Start / ProducerHead / 031 bold enough to be yourself mark de clive lowe part 1

031. Bold Enough To Be Yourself: Mark de Clive-Lowe, Part 1

37 min • 16 april 2025

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Introduction

In Part 1 of our conversation, Mark de Clive-Lowe shares his insights on developing musical taste, maintaining artistic authenticity, and the journey toward mastery. He discusses the importance of developing one's unique voice rather than following industry trends, the value of good mentorship, and his personal journey of reconnecting with his Japanese heritage. From his thoughts on gatekeeping as quality control to exploring how artists can stay true to themselves while navigating the music industry, Mark offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what it means to be an artist in today's landscape.

About Mark de Clive-Lowe

Mark de Clive-Lowe, often known as MDCL, is a half-Japanese, half-New Zealander artist who has masterfully bridged the worlds of jazz and electronic music for over two decades. Known for his innovative approach to merging acoustic instrumentation with electronic production and live sampling, he's been an influential figure in the broken beat scene and has collaborated with numerous respected artists across the jazz and electronic spectrum. Recently relocating to Japan, Mark has been exploring his cultural heritage through his music, creating deeply personal projects that showcase his unique musical voice.

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Episode Highlights

Throughout the episode we discuss:

* How to develop good taste in music and recognize quality beyond conventional metrics

* The balance between technical skill and artistic expression

* The importance of artistic authenticity and having the confidence to defy industry expectations

* How gatekeeping can serve as valuable quality control in an era of unlimited access

* The patience required for artistic development and why a musical career is "a marathon, not a sprint"

* Mark's journey of reconnecting with his Japanese heritage and how it transformed his music

* The distinction between creating for industry success versus cultural contribution

* The importance of finding one's unique voice and artistic community

Three Meaningful Takeaways

* Artistic Authenticity Matters: Having the courage to create without bending to industry trends or metrics allows artists to develop their unique voice and make genuine contributions to culture.

* Finding Your Voice Is Transformative: When Mark began incorporating his Japanese heritage into his music, he experienced a profound shift where he felt "this is me" for the first time – demonstrating how personal authenticity can elevate artistic expression.

* Quality Over Virality: True artistic development requires patience, self-awareness, and a focus on meaningful creation rather than chasing viral success or immediate recognition.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Producerhead and Mark de Clive-Lowe

01:15 The Complexity of Simplicity in Music

03:15 Developing Good Taste in Music

06:11 The Role of Gatekeepers in the Music Industry

08:46 Patience and the Journey of Musicians

11:12 Self-Awareness and Knowing When You're Ready

19:25 Return to Roots: Exploring Identity and Ancestry

25:29 The Impact of Vulnerability in Artistic Expression

30:29 Balancing Technical Skill and Artistic Expression

References from the Interview

Albums: