I recently moderated a panel discussion on the topic of collaboration. It was part of the Ghostly Knowledge Share series, the mission of which is to demystify the creative process. Last September, I moderated an in-person panel in Los Angeles and was happy for the opportunity, once again, this time in the virtual format.
I was joined by Brijean Murphy, Kelly Moran, Kenneth Whalum, and Matthew Dear. Each artist has an impressive catalog of releases and sessions and is deserving of his or her own stand-alone interview. But really cool things start to happen when musicians with such wide-ranging experiences share ideas together, all at once.
We started out by contemplating collaborations that have worked, either for the artist involved or as a fan and observer. We discussed collaboration in the studio, on the stage, and even how to collaborate with a machine — or specifically, a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is what Matthew Dear did (see video below).
To me, some of the best bits happened when we discussed how collaboration encourages growth. It challenges the creative process and also builds confidence. On more than one occasion, collaboration — whether successful or not — has led to understanding, as well as developments in sound and vision.
The archive of the discussion “Notes on Collaboration” is now up and available. If you thrive from the Ghostly Knowledge Share discussions and you’re interested in learning more about collaboration, I hope you have the chance to check it out. It’s only available through Thursday, December 3rd, so don’t delay.
However you’re creating today, I hope you’re finding the inspiration you need to thrive.
Thanks for being out there.
Top image: A screenshot from “Notes on Collaboration” for Ghostly Knowledge Share.