In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world&apos;s biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration.Key Highlights:<ul><li>The Power of Presence: Why being grounded on stage is the secret to creating a truly transformative experience for a crowd.</li><li>Connection Over Impression: Shifting the focus from playing a set to connecting with the soul of the audience.</li><li>Storytelling in Music: How Annicka uses house, soul, and funk vibrations to tell a narrative of love and inspiration.</li></ul>Connect with Annicka <ul><li>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/foreverannicka/'>@foreverannicka</a></li><li>Stream Her Sets: <a href='https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf '>https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf </a></li></ul> Connect with the Show<ul><li>Hosts: Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko</li><li>Producer: Claire Duncan</li><li>Instagram: <a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'>@chaosandcreativitypodcast</a></li></ul>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world&amp;apos;s biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Key Highlights:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;The Power of Presence:&lt;/b&gt; Why being grounded on stage is the secret to creating a truly transformative experience for a crowd.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connection Over Impression:&lt;/b&gt; Shifting the focus from playing a set to connecting with the soul of the audience.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Storytelling in Music:&lt;/b&gt; How Annicka uses house, soul, and funk vibrations to tell a narrative of love and inspiration.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with Annicka &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/foreverannicka/'&gt;@foreverannicka&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stream Her Sets:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a href='https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf '&gt;https://youtu.be/vbyIioz2yfE?si=MmklxMZXqGUQ15xf &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Connect with the Show&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Hosts:&lt;/b&gt; Kimi Recor and Lou Lesko&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Producer:&lt;/b&gt; Claire Duncan&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'&gt;@chaosandcreativitypodcast&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</description>

In this episode, Kimi and Lou sit down with Annicka Ekvall, a Swedish-American DJ and producer making major waves in the minimal melodic house scene. Closely associated with Insomniac, Annicka has performed on the world's biggest stages, including EDC, Coachella and Burning Man. She joins us to discuss the magic of staying grounded while playing for thousands and why her newest role, being a mom to a baby girl is her greatest blessing and inspiration. Key Highlights: The Power of Presence: Wh...

Annicka Ekvall: Music, Connection & Becoming a Mom

How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work?In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence.Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi share how they personally deal with criticism and why honest feedback has become an important part of their creative process.They also discuss how preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference when receiving criticism. Being grounded, well rested and open can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.If you are a creative trying to grow, build confidence and make better work, this episode is for you.Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp; Creativity on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'>Instagram</a>. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

<description>&lt;p&gt;How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi share how they personally deal with criticism and why honest feedback has become an important part of their creative process.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They also discuss how preparing yourself mentally can make a big difference when receiving criticism. Being grounded, well rested and open can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are a creative trying to grow, build confidence and make better work, this episode is for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp;amp; Creativity on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

How do you handle criticism when you are deeply connected to your work? In this episode, Lou and Kimi talk about what it really feels like to receive feedback as a creative. Whether you are an artist, producer, designer, writer or entrepreneur, learning how to take criticism can be the key to growing your ideas and your confidence. Creatives often become emotionally attached to their work, which can make it hard to know if something is actually good or needs more development. Lou and Kimi sha...

How to Take Criticism as a Creative

In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin.Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called <a href='https://www.instagram.com/painmagazineband/?hl=en'>Painmagazine</a>, so be sure to check them out.Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and explains how electronic music is built, from the first idea to the final track.Growing up listening to jazz, soul, funk, and reggae, Kieran pulls inspiration from a wide range of genres. He shares how those influences shape his sound and why the building blocks of music matter. Ultimately it is how you put those pieces together that makes a track unique.We also dive into how DJs and producers create electronic music, the creative mindset behind music production, and the many moving parts most people never see behind a track. We also talk about the evolution of the electronic music industry and whether the growing commercialization of electronic music is helping or hurting the space.If you are curious about how DJs make music, the creative process behind electronic music, or the future of the electronic music scene, this episode gives you an inside look into the mind of an up and coming DJ.Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp; Creativity on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'>Instagram</a>. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/painmagazineband/?hl=en'&gt;Painmagazine&lt;/a&gt;, so be sure to check them out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and explains how electronic music is built, from the first idea to the final track.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Growing up listening to jazz, soul, funk, and reggae, Kieran pulls inspiration from a wide range of genres. He shares how those influences shape his sound and why the building blocks of music matter. Ultimately it is how you put those pieces together that makes a track unique.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We also dive into how DJs and producers create electronic music, the creative mindset behind music production, and the many moving parts most people never see behind a track. We also talk about the evolution of the electronic music industry and whether the growing commercialization of electronic music is helping or hurting the space.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are curious about how DJs make music, the creative process behind electronic music, or the future of the electronic music scene, this episode gives you an inside look into the mind of an up and coming DJ.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp;amp; Creativity on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we talk all things music, DJ culture, and the creative process behind electronic music with rising DJ and producer Kieran Kerwin. Before the interview, Kimi shares exciting news from tour. She has officially joined a new band in France called Painmagazine, so be sure to check them out. Kieran is not only a talented electronic music producer and DJ, he also created the intro and outro music for our podcast. In this conversation, he takes us inside his creative process and expl...

Kieran Kerwin: The Creative Process Behind Electronic Music 

In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you&apos;re juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable.They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more creative.Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp; Creativity on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'>Instagram</a>. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you&amp;apos;re juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more creative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp;amp; Creativity on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this mini episode, Kimi and Lou talk about why staying organized is honestly one of the most important parts of being a creative professional. When you're juggling multiple projects, ideas, and deadlines, having some kind of system makes everything way more manageable. They share what’s actually worked for them over the years, from simple habits to tools that help them stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Organization doesn’t make you less creative, it gives you the space to be more cre...

Organized Chaos: How Creatives Stay on Track

In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography.We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create personalized, high performance cars. Michael also dives into the creative process behind editorial photography, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of lighting, timing, location, and logistics.Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the value of adaptability, strong creative relationships, and how “luck” often comes from years of preparation and hard work.Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp; Creativity on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'>Instagram</a>. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of &lt;em&gt;Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods&lt;/em&gt;, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create personalized, high performance cars. Michael also dives into the creative process behind editorial photography, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving under pressure, and the importance of lighting, timing, location, and logistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Throughout the conversation, Michael highlights the value of adaptability, strong creative relationships, and how “luck” often comes from years of preparation and hard work.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Stay tuned for more Chaos &amp;amp; Creativity on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/chaosandcreativitypodcast/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;. And remember, always act a little cooler than you feel.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we talk with Michael Alan Ross, photographer, author of Porsche Outlaws: Stuttgart Hot Rods, and longtime creative professional. Michael shares his journey from a 25-year career as a musician to becoming a respected photographer after landing a singing role in a Ford commercial that introduced him to photography. We explore the world of Porsche Outlaws, where Porsche models are customized through weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and performance enhancements to create pe...

Michael Alan Ross: Porsche Outlaws 

Musician Kimi Recor and writer/director Lou Lesko bring you conversations with the outliers and outlaws of the creative industries. Twice a month Kimi and Lou discuss the creative industries through the lens of their experiences and interviews with independent musicians, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and artists. Chaos and Creativity is produced by Claire Duncan with music by Kieran Kerwin.

Chaos and Creativity

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