S15 E4: Karl Bielik

So here’s a couple of questions for y'all…how much do you think improvisation, self-consciousness and self-belief are connected? How do you get into that flow state where inhibitions are shed? And can an improv state of mind be a skill that can be learned?

I’m asking this with a bit of self interest as I have two practices that I’ve approached from completely different directions – cello and graphic design. And I am, as usual, probably overthinking things, but I do wonder how these work alongside my natural instincts.

Karl Bielik makes art and music, both of which, to me at least, feel rooted in a mind where lawlessness, turbulence and spontaneity rule. I really enjoy the feeling of dislocation and uncertainty and surprise from listening to his music and it feels like improvisation and experimentation plays a strong part in his work.

Earlier this year, his music project, Lark, released its first album for 7 years. It’s called Be Still and it’s another beautifully unpredictable, unnerving collection of ideas and inventiveness that, like the rest of the catalogue, displaces me, yet draws me back in.

This is a really fun and enlightening chat and I hope you learn as much from Karl as I did.

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I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

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