State Of Flux

King Green (RDGLDGRN, The King Green Show)

We are excited to share an incredibly insightful episode featuring King Green (RDGLDGRN, The King Green Show). We dive into his eclectic career, beginning from humble local fame to viral stardom with 'I Love Lamp.' Through the highs and lows, King Green provides an in-depth perspective on the music industry.
We touch on his collaborations with industry giants like Dave Grohl and Pharrell, as RDGLDGRN navigated the major label system. The conversation delves into the essence of D.C’s Go-Go sound, the community-driven success behind RDGLDGRN, and King Green's philosophy on music, work ethic, and technology.
Experience a roller-coaster ride of hard-won lessons and vivid experiences. This episode also features a unique peek into King Green's creative process during the pandemic era, his innovative TikTok presence, and his highly anticipated venture – The King Green Show.
Be prepared for an enlightening reveal into the evolution of the music industry from classic hip-hop to the era of technological dominance. This episode touches on changing societal norms, upcoming technologies like AI, and what it meant to be an artist through past eras and into today.
On a concluding note, this discussion encourages artists to stay authentic and  emphasizing the importance of the journey over fame.
Tune in for an enriching narrative on music, artistry, and technology's exciting evolution.
Follow King Green: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingxgreen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingxgreen
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatK_NkmRIShM_rL8Qwj7nQ
Follow RDGLDGRN: 
Website: https://www.rdgldgrn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdgldgrn
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eUNUYMdI57xpVu0l2Qlm3?si=heQ88nWVTfqjfNTCe58MJw
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVKRxouxn8Z01pIvlb3Q8A
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov.

Chris Hess (SWIMM, Youngest Man In LA)

The State of Flux podcast presents Chris Hess, popular musician and writer known for his association with the band Swimm. Discover his musical journey that spans from the shores of Satellite Beach, Florida, to the glitzy world of Los Angeles. Listen to him recount tales of performance breakthroughs, valuable creative partnerships, and the joys and hardships of establishing a unique sound. Tune in to explore the impact of relocating, overcoming imposter syndrome, and music scene adaptations during the pandemic. Dive into the transformational art scene, their memorable ventures, and strategic brand collaborations and partnerships that forged their path to success. Delve into the intricacies of imposter syndrome and Chris' transition into fiction writing, leading to the creation of his platform "Youngest Man in LA". Get ready to be inspired by this riveting journey in the world of music and writing.
 
Follow Chris: 
Youngest Man In LA: https://chrishess.substack.com/
SWIMM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tLb7wQ0nbvoqx2ZOiLOfX?si=Dv_jwkZcRtWnBMQ-jITmbA
Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swimm/
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov.

Max Kulchinsky (Visual Artist)

In this episode of the State of Flux podcast, NYC-based visual artist Max Kulchinksy takes us on his life journey, highlighting his dedication and determination amid difficulties and takes us through his shift from music to art. A self-taught artist, Max reflects on the challenging feats of pushing through self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, proving that formal education isn't the only way to build one's skills.
We explore the life of an artist, discussing the importance of consistency, patience, self improvement and overcoming societal pressures to remain true to one's craft. Drawing on many pivotal moments, Max sheds light on his approach to continuous learning and the importance of embracing the process and challenging fears. He also opens up about his experiences in stained glass making, formal and self-education, as well as the values that shaped his creative endeavors.
In a deep dive into the world of NFTs, Max reflects on its significant impact on expanding his art reach. Despite economic struggles associated with the NFT hype, he discusses the limitless opportunities and potential that blockchain holds for authenticating art, emphasizing his commitment to merging physical and digital art for enriched experiences.
Delving into Max’s early life amidst turbulent societal changes, we explore how the rise of antisemitism led to him confronting and understanding his fears. He shares how this journey inspired a unique artistic path, incorporating the controversial swastika symbol into his art and sparking dialogues on antisemitism. The conversation wraps up with his "Watcher" symbol, highlighting his unique journey and perspective.
This conversation serves to inspire anyone looking to pursue artistic endeavors, emphasizing sincerity, resilience, originality, and the power of storytelling. Join us as we delve into the highs and lows of life as a visual artist, offering an honest depiction of the creative journey in all its raw beauty and challenges.
Follow Max: 
Website: https://goodluck.world/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxkulchinsky
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maxkulchinsky
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov.

Lueda Alia (Artist, Producer, Entrepreneur)

We’re starting the year off with a dose of inspiration courtesy of Lueda Alia. She was kind enough to share her incredible story - from immigrating to Canada at a young age and finding her community on music forums, to running one of the biggest music sites in the world and starting her own agency. All while studying and working in mental health full time. We get to see how those two things coincide in her journey and Lueda also provides incredible insight on the importance of finding your “Why” as an artist. 
 
About Lueda Alia 
Shortly after moving to Canada in 2001, Lueda joined AbsolutePunk.net where she would become Senior Editor. It was during this time, at the rise of the big blog wave, that she helped introduce and establish a novel idea: music streaming access to the public. 
Lueda went on to found Made of Chalk, a collective who focused on editorial content and creating high-definition concert videos at Chalk TV studio and venues in Chicago. She brought together artists, labels, venues, productions and partnerships, garnering the attention of television networks and media outlets, including NBC, MTV, VICE, AV Club, Exclaim!, in a few short months.
She joined forces with Ryan Graveface to develop the in-house PR firm Noisy Ghost for his label Graveface Records, and later, its success led to an invitation to join 24West (now acquired by NGAGENCY).
After a decade of discovering, developing and working with record labels, artists, festivals, brands and collectives, Lueda started the creative agency Smoke & Mirrors Consulting, Inc where she is now a collaborator, producer and mentor for artists. She is also now working as a writer, producer, and voice actor in the film industry. 
Follow Lueda: 
Website: https://iamlueda.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alueda
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov.

Randy Nichols and Rob Abelow (Music Industry Disruptors)

For our final podcast of the year, we were fortunate enough to be joined by two of the most forward thinking minds in the music industry - Randy Nichols and Rob Abelow. We reviewed the most important innovations in the industry in 2023 and discussed what we're all excited for in the biz for next year. 
Topics covered include AI, Blockchain, Ticketing, Livestreaming, Social Media, and Streaming. 
 
About Randy Nichols
Randy Nichols is a thought leader and lifelong learner in music and tech. He manages Underoath, The Almost, The Starting Line and more. He's been a strategic consultant for innovative music tech startups including BandsInTown, Moment House, Propeller, AtVenu, and Immensity. He's also on the board for the National Independent Talent Organization and a member of the Eleven75 Collective. 
Follow Randy: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randynicholsny/Twitter: https://twitter.com/forcemm
 
About Rob Abelow
Rob Abelow is the founder of Where Music’s Going, where he empowers artists and builders with strategic insights and the latest tech innovations to build sustainable audiences. His journey spans over 15 years in the trenches with artists at Roll Call Records & Management, operationalizing creative visions. 
Follow Rob: 
Newsletter: https://www.wheremusicsgoing.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelowRobLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robabelow/
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov.

Mikhail Grabovski (Former NHL Player)

The State of Flux podcast has an extra special guest this month - former NHL star and current Flux88 partner, Mikhail Grabovski. We’re also joined by Flux88 partner, Blake Armstrong as cohost. This episode dives into youth athletics,the significance of diet and preparation, the importance of looking after your mental health, and how AI is influencing coaching, scouting, and training at the highest level of sports.
Really excited to share this one with you guys! 
About Mikhail Grabovski 
Mikhail Grabovski has played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and most recently, the New York Islanders.
Grabovski was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2004. After helping Montreal's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate; the Hamilton Bulldogs win the AHL Calder Cup Championship during the 2006-07 season, Grabovski was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He finished his first full season in Toronto leading all NHL Eastern Conference rookies in scoring with 20 goals and 48 points. Grabovski's display of excellence continued as he racked up 58 points in the 2010-11 season, which was the highest among Maple Leaf centremen since Mats Sundin's 78 points in the 2007-08 season. 
Despite being one of the smaller players on the ice, Grabovski's skill and tenacity have always made him a fan favourite.
Since his retirement, Mikhail has found success as both a coach and an entrepreneur. 
Follow Mikhail Grabovski on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialgrabo
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Episode Co-hosted by Blake Armstrong.
 
Intro contains music from "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov 

Behind The Lil Thrashers Universe! (Jimmy Lazer and Jesse Korman)

This month, Jimmy Lazer and Jesse Korman stopped by to give us a full behind the scenes look at the Lil Thrashers Universe. We spoke about the origins of the expansive cartoon universe, how to cover "all the hats" with a very small team, the innovative "Beat-To-Short" writing approach we've adapted for the series, and so much more. 
Welcome to Grimstone! 
About Lil Thrashers (as told by series creator, Jimmy Lazer)
Lil Thrashers was born from a love of cartoons and heavy metal - A match made in hell haha. Anyway, I've learned a lot of my most valuable life lessons from playing in bands over the years. Now that I am a dad, it's been exciting to share these lessons and interests with my young son. Lil Thrashers was sort of a one-off thing, wanting to have a Covid project that involved music while the world was separated- but it's evolved into much more than that, and really it's just been an amazing way to collaborate with like minded artists and musicians from all around. The goal is to capture the essence of that shared experience we call the heavy metal scene, the kinship of playing music with other weirdos who 'get you', and hopefully also capturing a smidge of the silliness and fun that we all indulge in even when we are trying hard to be super serious.
Follow Lil Thrashers:
Watch the New Short "No Weenies Allowed" - Web: lilthrashers.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcVcM1KAGejmgyWIVGtcsHgInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/lilthrashersTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilthrashers
Follow The Team
Napalm Rainbow | Flux-88
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo.
Intro contains music from:
"Plan A" by Dmytro Somov "Excuse Me Cat" by Geoff Harvey "Displace" by Danny Greenwood

Andre Howard (Music Industry Vet, Filmmaker)

Andre Howard has built a career as an innovator and disruptor in the music industry for two plus decades. He dropped a ton of knowledge in this interview about being relentless, pushing through innovation, how artists need to connect with fans in 2023, and why being an adjunct professor of music business at NYU has him so excited about what the next generation of music business professionals are going to accomplish. Hope you enjoy it!
 
Andre Howard
Andre Howard kick started his career at Def Jam's A&R department before moving into artist management with Family Tree Entertainment and Violator, collaborating with notable figures like Fantasia, Missy Elliott, Pharoahe Monch, and Busta Rhymes. He founded his own agency, The Media Music Inc., focusing on aiding artist management and marketing teams. This phase saw collaborations with Shady/Aftermath, Reebok/RBK, ESPN Games, HBO, seeking product placements, sync/licensing opportunities, and music production and distribution.
 
After rejoining Universal Music, he ventured into eCommerce and artist management. He later moved to Republic Records, making a substantial impact as an in-house Metadata Manager, notably contributing to Jack Johnson's innovative "From Here To Now To You" visual album as well as The Weeknd’s “Kiss Land”, Drake, Lil Wayne and other projects.
 
During his time at eOne/MNRK Music, Andre spearheaded digital and commerce initiatives across diverse projects. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the success of Brandy's "b7," which secured the top spot on Billboard's Indie charts. Additionally, he led the global re-release of Dr. Dre's groundbreaking album "The Chronic" on digital streaming platforms, successfully launched on April 20th, 2021.
 
At Warner/ADA, he managed commercial endeavors for artists such as Central Cee ("Doja" - platinum single), YoungBoy Never Broke Again ("From The Bayou" - Gold album / "Blackball" - Platinum single), Bonnie Raitt, Papa Roach, Sada Baby, Dylan Conrique, and Saint JHN ("Roses" - 3x platinum single), among others.
 
Currently the Head of Commerce at UnitedMasters, Andre guides partner artists in shaping their commerce narratives, driving fan acquisition, engagement, and streaming. He collaborates closely with UnitedMasters' Brand, Sync, and Product teams to establish the company as a leader in pop culture.
 
In addition, Andre serves as an Adjunct Professor at NYU's Tisch School of Arts and The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. He was also recognized as one of Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players in 2021.
 
Follow Dre Online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drehoward/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drehow
And check out the trailer for "Risk Takers",  his upcoming documentary on the business of Hip Hop - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XvQ9q0u59Y
 
Follow Flux88
Newsletter: Flux88.substack.com
Website: flux-88.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fluxeightyeight
TikTok: tiktok.com/@flux88_studios
YouTube: youtube.com/@flux88studios
 
Episode Hosted by Rich Nardo
Intro contains music from the track "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov as provided through motionarray.com.

Brittany Brave (Comedian, Actress, Entrepreneur)

We were lucky enough to have comedian Brittany Brave share some amazing advice on how she's been able to successfully build her career on her own terms. We dive into creating your own opportunities, mental health challenges, and why it's a good thing if you're questioning yourself. Moral of the story, keep going!
Brittany is a comedian, actress, radio host, and entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida.
You can check her out on the interwebs here:TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brittanybravecomedyInstagram: www.instagram.com/brittanybraveTwitter: twitter.com/BritBraveIMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm10700024/
And you can shoot Flux88 a follow below:Newsletter: flux88.substack.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/fluxeightyeight/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@flux88_studiosYouTube: www.youtube.com/@flux88studiosWebsite: flux-88.com
Intro contains music from the track "Plan A" by Dmytro Somov as provided through motionarray.com.

Jesse Korman (Filmmaker, Photographer, The Number 12 Looks Like You)

This month, we were lucky enough to be joined by the "Swiss Army Knife of Hustle" himself, Jesse Korman.
Jesse is a filmmaker, musician, writer, director, photographer, producer, and entrepreneur. His band The Number 12 Looks Like You are legends in the mathcore world, he's a creative producer at Yale Entertainment, and an in-demand music video director for his outfit, Napalm Rainbow.
We chatted how Jesse (somehow!) manages to juggle such a crazy plate of projects and still put out phenomenal work, the power of connecting with like-minded hustlers, growing up in the heavy music scene, and just generally GREAT advice for people trying to build a career in the creative field. Enjoy!
You can follow Jesse on Socials Here:Website: www.jessekorman.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessekorman/IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm6399349/