PIVOTAL SLICE: on writing & composing
Jade Green (writer) and David Mackenzie (composer) delve deep into the creative process, speaking to a wide range of innovators, rule-breakers and experts to get to the root of what drives us as artists.
Episodes
51 episodes
Everything You’ve Been Told About Storytelling is Wrong
Jade and David discuss the art of storytelling through writing and music. They talk about:How stories can be made into a somatic experienceUnderstanding character motivation and creating ‘real’ peopleThe perfectly ...
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48:43
Masking, Neurodivergence, and Posing Nude with Eva Aldea
Jade talks to writer Eva Aldea about living a creative life while managing the impacts of neurodivergence. They also discuss the ‘brand’ Eva has built on Instagram, where she is posing nude as a way of querying aging, masking, and perceptions o...
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1:08:47
Transforming Trauma
David and Jade talk about the uses of trauma in the creative process. They explore: how we are reflected in the art we make and consumethe inner journey of the artist using creativity to surrender control...
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47:14
Integrating Music and Nature with Dolores Catherino
David chats with musician, composer, researcher and sound explorer Dolores Catherino about her mission of expanding musical consciousness.They discuss:Finding your unique voice through exploration, not imitationHow A...
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1:02:03
Writing from Your Roots with Inés G. Labarta
Jade speaks to writer Inés G. Labarta about her latest novel, The Three Lives of Saint Ciarán, and how she develops stories from identity, place and intention. They discuss:- Rewriting myths fro...
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1:06:11
Emotional Immaturity and ‘Challengers’ (2024)
Content warning for strong language.Jade and David talk about their recent cinema experiences, including Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers’, and try to get to the bottom of why so many stories are emotionally immature. ...
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36:11
Listening to Your Inner Voice with Michael Beinhorn
David sits down with renowned music producer, composer and writer Michael Beinhorn to discuss his unique approaches to collaboration and the creative process. Michael has worked with legendary artists including Herbie Hancock, Soundgarden, Red ...
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1:09:57
The Power of Sound with Martin Coat & David Mackenzie
Jade speaks to David and his collaborator Martin Coat about their Arts Council funded development project ‘MonoMyth’. Martin and David set out to deconstruct sound, from its physical qualities to its effect on brain waves. We discuss:- H...
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1:13:51
What is 'Tone'?
Trigger warning for discussion of sexual violence in media.David and Jade attempt to break down the elusive concept of ‘tone’. They discuss the balance of light and dark in HBO's Succession, the role of intention in the...
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28:11
Representing Trans Stories with Miles Borrero
Jade chats to writer and yoga teacher Miles Borrero about publishing his memoir Beautiful Monster: A Becoming, and the importance of seeing positive trans stories in media and literature.Throughout his many lives, Miles Borrero...
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1:08:34
Breaking the Cycle of Bullsh*t
How do we figure out the path we are meant to be on, rather than the path chosen for us by others? David and Jade ‘do a funny one’, rambling chaotically about marriage, babies, and the miserable reality of ‘cool jobs’. Merry Christm...
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36:38
How to Value Yourself with Christina Hennemann
Christina was thrilled when she learned she had won a prize for her poetry, and the chance to publish a book. But she quickly noticed red flags as she was communicating with the editor in charge of her work – and things only got worse from ther...
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49:53
David Lynch’s Liminal Spaces
Jade and David enjoy a damn fine cup of coffee and discuss the tonal landscapes of David Lynch’s work. Topics covered include baguettes, Tibetan monks, and car alarms. Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLO...
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28:18
Staying Grounded in Hollywood with Denise Santos
David catches up with film and TV composer Denise Santos about her work, creative process and development. They discuss:The importance of representing diverse storiesStaying strong and authentic in a male-dominated industry...
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58:59
Photographing True Beauty with Zuzu Valla
Jade speaks to Zuzu Valla, a fashion and beauty photographer based in the UK who is redefining modern beauty standards. They discuss Zuzu’s process of capturing a person’s ‘soul’, the importance of representing marginalised people in fashion an...
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41:53
Do Psychedelics Enhance Creativity?
Jade and David talk about their experiences with psychedelics, the impact of tripping and microdosing on their mental health/spiritual journeys, and the use of psychedelics to develop consciousness and creativity.We’d love to hear your t...
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47:14
Immersive Theatre with Jess-Luisa Flynn & Neil Connolly
Come with us on an immersive journey through sound and stories!We connect with influential people within the immersive theatre world: Actor and Director Jess-Luisa Flynn and Creative Director Neil Connolly. They discuss the role of immer...
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31:56
Predators in the Arts
TW: discussion of abuseJade and David discuss their experiences of exploitation in their creative fields, and offer tips for recognizing potentially dangerous people while seeking representation or collaboration.They explore:...
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51:42
Film Scoring with Andrew Morgan Smith
David speaks to Andrew Morgan Smith, the veteran film composer of the Nicolas Cage Western The Old Way (2023) and over ninety other projects across all media. They discuss Andrew’s journey into the film industry, his creative ...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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1:12:21
Separating Art from the Artist
TW: Discussion of abuse What happens to a piece of work once it is out in the world? Does the audience take ownership? As artists, how do we ‘let go’ of something we have poured so much energy into?Jade and David explore this...
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46:13
The Writer’s Journey with KB Brookins
Jade speaks to KB Brookins, a writer, cultural worker, and artist from Texas. They talk about using writing to deal with anxiety, what it takes to call yourself a ‘real’ writer, and how KB is utilizing their creative power to inspire positive c...
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1:00:12
Can Art Change the World?
On this episode we discuss the purpose of art in society, and how change starts from within. We explore:Using art to raise consciousnessThe effect of the ‘ego’ mind on creativityHow identifying with your work can lead to cr...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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41:25
Wearable Art with Kristina K
David and Jade chat to Kristina K, a fashion designer and artist based in New York City who was a finalist on season 19 of Project Runway. They discuss how Kristina found her way to designing, the benefits of having time restraints, an...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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1:06:30
Sculpture and Self Love with Eri Maeda
Jade talks to Eri Maeda, a Japanese 'Self-Love Artist' based in Paris. Eri creates sculpture, ceramics and homeware based on inclusive representations of human bodies and sexuality. Jade and Eri discuss the message of her work - "Everyone is di...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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44:51