PIVOTAL SLICE: on writing & composing

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Masking, Neurodivergence, and Posing Nude with Eva Aldea

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 of the female body.

Eva Aldea is a writer, lecturer and editor. Her first novel Singapore (Holland House Books 2023), and her book in progress, Stockholm, explore migration and belonging.

She is @to_write_like_a_dog on Instagram (and Substack for unredacted photos) and she is writing a pamphlet about the process and experience of taking nude selfies, forthcoming with Intergraphia Books. Eva is also working on a collection of essays on neurodivergence and mental health, forthcoming with Broken Sleep Books in 2025, and she edits writers’ reflections on diagnoses, psychological and physical, on the website Dx: Diagnosis and Writing.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Transforming Trauma

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 consume
the inner journey of the artist
using creativity to surrender control
how trauma transforms us, for better or worse

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Integrating Music and Nature with Dolores Catherino

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 imitation
How AI is impacting the landscape of music
Dolores’ research and development into a new ‘pitch colour’ system
Uses of meditation and intuitive practices to study music

Find more of Dolores on her website, YouTube channel and Bandcamp. You can also find out more about PolyChromatic Music here.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Writing from Your Roots with Inés G. Labarta

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 from a queer, immigrant perspective

- The process of publishing and dealing with rejection

- The role of ego and mental and spiritual health in writing

Find out more about Inés on her website, and purchase her book here.

Read 'Oatman', the short story she published on oranges journal.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Emotional Immaturity and ‘Challengers’ (2024)

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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.

They discuss:

- The role of open-mindedness in creativity

- Depicting healthy relationships in film

- How we ‘project our demons’ into what we create

- Approaching work with beginner’s mind

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Listening to Your Inner Voice with Michael Beinhorn

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 Hot Chili Peppers and Hole, and it’s an honour to have him on the show.

David and Michael discuss:

- The power of creative visualisation

- Somatic techniques for approaching creative work

- The uses of neurodivergence, and how ‘obsessive thinking’ can help or hinder an artist

- Evolutions in music production, technology and songwriting

Find out more about the artist development services Michael offers here.

-------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Buy us a coffee or join our Patreon for exclusive content and 1:1 artist support.

Find us on socials:
Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

The Power of Sound with Martin Coat & David Mackenzie

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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:

- How to approach research and set an intention for a large project

- The impact of our sonic environment on mental and physical health

- Uses of the human voice

- How sound can be used for healing

To close the episode we will share one of the pieces Martin and David produced for the project, titled ‘Seven Rotations’. The piece is designed to be listened to for relaxation purposes – so please do not listen while driving or operating heavy machinery!

Listen to the rest of MonoMyth here.

------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

We’ve given our Patreon a facelift, and we’d love for you to join our community! By subscribing, you will receive bonus episodes and uncut interviews, and help to support us as artists and podcasters. If you are an artist yourself, you can also sign up to receive 1:1 support and ongoing feedback on your work.

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

What is 'Tone'?

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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 writing process, and the rapey vibes of Poor Things.

You can read Jade’s review of Poor Things here: Men explain sexual liberation to me in 'Poor Things'

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Representing Trans Stories with Miles Borrero

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

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 has survived fronting a Latin rock band, riding horses competitively, acting on various stages across the US, and nannying a six-year-old. He has been Catholic, Jewish, and a frequent guest at Krishna’s house, and has lived life as a boy, a girl, a woman, a man, and something in between. Now a senior yoga teacher who leads retreats and trainings all over the world, Miles is passionate about dismantling the systems within ourselves that keep us small. He lives in New York with his sweetheart and their two adorable dogs.

Find all of Mile's offerings, including yoga, here. Or order the hardcover, ebook or audio of Beautiful Monster: A Becoming here.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Breaking the Cycle of Bullsh*t

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 Christmas!

Tell us about your own indoctrination by emailing pivotalslice@gmail.com.

If this episode resonated with you, and you need some guidance around getting off ‘auto-pilot’, our hosts offer coaching services.

Book coaching with David

Book coaching with Jade

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon

Find us on socials:

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

How to Value Yourself with Christina Hennemann

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 there.

Jade chats to Christina about the importance of valuing yourself and listening to intuition while navigating the world of publishing, and beyond.

Christina Hennemann (she/her) is a poet and prose writer based in Ireland. She’s a recipient of the Irish Arts Council’s Agility Award ’23 and she was longlisted in the National Poetry Competition. Her work appears in Poetry Wales, The Iowa Review, oranges, The Moth, York Literary Review, Ink Sweat & Tears, Moria, and elsewhere.

Visit Christina's website / follow her on Instagram / Twitter

Read 'How to make the most of microdosing' on oranges journal

-------------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

David Lynch’s Liminal Spaces

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Staying Grounded in Hollywood with Denise Santos

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

David catches up with film and TV composer Denise Santos about her work, creative process and development. They discuss:

The importance of representing diverse stories
Staying strong and authentic in a male-dominated industry
Getting the most out of collaboration
Cultivating a healthy working routine

Denise is an Emmy-winning Filipino musician and composer based in Los Angeles. Having previously worked as in-house composer at Hans Zimmer and Sony/ATV's Bleeding Fingers Music, her music has been heard in a multitude of movies and TV shows, most recently in Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix), Eden: Untamed Planet (BBC America), and Primates (BBC One/PBS).

Largely influenced by classical, orchestral, rock, and pop music, Denise loves to blend these different genres to create uniquely powerful compositions that help uplift diverse stories, filmmakers, and creators.

Find out more about Denise on her website / follow her on Instagram

-----------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

We are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.

Join our Patreon

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Photographing True Beauty with Zuzu Valla

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 and art, and how Zuzu built her own creative team and studio, starting in her living room.

Follow Zuzu on Instagram / Visit her website

We are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.

--------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Do Psychedelics Enhance Creativity?

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 thoughts, questions and experiences. Join the conversation by emailing us or reaching out on our social media channels.

Please make sure you are looking after yourself and seeking support from people you know you can trust before making this journey (and preferably during).

We are raising money for new audio equipment, to get the podcast sounding even better! You can support us here.

-------------------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Immersive Theatre with Jess-Luisa Flynn & Neil Connolly

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 immersive art today, removing audiences from their reality, and the re-emergence of more traditional art forms that has factored into the immersive theatre boom.

Throughout the episode you’ll also hear music and sound design from David’s immersive theatre collaborations.

Discover our guests:

Jess-Luisa Flynn
Jessie-Lu Flynn is an actor, host and immersive theatre maker from London. She is the founder of Wide Eyes Immersive. Jess is particularly drawn to comedy and enjoys making work that is heightened, absurd, punk in spirit and infused with a cinematic glamour, inspired by the movies of the 1940s and 50s. She has worked for over fifteen years at festivals, including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Boomtown fair - hosting stages and making immersive installations. She has appeared in political stunts for Channel Four's 'The Ministry of Justice' and Don't Panic TV. She was just elected by Equity members as a spokesperson for ADHD actors, a subject she is very passionate about.

Wide Eyes / Instagram / LinkedIn

Neil Connolly
Having been at the vanguard of playable & immersive theatre since 2007, Neil had a career-defining opportunity in 2019 when he devised, wrote & directed an immersive experience for HRH Elizabeth II as part of Sainsbury's 150th birthday celebrations. This makes him the only immersive theatre & game maker in the world to have the Queen attend one of their experiences. In a distinguished career spanning 18 years, Neil has brought that passion to every facet of themed entertainment in the creative development and production of theatre & attractions. As Creative Director for the Everywhere Group, Neil is working on creative development of show and attraction content for projects across the UK, Europe, North America & Asia.

Immersive Everywhere / Instagram / Twitter

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Predators in the Arts

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

TW: discussion of abuse

Jade 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:

Power and co-dependency in creative relationships
Learning how to state your worth
Cultivating professional boundaries
Spotting ‘red flags’ and ‘green lights’

Book recommendations:

‘Not Nice’ by Dr. Aziz Gazipura
‘Burn it Down’ by Maureen Ryan
‘The Gift of Fear’ by Gavin de Becker

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Film Scoring with Andrew Morgan Smith

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 process while collaborating on large and small projects, and how parenthood has impacted his work life.

Find out more about Andrew through his website, and follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

----------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Separating Art from the Artist

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

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 process of separation from art. They also discuss how we decide what to do with the work of artists who have caused great harm to other people, and to the industries in which they work.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

The Writer’s Journey with KB Brookins

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 change.

KB Brookins is the author of How To Identify Yourself with a Wound (Kallisto Gaia Press, 2022) and Freedom House (Deep Vellum, 2023). KB is a 2023 National Endowment of the Arts fellow. Follow them online at @earthtokb.

Read Jade's latest fiction, The Therapist, over on The Temz Review.

--------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Can Art Change the World?

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

On this episode we discuss the purpose of art in society, and how change starts from within. We explore:

Using art to raise consciousness

The effect of the ‘ego’ mind on creativity

How identifying with your work can lead to crisis

Cultivating healthy detachment from your art

The roles of the right and left brain in the creative process

------------------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Wearable Art with Kristina K

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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, and tips for surviving the cutthroat world of fashion.

Visit Kristina's website and follow her on Instagram

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Sculpture and Self Love with Eri Maeda

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 different and everyone is beautiful" and talk about how she started to create art to fight against the beauty standards and social pressure with which she grew up.

Find out more about Eri and purchase her products:

Website
Instagram
TikTok

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Should Art be Free?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

It may be harder to make a living as an artist than ever before. On this episode, David and Jade explore the exploitation of artists in modern society, discussing:

self-worth and the energy of receptivity
the role of technology in the undervaluing of art
working for ‘likes’
defining your purpose as an artist
processing shame around selling your work

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Writing Fiction Pt. 2 with Jade Green

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We continue our conversation on fiction writing with Jade Green. David talks to Jade about the ups and downs of writing novels and short stories, how her definition of feminism has changed through running a literary journal, and turning challenges into gifts.

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Composing Pt. 2 with David Mackenzie

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

We continue our conversation on writing music with composer David Mackenzie. Jade talks to David about what he has learned over the last year of running a new music brand, how he approached collaboration while working as a sound designer/composer for Wake the Tiger, and developing his sound through use of vocals.

We play a selection of David’s new music throughout the episode.

05:59 The Underside

24:42 Wallflower

49:20 Atmosphere, Satellites and Dreams

1:08:31 Circles, Squares and Stripes

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

The Language of Music with Cyrus Shahrad (Hiatus)

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

David chats to Cyrus Shahrad (Hiatus) about finding his way to writing and making music, differentiating language and musical form, and the role of the ‘self’ in artistic output.

Cyrus is an electronic music producer and writer based in London. His musical work combines Iranian instrumentation, poetry, nostalgia and modern ambient sounds. He has worked as a journalist and written for various acclaimed magazines and newspapers on a range of subjects, including music and movie reviews.

Read Cyrus’s work

Find him on Twitter and Instagram

----------------------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Struggle to Let Go of Outcomes?

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

We often over-think the end result of our art, and forget to enjoy the process. From childhood we've measured our worth based on external achievements - such as money, qualifications and job titles - but how do we undo this conditioning to get the most out of our passion? In this episode David and Jade discuss:

- the difference between setting goals and obsessing over end results

- maximising your enjoyment of the creative process

- how our culture conditions us to seek external validation

Share your thoughts and experiences by connecting on social media or writing a review!

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Feminist Fiction (with special guests)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It’s an oranges journal takeover! Jade invites five writers to share excerpts from stories published on orangesjournal.com and talk about their inspiration. oranges is an intersectional feminist journal dedicated to amplifying marginalised voices. The writers joining us are based all over the world and represent a cross-section of the work featured on the journal.

Stories:

06:00 Bathtup Kinship by Lukas Kofoed Reimann

11:30 The Other Side of Styx Street by Rebecca Kilroy

20:48 Oatman by Inés G. Labarta

31:24 The Monsoons Are Almost Here by Shrutidhora P Mohor

44:45 Refund, Discount or Gesture of Goodwill by Jasmine Kahlia

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Let’s Talk About Fear

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

It’s Halloween, it’s our one-year anniversary, and we’re delving into the scariest of subjects!

Jade and David talk about the fears we must overcome in our creative lives. They discuss getting comfortable with the uncomfortable and how vulnerability is the key to powerful creative work.

Jade also chats to Ellen Huang, a writer of horror and speculative fiction, about spirituality in stories and what makes the perfect ending.

Read Ellen's short stories:

“The Sticklerman”

“Prized Possessions”

“Halving My Child: What Wakwaks Want”

“Hidebehind Seeks”

More work on her website

----------

Music and production by David Mackenzie

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT US

Join our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive music

Find us on socials:

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com

Follow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

Dealing with Rejection

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

On this bonus episode (unlocked from the Patreon feed) David and Jade talk about the role of rejection in the creative process, the energy of ‘I am enough’, and not taking rejections personally.

Keep trying, keep submitting, and know that by living your truth, you are bringing huge value to the world!

We’ll be back soon with a brand new season of the pod, a fresh look, and more insightful guests and conversations.

Music: ‘Awakening’ by Stantz

Follow your hosts:

Book a coaching session with David.

Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Why Meditate?

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Stress is a blockage to creativity. How can we manage the daily stresses and anxieties of life, so that we can give ourselves fully to our creative practice?

Meditation is one of the best techniques you can learn to help you cope with stress and other mental health issues, and clear space in your mind to get the most out of your imagination. Jade and David talk about the techniques they use, the impact of meditation on their lives, and the powerful role of intuition and the subconscious mind in creative practice.

Read Jade’s writing on the meditation retreat she attended: Five days of silence

Music by David Mackenzie.

Follow your hosts:

Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Puzzles and Poetry with Helen Bowie

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Our guest today is Helen Bowie, a performer, multidisciplinary writer and creative facilitator. Through her work she explores the fluidity between these areas, and the way that words interact with the world. Jade speaks to Helen about puzzles and word games, interactive performance, and the comedy of mundanity.

Pre-order Helen’s new book Exposition Ladies, ‘a love letter to the poorly-scribbled female characters of Hollywood and beyond, who exist solely to move the plot along.’

You can also follow Helen on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about her work through her website.

Music by David Mackenzie. Buy ‘Solace’ on Bandcamp, and watch the video for ‘Swan Song’ by artist Janet Lees.

Follow your hosts:

Support the pod on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Addiction in the Arts

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

WARNING! This episode covers some deep, and possibly triggering, topics including drug addiction, alcoholism, suicide and mental illness. We also swear a lot. Please only listen if you are in a stable mindset.

-------

The story of the ‘tragic artist’ is a dangerous myth in our society, and carries a morbid fascination for many onlookers. But the true roots of addiction are rarely discussed; it is a subject shrouded in shame. In this episode, Jade and David discuss why artists often struggle with addiction and mental illness, and talk about their own experiences with addiction and recovery.

Jade also shares an excerpt from a piece of writing about her path to sobriety. You can read the piece in full here.

If you are in a pattern of addiction and need help, please contact the NHS or your local support services. There is no shame in asking for help, and you do not need to suffer alone.

Music by David Mackenzie.

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Music for Healing with Melissa James

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Our guest today is Melissa James, a singer-songwriter, activist and mind-health advocate. She has organised many charity projects and events, and brought together artists and influencers to discuss social issues through ‘Stronger on Sundays’. Jade talks to Melissa about finding her way to her truth and how she uses music, spiritual practice and authentic communication to heal the wounds of society.

Follow Melissa:

http://melissa-james.com/

Instagram: @melissajamesuk
Twitter: @MelissaJamesUK

David shares his new release, ‘Bliss & Shadow’, at the end of the episode. You can purchase the single on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Photo by Tatiana Gorilovsky

The Structure of Magic

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

David and Jade are in full deconstruction mode today, as they discuss how structure works in the contexts of storytelling, music and Hollywood movies. They ask the question: ‘How can we use structure to trigger emotional reactions in our audience?’ and talk about the works that have inspired their own process.

David shares his new release, ‘Virtuoso’, at the end of the episode. You can purchase the single on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Songwriting with Mary in the Mirror

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Jade and David speak to Mary in the Mirror, a singer-songwriter who weaves evocative storylines into her music, using her life experiences as inspiration in her writing process. With a distinctive Bristol sound, she infuses hip-hop, trap and drill beats with jazz soul vocals and a Celtic twist. Mary talks about her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she has adapted her process to fit the changing landscape of live music.

At the end of the episode Mary shares her latest single, ‘Haunt U’.

Visit Mary’s YouTube page to watch the brand new video for Haunt U

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram

Purchase Mary’s music on Bandcamp

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons!

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram

Solidarity Art with Rob MacDonald

Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

David talks to Rob MacDonald, a stonemason, sculptor, drummer, writer of poetry and political artist. Rob’s goal is to build an international movement of revolutionary artists. He does this through organizing Outa-Space arts podcast, community participation monuments like Solidarity Park, and creative teaching and workshops.

Discover more about Solidarity Park: https://solidaritypark.com/

Listen to Outa-Space: https://outaspacearts.libsyn.com/

Support Rob on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RobMacDonald

-----

David’s new single, ‘Swan Song’ is available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

'Why Are We Doing This?'

Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Season 2 of Pivotal Slice! In this episode Jade and David reflect on Season 1 of the pod, talk about what they've learned and why 'the art life' is so important to them. They also discuss society's view of artists and the beliefs we carry about pursuing a career in the creative industries.

Music by David Mackenzie

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Art and Recovery with Janet Lees

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

David chats to poet, photographer and filmmaker Janet Lees about her artistic process and the path she has taken through recovery and spiritual growth. Janet’s work is published in journals and anthologies around the world, and her own book of poetry and photography is entitled ‘House of Water’ (2019).

View Janet’s work and purchase her book: https://janetlees.weebly.com/

Follow Janet’s Instagram: @janetlees2.0

David’s new single, ‘The Agreement’ is available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Childhood Creativity

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

It’s ‘Childhood Month’ on Pivotal Slice! Your hosts discuss the link between past experiences and present beliefs about art, work and self-worth. They ask the question: ‘Are all children inherently creative?’ and explore the genesis of their own relationships to creativity.

In the second half of the episode, Jade and David share pieces of work inspired by childhood and talk about how they created them.

You can read ‘Voices’, by Jade Green, in full here: https://www.orangesjournal.com/fiction/voices-jade-green

Or listen to the audio version: https://soundcloud.com/jade-green-writer/voices-short-story

Music by David Mackenzie – purchase ‘Green’ on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Be kind to your inner child!

Short Stories with Irenosen Okojie

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Jade speaks to prolific writer Irenosen Okojie about her unique path into the literary world, finding a mentor and tips for staying inspired. Irenosen is the author of novel Butterfly Fish and two short story collections, Speak Gigantular and Nudibranch. She is known for her forays into surrealism, richly complex characters and vividly poetic imagery, and is one of the most exciting Black female voices in the world of contemporary literature.

Find out more about Irenosen: https://www.irenosenokojie.com/

Follow her on Twitter/Instagram: @IrenosenOkojie

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Music by David Mackenzie. ‘Embrace’, his new single, is released on 1st April and will be available to purchase on Bandcamp: https://davidmackenzie.bandcamp.com/

Follow your hosts:

The Business of Art

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

David and Jade debunk the cringey corporate buzzspeak we all dread to hear as artists, and discuss how the principles of business can be applied to building a following.

CHAPTERS:

16:05 - Finding your unique story

30:45 - Writing a mission statement

40:30 - Marketing and self-promotion

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram: @pivotalslice

Music: ‘The Magnificent’ by David Mackenzie

Follow your hosts:

Screenwriting with Caitlin Durante

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

We’re overjoyed to be joined by Caitlin Durante! Caitlin is a writer, comedian and co-host of the hugely successful Bechdel Cast, a podcast about the representation of women in film. As a stand-up she has performed all over America as well as the Edinburgh Fringe festival. She teaches screenwriting workshops from her home in L.A., drawing on her knowledge as a story analyst and script expert. Jade talks to Caitlin about her writing process, tips for forming solid characters from a range of backgrounds, and how (shock horror) James Cameron’s Titanic does not have a good screenplay!

Find out more about Caitlin’s classes on her website: https://www.caitlindurante.com/

Follow her on social media: @caitlindurante

Find out more about David’s new course, Zen and the Art of Composing: https://www.facebook.com/zencomposing or email zencomposing@gmail.com

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @pivotalslice

Music by David Mackenzie/Stantz

Follow your hosts:

Self-expression with Zoe Fox

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today is writer and podcaster Zoe Fox, who founded ‘The Curl Squad’ with the intention of sharing stories about natural curly hair and empowering underrepresented women to become the best versions of themselves. Through conversation, community and self-development, Zoe inspires her audience to face their fears and overcome limitations that may be holding them back. In her podcast, she speaks candidly about the incredible challenges she has overcome – including experiencing a life-changing injury – and shares how she has found strength and meaning in the healing process.

Find Zoe’s work here: https://thecurlsquad.com/

Follow her on social media @thecurlsquad

Have a look at Jade’s new website, open for submissions through February: https://www.orangesjournal.com/

Support us on Patreon NOW and you can suggest a topic for an exclusive mini-episode, available only to Patrons! Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/pivotalslice

Email us at pivotalslice@gmail.com and follow on Instagram @pivotalslice

Music by David Mackenzie/Stantz

Follow your hosts: