ADSR Inspirations pod

ADSR Collective

In this podcast, guests will share life lessons, experiences, and knowledge. The host, James Mallion, reaches out to Japan-based and international creatives ranging from artists, musicians, community leaders, entrepreneurs and those who strive to do and be great. Tune into intimate conversations with these dreamers and doers... Thanks for listening in, now let's get inspired! New episodes every 2nd Monday

  1. 11/26/2023

    Yuri Nagahori - From the Dancefloor to the studio

    Yuri Nagahori is a Tokyo-based DJ, promoter and producer who has been captivating hearts and dancefloors with her infectious beats. Music has been a constant throughout Yuri's life, with early expressions through piano, drums, and dance. Her journey led her to study abroad in Canada, the USA, and the Philippines, immersing herself in clubbing and electronic music culture. Upon returning to Japan Yuri discovered her true calling as a DJ. After honing her skills, she slowly but surely started playing parties herself. Her sets are unique, blending genres from techno to hip-hop, house, and trance. Yuri has graced major clubs in Japan and international venues, and her events have earned a devoted following. More recently Yuri has taken on the challenge of producing her own music to bring her passion to new heights.  In today’s chat, James and Yuri recall her early exposure to music and clubbing adventures in the USA, Canada, and the Philippines. Yuri shares her unique entry into Japan's music scene and the spark that ignited her passion for DJing. The discussion spans topics like pursuing music as a full-time career, gender dynamics in the industry, music production, and her dreams within the realm of music. Yuri also sheds light on how she stays at the forefront of DJing trends and the profound role of music in her life. Connect with Yuri: Website Follow us on IG @adsrpodMore from us ADSR Collective ♡  Please show some love by rating our show on Spotify, Apple or Google podcasts ♡

    1h 17m
  2. 11/06/2023

    Ian Lynam: A life of teaching and learning in design and typography

    Ian Lynam is the product of a life lived with post-modern art and endless curiosity. Originally from the small town of Averill Park, New York. He holds a BSc in Graphic Design from Portland State University and an MFA in Graphic Design from CalArts. Since 2005, he has led his Tokyo-based design studio, Ian Lynam Design, specializing in identity design, cultural research, and typography. Currently, he serves as faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts and Temple University Japan, offering his experience and knowledge in art and design. Ian is also a prolific writer and co-founder of the critical cultural online journal Néojaponisme, which fosters creative dialogue and exchange on Japanese culture, society, art, and design. When you visit Sailosaibin in Sasazuka, Tokyo, you'll see some of Ian's creations coming to life alongside stacks of books and a carefully curated selection of handcrafted pieces and clothing from talented collaborators, all contributing to a collection that resonates with the contemporary zeitgeist. In the interview, James and Ian touch on his early days in upstate New York, his childhood passion for art and design, and the influence of the American West Coast and Asia on his design sensibilities. Ian's deep involvement in design education and his profound connection to mentoring young designers show how passionate he is about art, cultural affairs and developing ideas. Ian’s latest book “The Failed Painter” is a bite-size exemplification of his storytelling approach that combines design and writing in ways that are compelling and relatable for the artist in all of us. Connect with Ian: Studio Website // Instagram Follow us on Instagram @adsrpod More from us ADSR Collective on Facebook  Please show some love by rating our show!

    1h 42m
  3. 10/09/2023

    May Inoue: Expressions in Japanese Jazz

    Meet May Inoue, the remarkable young Japanese jazz guitarist known for his electrifying sound and dynamic career. Hailing from Kawasaki in Kanagawa, May's journey into jazz began at just 15 years old inspired by a Mike Stern concert. He later honed his craft at Berklee College of Music and has since garnered recognition from legendary guitarists like Kazumi Watanabe and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Leading the innovative band project Stereo Champ, May skillfully fuses jazz, rock, funk, and psychedelic elements, offering a unique and refreshing musical journey. Despite a five-year hiatus, his latest release, "The Elements," has been well received. In today’s chat James and May discuss pivotal moments such as May's transformative experiences as a youth, his early rock guitar influences, and the profound impact of studying under renowned jazz guitarist Yoshiaki Miyanoue. May reflects on his Berklee College of Music experience, the confidence boosts from his debut album's acclaim, and the evolution of his genre-blurring band project, "Stereo Champ." The pair also delve into May's latest album, "The Elements,". May shares insights on managing a busy schedule and collaborations, his perspective on the global jazz scene, future aspirations, and valuable advice for aspiring musicians seeking unconventional sounds in their work. Connect with May Inoue: Website // Instagram // Twitter Follow ADSR Inspirations on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpodMore from us ADSR Collective on Facebook

    1 hr
  4. 09/11/2023

    Will Robinson: Carving out his own path in Japan

    Originally from sunny Australia, Will Robinson first came to Japan on a working holiday visa as a way to take a break from studying graphic design. Fast forward 14 years, and Will has established himself entirely in Japan. He dedicated himself to mastering the language and earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts. Will currently works as a freelance custom furniture creator and craftsman. He draws inspiration from Japan's nature and traditional craftsmanship. Over the past few years, his nomadic lifestyle has taken him from Tokyo to Southern Chiba's seaside, to Nagano's mountainside and currently to the enchanting Amami Islands. In each place, he has embraced a specific extreme solo sport like skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing that aligns with the local culture and geography. This diverse range of experiences has undoubtedly enriched his artistic perspective, enabling him to find inspiration in different aspects of Japanese life and nature while continuously honing his craft. In this episode, James and Will chat about what it took to gain a firm grasp on language skills in Japan and how Will got accepted into a Japanese art university. Throughout their conversation, they discuss essential turning points in Will’s life, his approach to art, as well as his current passion, woodworking. Will emphasizes the importance of preserving and honouring disappearing traditions and crafts, not only in Japan but globally. He discusses the potential of bringing a foreign perspective to Japanese art and how he wants to promote artisanal techniques and their stories. In this episode, Will subtly reveals how Japanese aesthetics influence his lifestyle and art. Connect with Will: Portfolio // Instagram // Food pop-up Some of Will’s mentors and lumber inspiration in Tokyo: 株式会社 京和木材 + 京和木材 加工場 Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod Please show some love by rating our show!

    1h 40m
  5. 08/20/2023

    Drew Damron: Adventures from libraries to mountains

    Drew Damron's journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in Japan from Grand Rapids Michigan over seven years ago. Originally planning a brief stay while pursuing his Master’s of Library and Information Sciences degree, Drew's fascination with the country’s culture, traditions and nature has captivated him ever since. As a community-oriented librarian and archivist, Drew has already left his mark on two major Tokyo libraries, bringing his skills for archiving and connecting people to the forefront. Beyond his dedication to libraries, Drew's adventurous spirit extends to his love for outdoor activities. An avid trail runner, rock climber, and skier, he finds solace and mental fortitude in Japan's natural beauty. Drew also channels his outdoor experiences into his role as a contributing writer for The Japan Times, where he shares his adventures and insights within the realm of outdoor lifestyle content. In this episode of ADSR Inspirations, we dive into Drew's exceptional career path, from his early days as a library assistant to his current role as Senior Librarian at Temple University. Drew shares insights on how to work at foreign libraries in Japan. He also speaks about the role and connections between libraries and artists while sharing his own passions for drawing and writing. Drew gets into his love for outdoor activities and exploring the mountains of Japan. He connects the physical to the mental and speaks to the balance of the body and mind in art and in everyday life. Connect with Drew: Website // Instagram // YouTube More from us on ADSR CollectiveFollow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod Please show some love by rating our show!

    1h 19m
  6. 07/25/2023

    Kyle Broyles: Community building through craft brews

    Kyle Broyles is a video editor, a podcaster, a YouTuber, a tech gadget freak, an amateur musician and a lover of craft beer. Since arriving in Japan in 2016 Kyle has been working full-time as a video editor in Tokyo and dabbling in his own creative pursuits. It wasn't until last year with some persistence from Yuki, his wife, that they opened Pintology, a craft beer bar and art space. Just earlier this year, the bar achieved a significant milestone as Kyle reached a point where he felt prepared to leave his day job and dedicate himself fully to their own business. In the episode, Kyle shares the inspiring story of his journey toward independence and embracing entrepreneurship. He describes how he utilizes the space to not only pursue his artistic goals and endeavours but also foster connections within the vibrant local arts community. Along the way, Kyle candidly discusses the challenges he encountered when venturing into the world of business for the first time. He delves into the strategies he employed to attain success in a bustling marketplace, specifically within the craft beer industry. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of building a community of like-minded individuals through various bar-hosted events. However, he acknowledges the delicate balance required to engage this community without alienating his core customer base of craft beer enthusiasts.  Follow Kyle @kairubii and visit Pintology in Tokyo! More from us ADSR Collective on Facebook or SoundCloudListen to our music on Bandcamp Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod Please show some love by rating our show!

    2 min
  7. Joe Oliver: Creative Design and Tasty tunes

    07/10/2023

    Joe Oliver: Creative Design and Tasty tunes

    Joe Oliver is an adventurous designer and DJ. He was formally educated in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. Shortly after schooling, Joe took the freelance route with his design skills and illustration. Working short-term contracts meant Joe could work, then travel for months through Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. Joe’s nomad lifestyle finally slowed down when he reached Japan’s megacity. In the present episode, Joe acknowledges the multifaceted opportunities that come with being a freelancer, enabling him to engage in diverse projects and cultivate his skills, leading him to venture into UI/UX design. He also talks about his bold move to Tokyo and the challenges he encountered while unexpectedly settling here, especially as a freelancer. Joe and James explore the inception of his music brand Yes Chef! hosting a monthly party series and his weekly radio show with Tim Lambourne aka Good Company Broadcast Group. The chat wraps up by looking into the future to discuss how Joe would like further serve the music community and how designing will always be part of his life. Joe's spirit radiates both adventure and creativity. He blends innovation, imagination, and a dash of design expertise to concoct remarkable experiences in his work and DJ pursuits. Find the secret recipe in this episode! Connect with Joe Oliver: Instagram @joeolivr // SoundCloud // Resident Advisor //Keakie Radio More from us ADSR Collective on Facebook or SoundCloudListen to our music on Bandcamp Follow us on Twitter + Instagram @adsrpod Please show some love by rating our show!

    1h 23m

About

In this podcast, guests will share life lessons, experiences, and knowledge. The host, James Mallion, reaches out to Japan-based and international creatives ranging from artists, musicians, community leaders, entrepreneurs and those who strive to do and be great. Tune into intimate conversations with these dreamers and doers... Thanks for listening in, now let's get inspired! New episodes every 2nd Monday