If we’re meeting for the first time, welcome! My name’s Mike Relm and I’m a turntablist/director/suit wearer. Born and raised in the Bay Area, currently in Los Angeles. I’m endlessly fascinated with the creative process, particularly in music, film, and photography. I’m here to explore that on a weekly basis.
The plan is no plan.
Up until this point, my career has been an embarrassment of riches (minus the actual riches), and I’m here to write about the new, the old, and everything in between. I like that Substack is built to be a place for multimedia artists like myself to go beyond the work. One of the most valuable things we lost to streaming is linear notes.
Content context is king.
My current ongoing project is INTERVAL - a series of short cinéma vérité documentaries on artists I know and respect. I’ll be premiering them here along with thoughts, insight, and extras that will not be posted anywhere else. Each installment is as unique as the artists, and so far I’ve released episodes with comedian Josh Johnson, graffiti artist WOES, DJ D-Sharp, rapper/producer Lyrics Born, and pole/burlesque dancer Dani Babes. More amazing people to come!
I didn’t spend much time in college. Touring was my higher education, which makes these guys my professors: Blue Man Group, Tony Hawk, Del the Funky Homosapien, Mike Patton, The Pharcyde/Bootie Brown, Blackalicious (R.I.P. The Gift of Gab), Money Mark, Lateef the Truthspeaker, and Lyrics Born.
As a remix artist, I’ve had the great privilege of working with Justine Bateman on the opening credits for her feature film VIOLET. I’ve collaborated on mashups with Edgar Wright, Jon Favreau, Smosh, and Joe Lynch, to name a few.
Welcome to a weekly exploration and an ongoing conversation.
You can expect posts about the creative process as it pertains to music and visual arts. I’ll throw out the occasional book recommendation, and I’d love to hear yours. No politics, save for when it’s intertwined with art (as it often is).
If you’re able to upgrade to the paid subscription, know that I am deeply grateful for and inspired by your support. You’ll enjoy full articles, archives, and of course, access to the group chat and community.
Whatever subscription you choose, I’m looking forward to seeing you!
Mike
