice can offer.
We explore the meaning and the ways in which we can foster a sense of community in the day-to-day. The impact of small actions, the power of "I can't yet" and how Hoop Sparx and it's offering is evolving and expanding for the future.
If you're into hooping, understanding and experiencing community and enjoy fantastic tangents and meandering conversations this is an episode for you!
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Follow Donna and the Hoop spare journey via the below links:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Boaz is a Photographer whose work has taken him to many festivals in Australia and internationally. In this Creative Connectors podcast episode Boaz shares his journey in discovering photography as a form of expression that changed his life. He delves into how he formulated a career around festival photography after studying anthropology, the importance of being able to step away and simply enjoy festivals not looking through a lens and some of the epic and emotional moments he gets to capture and share with the world.
We talk about trends that Boaz has noticed in his time as a photographer, how his view of doofs and festivals transformed over time and the exploration of other forms of creativity which is providing a greater focus and connection to mental health.
If you're into photography, creative outlet exploration and its link to mental health and emotions this is the episode for you.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Follow Boaz on Instagram
Marc Pascal is an Australian Light Artist who works across many festivals through ambient lighting, lasers and installations. In this Creative Connectors podcast episode Marc shares his path from being a creative child to now helping to create the adult playgrounds we know and love. We explore his early encounters with Rainbow Serpent, how Burning Man was his catalyst to create whatever he could conceive and the simplistic nature of the older doof scene.
We delve into his intuitive approach to design, what he's recently discovered via YouTube, the music he loves, the AI art he dislikes and his dreams of classical collaborations. We discuss how nangs need to be banished from the scene and consumption needs to become more ritualistic and respected so that the positive vibes can continue.
Marc gives us a sneak peek into his up-and-coming public art piece - Laser Loomier, the Importance of a comfy camp and how crystals can take your lasers to new levels.
If you like fun stories, giggles, creative perspectives and want to understand the inner workings of a light artists mind this is the episode for you.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Follow Marc on Instagram
Explore Marc's website and lighting designs
Grigori aka VDMO is an International VJ (Visual Jedi) and founder of VJ Union. In this Creative Connectors podcast episode Grig talks us through his journey from event producer to artist, what it means to be a Visual Jedi and everything that goes into creating digital work that's live and represents the moment you are experiencing. We explore trends in technological shifts and how these have dramatically changed the world of VJ'ing, why people need to not fear technology and his preparation for Web 3.0 and decentralised technologies. Grig provides insights into his daily creative practice and training, how the international community of VJ Union was formulated and plenty of intel on the tools that bring his creativity to the masses.
If you're into visuals, creativity and tech, this is an episode for you. Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Connect with Grig:
Callan Morgan is a large-scale artist and founder of Pelican Studios which brings together artists, designers and technical experts to co-create innovative projects that blend art and technology to benefit the community and environment. In this Creative Connectors episode, Callan shares his journey from circus performance and graffiti art to Burning Man and the pivotal people and moments that helped shape his future in large-scale sculpture art. We discuss the importance of resilience, how creativity at its core is problem solving and the benefits of having the fundamentals in place when it comes to making art your livelihood. Hear about Make Mob and its unique model to help creatives collaborate to get big art off the ground, UKI - the mutant vehicle bee and Mirror - the futuristic solar-powered flower that Callan is planning to have showcased around the world.
If you're interested in to art, collaboration and innovation sit back and enjoy the chat.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Connect with Callan:
Website: https://pelicanstudios.com.au
Instagram: @callan_morgan
Asher Gunzburg is the Director and owner of Alchemy Decor which creates shade sale structures at music events both large and intimate across Australia. In this Creative Connectors episode, Asher provides true insight into the hard graft it takes to make the beautiful sails that protect patrons from the harsh elements. He offers advice for those looking to navigate both creative and festival industries whilst expanding on his personal journey of going all in on festival decor and something he felt passionate about. We discuss the importance of networking, volunteering, and planning for the future, plus get to hear about some of the projects Asher has been fostering around his main festival gigs.
If you're interested in sacred geometry, grafting, sewing, design and hearing about what it takes to go after a dream with no previous experience, this is an episode for you! Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Connect with Asher:
Website: https://www.alchemydecor.com.au/about
Instagram: @alchemy_decor
Kenny Lemire is one of the Directors of Lucid Space Design who create bamboo structures and art for festivals across Australia. In this Creative Connectors episode, Kenny shares with us how his studies in architecture resulted in him and his business partner Will developing sustainable large-scale structures. Kenny provides great insight into their creative process, the impact Burning Man had on him, sustainable design practices, the materials they use and how they have evolved over time.
We chat about the community created by multi-day festivals, key pieces of advice for those wanting to gain experience within the festival-build field and the benefits and beauty of growing a family and taking kids to festivals. If you're interested in sustainability, bamboo, building and design this is an episode for you! Site back and enjoy the chat.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Lucid Space Design website: https://www.lucidspacedesign.com
Lucid Space Design Crew Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lucidspacedesign.crew
Integratedbiotecture website https://integratedbiotecture.com/
Integratedbiotecture Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedBioTectureDesign
Mudtec website https://www.mudtec.com.au/
Mudtec Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mudtecbricks
Chris Lath is a sound engineer and Owner/Director of Purple Audio who create premium sound experiences at some of Australia's biggest festivals.
In this episode, Chris takes us on his journey from collecting vinyl to becoming a mature-age student and getting his first audio work experience at live music gigs through his uni lecturers. We get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great sound set-up, the type of projects Chris gets excited by, along with the key lessons, advice he received and how to get the best out of your audio team.
Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes insights on what's involved in executing sound experiences at large-scale music festivals, Function One and a whole lot more audio chat. sit back and enjoy the chat.
This Creative Connectors episode was recorded live at Interstellar Groove Festival in Victoria Australia, April 23rd. The panel includes Kasey Taylor (DJ and Vapour Records Label owner), Karina Foster (Flow Artist and Performer), Brent Mirams (Thankyou City) and Sass Pritchard (DJ and previous music marketeer). In this panel discussion we delve into how they entered the industry, what challenges and lessons they've learnt along the way, the pro's and cons of social media and impact COVID had on their careers and mindset.
Much gratitude goes out to the Interstellar Groove crew who enabled this live podcast and brought together such a talented and chatty panel of legends. Please sit back and enjoy the group chat - I hope to bring many more of these to you from festivals in the future.
Jacob McMillan is one of the Directors of Sprout and Rootbound Festival in Australia. In this episode we're talking all things green and eco given that's at the core of Sprout and Rootbound which are two festivals which have combined to have an even greater positive impact on the planet.
We discuss the influences that spurred Jacob to go all in on his dreams and create a festival with enviro practices at the heart. How topics including consent, politics and environmental issues can and should be brought front and centre within the festival environment. Where the name festival name sprouted from and Jacob's academic moves into research that explore festivals as a platform for positive behaviour change.
Fundamentally festivals can and do help make the world a better place by impacting us as individuals and we're chatting about this and how they can also positively impact the planet which Jacob and his team have championed.
Sit back and enjoy the chat.
Lincoln Savage is the Director of Yonder Festival and Brisbane Street Art Festival in Queensland, Australia. In this episode, Lincoln shares his love for creating safe, warm experiences that transport you to a new dimension whilst explaining how the DIY nature of raves and parties inspired him to work in events. Gain insight into his journey with festivals, the challenges in event planning along with the proud moments and memories that mean so much. He shares his passion for curation and change and explains why fresh blood and competition can only benefit the music industry. We're chatting about Vast Yonder the agency supporting all his creative projects and his new multi-purpose venue which he's cracking on with amidst COVID. Expect insights in to the Brisbane art and music scene and what to expect from all things Yonder and Australia's largest street art festival.
Sit back and enjoy the chat!
