Hey SCS fam, This episode is a little different as we sat down with Tim Quirk from Zedge to speak about the value of music. We explored the broken streaming economy, the 3% rule that actually drives music revenue, and how platforms like Tapedeck are trying to reimagine artist compensation with one cent per stream minimums. Tim shares decades of industry experience from Rhapsody to Google Play, revealing how mobile gaming monetization models could revolutionize how musicians get paid. We discuss alternatives to Spotify, the Bandcamp model, and why your true fans matter more than mainstream reach.
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39:30
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39:30
Your Environment is Your Art: Choose Wisely
Hey SCS fam, We're back with an episode that shaped out to be such an inspiring conversation for both of us and I hope it will be the same for you. Mordio just returned from Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) where he stumbled into ZERØBPM — a church ambient event that completely blew his mind. Candles, meditation monks, hi-fi speakers, and music that actually heals. Meanwhile, Miles is deep in his own ambient rabbit hole, building live sets from scratch. We're talking about how going out, experiencing art beyond music, and intentionally curating what you consume fuels your creativity in ways algorithms never could. From museum visits to conversations with strangers, this one's about reclaiming inspiration in the real world. Let us know what inspires you outside music!
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1:06:15
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1:06:15
The Psychology of Media Consumption for Artists
Hey SCS fam, in this episode we're diving deep into something we've both been feeling lately – how our media consumption shapes our creativity as artists. Mordio shares his complete shift away from Spotify to building a curated music library (using Doppler), and I talk about taking back control from algorithm-driven feeds. We discuss why filtering your consumption habits is crucial for finding your artistic direction, the dangers of infinite scrolling, and how reconnecting with intentional choices (music, content, even real-life meetups) can unlock your creative compass. If you've been feeling creatively stuck or overwhelmed, this one's for you.
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32:15
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32:15
Stay True to Your Sound Without Taking Yourself Too Seriously
Hey SCS fam, in this episode, we're talking about something really close to both our hearts: not taking yourself too seriously as an artist. We share how pressure from social media, analytics, and scene expectations can kill your creativity – and why it's so important to follow your inner compass. Miles tells the story of how he almost didn't release his most successful track because he thought it didn't fit his channel. We discuss why authenticity wins long-term, how to not lose your creative voice, and why it's okay to just be weird. Plus: Mordio gets a sample challenge that you can take on too. Let's go!
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28:09
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28:09
6 Ableton Live Tips That Will Inspire Your Music Making
Hey SCS fam, We're back with something special - a deep dive into our current favorite Ableton Live techniques! Mordio just returned from an incredible ambient festival in Spain (complete with human towers!), and we're both buzzing with creative energy.In this episode, we share six creative methods we're using right now: macro randomization for instant inspiration, sequencer-based modulation for that modular vibe, probability arpeggiation magic, phaser as a full synthesizer (seriously underrated!), Roar's feedback mode for melodic percussion, and the power of loopers for hardware jamming. We've got some live audio demos throughout, so grab your headphones and vibe with us.
Signal Chain Stories is a podcast for musicians, artists and creatives. Hosts Miles Kvndra and Mordio delve into their personal journeys as musicians and digital creators, discussing new industry trends, changes in the digital landscape as artists and sometimes just geeking out about music production gear. Driven by the community aspect of the internet, Signal Chain Stories is entertaining on the surface - but aims to offer inspiration for likeminded creatives on their own journeys.
New Zealand