PIVOTAL SLICE: on writing & composing

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 MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 crisisCultivating healthy detachment from your artThe roles of the right and left brain in the creative process------------------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 InstagramMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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:WebsiteInstagramTikTokMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 receptivitythe role of technology in the undervaluing of artworking for ‘likes’ defining your purpose as an artistprocessing shame around selling your workMusic and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:Twitter Instagram Facebook TikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 Wallflower49:20 Atmosphere, Satellites and Dreams1:08:31 Circles, Squares and StripesFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTokEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 workFind him on Twitter and Instagram----------------------Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 validationShare your thoughts and experiences by connecting on social media or writing a review!Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 Reimann11:30 The Other Side of Styx Street by Rebecca Kilroy20:48 Oatman by Inés G. Labarta31:24 The Monsoons Are Almost Here by Shrutidhora P Mohor44:45 Refund, Discount or Gesture of Goodwill by Jasmine Kahlia Music and production by David MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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 MackenzieFOLLOW AND SUPPORT USBuy us a coffeeJoin our Patreon for uncut interviews, bonus episodes and exclusive musicFind us on socials:TwitterInstagramFacebookEmail us at pivotalslice@gmail.comFollow your hosts, Jade Green and David Mackenzie

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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!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 

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 silenceBook a coaching session with David.Music by David Mackenzie. Follow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!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 

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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!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 

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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!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 

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: @melissajamesukTwitter: @MelissaJamesUKDavid 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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green Buy us a coffee!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

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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green 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 

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 UFollow her on Facebook and InstagramPurchase Mary’s music on BandcampFollow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green 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 

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:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green 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 

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 MackenzieFollow your hosts:https://linktr.ee/davidmackenziehttps://linktr.ee/jade_green 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