Conversations with a Creator

J. Ack & Shadcore

Behind every creative work is a real story. Conversations with a Creator sits down with musicians, writers, filmmakers, producers, and builders to uncover the moments that sparked their creativity and the journey that followed. Hosted by J. Ack and Shadcore. Weekly, every Wednesday.

Episodes

  1. Our Best Work Comes From Accidents | Filmmaking, Faith & Harrell Family Creative

    19h ago

    Our Best Work Comes From Accidents | Filmmaking, Faith & Harrell Family Creative

    Jaire Harrell started filming church services with a tripod and no idea it would become a career. Now he's the founder of Harrell Family Creative, a filmmaker whose work spans Christian music videos, a Pinellas County Schools commission, a Jamaican Patois short film, and a live album project for a nine-instrument worship leader. He also happens to be Shadcore's son which makes this conversation something different entirely. J. Ack and Shadcore sit down with Jaire for a wide-ranging talk about creative accidents, Black Christian identity, challenging the bar, and why the best work doesn't always come from the plan. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 The Journey of a Black Christian Creative 09:16 Inspiration and Influences in Videography 18:05 Creative Collaboration and Flexibility 21:43 Navigating Identity as a Black Christian Artist 27:00 Current and Upcoming Projects Connect with Jaire: 📱 Business Instagram | Personal Instagram Come kick it with us at Conversations with a Creator

    35 min
  2. Accidental Producer: How a Borrowed MPC 60ii and a 12:30am Post Built MPC Chop in 3 Months

    Jun 10

    Accidental Producer: How a Borrowed MPC 60ii and a 12:30am Post Built MPC Chop in 3 Months

    Alessandra Levy is a lifelong musician but six months ago she made her first beat on a borrowed MPC 60 ii and posted it anonymously at 12:30am so her musician friends couldn't find it. 35,000 followers later, she's collaborating with Pocket Queen, talking to J. Ack and Shadcore, and planning a beat tape with zero sample clearances needed because every sound will be hers. This conversation covers her musical upbringing, her influences (Stevie, Donnie, MJ, Q-Tip), how MPC Chop came to exist entirely by accident, and why the most important thing any creator can do is get out of their own way. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 The Musical Roots of Alessandra Levy 11:31 Influences and Inspirations in Music 20:23 The Journey to MPC Chop 24:05 Embracing Vulnerability in Creativity 27:53 The Power of Authentic Expression 30:27 Building Connections Through Collaboration 32:34 Influences and Inspirations in Music 35:30 Navigating a Creative Career 38:14 Future Aspirations and Projects 42:44 Advice for Aspiring Creators Connect with Alessandra: 🌐 Website: alessandralevy.com 📱 Instagram, YouTube & Tiktok: @MPCChop Come kick it with us at Conversations with a Creator

    47 min
  3. Move in Silence: Ray Billingsley on Growing Up in Harlem, Creating Curtis & Surviving the Industry

    Jun 3

    Move in Silence: Ray Billingsley on Growing Up in Harlem, Creating Curtis & Surviving the Industry

    Ray Billingsley has been drawing on a deadline since he was 12 years old. Curtis, the strip he dreamed up literally overnight in a rough Harlem apartment, has run in over 250 newspapers for more than 30 years, and in 2022, Ray became the first Black cartoonist to win the Reuben Award. J. Ack and Shadcore sit down with the legend for an hour-plus conversation covering everything from industry gatekeeping and the publisher who said "Blacks don't read" to why passion without discipline goes nowhere, and what's coming next, including a new animated project that will surprise everyone who thinks they know Ray Billingsley. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 The Impact of Stereotypes in Publishing 03:47 The Evolution of Characters and Writing Process 05:15 Balancing Art and Education: A Young Prodigy 08:34 The Role of Family in Shaping an Artist 10:59 Portraying Father Figures: A Different Narrative 12:54 Cultural Representation in Comics 14:22 The Authentic Black Experience in Art 17:13 Hip Hop's Influence on Art and Culture 18:12 Challenges in Animation and Adaptation 20:12 The Importance of Self-Publishing 22:10 Influences and Pioneers in Comic Art 24:38 Facing Industry Bias and Stereotypes 27:01 The Birth of Curtis: A Personal Journey 27:29 The Birth of Curtis: Inspiration and Dreams 30:25 Creative Pressure: Thriving Under Deadlines 34:43 Staying Relevant: Adapting Curtis to Modern Times 39:29 Authenticity in Art: The Importance of Originality 43:46 Engaging with Fans: The Value of Feedback 45:42 Building Each Other Up: Community and Support 50:59 Passion and Sacrifice: The Heart of Success Connect with Ray Billingsley: 🌐 Website: billingsleyart.com 📱 Facebook & Instagram: Search Ray Billingsley 📧 Email: Chutneydevoe@aol.com Come kick it with us at Conversations with a Creator

    54 min

  4. Trailer

    Conversations with a Creator | Trailer

    J. Ack and Shadcore built Conversations with a Creator for one reason to give creative people a platform to say something real. This trailer pulls from some of the most honest moments in the show: burnout that became a breakdown, music that pulled someone back from the edge, a woman learning to reparent herself, and the reminder that your best work doesn't require perfection. It just requires you to keep going. Connect with Conversations with a Creator: 📱 Instagram: @conversationswiththecreator 📱 TikTok: @conversationwiththecreator

    3 min

Trailer

About

Behind every creative work is a real story. Conversations with a Creator sits down with musicians, writers, filmmakers, producers, and builders to uncover the moments that sparked their creativity and the journey that followed. Hosted by J. Ack and Shadcore. Weekly, every Wednesday.

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