Psybient DJ/Producer, Bluetech, has an uncanny way of chiming into the unknown to reach into the soul which translates into his otherworldly musical delivery. Ahead of his upcoming show in Detroit at Deluxx Fluxx on Thursday, October 3rd, I caught up with Bluetech to discuss being proactive about anxiety, the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’, the importance of meditation and more.
Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘Holotrope’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new album.
Thank you! ‘Holotrope’ is a travelogue of sorts, a document of a self moving into more connected states of being, dissolving a bit of the control of the ego consciousness into more expanded awareness. That all sounds a bit obtuse, but there is a definite repeatable series of experiences when you begin to look on the inside for answers, whether that’s through meditation or contemplative practice, or other modalities for exploring the inner nature. Holotrope is a map of that journey.
Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.
I’ve learned how to sleep on planes, no matter what! Sometimes I’m up for the next city on tour after only a few hours at the hotel, so putting myself into nap zone on the plane becomes an essential skill.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I pretty regularly struggle with anxiety, which is one of the reasons I’ve been exploring meditation and quiet time just looking at my own thoughts to see if I can make some peace with all of that. I have lots of challenging thoughts, I think everyone does! The “practice” is learning to not identify with them as definitions of who you are as a person. Im learning to recognize when my anxiety pops up, and treat it like a little gremlin buddy. Like “Hey anxiety, I’ve got some work to do. Heres a lollipop, pull up a chair and color in your book so I can focus ok?” Taking the sting out of it definitely helps, recognizing and honoring that its real, yet not surrendering to self limiting or negating productivity by getting stuck in a loop about it.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
I’m not actually a huge fan of social media. Seems to be more and more studies coming out suggesting that social media and obsession with checking smart devices is contributing greatly to a sense of unease and insecurity. Anxiety and depression seem to be the malaise of the modern age, like our inheritance for all the “convenience” of technology. I definitely use it, and am trying to come to a place of peace with social media, and limit my usage. It’s amazing how many less books I read since facebook, instagram, twitter the like take so many cycles of my awake time. I’m learning how to step away and not feel like I’m missing out.
No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.
I feel pretty proud of the fact that I’ve discovered an athletic lifestyle later in my life. A few years ago I was looking at my 40th birthday coming and realizing I was very overweight and not really happy. So I’ve gotten into working out and running, which I love. Just finished my 6th half marathon and 3 more planned for 2020. Not only have I trimmed up, but I have so much more energy and life force flowing through me!
As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?
Meditate. Meditate. Meditate. Whether its a formal sit in the hotel room and really getting a proper session in, or just counting my breaths to 10 repeatedly while standing in line for security at the airport. Even 5 minutes is enough to quiet the racing thoughts and let go of _whatever_ is going on for me, and just have a moment of peace and remembering the stillness. I don’t mean to evangelize, but meditation is really the only thing I’ve found in my life that brings some peace and awareness and allows me to deal with the stress of being on the road. And I’m like a baby beginner newbie meditator, and yet still…. It works.
You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.
I won’t claim to have any special mystical knowledge or inherited wisdom, though I have learned that being aware of and open to the unexpected brings a particular opportunity for magic. Sometimes its a conversation with the lady making my coffee, or a fan who reminds me how powerful music can be, or a late night bus ride to the next city with a gorgeous landscape passing away. Another reason to disconnect from the phone, there is such wonder and awe available in every moment if we just slow down and notice.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
