Welcome to the Cloud Machine Podcast! Your backstage pass to the creative industry, brought to you by Eights Creative, the agency redefining live performance.

In this episode, host Mat Landry is joined by indie pop artist Akeem Oh as he returns to the podcast to celebrate the release of his new single, “Fomotion”—his first release in years. Akeem opens up about the inspiration behind the track, how it blends themes of FOMO and being outside the mainstream, and why it’s his freshest and most danceable track yet. Mat and Akeem reflect on his growth as an artist, their long-standing collaboration, and what it’s like to return to music after a hiatus. Tune in for a fun, insightful conversation packed with creative sparks and musical wisdom.

📖 Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:36 - Akeem’s favourite live show, Radiohead

00:05:08 - what makes lives experience memorable, easing into the show

00:08:45 - Looks & cooperation VS Talent (quote segment)

00:11:45 - authenticity, women & diversity in music

00:13:39 - where is the industry going?

00:15:15 - inspiration for Akeem’s new single - FOMOTION | Pandemic, FOMO & friendships.

00:18:04 - taking time off & growing before releasing music

00:21:00 - Akeem’s fan mail campaign

00:24:30 - writing and production changes from previous work

00:29:30 - Taking a break, growing confidence, longevity of bands

00:37:00 - Finding confidence & feeling comfortable as yourself

00:38:38 - Akeem’s future projects

00:42:30 - experiences shaping FOMOTION | disappearing & vices

00:45:45 - staying relevant in an evolving indie pop scene

00:48:36 - general tips for creative block

00:53:20 - Dream fest game | Black Eyed Peas, Neil Young, Paul McCartney

01:01:00 - Outro

🔗 Stay Connected:

Follow Akeem on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akeemohmusic

Follow Mat Landry: https://www.instagram.com/matlandry_/

Follow Eights: https://www.instagram.com/eightscreative/

Follow Eights Network: https://www.instagram.com/eightsnetwork/

Join the Eights Network Discord: Connect with like-minded creatives, ask questions, and gain insider perspectives in the industry. Join here: https://discord.com/channels/1254855233348177921/1254998795389898774

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Cloud Machine is produced by Eights Creative - https://www.eightscreative.com/

Many thanks to LMDSolutions for their support & resources.

Welcome to the Cloud Machine podcast! Your backstage pass to the creative industry, brought to you by Eights Creative, the agency pushing boundaries in live performance.

In this episode, host Mat Landry is joined by Alex DiMauro, a key member of the Toronto-based band, Valley. Fresh off the release of their third album, "Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden," Alex shares an inside look at the band's creative journey, his role within Valley, and the making of their latest record. They discuss the artistic process behind the album, the challenges and triumphs of being in a band, and what it’s like to bring their music to life on tour. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, collaboration, and the music industry.

📖 Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:30 - Catching up post-album release

00:02:40 - Alex’s favourite band, meeting Green Day story

00:09:00 - authenticity & making live experiences memorable (Good clip)

00:14:00 - Looks & cooperation VS Talent (quote segment)

00:18:40 - new developments in the music industry, new wave of authenticity (good clip)

00:22:50 - the meaning behind Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden (good clip)

00:25:40 - the writing process of Valley’s new album, band changes

00:30:10 - writing in a cabin in the woods

00:36:30 - key messages in Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden

00:39:00 - Alex’s favourite track on the new album

00:41:20 - Reception of the album

00:43:08 - Live translation of Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden

00:47:25 - Touring stories

00:50:10 - balancing band member responsibilities

00:54:45 - Valley & Alex’s upcoming plans

00:58:10 - Advice for beginning musicians & comparison

01:02:00 - The Dreamfest game

01:08:00 - Outro

🔗 Stay Connected:

Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdimauro1

Follow Mat Landry: https://www.instagram.com/matlandry_/

Follow Valley: https://www.instagram.com/valleyband/

Follow Eights: https://www.instagram.com/eightscreative/

Follow Eights Network: https://www.instagram.com/eightsnetwork/

Join the Eights Network Discord: Connect with like-minded creatives, ask questions, and gain insider perspectives in the industry. Join here: https://discord.com/channels/1254855233348177921/1254998795389898774

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Cloud Machine is produced by Eights Creative - https://www.eightscreative.com/

Many thanks to LMDSolutions for their support & resources.

Welcome to the Cloud Machine podcast! Your backstage pass to the creative industry, brought to you by Eights Creative, the agency pushing boundaries in live performance.

In this episode, host Mat Landry is joined by Nate Day, co-founder of Eights Creative. Together, they dive into the latest updates on Eights Creative’s journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of growing a creative agency. They share insights on the evolution of their vision, the impact of recent projects, and what’s next for Eights as they continue to push the boundaries of live music experiences.

📖 Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

1:50 - Catching up

3:26 - How Eights has changed in the past year

8:25 - Unexpected lessons from running Eights (good clip)

15:10 - Eights’ evolving creative process, collaboration vs direction

20:50 - Expanding into new markets & services, expanding to the US

27:10 - Eights’ milestones, The Beaches & Valley Toronto show

32:42 - Eights’ impact on Nate and Mat’s personal life

44:00 - Eights next goals

48:10 - Rapid Qs - fav bands, fav post-show snack, dream Eights project, oh s*** moments

1:06:30 - not drumming, feeling creatively fulfilled

1:12:20 - Perfect day off

1:18:00 - outro

🔗 Stay Connected:

Follow Nate Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateday_/ Follow Mat Landry: https://www.instagram.com/matlandry_/

Follow Eights: https://www.instagram.com/eightscreative/

Follow Eights Network: https://www.instagram.com/eightsnetwork/

Join the Eights Network Discord: Connect with like-minded creatives, ask questions, and gain insider perspectives in the industry. Join here: https://discord.com/channels/1254855233348177921/1254998795389898774

👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Cloud Machine is produced by Eights Creative - https://www.eightscreative.com/

Many thanks to LMDSolutions for their support & resources.