Show notes
Support ProducerHeadIf you value ProducerHead and want to support the show, consider a premium subscription (just $6 per month). Your contribution helps support us maintain and grow the show while keeping the core content free for everyone.IntroductionIn Part 1 of our conversation, Mark de Clive-Lowe shares his insights on developing musical taste, maintaining artistic authenticity, and the journey toward mastery. He discusses the importance of developing one's unique voice rather than following industry trends, the value of good mentorship, and his personal journey of reconnecting with his Japanese heritage. From his thoughts on gatekeeping as quality control to exploring how artists can stay true to themselves while navigating the music industry, Mark offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it means to be an artist in today's landscape.About Mark de Clive-LoweMark de Clive-Lowe, often known as MDCL, is a half-Japanese, half-New Zealander artist who has masterfully bridged the worlds of jazz and electronic music for over two decades. Known for his innovative approach to merging acoustic instrumentation with electronic production and live sampling, he's been an influential figure in the broken beat scene and has collaborated with numerous respected artists across the jazz and electronic spectrum. Recently relocating to Japan, Mark has been exploring his cultural heritage through his music, creating deeply personal projects that showcase his unique musical voice.Think of that one producer you know who needs to hear this and share it with them.Episode HighlightsThroughout the episode we discuss:* How to develop good taste in music and recognize quality beyond conventional metrics* The balance between technical skill and artistic expression* The importance of artistic authenticity and having the confidence to defy industry expectations* How gatekeeping can serve as valuable quality control in an era of unlimited access* The patience required for artistic development and why a musical career is "a marathon, not a sprint"* Mark's journey of reconnecting with his Japanese heritage and how it transformed his music* The distinction between creating for industry success versus cultural contribution* The importance of finding one's unique voice and artistic communityThree Meaningful Takeaways* Artistic Authenticity Matters: Having the courage to create without bending to industry trends or metrics allows artists to develop their unique voice and make genuine contributions to culture.* Finding Your Voice Is Transformative: When Mark began incorporating his Japanese heritage into his music, he experienced a profound shift where he felt "this is me" for the first time – demonstrating how personal authenticity can elevate artistic expression.* Quality Over Virality: True artistic development requires patience, self-awareness, and a focus on meaningful creation rather than chasing viral success or immediate recognition.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Producerhead and Mark de Clive-Lowe 01:15 The Complexity of Simplicity in Music 03:15 Developing Good Taste in Music 06:11 The Role of Gatekeepers in the Music Industry 08:46 Patience and the Journey of Musicians 11:12 Self-Awareness and Knowing When You're Ready 19:25 Return to Roots: Exploring Identity and Ancestry 25:29 The Impact of Vulnerability in Artistic Expression 30:29 Balancing Technical Skill and Artistic ExpressionReferences from the InterviewAlbums:* "The Awakening" by Ahmad JamalArtists:* Herbie Hancock* Miles Davis* Björk* Marvin Gaye* David Bowie* Chick CoreaWhat was your favorite part of this conversation? What question should I have asked that I missed? Let me know.Connect with Mark de Clive-Lowe* Instagram: @markdeclivelowe* Website: mdcl.tv* Spotify: Mark de Clive-Lowe* Bandcamp: markdecliveloweConnect with Toru* Website: ProducerHead* Instagram: @torubeat* YouTube: @torubeat* Spotify: Toru* Apple Music: ToruCreditsThis episode was co-produced, engineered and edited by Matthew Diaz. From ProducerHead, this is Toru, and in a way, so are you. Peace.Support ProducerHeadIf you value ProducerHead and want to support the show, consider a premium subscription (just $6 per month). Your contribution helps support us maintain and grow the show while keeping the core content free for everyone. Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe
