Episode 11: Bionik & emerging young artists

In this inspiring episode of Creativity on Tap, host Frank Sentwali chats with a dynamic group of young artists mentored by renowned COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik. Recorded live at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Digital Studio, the episode dives deep into the transformative power of creativity. Each artist shares their personal journeys, exploring how art has shaped their life, fostered healing, and provided a platform for growth and self-expression.

From poetry written in tough times to vibrant performances on stage, these artists reveal how mentorship and collaboration have propelled them to embrace their talents and inspire others. Discover heartfelt stories, uplifting moments, and the profound impact of creativity in overcoming challenges.

💡 Listen now to experience creativity as a force for change and connection.

About COMPAS
COMPAS (compas.org) is a nonprofit with 50 years of experience delivering creative experiences to millions of Minnesotans of all ages and abilities, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. COMPAS connects professional teaching artists with students, older adults, and other community members to inspire creativity and empower voices.

About Creativity on Tap
Creativity on Tap is produced by COMPAS. In each episode, Creativity on Tap brings together educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials, parents, and other community leaders to discuss creativity and answer the question: What is creativity, and how can it solve the unique challenges facing today's world?

Creativity On Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by COMPAS to explore, celebrate, and emphasize the pivotal role creativity can and must play in shaping a world that prioritizes equity, justice, and inclusivity.

Theme music, "Krank It," was produced by COMPAS Teaching Artist Bionik.

#COMPASCreates #CreativitySavesTheWorld #CreativityIsForEveryone

Transcript

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Welcome to Creativity on Tap. Creativity on Tap is a series of conversations produced by Compass about the value and importance of creativity. This year, Compass turns 50. That's half a century of putting creativity into the hands of millions of Minnesotans. We are working really hard to be doing this for 50 more years. Creativity on Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by Compass to explore the role creativity can and must play in solving the unique challenges of this era. For more information about Compass and how Creativity Saves the World, please visit compass.org. That is C-O-M-P-A-S dot org. We are live today in our first podcast and webcast recording from the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Podcast Studios. Minnesota Spokesman Recorder is a news publication that has been in the Twin Cities for 90 years. For more information about the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder news publication, please go to www.spokesman-recorder.com. And for other Minnesota Spokesman Recorder YouTube programming, please visit the historic Minnesota Spokesman Recorder's content page on YouTube. Today's episode, we find ourselves welcoming a group of young artists that have all cultivated under the mentorship of renowned DJ and music producer, as well as Compass teaching artist, DJ Bionic. DJ Bionic's guests that he's brought in the studio today are MC, JG Manman, performing artist, interdisciplinary artist, poet, rap, fashion designer, as well as beadwork and metalwork artist, Bella. Saint KX, interdisciplinary photography, spoken word, and visual artist, and Niaje, performing artist in spoken word and singer. Welcome to Creativity on Tap. How are we doing today? Real good. Right, we got live energy up. Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Well, we're so glad that you guys could make it. You are our first guest at the Spokesman Recorder Podcast Studios. And as you see, it's a lovely and professionally put together podcast studio. And we are excited to be here and we are excited to have y'all here. So we're just going to fire away some questions. I'm going to ask you guys about your careers, about maybe even a little bit about your upbringing and how creativity's played a role in your upbringing, where you're at, where you've been and where you're going and how creativity has played a role in all of it. Bet? Let's do it. Right, let's get it going. All right, well, we'll start off. On my right, we have MC, JG Manman, who I understand is the most experienced of all of the performers that we have with us. So I'm going to ask you this question first. What's the first thing you remember creating or the first time you thought, as you created art, man, I love doing this. I want to say probably like two years ago, it was this song I made. And I wasn't too sure about it, but the more I listened to it, I'm like, I think I got somewhere. Then I performed it. The crowd went crazy. Yeah. You got a big stage bug. For sure. Yes. Yeah. I can relate to that very much. So once it bites you, you hit it now. So, yeah. Well, what is your favorite thing about being on stage? Provide, setting the tone, everything. It just let me know I'm doing something right to make people feel good. Man, that's what's up. That's what's up. And Bella, I'm going to ask you the same question. What's the first thing you remember creating or the first time you thought, man, I love doing this art thing. I feel like art has honestly always been a part of my life, but it wasn't until like, I think it was really my mother that encouraged me to take myself seriously as an artist from a younger age. So like she connected me with this program called The School of Rock St. Paul is like an outlet for me because I was really struggling growing up. And that was like, I didn't have like the words to like put to it then. But like, I really think that was like a catalyst, like for my own being able to process what I was going through. So that was, I think doing the music with School of Rock is really like where I started. I was like, okay, like I can actually like do this. Not only am I capable, but also this is something that like speaks to something deeper within me. Yeah. But and to your second question, I think that also like, I also had a very hard time, just like, connecting with others. And like, I think it's still something that I struggled with as a young adult, just due to anxiety. But like, I feel like when I'm on stage, my true self is showing and that I can be vulnerable and also connect with others who may feel the same anxiety. And so we're able to create an experience together because you're co-creating even with your audience, like you're feeding off. I don't think feeding off, but I would just say like, you're, yeah, co-creating is the only way I can explain it. It's a conversation. It's an exchange. An absolute exchange. So that's the part that I learned most about. Now, really quickly, were you already, because you do a lot of things, were you already kind of dabbling with jewelry work or fashion work before you got on stage? Or did the experience with School of Rock and being on stage kind of then open up a door to these other creative expressions that you have in you? I think it's quite interesting because like the fashion design and jewelry, like I had been unpacking it recently and I was like, I made designs when I was like single digits. I was like dresses and like different things like that. And like, I was always very like into it, but like, I never really, at least in that part of things, or like that was the thing that seemed more like, oh, it's like a hobby or like whatever. So I didn't really take that portion seriously until probably about a couple of years ago. Um, because I really started delving into like my ancestors' relation to those mediums. Yeah, it's also a way for me to reconnect with them. And, and at the same time, like that's something that I hope to be able to pass on. Like, eventually I would like to go back to some of my ancestral homelands and like, not just with the beadwork, but with like the textiles, like even like regalia coming from like, um, West Africa and, um, just different things like that. And being able to, um, pass those things on and preserve those things. Like that's really where my passion came from, um, for the medium. Okay. That's what's up. Very, very, uh, well thought out and introspective and you put a lot of depth into the processing of what your art means in relationship to your spirit. That was a very profound response. Um, Saint KX, first off, I got to ask you, what does the KX stand for? So the shortened version of my name, my full legal name is Dakota. So it's Koda. So K-O, and then I just did an X. It's easy. No, no, no. Yes. Pretty much. That's what's up. So, so tell us, um, what was the first time, first thing you remember creating or the first time you, as you were being a creative thought, man, I love doing this. This is it. Yeah. So I wanted to be an artist like for most of my life. Um, when I was like probably about three years old, I started drawing and like people in my family just noticed I was like good at it. So they just started supporting me, you know, which is different than a lot of people's stories. Um, I read somewhere that people learn if they're good or not at art went by the time they're seven. So somebody's already told them that they're bad when they're seven. Right. Wow. And so for me, like having that has been really cool, but I think for me, like it's, it has become something more than that. So as a kid, I was a skateboarder. I still am. I skate, I've been skating for almost two decades. Um, so 2006, when I started skating and that really led me into more of this, you know, art space type of way of being. Um, I would say that like when I was about 13, I got into a lot of trouble. Um, I did a lot of home invasions, just got into a lot of trouble. I was looking at a long time. And, um, when I was, when I was locked up in juvie, you know, that's where I really found my love for, you know, drawing and writing. And I got really into poetry. You know, I had my first charge by the time I was, you know, 11 years old and then my first misdemeanor by the time I was 12. And so, you know, getting, getting in trouble was like just something that was just natural to me. So I needed an outlet to move all that negativity and all that negative energy into. And so, you know, when I found, uh, poetry actually in juvie, it was just like something I fell in love with. So that was my first love with spoken word poetry, I would say. And, um, I've been writing now for, uh, like pretty consistently for going on 10 years. So, you know, that's something that I pride myself in. It's just being, you know, not just a good artist, but understanding the history, being intellect. Um, and so that led me to getting really into policy work and, um, understanding more about my culture. And then, um, I ended up going to the university of Minnesota and I graduated with my degree in political science. Yeah, I graduated top of my class. And so, you know, being able to, to be in a space, um, that is really rigid in this thinking and being able to use my art as a way to expand that thinking has been really cool. So I've had a couple, um, journals posted in some, um, some articles posted in some journals, there we go. Um, and that kind of a thing. So, and I got minors in my culture. So I got minors in Afro indigenous studies, um, American Indian studies. And so, you know, in that way now that I'm making my own music and doing art more, um, more regularly, I would say, you know, as a full-time artist, um, I had the opportunity to really engage with my culture a lot. Like Bella, you know, I get to learn more about my indigenous heritage. I get to, you know, every time I go to a protest, I feel like I'm learning something more about my people. You know what I mean? Just being curious and authentic in the world is something that art taught me. Um, and now I'm just trying to give back for real, like, you know, I've done a lot of harm in my community and art is an opportunity for me to also give back. So yeah, I'm making money, but I'm also being able to give back. And so right now I'm in the bridge makers program with a Cole Stevenson, um, through Ramsey County workforce solutions. And I'm working on getting a, um, getting my business up and running. So right now I'm working on an art, an art store, an art space and skate shop. So the whole idea is, you know, people that want to create good. Um, and so I'm hoping to make it like more of a nonprofit to where, you know, young people have a place to go on the weekends or in the evenings where they're not getting in trouble. Right. Have access to how do you, how do you use certain programs? How do you use Canva? How do you use Adobe Photoshop? Right. Like trying to create a space in St. Paul geared towards local artists who are also young people who just need a space to go. That's what's up. That's what's up, man. True success story. Thank you. Thank you. Wow, man. We're gonna, we're gonna come back to all of this. So many things buzzing in my mind, hearing you guys talk about your stories and journeys so far. So we're going to come back to all of this. Um, but before we even move further, Niaje. Yes. Performing artists, spoken word artists, singer. Um, tell us, tell us when you first remember creating or the first time you thought like, yo, this, this is me right here. Um, well, to be honest with you, ever since I was little, I promised, I promised to God that I would be famous. Then I switched over to just being well known. And I always wanted to sing. I've been in my church choir. I've been in school plays. I've been, I've been, I've been a lot, you know, I've been everywhere. And I've always had, I always had a love for music. I've always had a love for sound, you know, some good old singing. Always had the love for it. But, um, for poetry though, I found real love with poetry by like last year I was going through it. I was homeless and I was just looking through some stuff. I was at my cousin's house. I was looking through some books. I started writing some, uh, some words down and I literally went on my phone. I put them words to together and I just, I made a poem and I was like, Oh, I was like, Oh snap. I just snapped. And I was like, okay. I was like, okay, I could actually, I could actually do something. Like I always, I always thought, you know, like writing is hard, but whole time is really not. And ever since I wrote my first poem, I was like, I'm finna, I'm finna keep this, keep going. Cause I promised you, I used to read, I used to, I started reading, I was on my own. I was starting my self journey and I was just changing bad habits to, to good new habits. And I was just, I was rejuvenating myself and writing and journaling helped me a lot. And that's really what, that's what gives me the, the boost to really make poetry and to write. Cause I, I make a little short whoop. I'm like, okay, I'm gonna keep going. Then I don't, I'm like, you know, that sounds fire. I make another one and snap. You seem to have, I think as a spoken word artist, the most difficult thing down, which is to know when a piece is done. For me, that's, you know, that's the hardest thing is to know when enough is enough in a poetic conversation. And so I'm listening to you like, okay, I made a whoop and I snapped. Okay, that's done. Now it's time to make the next one. I'll be making whoop forever. I'll still be whoopty, whoopty, whoopty and all. Um, real quick. Um, I just, uh, I want to kind of go in reverse here. If you guys don't mind sharing your ages and we'll start with you, Niajé. Okay. Um, I'm 20. Big toys. I'm 25 Aries. 25 Virgo. 25 Virgo. Oh man. Y'all giving me like, what am I going to tell my age? And I always forget to do this every podcast because it's never about me, but for the listener's sake, my name is Frank Centrale. I am the Compass Principal Teaching Artist, uh, on staff as well as spoken word teaching artists. It's what I do, um, and have been doing for over 20 years now with Compass. And so I put that out there just for the listener. I always forget to introduce myself because I'm always so enamored with our guests. Um, I'm going to come back to you, uh, J.G. man, man. I got to get the J.G. in there. Uh, what does the J.G. stand for? Uh, I had a friend that passed. Okay. So it's kind of like Joseph Gale. Paying homage. That's what's up. Um, what, is there one particular person that either inspired you to make art or that you consider like your primary inspiration for what you do to this day? Honestly, my kids, they gave me life. Yeah. Yeah. How many kids do you have? Six. Me too. Me too. Yeah. And so they keep you motivated and keep you working, right? Sure. That's what's up. That's what's up. Um, Bella, how about you? Uh, what is, what is the, I know you mentioned like the school of rock and you mentioned your mom. Um, is that who you would say is what continues to inspire you? Or is there someone other than your mom that also was like really, um, uh, pivotal in, in inspiring your, your creation? I say I've been very lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to work with and be taught by, um, community artists in the Twin Cities. And so I feel like another one, um, her name is Crystal Spring. She runs the Black Box Theater in Washington. She was the one who really got me into poetry and to starting to, um, because I feel like from like school of rock, I really got more of like the fundamentals or just like the technical skills and learning how to like, uh, learning stage performing, things of that realm. But I was still like fine tuning, like, and what, what really is like my sound? Yeah. Does my voice sound like, um, and so it was kind of, I was just kind of all over the place, you know, just trying, just trying man. But, um, I really think that program and her, and also, um, because Crystal Spring was taught by, um, Jan Mendel, who is, um, the co-founder of the Irreducible Grace Foundation, and alongside, um, Dr. Darlene. Um, and so that, that whole crowd really, I think, helped me to make the connection between like really getting down to like, what is my truth and at the same time, like, I feel like IGF took it deeper because they, they taught me about the biology of thought. Yes. And that changed everything. Yes. Yes. It, it changed the way that I wrote. It changed the way that I interacted with my art completely because like, I feel like before it was kind of just like, you know, again, like kind of like a shot in the dark, but it's like, oh, this is like something that is real and it's incorporated into like my, my, I would say, my healing journey at this point. Like it's, it's an active, um, healing tool, I would say. Right. Yeah. And it's funny you mentioned Crystal because I do know she's a disciple of Jan Mendel. Jan and I go way back. I, uh, started working with Jan in 1999 when I built my spoken word residencies. Jan brought me in the Black Box and I was the first spoken word artist that would, that introduced spoken word to the Black Box Theater at St. Paul Central. Oh, Mark. And so I just, matter of fact, I just, um, did a interview with Jan that is on our Compass website as a blog. So if you go to the Compass website and look up the blog postings, I wrote a blog on my interview with Jan Mendel. And she said something that actually, as all you guys were introducing yourselves and your journey in the beginning, she said something that really, um, it resonated with me when I listened to you all. And she said, I was only ever trying to save children that the system would kill their gifts. And as I listened to you guys tell your story, and especially as I was listening to you saying KX and I was like, yeah, I was like that, that, that is the young people that Jan Mendel was talking about. And all of you, like, if it was up to the system, it would kill your gifts before they could, before you could hone them and become who you're becoming, you know, before you could get a political science degree, the system would have killed your gifts if it wasn't for art and creativity and theater and people like Jan in the world, you know? Um, so yeah, I, when you said that, I was like, oh yeah, I know Crystal and yeah, I know Jan very well. Yeah. All my, all my peoples, those are my spirit animals. Yeah. Crystal. Yeah. That's what's up. Yeah. Tell the frame since while they said hi. Um, so saying KX who, uh, who would you say, um, uh, really inspired you in your journey? And it sounds like you had a lot of inspiration just from your experience, but somebody in that process had to pull you aside and be like, yo, we got something better over here for you. Yeah. So I think the first person that did that was actually one of my high school English teachers. His name was Aaron Nebo and he's an amazing person. He's an amazing teacher, an amazing artist, and he was a creative writing teacher. And he really pulled me aside and was like, yo, you're killing this. You know what I mean? You're doing really, really good. I think you should keep going with this. And so, you know, I just kept writing. Like I just never stopped after that, you know, and growing up, I was somebody who also struggled with dyslexia and dysgraphia. So writing and reading was always really, really hard for me, but creative writing gave me an avenue to really start to understand the English language in a way that traditional teaching couldn't. Um, and as I got, um, further into, you know, art, the arts, you know, I've had a lot of struggles in my life, um, homelessness, um, and just being in a space that like, it's a really bad mental space. You know, I grew up, you know, in and out of foster care, you know, just in the streets doing kiddy stuff, you know what I mean? I think about it now and I'm like, wow, that was childish. But, you know, I needed to go through that to learn how to live. You know what I mean? And the thing that taught me how to live was art. You know what I mean? And so like, with art, I'm just so grateful to the people who were in my life, who gave, who said like, you know, this can be your way of life. Because without that, I definitely wouldn't be alive. I can guarantee you, I wouldn't be alive. You know, I was, I was carrying guns. I was doing home invasions, right? Like I was doing drugs and alcohol, you know, I actually just hit, uh, 18 months sober. So congratulations. You know, but like the things that got me there were, you know, not just myself, but like art and the people who really make, really just were like, no, you don't got a choice. You're going to do it. You know what I mean? Like I didn't get a choice. Like if it was my choice, I would have been outside. You know what I mean? But them sitting here and being like, no, I'm going to give you eight things of homework to do. That's not required. You know what I mean? That kept me inside because the thing that I love too was school. I love school. I love learning. Um, and I'm, was, um, blessed with the opportunity to go to a small public art school in downtown St. Paul, creative arts secondary school, which is where I met, um, Aaron Lebo and a bunch of other amazing artists through that. And so, you know, I've been really blessed a lot, like Bella said, and, um, my fellow artists here that like art really has blessed us with opportunities that I don't think we would have gotten anywhere else. So yeah. I need you to say that for the legislature. Um, I've, I'm actually in contact with governor walls and I'm a deputy mayor of St. Paul. I'm on a couple of youth advisory boards. And so, you know, that's another part of my art that I've to, you know, expand on is being able to talk to people at the policy level. Like, yo, like we need this, like young kids just need the opportunity, especially like young black and Brown kids. Like we don't have the same opportunities as our white counterparts. And so like, we need these, these opportunities to grow and learn and be like functioning members of our communities. You know what I mean? Not even society. I don't give a fuck about societies and my brunch, but like our communities, like our communities need more young people who grow up to be leaders and mentors. You know what I mean? And so arts and Avenue. So the system doesn't kill their gifts. Exactly. Um, same, same, same question to you. Like, uh, you know, you talked about finding some poems, who was the person that either inspired you or that co-signed for you? Cause you seem very self-confident. So somebody probably had to co-sign along the way of you like, yeah, girl, you are, you are her. Okay. Um, yeah, uh, honestly, um, first person for sure is my mom. I like you. I love you, mama. Um, my mom has been my biggest fan since the beginning. She's by herself and I found out after she died, like girl, but, um, but yeah, that's definitely my number one. Um, one of my best friends is here. Mr. Montrey. He has pushed me through my journey and has helped her a lot and very appreciative of everybody in my circle. Um, I would say open mics have definitely, uh, been a big, big mind opener and has helped me through with confidence, nervousness, all types of, you know what I'm saying? Um, but also, uh, I do appreciate Bionic for sure. Cause, uh, nobody else, I feel like I would not be in this position without him. I'm not gonna lie to y'all. Uh, he definitely seen me and now we are literally sitting here. So I just want to say I'm grateful for sure. And then it was my peoples. Well, there it is. Yeah. Well, I'm glad you mentioned Bionic cause that's where I was going to go next and we'll, we'll keep it with you. Um, Niazay, um, how would you say Bionic has helped you grow most as an artist? Oh my goodness. Um, well, first off, when I first came to Bionic, I literally, my first question was, can you help me with some, I need help with lyrics. Then, then it came to us. Literally. I had my first, my first, first month on my ever written. He had, he said, you know, he, I pulled it out for them and it literally started from right there. He made me a beat called Swan, like my poem is called Swan. And that's literally, that's legit. When it started, I promise you from that day on, it's been, it's been that, like I've been, I've been getting, I've been, uh, I've been helping myself get back on track. Really, you know, like it's, it's, it's consistent. You know what I'm saying? Like I'm expressing myself more than I probably ever have. And like, I, I know what art is and it makes me feel very good inside. Like I love the feeling of how, of how it makes me feel because at the end of the day, like I said, I would not be here with, you know, without, without my system, without my system. So yeah. The glow is showing. I can tell you're in a happy place. Of course, you got to keep the vibrations up there. We absolutely have to, especially in today's society where not only, um, is the world trying to, trying to kill the positive vibe. Um, so not only do we have to keep that vibe for ourselves, but then we get to represent what that vibe is to other people in the world so that they can be inspired. And that's part of what we do as artists. Um, Madman, how has working with Bionic helped you grow as an artist? Honestly, it's like, I always had to, I always had the talent, but he just showed me like, you can do this better, tighten this up. You know, just little add-ons that make me a better artist than what I was already. That craftsmanship. Yeah. Yeah. What's your, what's your, what's your, um, what's your favorite part when you're, when you're looking out at a crowd and the beat comes on, like, what's the first thing that just, is it, is it when the beat, the crowd vibes with the beat? Is it when somebody you see responds to a bar or, or a lyric you said, what, what is that thing that just is like, like, boom, I'm glad I'm here in this moment. I don't know. When I see hands start bopping, I start bopping. Man, if we had time, I'll tell you, after the pod, I'll tell you a story, man, that I have a story about that. The first time I was 15, the first time I was on a big stage in front of thousands. And, uh, and yeah, I'll tell you about it. Cause that, you just reminded me, I know that feeling too well. Uh, how has Bond, working with Bond helped you grow as an artist? I really think it's taking this and making it this discernment, this consistency, you know, that I think that's the thing, like, where it's like, I feel like it's true for all of us. Like we have the content, we have the talent, we have this passion. Um, but it just, I feel like Bionic has the experience of the professional side of things. And I think like, it's helped me to, instead of getting overwhelmed by like, what am I going to do? How am I going to do it? It's like, these are the steps, the measured steps that you can take in order to grow, um, over time. You know, I feel like speaking of society again, we're just like in this instant gratification or, or the shame based place where it's like, if I'm not exactly here, then like, I should never try to achieve this thing. And just like, you know, just try and, and do what I can to, to, I don't know, hopefully survive. Yeah. And I think he's, he, I think we're really starting to talk about like, transforming the mind and like, in the sense of like, okay, these things are, these goals are reachable. And here's what we do to get there instead of just like being like, I can never get there. Making it tangible for you. The mountain is so big when you look at it, you know, it's like, well, where do I even start? You know, but I think especially like there's, and just the fast paced, fast pacedness of our society of just like, we need to be out there, we need to be seen, we need to make it immediate. And it's like, well, you don't see like really all those struggles that those people have made it, or even just like the people who were deemed successful, like you don't see all those times that they failed, that they were told no, that they had to like, push and overcome, like, even when like, they wanted to die, even when they wanted to, you know, just like, the life of an artist that I feel like to be an artist is to be a warrior in a way, like in the sense of like, I feel like at least like for our, our cohort, like we're, I don't even know how to explain it, but like, being able to bring forth these messages and these forms of expression and to like connect with each other, despite everything that is threatening to take it out or like, shut it down. Like, I feel like that to me is like some of the ultimate form of revolution and resistance. Absolutely. So I feel like Bionic is really like a change agent. He's like one of those silent masters, you know what I'm saying? That is just like, I was literally just talking to my brother about this earlier, because he really was just like getting like, well, everything in the world is just terrible. So it's always going to be terrible. And I can't do anything about it. And like, it's like, bro, um, when you, when you focus on that light that you got in you, and you focus on pouring into that and the others around you, it's like, it's those small drops that create ripples and waves, you know, it's like, it's not so dramatic, you know, it's not as instantaneous as you wish it, but then those are those roots that grow and become the strongest foundation. You know, like, I feel like some of those things that go up just immediately like that, they can burn up just like that. Or they come crashing down just as fast. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Yeah. No, I, I, I hear you 100% on that. And he is an agent of change. I mean, the evidence is sitting here having this conversation, you know, the, the connection that you all have to bionic and through safe zone, and you are creating change throughout you all's lives, not only for your life, but for the life of those who care about those around you. And, and so that keeps expanding, just like Jan into Crystal into you, right? And then, you know, me and Jan in our relationship, and now here we all are creating change together, right? I'm saying KX, what happened, you know, how's working with bionic helped you? Yeah, bionic is fire. I love bionic. That's, that's my dude right there. You know, I think the part about bionic that I love so much is that he doesn't force you to be in a box, but he helps you refine all the boxes that you're in. Right. And so for me, like, I do a little bit of everything. Like I think our first the first show that I worked with these, these amazing artists on was, I made a shirt, just I was like, let me just let me just make a shirt. I wasn't even really involved in the show like that. But I made a fire design and bionic was like, we got to get you on board. You know what I mean? Like, so he really helps you like, not just like, hone your craft, but also like he just creates a space for everybody to be. And I've been really grateful for the opportunity to learn like, I think being involved in shows and learning what it takes on the back end, you know, to create a show just because I do a lot of background stuff to, you know, I've gotten to learn a lot about like, what does it look like to be an artist long term? What does it look like to produce a show? What does it look like, you know, to be do all those technical aspects, but also what does it look like to make sure that you're feeding yourself and your own art and your own craft? And so like, right now, like, I'm looking at getting into like teaching. I love watching young kids like develop. That's like probably one of my favorite things. You know, their craft. And, and I want to be that mentor that like, I wish I had a lot sooner. Like, I wish I had bionic way back when I was like, you know, 1213. You know what I mean? I'm grateful for how things played out. I have a lot of gratitude for like the things that I went through and like how it how, you know, cultivated my own art and who I am as a person. But to get kids at a young age when they need more guidance, you know what I mean? Like, that's the piece that a lot of us were missing. You know what I mean? So how do you step in and like pass that forward? Like we're talking about those small ripples and you're turning into waves. But I think more than that to like, bionic bionic just like teaches me about life. Like, you know what I mean? Like, art is, is more than just I'm producing a product or I'm producing this song. It's like how you live and how you breathe and how you move. Right? And so for me, like, the way that I move is like, really integral to how I'm doing my art. So like my art will shift with where I'm at in life and what I'm doing and how, how I'm just like, existing. Right. And so I've gone from poetry and visual arts to making hip hop and rap music to making, now I'm making a lot of like deep ambient music, like just a place where I feel centered. Right. Like, and so just like, as I'm moving on my journey, my art moves with me. So if you follow my journey, you'll see like where I was at to where I'm going. And, and honestly, like the thing about me is like, I, I'm not going to lie. I don't really care what other people think about me or my art. Like I'm, I'm strong and I stand in that my art can fluctuate with where I'm at in life. That's okay. You know what I mean? I have a lot of people who are like, I just wish you would do this just all the time. And it's like, yeah, but like, I'm not in the same place all the time. Right. You know what I mean? I like, I'm also human, you know what I mean? I'm going to fluctuate with my art. And so for me, like, I don't really listen to a lot of that. Like, it's not even hate. I think it's people just genuinely wanting to hear more, you know, of a certain kind of music, but I'm just not in that place. You know what I mean? And so I have to like hold both like what people want because they pay my bills. Right. But I also have to hold, like, I'm allowed to be human and I'm allowed to like shift where I'm at in life. And like, that's okay. And Bionic has really created a space to where that's okay. You know what I mean? And so, so learning how to just like, be okay and stand in my decisions. Like, I think like as an artist, you always are trying to perfect right is constant. When I'm doing a show, I'm perfecting every little thing. Like, am I going to read off my phone? Or am I like, what type of experience do I want my audience to have? You know what I mean? And, and once I figure that out, I'm sitting there and I'm going over it again and again and again. And like, that can seep into your life too. And so how do you just allow yourself to like be in your creativity? And Bionic creates that space for me. That's what's up. Yeah. What's up. Very Andre 3000-ish. Thank you. He's one of my favorite artists. So, you know, I'm just going to do a flute album because that's where I'm at right now. So Bella, have you ever tried something creatively that just didn't work in the way you expected it to? And what did you learn from it? Can you think of like one time where you're like, oh, okay, that, that one, yeah, maybe, I don't know. That one ain't it. I think, well, I think- Or a song or a poem or something. Yeah. Like, and especially with the beat work. Cause like, I'm such a perfectionist. Even when I'm like writing and stuff, like I have to like go over it and it has to have like a certain structure and a flow. And then I'm like, okay, this is right. And if it's not, then I'm just, I'm working on it obsessively. But I think that's where I've had to pivot and just like letting go of that. Go to the Niaje school of, okay, that's done. You know? And so like, I would say like really just being open to, to messing up. Ah. And being a beginner at certain aspects and knowing that with time and dedication and practice, those things will grow. Yes. Yes. That's a great lesson. Yeah. It's very hard. And we walk with the guys, again, stories. There are things that I don't do anymore before I go on stage that in my twenties I used to do. And now I'm just like, yeah, no, can't use that as an excuse for not having a dope show. So, you know, so I get it. I've been there and you grow from it. Right. You're like, oh, okay. Let me, let me refine how I move with my creativity. Or just, you know, just allowing space for exploration and like, just to let that inner voice shine through no matter how it comes out. You know, I guess like something that shifted for me, especially within like this cohort is just like, I feel like before I was really trying to, um, cater more towards the audience, like there was, but then like I was losing my own self in that, you know? And so like, I feel like I'm, I'm being encouraged to delve deeply within. And so that's like, it's, it's messy. It's at times scary, but it's, it's also necessary because it's like without yourself. Right. What do you got? Right. What is it? Right. I hear you there. Niazeng, have you ever written and performed a poem and you're like, oh, that didn't happen the way I thought it was going to happen? Oh, of course. Um, I ain't gonna lie. When we performed our, uh, our first performance, I was overly nervous for no reason. And I, after, after my two songs, I was like, it was like a big burden off my shoulders. I was like, okay, like that felt really good. Like that felt really good. And I don't know what I learned from that is that I need, I just need to have a little bit more faith in myself to know enough to where I know for a fact that ain't no reason to be nervous. These people finna, finna, they finna, they finna jam out to what I got and they finna love it. They finna enjoy it. And I'm finna, I'm finna do my thing. So one thing I for sure learned is I gotta, I gotta work with myself a little bit more and give myself a little bit more credit to give myself a little bit more credit and push myself. So I ain't got to really do so much, but yeah, nervousness is one thing for me that be eating meat. Uh, I always tell my students that, uh, nerves is part of the uniform of performance. It never goes away. You just, you know, you got, you got to show that day. You, you put, you take your shower, you put on your socks, you put on your, you know, your garments, you put on your clothes, your pants, your shoes, and you put on your nerves and you walk out the door. No, it never goes away. And as a matter of fact, if I'm not nervous when I'm performing now, I'm worried. And I'd much rather be nervous than be worried, you know? Cause I'm like, okay, what is it about this that I don't feel connected to enough to feel anxious enough about wanting to do well. So to me, nervousness is just, it means you care. And so if I'm not nervous, then that means I'm not caring. And then there's a problem. It's true. So that's part of my uniform, you know? And who knows, maybe it's the Cape that allows us to all go out there and put our best foot forward, you know? So, so don't worry about being nervous. Just embrace it. Oh, eat it. Yeah. Sure. I snap on that. I snap on that snake. I said, that's named. I know that I have worked over it by making more, making more content of myself, singing by myself, myself singing and go back to like, okay, I'm gonna look at that and be like, you know what? My next performance, I'm going to give, I'm going to give everybody eye contact. I'm not going to put down, you know, like I, you know, kind of how Bella said, you know, I kind of critique myself so I can grow, grow as myself, but also grow as an artist to enough to where, you know, each time is every other time is going to be perfect. Perfect. Perfect. You know, just how I want it to be. And the film study era is great. The camera ball era, you can record yourself, study yourself. Oh man. I was born too soon. KX, I'm going to ask you a little bit different question about this, this cohort, as you guys keep calling it, this group of people that are with us today. How do you inspire and challenge each other creatively? And, and, you know, do you guys have fun working with each other? Yeah. So I think the really cool thing about this cohort is like, we're all really good friends. So we met in a time in our lives where we were all like kind of struggling, but we were all doing art and it was like just a dope experience. But we, I think we push each other because I think we all see like, oh, like, I love that Bella does this thing. Or I love that JJ does this thing. Or I mean the two other two who aren't here. But I think like, for me, I get really pushed in, how do I create, you know, the best environment where we all get to learn? I think what that's like the most important thing for me, you know, it's like to constantly be pushing each other means to constantly be learning, means to constantly be bouncing off each other, it means calling each other at two in the morning, like, hey, I have this written, can you help me figure out the ending line? Or like, you know what I mean? Or just like creating a constant way to just like keep that line of communication open to where, you know, we, it could be three in the morning and we're texting each other like, yo, I thought I saw you downtown. And it's just a whole show. And that's cool to me, like having a relationship with artists outside of, you know, just performing means that you get to develop together, not just as artists, but as people. And so that's been really cool. Like I got to go to one of Bella's shows outside of our cohort and just like just being able to engage and seeing what everybody is up to is really cool. Like, so it's much more like I wouldn't even call us a cohort. Like I would really just call us like extended family. You know what I mean? Like being able to, to be that like, you know, like, yeah, you're killing it. Let's adjust this way or like, you know what I mean? Just bounce off each other. I think for me personally, the thing that I think I've grown and how I like you just get to learn how artists think and how they talk. Like, I think when you're just doing art by yourself, like you're like, I don't know what I'm doing in the industry, but the more that you hang out with artists, the more you can move in the industry in a more fluid way. And so I've learned how to make more connections, how to communicate with other artists, right. Just by communicating with my really good art friends. So, right. That's, that's what's up. And your role in inspiring and working with each other, how have they inspired you or how do you feel like you inspire them? Because you, as, as someone who's primarily, correct me if I'm wrong, primarily an MC, you have maybe a little bit more narrow focus on exactly like trying to create the best rap songs or be the best MC. You can be really have a more narrow focus on that while at the same time being, being connected to these artists that, you know, especially these two that do so many things outside the medium of stage performance. Right. So how do you feel like your role fits in, in terms of the relationship with, with this group? Well, for one, I'm going to turn our friend out the group. Every day, all day, I'm doing something. Yeah. But like you said, just outside of this, we're friends, you know? Yeah. We'll be around each other. We have a group chat. We text there. We see the music inside the group chat. That is sound. What you think of this one? And then I don't think none of us afraid to tell each other, like, you can do this better. You can switch this up. Or, you know, that's important. Yeah. And then you determine heights is humble. Like, JG is the one who makes sure that all of us are like, ready to go over a performance. Like if anybody is on something, it's JG. And it makes us like to go perform. So yeah, we like, yeah, he's being too humble about it. You know what I'm saying? But JG is not just a hype man. He's a cool guy. Yeah. Yeah. He's my friend. I love you guys are reminding me so much of when we were, you know, when our collective, we call it a collective. And it was, man, it was Fuoss, it was EduPoetic and Abraham, and it was OSP and Calus. It was, you know, Desdemona was part of it. It was a collection of artists that all, much like you all, did different things. And, you know, we performed, I think there's only one song we were ever all on together. And we did that at First Ave and the 7th Street Entry. But it was, you know, it was four different groups or solo acts all performing. And we would all book shows for each other. And so as I'm having this conversation with you guys, it's really taken me back. And I'm like, it's a continuation of the legacy of creativity and how each generation has its voices that become beacons for their environment, you know, for their community, for their peers. And so I'm really grateful to be able to have this conversation with you all and know that process with each generation continues. And so I'm laughing inside because I'm like, yeah, that's Sister Leslie over there. Yeah, that's ODOT right there. You know, it's awesome to see this. And I hope that whether it's through Compass or some other medium, we can all get together and maybe have a generations thing. And really, I think that's important now because, you know, it's Kendrick. And Kendrick wouldn't lie when he said it's time for the party to die. And you guys are representing that recycling of spiritual and philosophical and intellectual art while at the same time being able to have what we like to call the revolutionary party, right? Knowing when to turn up and at the same time having a substantive approach to that turn up where the art is bigger than just the party, but the art is about both of your peers. And so I think that's a beautiful thing. I have just a few more questions for y'all because I want to save about 10 minutes or so to get Bionic in here so he can talk about how proud of you all he is and his process in this journey. So I'm going to rapid fire this one really quick. Can I say one thing? Absolutely. Since we're talking about the group. Yeah. You've been a little quiet, but I want to shout out to our future cameraman. Coming soon. Okay. Okay. That's his role here. He's going to do the videography, huh? Put the documentary together. Coming soon. Real soon. Yes, indeed. All right. All right. Well, I'm glad that you are here, man. Thank you for supporting and being a part of what seems to be an amazing energy and creativity doing what it's supposed to do, bringing people together. Yes, indeed. Niazadeh. Yes. One sentence. All of you are going to get one sentence for this one because it's on here. It's on the prompt. If you could describe what creativity means to you in one sentence, what would it be? In one sentence? Yeah, I know. I know, right? What? Okay. Can you repeat that one more time? Absolutely. If you could describe what creativity means to you in one sentence, what would it be? Creativity to me is being open-minded and versatile. Okay. That's what's up. I would agree because you can't create with a closed mind. You're just stuck in the prison of a closed mind. Facts and man. I'll talk about that. All right. Yes, ma'am. All right. Saint KX, which I love to say in front of the name and listening to your journey, you can own that. Come along. Yeah, I do. Qualify for shows. Yeah. Every saint has a past. Man. Every sinner has a future. And don't we all. Don't we all. If you could describe creativity in one sentence, what would it be? What it means to you in one sentence? Yeah. Creativity means to me creating a space where person development and the betterment of community is created. That's what's up. And produced. I like that. How you brought community into it, right? Because a better individual by default isn't going to be a part of a better community. That's what's up. I like it. Well, you're profound thinkers. Bella, if you could describe creativity and what it means to you in one sentence, what would it be? I feel creativity is like turning home. And reminding me of how intrinsically connected I am to everyone and everything. And that we all have that creation in common. All right, Spirit Energy. Yes, indeed. Mama Bella, Mama of the Earth. I played a character called Nana Tree one time. It was wild, but. You didn't know that you would be Nana Tree. You didn't know that you would become Nana Tree, huh? Maybe it's something inside of me. Yes, yes. That's what's up. All right. And then same question to you, J.G. Manman. If you could describe what creativity means to you in one sentence, what would it be? I feel like if I ever have a voice, you never know who around you or how it may affect other people in your life. For real, for real, just be outspoken, creative, open-minded, like you said. It'll take you a long way. Yeah, that was about five good sentences. I do like that what you said about forever having your voice, because when I'm teaching young people, the first thing I teach them about my spoken word residency is this is a journey into finding your voice. And I think that is so important. And I'm glad that you are also mentoring because you're helping the next generation of young people find their voice. And you're doing it through an authentic journey. Like you said, every artist has a story. So the authenticity in your journey is what gives you the credibility when you all speak to folks about either what you do or what they can do. Right? And so I think that's an awesome thing. I'm going to ask you each one last question. And this is also an opportunity for you to plug any work that you have. For you as an artist, is there something that you have produced or created that you'd like to share with the listening audience and then follow that up with what's next or what would you like to accomplish next that you're excited about? And I guess we'll just kind of go. We'll go back to Bella. And then we'll let the queens go first, ladies first. We'll go Bella and then Niaje on this one. And then we will go Man Man, JG Man Man, and then St. KX. So I don't have anything dropped right now, but I am planning to release an EP within the next year. So be looking out for that. My Instagram is B-E-L-L-A underscore 444-888. And I also have my business called Diaspora Dreams LLC. That's where I'll be selling all my jewelry and apparel, anything like that. So that is also on Instagram at Diaspora Dreams LLC or wait, no, it's at Diaspora Dreams Designs. I forgot. Yeah. Make sure you get it right now. Don't be sending people that. Well, the thing is I have a very complicated relationship with social media. I feel like everybody does. Yeah. And do we all? Yeah. Everybody does. But I feel like that's another thing that within this cohort that I've been like pushed to like, it's like, yes. Because like being perceived is hard. You know, being perceived is very vulnerable in those states where like you're able to like control at least somewhat of like your image. You know what I'm saying? Like it's still like a window into you. Absolutely. So I'm learning to get more comfortable with that. I do said it best and it will never be said better. I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shirt. Yeah. Yeah. She's a she's a universal for certain. Miaget, is there something that you have out that you want to plug? What's next for you that you're excited about? What have you created that is like, this is my this is my pride and joy at the moment. Talk to us. Okay. Well, first, um, well, she was ready. She's like, since I got time to have it all together. I like that. Um, uh, what's in the works right now is some poems that me and Bionic have been working on some some poems that I did perform. I got those recorded. I'm working on those to get dropped. I've been creating new poems. I have been singing. Y'all can see me at open mics. I'll be popping out. I'll be doing my thing. Get them stage miles up. Yeah. In the stage. I've been, you know, I've been I've been getting I've been getting it done. Honestly, I might be I want to start some more church singing, some more choir singing. Okay. Um, also, I have a cleaning business. If y'all know anybody that needs their house clean, I I have good rates at nice prices. Don't sleep. I get the job done real good, real clean, real thorough, and a job guarantee for sure. Just bring the money. Creative entrepreneur. Yes, indeed. I do it all. All right. All right. Um, J.G. Man Man, what's dropping? When can we get that J.G. Man Man hotness? So I just dropped the EP on YouTube like two weeks ago called Don't Count Me Out. Okay. If you don't know me, that's the way you can get to know me. I'll talk about a little bit of everything. Okay. 2026, I have an album coming with some very, very big names and producers on there. All right. So just be looking out for it. Yeah. All right. That's what's up. I like that too. Teaser. No, I will go with teaser in there. 2026, big names, big producers. Look out. J.G. Man Man, y'all. What's the name of the album or the EP again? Don't Count Me Out. Don't Count Me Out. And it's on YouTube. All right. So we can just type it in. All right. And for those of you that need to know how to spell it, that's J.G. M-A-N, M-A-N. All right. And then we got St. KX. What you working on besides, you know, getting ready to be the next mayor of St. Paul after Melvin moves on to bigger things. And what else we got going on? I wish I wanted to be a mayor. I hate politics. Yeah. So I'm more on the policy side. I like creative policy. But, you know, be on the lookout for some new art policy. You know what I'm saying? I'm not going to lie to you. But my Instagram for my personal art is St. Midwest underscore. So underscore S-A-I-N-T-M-I-D-W-X-S-T. OK. So that's my personal Instagram. Hit me up if you want some photographs taken of your shows. I do it from anywhere from 50 to 175, depending on prints, that kind of a thing. I have another EP dropping beginning of the year, end of January. And that was called Love Exodus. So I'm pretty excited for that one. That one is just like all deep ambient electronica music. But it'll be a good time. It's fire. I put some violins, some a lot of classical stuff along with some more synths and pads and stuff like that. So I'm pretty excited for that. And then the skate shop and art store that I'm trying to open is called St. Collective M-N. And so that's literally all it is. S-A-I-N-T-C-O-L-L-E-C-T-I-V-E M-N on Instagram. And we are a skate shop and a collective art space where we try to create good and create a space for young people to come. So, yeah, just keep an eye out for that. Follow me on that kind of stuff. And yeah, I mean, I do a lot of independent contracting work, too. So if you want something done, t-shirts, photographs, videos, you know me not to take Trey's stuff. Y'all can do that, right? Two cameras, shoot. Hey, hey, that part, you know what I'm saying? Just DM me on Instagram. It'll go to my request. I look at all my requests. I delete a lot of them. But, you know, here we are. Y'all don't just talk about it. Y'all be about it. Y'all don't talk about it. Right. I want to thank you all so much for coming in and joining us on Creativity on Tap. This has been a really fun podcast. I think one of the better ones that we've done. Just real quick, before I let y'all go, Niajeng, do you know that they now have a Best Spoken Word album in the Grammy category? And so something to think about in the future. One of our previous guests, Queen Sheba out of Atlanta, she's, I still have to edit her episode of Creativity on Tap, but I interviewed her about a month ago. And she actually is one of the finalists. And I've known her for years. And so I'm definitely plugged in with the national spoken word scene. So spoken word artists in the crew, holler at me. I can definitely help plug you guys in with some opportunities in other cities. Because that's my field. Thank you all for coming in for the listening audience. And for those viewing, I'm going to go from my right to the left. So we have J.G. Manman, emcee and performing artist extraordinaire. We have Bella, Bella Dawson, interdisciplinary artist. She blends poetry and rap. She does fashion. She does beadwork. She does metal work. And she's definitely a universal. She's a celestial. We got Saint KX, interdisciplinary artist. He does photography, spoken word, visual art. Basically, he's a one-stop shop. You need it. And if you needed to come and talk about political policy and about art policy, that's your man. He can come and talk to the young people about why they need to make sure they champion art going forward. And then Niaje, performing artist, spoken word artist, and singer. And they are all under the mentorship of the next person we're going to bring in, DJ Bionic. So thank you all for coming down, being a part of Creativity on Tap. Awesome conversation. Best of luck in your ventures, y'all. Keep representing. Welcome back to Creativity on Tap. Wonderful conversation with our young artists. And we are now here with the man himself who has been working with these young people. And they spoke so highly of you and your guidance, really, in both helping them find linear directions so that they can stay structured in their path, while at the same time giving them a wide breadth of possibility so that they didn't feel pigeonholed in one thing. Welcome, DJ Bionic, man. Thanks so much. Real quick, I'm not a DJ. You're not a DJ. I'm a producer and a composer. A DJ plays other people's music. I play all my own compositions and produce and develop artists and then support them live. So I often am not DJing at all. So why do they keep telling me DJ Bionic? Because when you see somebody standing up on stage behind a computer, that's what people think. You assume, right? It's okay. I like to keep people guessing anyway. Okay, what's up? And all those artists saying such nice things about me is really humbling. And as is usually the case, artists are underselling themselves and not realizing they're the ones with the passion, the determination, the hard work, the consistency. I'm just here. They show up over and over again. You know, so it's a real privilege to have them consider me in that way because that's the way I feel about them. They're the ones really doing the work, you know? Well, it's very, very evident that they appreciate your mentorship and guidance and using your experience and expertise to kind of give them vision really and help them. I shouldn't say give them vision. Help them see that their visions are possible is a better way of putting it. What a privilege. That was a common theme that you've helped them kind of really see, oh yeah, we can do this. This is a possibility. This is a real thing. And working with young people, you know, for the audience, you are a Compass teaching artist and you clearly have dedicated a lot of your life and time to working with and mentoring young people. And you could be doing a lot of things. So what inside you made you make time and space for working with young people? Wow. So I've only been teaching for about 10 years and it started volunteering at my son's preschool a day a week to show kids music, get them involved in making electronic, you know, music. And it was just such a natural kind of thing. I love to see people be inspired and it inspires my own art. So it's like this self-fulfilling kind of thing. And I really didn't see it coming. But I have spent my life as, you know, past over 30 years, I've been a white practitioner of black traditional art forms. So I've not only made all the comfort and all the things that I have in life off of black music. I've also been through a lot of experiential pitfalls being an artist. And so it's a natural fit to just try to pass this experiential information on to young artists. And I'm also trying to hit people that are within my wheelhouse, my discipline, artists that are doing hip hop, spoken word, R&B, black American art forms. And so just passing this knowledge on so that the new generation of artists is better equipped to get around those pitfalls, you know? Yeah, those old artists too could probably use a tip or two. They teach me is the truth too, you know, it's a reciprocal thing. So it's great. That led right into the next question I was going to ask you. You talked about what you've been able to, you know, offer them. What have you learned from working with them? I learned that naivete is one of the most powerful things about art. Not knowing what the right thing to do is, is where the new things come from. And so they're showing me new perspectives all the time, turning me on to artists that I don't know about, broadening my own perspective on my own art forms, how they change, how to how to stay relevant, how to speak to a younger group of artists and have some common ground. So they really teach me a lot. They teach me all the things that drew me to my art forms in the first place. The culture behind it, the language, the fashion, the way you carry yourself, the way you transmit your ideas. And they're the, you know, the youth is the strength and the old are the experience. And so we got to trade, we have to trade. That's what's up, man. That reminds me outside, I guess it is still art related, but Terrence Crawford is one of my favorite boxers and watching his training regimen. He talks about how he always makes sure that his training camp is full of young up and coming fighters for that exact reason. It's like, yeah, I have a lot of knowledge of what I can teach them, but they keep them hungry and they keep them coming up with a creative approach to a old problem that maybe, you know, he has his way of solving it, but then there's a way these young people, these young fighters have that he hadn't thought about. And it's how he stays hungry and stays fresh. And it sounds like that's a similar approach you're taking with music. Like it might be an old problem and you have your way of solving it in the past, but here comes this young person with a totally new line of thinking about how to solve this old problem. New perspective. And like my son who's 16 has turned me on to more great artists in the past two years than myself searching in the past 20. And so I recognize that's a perspective I need in on. You know, if I want to do this, if I want to continue to be a productive artist in my own community, you've got to change and grow. It's the one thing you can count on is change. So yeah, always be changing. And now music is, you know, it's not easy to make, it's easy to access music making resources. You know, we're both probably around the same age and, you know, two inch tape was really expensive, you know, and now, you know, 10 year olds are coming up with crazy funky vibes or crazy creative vibes with the technology we have today. I just had to learn how to use GarageBand editing just to edit podcasts. You need to know. Yes, you know, so wow. Matt, I just want to say thank you for helping these young artists get to creativity on tap, for your mentorship of them. Your work with Compass is much appreciated. I want to ask you, where do you think creativity is going next as it relates to access and resources for young people, our social political landscape, our economic landscape? How is the idea of young people having access to creativity going to survive in an environment, a society where economic resources for creating art is constantly being pulled back, at least on a federal level? So obviously Compass is an answer in a sense because Compass is the stopgap between this lack of arts education in our public schools and in our public forums and, you know, plugging artists in with these places where they can inspire people. But I really feel like I'm inspired by where creativity is going because it isn't that everyone's just on the most popular Spotify playlist listening to those songs. I see with all these young artists I work with, they are searching out independent artists with less than 10,000 listens a month. They're trying to find their own niche and their own cultural voice through these artists. And everybody isn't just toeing the line. So the idea that everybody's just on TikTok listening to the same songs, they hear those songs, but they are digging in the crates just like we did. It's just a different methodology, but it's the same impulse. So I see that and I think we got nowhere to go but up because people are, they're searching outside of the curve and looking for those unique voices that are going to inspire them. So I'm excited about where the future is going for art because I see so many young people that are pioneering right now. And I know in five or 10 years, they're going to be the next foundational level that is feeding what's going on. So it's cool and exciting. We had four of them in this room. Hey, I just want to say too, you asking those artists those questions is really important. And in a world where people don't feel very important to be an artist and have somebody ask you about your process, your intent, your discovery is a big deal. And these people deserve to feel important. They're passionate. They're consistent. They're the epitome of what artists are to me. So having that recognition just makes me feel so, so good to see that. Well, I'm honored that I was able to be a part of it. It's very nostalgic for me. I remember having opportunity to be them at 25 and 26 and 27 and 28 and luckily at that point in time, technology was just making it a way where us young aspiring artists could do radio interviews. It wasn't podcasts, but KFAI welcomed us, KMOJ welcomed us, public radio welcomed us, gave us a voice. And back then it was the Fuoss and the Truth Maze and the Pencil and EduPoetic. And so I told them, I said, it's heartwarming to see the evolution of creativity and yet the camaraderie of collaborative creativity still exists and then be representing for your peers on a communal, for a whole community of peers. And so I'm honored to have that opportunity. And so thank you so much for your work with them and helping them find that cohesion so that we could bring these things full circle while at the same time advancing them. Amazing. No one better than you to ask them those questions too. And with your experience and your insight, you're the kind of artist they need to meet in their community so that they know there's these support pillars that have been through it and that can guide me when I don't know what's going to happen. So appreciate you too, man. Likewise. I'm going to ask one more question and then we're going to close and I'm going to ask you the same question I asked them. If you could describe what creativity means to you in one sentence, what would it be? I guess I could do it in one word. I would say growth. Creativity equals growth. So self-expression, self-discovery, self-value, where we are in the universe and how we're perceived. I really feel like we find out all that. We grow in that way through art as the lens. Well, may we forever continue to be creatives then. Definitely and grow. Yes, indeed. Thank you, Bionic, for bringing your mentees down and for coming in. You have been listening to Creativity on Tap with Compass. Creativity on Tap is a series of conversations produced by Compass about the value and importance of creativity. This year, Compass turns 50. That's half a century of putting creativity into the hands of millions of Minnesotans. We are working really hard to ensure we'll be doing this for 50 more. Creativity on Tap is part of Creativity Saves the World, a year-long initiative led by Compass to explore the role creativity can and must play in solving the unique challenges of this era. For more information about Compass and how creativity saves the world, please visit compass.org. That's C-O-M-P-A-S.org. Special thank you to the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Podcast Studios. For more information about the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder news publication, please go to www.spokesman-recorder.com. Spokesman Recorder on YouTube also offers more programming from the Spokesman Recorder Podcast Studio. Please go to their Spokesman Recorder content page. For Compass and Creativity on Tap, I'm your host, Frank Centrale. Peace.