Today on SlamCast, we sit down with Hugh Simons AKA Silkwyrm, a bass music producer, DJ, and private lesson instructor at Slam Academy. Hugh is also one half of Seven Swords, a bass music project with Neil McArthur. We talk about his journey into music, from learning instruments to diving into production, and how he balances a technical approach with creative flow. We also explore what Seven Swords means to him and Neil, breaking down their live setup, which includes an electric cello, Ableton Live, and a tracker. Hugh shares insights on the benefits of collaboration, social media strategies for artists, and why consistency and authenticity are key to success. Finally, he offers valuable tips on how to feel more confident in your mixes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with advice for producers and artists alike!

Follow Hugh on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/silkwyrmbass?igsh=MWZyeDc3ZG9xbXd6MA==

Listen to Silkwyrm on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Zb9FeRz3Ir1gRg7WiQvhN?si=hV2RUxJUQYC_BUiG_yhKKQ

Follow Seven Swords on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sevenswordssound?igsh=MTc5MjQ0d2JsOXJtcA==

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Want to learn more about your hosts?

FOLLOW NEIL MCARTHUR:

https://www.instagram.com/n3ilface/

FOLLOW BREA SCOW:

https://www.instagram.com/breascow/

SlamCast is produced at Slam Academy, an online and in person music production school based in Minneapolis Minnesota. Find more info about Slam Academy here: https://slamacademy.com

#SlamCast #Silkwyrm #BassMusic #MusicProduction #SevenSwords #DJLife #AbletonLive #MusicCollaboration #MixingTips #MusicIndustry #ElectronicMusic

In this week’s episode of SlamCast, we sit down with the one and only Nur-D, a powerhouse in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene since 2018. From open mics to stadium performances, Nur-D brings a unique blend of pop culture, geek-chic energy, and raw emotional honesty to his music. His journey is nothing short of inspiring!

We dive into how an open mic competition sparked his rap career, how he adapted to the pandemic by pioneering online performances in the Twin Cities, and the evolution of his live shows—including performing with a full band and even the Minnesota Orchestra. We also discuss how a short-form performance with a quartet was EMMY-nominated (a surprise to him!), and his approach to every show with the mindset that “the room is always full.”

Nur-D shares invaluable advice for artists, emphasizing the importance of giving every performance your all—because you never know who’s in the crowd or how far they traveled to see you. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with passion, perseverance, and practical wisdom for any aspiring artist!

Follow Nur-D on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nurdrocks?igsh=MW96bjFjbGN5NzBlNA==

Listen to Nur-D on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rTZqy2OeunzGGyjQHzzXQ?si=ah5UGrKbRJyftAlKA_BQfw

Check out Nur-D’s Official Website:

https://nurdrocks.com

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Want to learn more about your hosts?

FOLLOW NEIL MCARTHUR:

https://www.instagram.com/n3ilface/

FOLLOW BREA SCOW:

https://www.instagram.com/breascow/

SlamCast is produced at Slam Academy, an online and in person music production school based in Minneapolis Minnesota. Find more info about Slam Academy here: https://slamacademy.com

#NurD #HipHop #LivePerformance #MusicIndustry #MinnesotaMusic #Slamcast #MusicPodcast #MNOrchestra #IndieArtist #HipHopCommunity

In this week’s episode of SlamCast, we sit down with the incredibly talented and multifaceted artist, Eylxr. A creator of sound wave alchemy, clothing designs, visual art, and dream depictions, she also serves as a teacher's assistant and private lesson instructor at Slam Academy. Eylxr is a true inspiration, sharing her wisdom and passion for art that connects and heals.

Eylxr discusses her journey into DJing, motivated by the lack of female representation in the scene and her desire to empower others. With a foundation in violin and cello from childhood, she later embraced visual arts during her teens and college years, eventually translating her live painting experiences into her DJ career. We explore her creative processes in music and visual art, how they intersect, and how they enable her to connect with different aspects of herself and others. She shares her vision of providing healing workshops through sound, the role of aesthetics in promoting her work, and the importance of a supportive community in getting shows. Join us for an insightful conversation with an artist who is all about creating impactful art with purpose and heart.

Follow Eylxr on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/eylxr_/

Follow Eylxr on Sound Cloud:

https://soundcloud.com/eylxr

Book a private lesson with Eylxr:

https://slamacademy.com/instructors/eylxr/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYG-_0RJp0X6QIUIUumcTlmXjVXs28Z3rq3a0A-8brR2oCtkmeZM88PM8c_aem_99z-ZZNNoUi19jfVQc8waA

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Want to learn more about your hosts?

FOLLOW NEIL MCARTHUR:

https://www.instagram.com/n3ilface/

FOLLOW BREA SCOW:

https://www.instagram.com/breascow/

SlamCast is produced at Slam Academy, an online and in person music production school based in Minneapolis Minnesota. Find more info about Slam Academy here: https://slamacademy.com

#Eylxr #WomenInMusic #DJLife #SoundHealing #VisualArtAndMusic #CreativeProcess #SlamAcademy #ElectronicMusicScene #ArtWithPurpose #Slamcast