(im)perfect: Recent Episodes
(im)perfect
a conversation about artistic process featuring up & coming artists around the world with your hosts kara bartek and rebecca nisco. embrace the (im)perfect process.
“In a bid to be free, I created a whole new music project where I didn’t expect people to associate Nysza with any cultural identity. I didn’t expect people to know where Nysza came from,” says this week’s featured artist Ananya Panwar, who isn’t bound to just one artistic discipline. As a singer, poet, composer, performance scientist, and advocate for climate change, Ananya’s voice shines through her work in every capacity. She’s also one of the co-founders of Gaia’s Garden, a volunteer-created intersectional community garden that programs workshops, performances, and community events that help to bring people together. We talk everything from her newest release “She Loves Me”, how the Internet influences the creation of art, and the inspiration behind Gaia’s Garden.
Check out Ananya's work below:
ig: @itsnysza
gaia's garden: @gaiasgardenldn
check out her newest single "she loves me"
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
it was truly a pleasure sitting down and talking with london-based fine artist somunachima, whose stunning portraitures of black women have recently been exhibiting in galleries and public spaces in london. tune in as we discuss somunachima's artistic journey, where she turns for inspiration, and how she created while isolating. there's something for everyone in this episode, so go ahead and give it a listen!
“Life just doesn’t start at 17, it continues for many years and you can do so many different things” says DC based actor and crocheter Jordan Essex. Currently touring the country with Olney Theatre’s National Players, Jordan joins us for a beautiful conversation filled with inspiring anecdotes, sage advice, and plenty of laughs. Be sure to give it a listen and check out his work linked below!
Check out Jordan’s work!
jordan’s Instagram: @jc.essex jordan’s crochet creations: @jordan.crochet check out the National Players: https://www.olneytheatre.org/national-players
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com check out our brand new website follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic music by rebecca nisco album art by kara bartek
this week we are joined by puerto rican composer johanny navarro! tune in as we discuss how johanny started writing for opera and all her incredible new projects coming up! we also get into what it's like to be an artist and how johanny discovered herself through her music. truly, this is a conversation that will resonate with anyone, so go ahead, give it a listen and let us know what you think! we hope you enjoy.
check out johanny and her work:
https://johannynavarro.com
ig: @johannyivelisse
american lyric theatre: https://www.altnyc.org
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
we are so very lucky to have the magnificent yarli allison on the show for this week's episode! we talk everything from yarli's work in sculpture, virtual reality, and 3D spaces to discovering a place of belonging through deep-rooted memories. it was truly such a beautiful and enlightening conversation, you're not going to want to miss this one!
check out yarli's work here!
yarli's instagram: @yarliallison
yarli's website: http://yarliallison.com
yarli's work is currently on view at FACT Liverpool & ICA London - check it out if you're in the area!
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
“camera and lighting reveal so much more sometimes than words” says gaffer and cinematographer marine brion. it was such a fun time chatting with marine about her craft and the power of lighting (pun intended!) in film. from sharing anecdotes from some of her favorite projects to explaining what it's like “fighting the sun” (yes, you read that right), this week’s episode gives so much insight on marine’s field and how you can express yourself through lighting.
check out marine and her work:
instagram: @marinebri0n website: www.marinebrion.com questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com check out our brand new website follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic music by rebecca nisco album art by kara bartek
community, collaboration, & connection- these are the things that inspire the work of doddi el-gabry, founder of the distribution start-up, CINEBUR, and budding filmmaker. in this super in-depth conversation, we really get into the “magic of cinema” and what that means to doddi as well as an open discussion about art and process that leads us down all sorts of existential paths! we also learn more about CINEBUR and how social movie-going helps to inspire ideas, spark conversations, and ultimately helps build a sense of community. to learn more about CINEBUR and doddi, check out the links below!
check out doddi and CINEBUR!
doddi’s instagram: @doddielgabry
cinebur
cinebur on instagram: @cinebur
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week we had the utmost pleasure to interview cherin! this brooklyn-based duo band, comprised of maiya toren and lucas saur, are equal parts great music and great aesthetic. you really can’t go wrong when your producer and artistic director are the band. so if you like dreamy, shoe-gazy, bedroom-pop indie music with a strong aesthetic than cherin is for you! don’t miss the special announcements that come up during this conversation, filled with insights on how they write their music, their influences, and tackle creative work outside of the band. (and if you’re a sushi fan, stay tuned to the end).
instagram: @cherin.wav
youtube: Cherin
spotify: Cherin
apple music: Cherin
follow maiya on insta! @maiya.toren
follow lucas on insta! @lucas.saur
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week we are joined by incredible film & video game composer and human being shar joyner! we get into all sorts of things like shar’s beautiful musical journey, what it means to be creative, and how to step out of your comfort zone. there’s just so many good things from this conversation with such talented people (ifyky). join us for plenty of laughs, some fantastic advice, and just an overall good time with the one and only shar joyner!
check out shar and her work!
shar’s instagram: @sharmakesepicmusic
shar’s website: https://sharjcomposer.com
shar’s soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sharjcomposer
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
what does it mean to be a collaborator? what goes into interdisciplinary works? we delve into these questions and more in this week’s episode where we sat down with poet & filmmaker katie byford. join us as we learn how katie started out in the arts and how poetry inspires her work through so many mediums. katie also shares the inspiration and process behind “the styx”, a new film opera currently underway, that melds her work in film and poetry. this was a truly special conversation and we couldn’t thank katie enough for joining us this week!
check out katie and her work!
"the styx":@thestyx_filmopera
donate to help support "the styx" here!
katie's instagram: @byfordkatie
katie's twitter: @byfordpoet
katie's website: www.kmrbyford.com
learn more about katie's pamphlet 'he said i was a peach' here
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week we’re joined by film composer, session singer, and voice artist noga rotem whose unique, imaginative voice (pun intended!) is so present in her work. noga’s had some incredible opportunities especially over the pandemic and she’s here to tell you all about it, and more- plus some wise words on recognizing what makes you stand out and turning down projects. this was truly such a wonderful conversation, be sure to tune in and let us know what you think!
follow noga and her work by checking out these links!
noga's instagram: @nogarotemusic
noga's website: https://www.nogarotem.com
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week we are joined by a true renaissance man: writer, filmmaker, actor, and musician matt o’connor. we are so thrilled to finally be sitting down with matt to discuss his career and process and listen to all of his fantastic industry advice about starting out, collaboration, being nice (but also knowing when to stand firm), and how to direct a film remotely in south africa with no wi-fi. okay, we don’t really get into the how, but it did really happen and makes for a great story after the fact. thanks for tuning in and be sure to check out matt’s socials below!
matt's website: https://matthewoconnorfilms.com
matt's instagram: @oconmatt
here are some links to a few things we mentioned in the episode!
follow manana! @officialmanana
"the grand budapest hotel" documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwDfxYDSeDU
"the grand budapest hotel" animatic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oOtIsB2BG8
check out our brand new website!
follow us on instagram: @thepodcastimperfect
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
for our 20th (!!) episode, the podcast (im)perfect is changing things up a bit. with us today are TWO amazing filmmakers: writer and director cindy chu and associate producer & actor jenna you, here to talk about their upcoming film “bayard street.” tune in to learn more about the beautiful story behind "bayard street" and how YOU can help make this film possible. but don’t just take our word for it, join the conversation to hear why and how this story not only resonates with the people behind the film, but also how it’s reaching a larger more global community, backed by a diverse and collaborative team. don't miss this opportunity to take part in something big!
check out & donate if you can to "bayard street's" crowdfund here!
follow the film on instagram! @bayardstfilm
follow cindy @itscindychu
follow jenna @jennayouu
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
check out our brand new website
follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
in this week's episode we sit down with filmmaker amy b tiong who is incredibly passionate about telling stories and amplifying voices that otherwise go unheard. amy's films bring to light the importance of representation and identity and it was truly an honour to learn more about her amazing work, like her film "bitter sweet." you can follow her on all things social @amybtiong.
amy's instagram: @amybtiong
amy's website: www.amybtiong.com
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com OR check out our brand new website: www.thepodcastimperfect.com
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
what am i doing with my life? what IS the meaning of life? our guest this week, composer luis álvarez, likes to ask the big, existential questions. we have plenty of those and more packed into this episode where we also discuss luis’ work in film as well as the inspiration behind some of his more personal pieces- which, if you’ve ever turned on a calming playlist on spotify, you’ve most likely heard and chilled out to already! and that’s all he really hopes for his listeners- that they find peace and be mindful and just think about all there is to life. luis even gave us one of his latest releases “hikari” to feature on the episode which we are so, so grateful for. go ahead and give him a follow on all things social @luisalvarezmusic and be sure to check out some of his music!
check out these links to learn more about luis!
you can listen to his music here
follow him on instagram! @luisalvarezmusic
luis' website: luisalvarezmusic.com
and a very special shout out to our friends paige & blythe over at riff: off the cuff (ig: @riff_off_the_cuff)- go give them a listen!
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
“i love to express emotion through motion,” says dancer kyra lin, whose passion for dance is so clear and present in this week’s episode. our conversation is so incredibly honest and unapologetic about her experiences in the ballet world and we couldn’t be more grateful to kyra for coming on and opening about the unspoken truths surrounding stigma in the ballet community. we also delve into marine biology, her other passion and how it’s okay to have multiple passions and hobbies and things that make you happy- that take care of you, mentally and physically. honestly, there are just so many amazing things about this episode so go ahead, give it a listen, and let us know what you think!
tw: mention of eating disorders, abuse, and suicide
you can follow kyra on instagram at @klin2215
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
iris dukatt was always a natural-born leader- dare we say, “curious leader?” tune into our conversation to hear how her start in musical theatre blossomed into an illustrious career in filmmaking and directing music videos. iris discusses the concept of horizontal collaboration, discarding that jaded jacket, and how being curious and listening to what feels good will let you end up where you need to be. it was truly such a fun time talking with iris and they seriously have such great things to say about starting out… so go ahead- go hit “play” and give this episode a listen! oh, and be sure to check out iris’ work on social media which is all linked below!
check out iris' website here
iris' instagram: @fuck.iris.dukatts.art
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week we are joined by artist brianna blue, whose work "the system" was hanging in the metropolitan museum of art just a few short months ago. her surrealist paintings and evocative works of art are nothing short of breathtaking and one-of-a-kind and her recent recognition by the met is just one of many accomplishments brianna has attained as a young emerging artist. in addition to the hard work, skill, and vision that goes into these paintings, brianna is also incredibly wise and full of advice, sharing her experience and the importance of community, pursuing your passions, and never giving up. we hope you enjoy our conversation with brianna and check out some of her amazing work linked below.
you can view her work here:
ig: @bbluemuseum
view her senior portfolio here
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
this week’s guest, filmmaker kyle dubiel, has always marched to the beat of his own drum, creating opportunities for himself and others as early as his days in high school where he sought to learn the ins-and-outs of filmmaking. what’s even more admirable is that, despite the hardships of the pandemic, kyle never stopped pursuing his passion, connecting with people, and telling stories. filled with solid industry advice, insight on creative process, and heartfelt stories, this week’s episode will surely leave you feeling inspired and ready to get into the creative zone!
you can check out his work here:
ig: @kyledubiel
website: https://dubielfilm.com/home
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts:
kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
“inspiration can be anything” says experimental makeup artist and fashion designer stephanie zhang- and honestly, we couldn’t agree more! it was amazing to sit down with stephanie to discuss her journey as a makeup artist and to hear her story. her looks are nothing short of jaw-dropping, but not only that, she also inspires and influences the online beauty community to become a more inclusive and sustainable industry. so what are you waiting for? join the conversation and be sure to follow stephanie on all things social @stephs_monolids
you can check out her work here:
ig: @stephs_monolids
website:https://www.stephs-monolids.com
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
what do the poppy fields of oz and a grocery store parking lot have to do with one another? any hints? no? well, you can find out in this week’s episode where we’re joined by actor and theatre educator caitlin witty, who also gives some fantastic insight on her journey as an actor and how she navigated the theatre world in the midst of the covid pandemic. oh, and don’t forget to go check caitlin out on social media where you’ll not only hear her stunning vocals, but also see the amazing human being she is, spreading positivity and kindness wherever she goes.
you can check out her work here:
ig: @caitlin_witty
website: https://caitlinwitty.com
youtube: caitlin witty
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
“a big part of my job, for me, is meeting things where they are at.” now, this is not only admirable, but words to live by. Elizabeth Vrkljan isn’t afraid to cut through the bs and tell you what’s up. and it’s good advice too, because she doesn’t just talk-the-talk, but has been in it, neck deep, walking the walk since they were a teenager. Join us this week as we speak with them about her incredible work as a cinematographer, artist, and human being.
you can check out their work here:
ig: @elizabethvrkljan
website: https://www.elizabethvrkljan.com/
questions? wanna be on the show? send us an email: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow your co-hosts: kara: @quietopenspace
rebecca: @rebeccaniscomusic
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
for our 10th episode, we sit down with london-based composer dorrell ettienne and discuss his influences and inspirations, his beginnings as a self-taught composer, solid industry advice, and also a pretty great tree metaphor. full of wisdom, sage advice, and lots of laughs, dorrell’s episode will surely leave you walking away with a new perspective on how you can approach your own work. PLUS, our viewers get an exclusive listen to his composition ‘reconnected.’ Follow dorrell on twitter at @dorrellettienne
dorrell’s twitter: @DorrellEttienne
dorrell’s soundcloud: @https://soundcloud.com/dorrell-ettienne
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email to thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or dm us at @thepodcastimperfect.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomusic
album art by @quietopenspace
never stupid things! only good and interesting and maybe sometimes ridiculous things! this week we sit down with martin blanco, a cinematographer, photographer, creative director (aka an all around screen boy for life) to discuss identity, memory, and how to balance your personal project monsters with work.
check out martin's work at:
instagram: @martin_a_blanco
website: martinblancofilms.com
questions? wanna be featured on the show? send us an email to: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
or follow us on instagram: @thepodcastimperfect or @rebeccaniscomusic and @quietopenspace
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
join us for this week’s episode of (im)perfect where ‘pandemic art’ takes on a whole new meaning for london based pianist oli cuttriss. tune in to hear about oli’s 24 hour live-streamed recital, insight on life as a classical musician and plenty of laughs. you can follow oli on all things social @oc.piano- be sure to check him out!
watch his 24-hour recital found on his facebook page here
oli’s instagram: @oc.piano
subscribe to oli on youtube for more!
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email to thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or dm us at @thepodcastimperfect.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomusic
album art by @quietopenspace
it was truly an honor to sit down with poet and activist Donna Dante Marie Gary. Do yourself a favor and join us as we discuss their poetry, what it means to be an artist, and their incredible work for social justice. PLUS an exclusive reading of their poem I'm Standing Outside of a Record Store And Of Course I Have To Loose My Shit Because Someone Takes A Picture Of Me Without My Consent.
you won’t want to miss this!
Trigger Warnings for poem starting at minute 52:00 : white supremacy, allusions to gennoacide of black people in america
follow dante on instagram at: @afro_dye_tea
support ho(s)e website: https://sxhxcollective.org/
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email at: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or drop us a dm @thepodcastimperfect on instagram.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomusic
album art by @queitopenspace
“i wish people had to be nice.” honestly, we couldn’t agree more with this week’s featured artist, comedy writer amanda kay cook. tune in for a fantastic, feel-good conversation where we discuss the inspiration behind “bitch training,” finding your forever creative person, and how to take an idea and turn it into something big! follow amanda on all things social @amandakaycook1
learn more about “bitch training” and donate if you can here:
amanda’s instagram: @amandakaycook1
“bitch training” instagram: @bitchtrainingprod
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email to thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or dm us at @thepodcastimperfect.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomusic
album art by @quietopenspace
jv in the house, baby! this week we sat down with the VIVACIOUS jos vincent and discussed her new single “daffodils and daisies,” her upcoming move to LA, and the importance of spreading kindness and mental health awareness on social media. PLUS a JV, BABY exclusive snippet of her upcoming single, “Mr. Rainbow.” follow her on all things social @josvincentmusic
listen to her new single ‘Daffodils and Daisies’ here
instagram: @josvincentmusic
website: https://www.josvincentmusic.com
watch the billie eilish interview we talked about here
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email to thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or dm us at @thepodcastimperfect.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomusic
album art by @quietopenspace
this week we speak with the visionaryTM abo booi about his journey into film, the importance of creative expression, and staying true to oneself. abo is a filmmaker, director, director of photography, and cinematographic vlogger currently based in Cape Town, South Africa. follow him on all things social @abobooi.
youtube: abongwe l. booi
instagram: @abobooi
questions or wanna reach out? send us an email to thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com or dm us at @thepodcastimperfect.
produced by kara bartek & rebecca nisco
music by @rebeccaniscomuisc
album art by @quietopensapce
“it’s crazy actually all the different situations in which you would have to act”. honestly, eli ligonnet lam has so many great things to say and share about acting and what it means to be an actor and a director. join kara and rebecca who get just so! much! good! advice! from eli about all the work in theater, fine arts, film, they’ve accomplished despite the challenges of last year.
eli’s instagram: @eliligo
associate artist at Compagnie Érème: Compagnieereme.com
music by rebecca nisco
album art by kara bartek
email us! thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com
follow us on ig: @thepodcastimperfect, @quietopenspace, @rebeccaniscomusic
Is satire a form of documentary? Is a seagull an albatross or an albatross a seagull? Rebecca & Kara are joined by animator & director Hannah Brewerton to discuss the making of her multi-award winning short film Hit & Run, which was completed in the midst of the pandemic last year. Listen in as they discuss the film’s production process, the challenges of working a team remotely, and interrogate the definition of the highly coveted film festival category that is “documentary”.
Hannah’s IG: @hannahbrewerton
Hannah’s Twitter: @Hannahbrew
Follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect, @quietopenspace, & @rebeccaniscomusic
Produced by Kara Bartek & Rebecca Nisco
Album Art by Kara Bartek
Music by Rebecca Nisco
Kara & Rebecca speak with musician and music producer, Carter Vail, about how to avoid “sapping the cool out of music”, Richie Tannenbaum, and making music in a year of lockdown.
Carter’s IG: @cartervailmusic
website: https://www.cartervail.com/
Produced by Kara Bartek & Rebecca Nisco
Album Art by Kara Bartek
Music by Rebecca Nisco
Follow us on instagram @thepodcastimperfect, @quietopenspace, & @rebeccaniscomusic
Questions? Wanna be featured on the show? Email us at: thepodcastimperfect@gmail.com