In this episode of A Path Unfolding, host Jesse Brede engages in a fascinating conversation with Ben Cantil, one half of the audio-visual duo Zebbler Encanti Experience (ZEE). They delve into Ben's artistic journey, including his education at Berklee College of Music, where he honed his skills in sound design and synthesizer techniques. Ben shares how his time at Berklee shaped his approach to music, ultimately leading him to explore the dance music scene after being inspired by the Burning Man community.

They discuss their creative process, emphasizing the synergy between sound and visuals. Ben describes how he and Zebbler work together, with Ben focusing on music production and Zebbler crafting the visuals, often rallying around innovative concepts that inspire both their audio and visual outputs. This collaborative spirit has led to the creation of memorable projects, including their acclaimed album "Synchorswim," which was particularly meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussion also touches on their experiences with Gravitas Recordings, their performances at festivals, and highlights their pioneering role in the audio-visual realm. Ben shares anecdotes about the vibrant creative community they are part of, including a humorous moment involving Zebbler's appearance on CNN during the infamous Aqua Teen Hunger Force incident.

Additionally, Ben reflects on his involvement with Shpongle, detailing how he was introduced to the project through Zebbler, who created the first Shpongletron, a groundbreaking projection-mapped touring rig. This connection further illustrates their deep ties within the electronic music community and their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. The episode captures the essence of their journey as artists dedicated to innovation and exploration in music and visual art.

The discussion highlights their unique creative process, emphasizing the collaboration between Ben and Zebbler, where sound and visuals intertwine. Ben explains how their artistic relationship allows them to push boundaries, often rallying around innovative concepts that inspire both their audio and visual outputs.

The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in music production. Ben discusses how AI-generated music has become a significant topic in the industry, referencing various research papers and the contributions of data bots that have gained recognition in hackathons. He notes that many of these creators, often hackers rather than academics, have made substantial strides in the field, showcasing their work on platforms like YouTube.

Throughout the episode, Ben's insights into the evolving landscape of music, technology, and collaboration provide a rich narrative about the intersection of art and innovation, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of music and audio-visual experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring the Intersection of Music and Visuals
06:58 Pushing Boundaries in Music
12:20 The Role of Education in the Music Industry
17:08 Finding Inspiration in Scotland
43:40 The Apple Cross Festival: Bringing the Community Together
51:32 Exploring New Sounds and Genres with DataMind Audio
01:05:20 The Potential of AI in Expanding Human Expression
01:19:19 Creating New Art Forms with AI and Human Creativity

Connect with Ben:

Website: https://encanti.com/
Combobulator Plugin: https://datamindaudio.ai/product/comb...
Instagram:   / encantimusic  

Connect with Zebbler Encanti Experience:

Website: https://zebblerencantiexperience.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LJR8...
Instagram:   / zebblerencantiexperience  
SoundCloud:   / zebblerencantiexperience  


Credits:

Host: Jesse Brede -   / jesse.brede  
Video Editor - Dream:Freq Entertainment -   / dreamfreq_entertainment

Ben Cantil: Remixing Reality with Art, Innovation, and Music

A Path Unfolding explores the journey of artists including their trials, triumphs, and lessons along the way. Jesse Brede hosts this deep dive into how to build a creative life. Our initial guests include Balkan Bump, ill.Gates, AHEE, Cloudchord, and Chad Cisneros of Tritonal.

New tracks tagged #databots