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

In the Season 2 premiere of Slamcast, we sit down with Adam Bohanan, a Twin Cities-based musician who frequently performs in NYC and tours nationwide. Adam, a semi-finalist on The Voice Season 26 (Team Reba), shares his journey from open mic nights in New York City and Minneapolis to performing on one of the biggest stages in music. Moving to Minneapolis during the pandemic, Adam found his footing in a new city while continuing to refine his craft.

In this episode, we discuss the intense process of getting on The Voice, Adam's strategy for his new EP release, and his thoughtful approach to songwriting. He also shares insights into how musicians must plan far ahead in their careers and highlights the importance of building a supportive creative community. Whether you're a budding musician or a long-time fan, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiring stories!

Check out Adam Bohanan’s official website:

https://www.adambohananmusic.com

Follow Adam Bohanan on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/adambohananmusic/

Follow On The Sun on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6HLO1neYhmcQpH1VQCel5z?si=7YmAS9B7RS2bMWna8nLnBQ

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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 #EvokeMusic #NonBinaryArtist #MusicProducer #IndependentMusician #CreativeProcess #QueensNYMusic #SlamAcademy #AuthenticExpression #ElectronicMusicCommunity

Welcome to SlamCast, where your hosts Neil and Brea chat with creatives about their process and how they navigate the grind of promoting themselves. In this episode of SlamCast, we chat with Alden Groves, aka Evoke, a non-binary singer, rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Queens, NY. From their early obsession with Guitar Hero, which inspired them to pick up a real guitar, to starting out with FL Studio and growing up in Denver's underground rave scene, Evoke shares their journey of artistic and personal evolution. After getting clean and sober at 17, they began performing live in 2015 and eventually moved to Queens, where they continue to push creative boundaries.

We dive into their creative process, emphasizing the need to feel unrestricted for music to flow authentically, and discuss how classifying genres can sometimes limit artistic expression. Evoke also talks about their journey to becoming an instructor at Slam Academy, the value of sketching in music creation, and the importance of contributing to the communities they want to be part of. Tune in to hear their insights on staying true to oneself on social media and building a meaningful career in music.

Check out Evoke’s official website:

https://alwaysevoke.com/subscribe

Follow Evoke on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alwaysevoke/

Follow Evoke on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2TljAKrnT0SDyoSf88mciP?si=c_3HsXDLSQ6lu2J4zCro-Q

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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 #EvokeMusic #NonBinaryArtist #MusicProducer #IndependentMusician #CreativeProcess #QueensNYMusic #SlamAcademy #AuthenticExpression #ElectronicMusicCommunity

Welcome to SlamCast, where your hosts Neil and Brea chat with creatives about their process and how they navigate the grind of promoting themselves. In this episode of SlamCast, we sit down with Jen Symmetry, a talented bass-driven producer, DJ, and promoter with a passion for pushing boundaries in electronic music. Jen shares her journey, from discovering electronic music in high school to DJing during her college years, all while honing her skills through musical theater and piano lessons. Her time hosting a late-night college radio show helped shape her approach to music, which she now brings to life using Ableton for its accessibility in music production.

We dive into Jen’s creative process, including how she plans her DJ sets, finds inspiration for her tracks, and recycles unused parts of projects to craft something fresh. Jen also talks about her Twitch channel, "SLPDNB," where she connects with the drum and bass community, and offers invaluable advice to the Slam community on creativity and growth. Tune in to explore the world of this dynamic artist and her approach to music!

Check out Jen Symmetry’s official website:

https://www.jensymmetry.com

Follow Jen Symmetry on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jensymmetry/

Follow Jen Symmetry on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yYWiJ6OFpqAMrmk6qfx8v?si=AZjynptFSOC7ZM1TAEiVdw

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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 #JenSymmetry #ElectronicMusic #BassMusic #DJLife #MusicProduction #AbletonLive #DrumAndBass #TwitchStreamers #WomenInMusic #IndependentArtists #MusicCreativity #ElectronicProducer #SlamCommunity #CreativeProcess

Welcome to SlamCast, where your hosts Neil and Brea chat with creatives about their process and how they navigate the grind of promoting themselves. In this episode of SlamCast, we sit down with Terrell X, also known as Carnage the Executioner, a Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist, beatboxer, emcee, and producer. From his early days discovering rhythm and beatboxing as a child to performing in his high school talent show, Terrell knew music was his calling. Now, as a full-time independent artist since 2007, he shares his journey of self-made success, creating his path without a label and promoting his first solo record on his own.

We dive into Terrell’s transformation from making music to becoming a musician, including his journey with the Boss RC20XL loop pedal, which became central to his performance style. Terrell also shares how he earned a grant to build a mobile stage, the unique story behind his rebranding from Carnage the Executioner to Terrell X, and the challenges of following your heart despite limited support. Tune in to hear his story of passion, resilience, and artistic evolution!

Check out Terrell’s official website:

https://carnagetheexecutioner.com

Follow Terrell on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/carnagetheexecutioner/?hl=en

Follow Carnage the Executioner on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1apJwbnzyQOT8ht53BgJkR?si=m8JB5gyFRY-P0VH5luwMLw

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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 #TerrellX #CarnageTheExecutioner #HipHopArtist #MinneapolisMusic #Beatboxing #IndependentArtist #LoopPedal #MusicJourney #HipHopCommunity

Welcome to SlamCast, where your hosts Neil and Brea chat with creatives about their process and how they navigate the grind of promoting themselves.This week on SlamCast, we’re excited to welcome Underbelly, a multi-talented producer, DJ, pianist, and YouTuber based in Portland, OR. You might know him from his popular YouTube channel, "You Suck at Producing”.

Underbelly started playing classical piano at just seven years old, and his passion for music only grew when he discovered sample-based music at thirteen. From there, he began collecting vinyl and diving into music production with Ableton Live 8 in 2010. During his senior year of high school, he challenged himself to create one beat a day, setting the foundation for his prolific output.

In this episode, we discuss his journey as the sole editor of his content and his experience in college film, which has influenced his creative process. Underbelly also shares how he maintains control over his releases by choosing which labels to work with, allowing him to stay true to his artistic vision.

We dive into his innovative use of AI in music production, including generating songs with tools like udio and integrating AI into his album art. Plus, we explore how he comes up with ideas for his YouTube videos and the impact of AI on the music landscape.