Tapasya Loading

NYC-based Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth is a Grammy-award-winning musician and educator who continues to push the boundaries of jazz drumming, composition and education with his unique approach of self-development and artistry. Nemeth has been one of the most sought after drummers both, in Europe and the United States with a lineage from a musical family, lending him a unique dynamism and versatility fostered from a very early age.     From his early days at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Thelonius Monk Insitute of Jazz in Los Angeles, Nemeth has learned from and worked with the world’s finest jazz musicians and groups including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Kenny Werner, the Billy Childs Trio, Bob Sheppard, Dave Carpenter, John Clayton, Jimmy Heath, The Henry Mancini Orchestra amongst others.  An ever-present thirst for exploration and experimentation has seen Nemeth travel widely and play with musicians from a stunning variety of backgrounds and countries. This occupation in turn, has also resulted in Nemeth’s regular participation in workshops and teaching programs around the world.   We catch up in this informal chat after our artist residency at the Bimbache openART Festival to unpack some serious themes revolving around the challenges musicians face today in an ever-growing and confusing industry that threatens the authentic growth and integrity of artists at various phases of their careers with a strong focus on goals, personality development, and intentionality.   Watch the extended, unedited taping session here (includes additional footage and transcripts).

Sæunn happens to be one of the most respected cellists in the world, performing with orchestras like the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and Iceland Symphony, and in venues like Carnegie Hall, Barbican, and Suntory Hall, to name just a few accolades. She’s basically one of the best out there, for those who find language like that easier to understand.  But what makes Sæunn stand out beyond her accolades are the challenges she throws at accepted narratives both in the classical music world and beyond.  Sæunn is the kind of kindred spirit I don’t have to circle around or soften edges for. There’s an immediate intellectual and emotional honesty and shared language that allows us to get straight to the heart of the matter without performance. This was her first reappearance on Tapasya Loading since lockdown.  The last time we spoke, the world was paused.  And both of us have stepped away from academia as full-time identities since, and re-examined calendars from a  different lens as performing artists as well.  A central thread in this chat is our shared fascination, and frustration, with how many co-artists remain passively locked into inherited industry narratives.  So we talk candidly about how many of these myths get internalized, shape behaviour, and how difficult it can be to step outside them without feeling like we’re risking our worth. We reflect on the assumption of being ‘busy’ being the same as being ‘good’, and the fear and freedom that comes when we’re no longer chasing multiple forms of what are essentially external sources of validation.   Complete Episode https://www.saeunn.com/ www.findTL.com   Explore coaching + courses for independent artists:   holisticmusicianacademy.com   Work with me:   → C.I.A.R. self-paced course: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/ciar   → HMA group coaching & 1:1 mentorships https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/coaching

In a world overwhelmed by information, the concept of "signal-to-noise ratio" as used in music production can be a powerful life philosophy in our everyday lives. Clarifying what truly matters amidst the distractions can steer us from reactive chaos to intentional harmony.    Read the full blog post (with academic references):   https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/signal-to-noise   Explore coaching + courses for independent artists:   holisticmusicianacademy.com ––– Work with me:   → C.I.A.R. self-paced course: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/ciar   → HMA group coaching & 1:1 mentorships https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/coaching   Join the newsletter:   → holisticmusicianacademy.com/newsletter   Connect:   IG: @everynowheremusic   YT: Tapasya Loading   Podcast archive: https://www.tapasyaloading.com/

Ryan Hurst returns to Tapasya Loading on the launch of his much-awaited book On The Mat Forever (OTMF), with a conversation that leaves as powerful  and deep an imprint as our first 3 years ago. Ryan holds four black belts, and spent twenty-eight years in Japan immersed deep in the study of martial arts and its philosophy.  (He is also a pretty serious guitar player, even if mostly a quiet one.)  The fact that most people have no idea about any of this is a clue towards the brand of humility and restraint that mark real mastery like his. ‘’Posture, breath, mindset’’.  These were the three words that kept me steady when everything else felt like it was falling apart during one of the hardest chapters of my life, hours after I’d just learned of a health scare my mum was going through when OTMF reached me.. We talk about that and how the book has been a companion through personal storms, and why it feels so needed right now.  We explore the tension between the two dominant archetypes of martial artists today, and differences he notices in how masculinity expresses itself across cultures as he moves into a new chapter with core philosophies of ‘mutual benefit and welfare’ taking the forefront in a world where kindness, generosity, and calm are often misread for weakness in times of confrontation. And we unpack the dissonance of reverse culture shock. How it can be a reminder that it is not our environment that defines us-but how we respond to it. Timeless truths of the true warrior that risk being buried under noise, and why OTMF is an endeavour to bring them back to where they belong.   Connect with Ryan: https://www.stayonthematforever.com/ https://gmb.io/ Instagram: @ryhurst Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMBfitness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GMBFitnessSkills   (This is the official edited release of our exchange. The uncut version lives inside the community.)   Complete Episode https://www.reztone.com/ https://findtl.com Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses 1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship   Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com    

You play the gig. You get the praise.   Then silence.   You send the pitch. No reply.   Then—out of nowhere—a playlist bite. Enough to keep you hooked. Not enough to feel whole. This episode is about a subtle but powerful loop most artists find themselves in without even realizing it:   **Intermittent reinforcement**—a reward system rooted in the nervous system, mirrored in the music industry, and normalized in relationships, rehearsal rooms, and even digital platforms.   In this solo episode, I explore: – What intermittent reinforcement actually is (beyond pop psych)   – How it shows up in artist careers through gigs, praise, playlists, and power dynamics   – Why our nervous systems get addicted to “maybe”   – How scenes like *Whiplash* aren’t just cinema—they’re memory   – And what a healthier, rhythm-based alternative could look like This one’s personal. For every artist who’s confused their grind for devotion.   For every creator who's stayed too long because something *almost* happened once.   📝 Join the Free Training:   → https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/artist-mindmap   📖 Read the full blog post (with academic references):   👉 https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/artists-and-intermittent-reinforcement   🎓 Explore coaching + courses for independent artists:   👉 holisticmusicianacademy.com ––– 🧭 Work with me:   → C.I.A.R. self-paced course: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/ciar   → HMA group coaching & 1:1 mentorships https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/coaching   📲 Connect:   IG: @everynowheremusic   YT: Tapasya Loading   Podcast archive: https://www.tapasyaloading.com/

Art often emerges as a vital sanctuary for those navigating life's deepest fractures, offering a sense of connection and safety. Yet, this very refuge can unwittingly evolve into a subtle trap, where unprocessed wounds forge unbreakable ties that blur the line. As artists chase authenticity and belonging, they may find themselves ensnared in cycles of pain and relief that hinder true growth and joy.  Unprocessed trauma can distort the mind into mistaking familiar feelings (even if painful) for safety, and survival for intimacy.   Free Training: artistmindmap.com   Read the blog post.   Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship

In the fast-paced world of independent artistry, the concept of "hustle" has evolved from a symbol of self-reliance to a relentless pressure to produce and promote without pause. This episode delves into the historical roots and modern implications of hustle culture, revealing how it has shifted from a tool for liberation to a potential trap that can erode an artist's inner life and creative joy.  Free Training: artistmindmap.com   Read the blog post.   Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship

Composer, sarodist, and cultural shapeshifter Soumik Datta joins T.L. Mazumdar for a conversation that goes far beyond the usual talk of craft and career. Born in Mumbai and raised in London, Soumik grew up between cultures, mentored by Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta in Kolkata and later trained in composition at Trinity Laban.  Today, he stands as one of the rare contemporary artists bridging heritage and innovation with equal devotion. His work spans collaborations with Beyoncé, Anoushka Shankar, Nitin Sawhney, Akram Khan, and the BBC Singers, as well as large-scale projects through his own organisation, Soumik Datta Arts. But what makes his story compelling isn’t the résumé — it’s the restlessness underneath it. In this conversation, we revisit the early years and the quiet ways we both learned what it meant to be ‘othered’, long before we had the language for it. We talk about the invisible labour behind becoming a professional artist, the parts of the iceberg that rarely see daylight, and why the industry’s current definition of a “professional musician” might not be serving anyone — not the artist, not the audience, not the art. This is the official edited release of our exchange. The complete, unedited version — with all the silences, laughter, and contradictions intact — lives exclusively inside the community. https://www.soumikdatta.com/ https://findtl.com Complete Episode  

A real mentor isn’t someone polishing your next single for the algorithm. They’re a guide who holds space for your whole journey—creative, human, and messy. In a world crowded with 'coaches' promising shortcuts, the difference lies in lived craft and soul. Real mentorship goes deeper than strategy.  This piece unpacks the myths and points to what matters: a mentor who’s both a practicing artist and a trusted guide, who understands that evolution is about becoming—not just producing.    Free Training: artistmindmap.com   Read the blog post.   Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship  

What happens when social expectations collide with artistic vision? In this episode, vocalist, producer, and founder of Tamil Jazz Collective, Harini Iyer shares her journey of carving out a path beyond conventional definitions of success. With a diverse background including engineering and business analysis, and a Grammy nomination as part of a Berklee ensemble, Harini’s story bridges the worlds of structure and improvisation. From navigating the pressures of tradition, playing the quintessential overachieving immigrant, to experiencing the double-edged sword of virality, we riff on the setbacks that shape resilience and the breakthroughs that led to her unique artistic voice.    This episode is brought to you by Holistic Musician Academy.   Group Coaching:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Course: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/ciar   Coaching:  https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/coaching   Download my FREE 'Artist Mindmap'. A one-page mini-masterclass for independent musicians. Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com

In today's creative landscape, the multi-hyphenate identity—where artists juggle roles like musician-producer-coach—has become a badge of survival, but it often masks deeper struggles in an unforgiving economy. While diversification promises adaptability, it can lead to fragmentation, diluting the very passion that fuels artistic pursuits. Experts warn of the invisible tradeoffs, where spreading too thin risks sacrificing true mastery for mere breadth. Yet, beneath this hustle lies a path to genuine alignment, challenging outdated myths about art and commerce. Dive deeper to uncover practical frameworks that could transform how you navigate your creative journey.   In an era where artists are subtly coerced into the roles of content creators and market disruptors, the core essence of artistry risks being overshadowed by entrepreneurial ambitions. Modern creative culture often blurs the lines between genuine self-expression and commodified authenticity, leading artists toward the tempting yet restrictive path of scale, predictability, and market demand. Read on to understand how to strike a balance between financial sustainability and creative integrity.   Read the blog post. Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Free Artist Training: artistmindmap.com   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship

In an era where artists are subtly coerced into the roles of content creators and market disruptors, the core essence of artistry risks being overshadowed by entrepreneurial ambitions. Modern creative culture often blurs the lines between genuine self-expression and commodified authenticity, leading artists toward the tempting yet restrictive path of scale, predictability, and market demand. Read on to understand how to strike a balance between financial sustainability and creative integrity.   Join the first cohort of my Artist Mastermind and get your first month free.  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Free Artist Training: artistmindmap.com   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   1:1 Mentoring:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/1-on-1-mentorship  

While the myth of sudden discovery and rapid success still tempts many artists, the reality is a system surprisingly young. And yet, one that continues to dominate artists' perceptions of success. The fascinating history of music as sacred ritual o the other hand, once a source of healing across cultures, has been transformed into a mass-produced entity under modern industry pressures.    Free Training: artistmindmap.com   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   Coaching:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/coaching   Read the Blog post: Blog Post

(Rec. 5th March 2025)   Some revolutions begin in the mind of someone who never set out to be the loudest in the room. Graham Cochrane’s story is a reminder that the word “rockstar” doesn’t always mean what we were taught it does. When his bandmates in school abandoned the dream for law firms and investment banking, he chose the harder road, ignoring his counselor's insistence on focusing on that 'real job' in college applications. The result? A near-miss record deal in Nashville, the weight of a new marriage and fatherhood under a collapsing economy, jobs that drained him, and nights of counting food stamps just to get by. On paper, it looked like the ultimate 'rockstar-failure'. In reality, it was the furnace that forged resilience to build what might be one of the most important chapters in the history of online music entrepreneurship. A furnace birthing The Recording Revolution—an online education platform that rewrote rules. Showed a generation of recording artists around the globe that they didn’t need permission or a million-dollar studio to make world-class records from their homes.  Today Graham is an acclaimed entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and bestselling author of Rebel, a husband and father of two. Still controversial to some, he remains an irrefutable pioneer. The kind who turned introversion into focus, doubt into action, and setbacks into a legacy. In an era where artists wrestle with collapsing industry frameworks, the rise of AI, and the constant pressure to survive, stories like Graham’s demand attention. Because they remind us that the dance between innovation, rebirth, and redefining doesn't have to be reserved for the chosen few. But can be a space we can step into on our own terms. We dig deep, fast, and ferocious in one of the most information-dense conversations on Tapasya Loading.   Connect with Graham:  https://www.grahamcochrane.com/   This episode is brought to you by Holistic Musician Academy.   Group Coaching:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/group-coaching   Course: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/ciar   Coaching:  https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/coaching  

In a society that often measures success by the weight of its wallets, the true essence of wealth remains elusive. Artistry, frequently labeled as an unprofitable pursuit, challenges this superficial narrative by revealing deeper emotional coordinates like fulfillment and alignment-the wealth we  we truly seek. While mainstream paths chase metrics, artists question "What would I still do if no one paid me?".   Read the Blog post: Blog Post   Free Artist-Training: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/artist-mindmap   Courses: https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/courses   Coaching:  https://holisticmusicianacademy.com/page/coaching   Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Understand the critical role that identity plays in an artist's journey and why it should be the foundation of your creative process. This episode explores the pitfalls of neglecting your true self in pursuit of external validation, illustrating how artists often fall into traps like chasing viral fame or conforming to industry expectations. Learn how to navigate the delicate balance between hero and a victim narratives, and find practical steps to re-anchor your identity, ensuring your art remains authentic and fulfilling. A guide to understand how starting with identity can keep you whole and true to your artistic vision in the long haul. Read the Blog post: Blog Post Free Artist-Training: https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/artist-mindmap   Courses: https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/courses   Coaching:  https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/coaching   Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Read the Blog post: https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/what-is-emotional-processing   Free Artist-Training: https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/artist-mindmap   Courses: https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/courses   Coaching:  https://attractwell.com/holisticmuscianacademy/page/coaching   Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com  

What does it take to sustain both a marriage and a creative partnership—without one overshadowing the other? In this long-awaited conversation, we sit down with returning guests Kiran Ahluwalia & Rez Abbasi, a powerhouse couple who have built extraordinary solo careers while seamlessly collaborating as partners in both life and music. From navigating creative differences to maintaining individuality within a shared artistic vision, Kiran and Rez open up about the complexities of working side by side in an industry that often blurs the line between personal and professional. We explore how they challenge traditions, support each other’s artistic evolution, and continue to create a sound that is both deeply personal and globally resonant. We also dive into the challenges of navigating social media as artists—how they balance authenticity with the pressures of visibility, and the impact it has on their creative process and well-being. Additionally, we discuss the risks artists take in pursuit of their craft. Kiran shares her experience of suffering a major accident while filming a music video, highlighting the dedication and sacrifices that often go unseen in an artist’s journey. About Our Guests: Kiran Ahluwalia is a two-time Juno Award-winning vocalist known for her contemporary take on the great vocal traditions of India and Pakistan. With roots in Sufi, Qawwali, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk, she masterfully weaves influences from Mali, rock, R&B, and jazz into a sound that defies boundaries. Leading a dynamic 6-piece ensemble, she crafts music that is at once reflective, groovy, and deeply human—what the Seattle Times calls “a transnational sound as fresh as tomorrow.” Rez Abbasi is a Guggenheim Fellowship-winning guitarist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most original voices in modern jazz. Voted #1 Rising-Star Guitarist in the DownBeat Critics Poll, he has been ranked alongside greats like Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, raised in Southern California, and deeply influenced by jazz, classical, and Indian music, Rez creates a sonic landscape that is as intellectually profound as it is emotionally stirring. Together, Kiran and Rez embody the beauty and challenge of being hyphenated global artists—shaping their own artistic identities while constantly inspiring each other. Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion on love, music, and the delicate dance of sustaining both. (Want more? The full, unedited version of this conversation—including behind-the-scenes moments—is available exclusively to our members. Membership is free! Sign up here to get access).   Connect with Rez Abbasi:  Website: www.reztone.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rez-Abbasi-71229228740 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reztone/    Connect with Kiran :  www.KiranMusic.com Facebook YouTube Instagram Spotify    

Read the blog post:  https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/limiting-beliefs   Free Workshop:  http://www.artistmindmap.com/   My self-paced artist-development course: https://www.holisticpianoacademy.com/ciar   Waiting list for my artist mastermind & group coaching:  https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist

Read the blog post: https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/social-auditing Free Workshop at: http://www.artistmindmap.com/ My self-paced artist-development course: https://www.holisticpianoacademy.com/ciar Waiting list for my artist mastermind & group coaching: https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist