Published On Feb 26, 2022
This is the replay of the December 2021 "ask me anything" Zoom session for Patreon subscribers of Learning Modular ( / learningmodular . In this session, Chris and Cherish (https://djcherishtheluv.com/) had a revealing discussion about her path from graphic designer to DJ, composer, and performer, with an over-arching theme of how to put more of yourself into your compositions and performances. Members of the New York Modular Society (https://nyms.love/) and Trovarsi's Modulation Lab ( / trovarsi ) were also invited.
Here is the linked index of the subjects we discussed:
00:00 Introductions
00:40 Cherish’s journey from graphic artist to DJ to musician and composer, including the accident that led her to focusing on music
10:27 Thoughts on how to make music that represents you, not just the genre you may play in (including dealing with client expectations vs. personal expression)
17:17 Thinking of your equipment as your personal instrument
18:25 Getting started – including what our first modules were
22:03 Cherish’s recommended reading list (including learning from others)
22:58 Getting the most out of a single note versus a stream of triggers or notes
27:10 Being open to chance, and dealing with unexpected results
29:02 What is your performer identify? (including where Alias Zone and DJ CherishTheLuv came from)
31:30 More on personalizing and humanizing your performance (including some module and instrument choices)
34:40 Modular biofeedback demonstration (including the Instruõ Scíon)
36:54 More on dealing with unexpected outcomes, as well as humanizing your instruments and performance
38:30 Live performance by Cherish
45:36 Cherish on tuning to her own personal frequency
46:27 Electronic music & healing (including learning your instruments)
49:28 Cherish’s Sound & Sensuality card system for inspiration while creating
52:37 Finding your own sound (including chasing the latest module)
53:36 (back to the cards, including artist identity again)
54:17 more about being secure with your own creation, including connecting to the audience and with the moment
57:19 How adversity helps you grow
58:20 On judgement versus support
59:06 On the quieter moments when performing
59:42 On learning your tools
01:01:41 Does modular synthesis encourage musicians to express themselves more?
01:04:50 The personalization of each person’s modular setup
01:08:18 On Brené Brown’s writings about shame
01:10:10 the struggle to relate to your instruments and learn new things
01:18:30 Cherish’s dream goal (plus a bit about creative residencies)
01:20:53 How do you find your audience, or a scene to be part of)?
01:23:50 The Mixed Signals Orchestra
01:27:26 bringing some life into your studio or space
01:29:08 Earth Modular Society
01:31:17 wrapping up