In this episode of Ear Expansion, the spotlight is on Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn, a music historian, writer and DJ from West Baltimore. This conversation delves into his musical journey from early experimentation in hip-hop production through his entry into writing and finally his establishment of the cow:Music label through Astral Spirits Records. Gabriel reflects on the profound influence of his family and cultural heritage on his artistic path, emphasizing a personal, non-traditional approach to music criticism. The conversation extends into the significance of a black-owned label and the challenges faced in organizing events. Throughout, Gabriel emphasizes the power of music to provide solace and community and his interdisciplinary efforts through the cow:Arts program, which aims to bridge various art forms. The episode concludes with a heartfelt discussion of sound's emotional impacts, with hopes for future collaborations fostering a deep, shared appreciation for artistic expression.