Episode 163

Episode 163 - Integrate identified nuances

Published on: 7th November, 2025

In my studio, I'm actively experimenting with several overlapping workflows that blend a wide spectrum of creative disciplines. Rather than focusing on a single medium, I find myself drawn to a dynamic interplay between music composition, visual arts, software development, and narrative creation. Each of these areas offers its own unique challenges and demands, from the tactile energy of sculpting soundscapes and the intuitive mark-making of drawing, to the meticulous logic of coding and the subtle craft of story construction. Embracing this multidimensional approach not only keeps my process fresh but allows insights from one discipline to naturally inform and elevate the others.

At the heart of this experimental environment is a drive to push boundaries and discover new methods for integrating creativity and technology. The studio pulses with activity as I move from refining a new musical piece to iterating on code for a custom application, or shifting gears to sketch concepts that may later evolve into larger visual works. Each workflow is tailored to its own rhythm, and yet, they often overlap—snippets of melody shape visual motifs, while lines of dialogue influence both music and code structures. This ongoing process of cross-pollination creates a fertile ground for innovation and unexpected breakthroughs.

Presently, I’m developing projects in music, visual arts, the digital realm, and long-form storytelling, all while producing a spoken podcast that serves as a connective thread throughout. The podcast has become a reflection of these behind-the-scenes efforts, not just reporting outcomes but exploring the raw creative process itself—the trials, the pivots, and the key insights that emerge from pursuing multiple goals side by side. Listeners are welcomed into the nucleus of this ongoing laboratory, where creative outputs feed into each other and no idea is siloed from the rest.

This week’s episode represents the culmination of all these processes working in tandem. It is a snapshot of what happens when diverse workflows are layered, challenged, and harmonized in real time. The result is a tapestry—sometimes chaotic, often surprising—where music, code, visual art, and narrative blend into something greater than the sum of their parts. By sharing this convergence with the audience, I hope to illuminate not only the finished work but also the collaborative energy, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary dialogue that make the creative journey worthwhile.

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About the Podcast

Living Room Music
I established this podcast as a personal writing challenge, aiming to continually push myself to explore the depths of music creation. To maintain this drive, I've set a self-imposed publishing deadline every Friday at 6 PM EST.
Rather than seeking fame or fortune, my main goal is to discover music that resonates with me, something I haven't experienced before. Throughout this journey, I immerse myself in a wide array of electronic music, drawing inspiration from various sources to infuse fresh ideas into my own compositions. I relish experimenting with novel techniques and tonalities, always on the lookout for unique sounds.
My work embraces the mathematical intricacies of music theory, exploring new ways to manipulate sounds and embracing the spirit of improvisation. Above all, my music is a celebration of joy and love for the creative process, capturing the essence of fun and passion in playing and crafting melodies.
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About your host

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Nathan Eckenrode

From the womb to the stage, N8K99's life has been a symphony of diverse musical experiences. His journey began with melodies echoing in his mother's womb during her piano recitals and evolved through debates over musical alphabets in kindergarten. N8K99's early classical training under his mother's tutelage seamlessly transitioned into a passion for the improvisational freedom of Free Jazz, idolizing legends like Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, and Chet Baker. His teenage curiosity led him to a pawn shop guitar, igniting a spark that would illuminate his path through various musical endeavors.
Post-Navy life found N8K99 in Jacksonville, Florida, where punk rock's raw energy collided with his burgeoning talent, resulting in a series of ephemeral bands. New York City called next, presenting a harsh reality of talent and competition. His days oscillated between roles as a PA, bike messenger, book mover, and the occasional subway busker, honing his skills in the city's vibrant music scene. A chance encounter with Wu Tang Clan during a jam session marked a turning point, embedding a sense of belonging within the industry's fabric.
N8K99's musical style defies categorization, a testament to his journey across genres and geographies. His sound is an eclectic blend, rooted in classical music theory, adorned with jazz improvisation, and electrified by electronic production. He finds solace and challenge in his podcast, "Living Room Music by N8K99," a weekly expedition into new musical territories, collaborating with local Hip Hop artists, exploring emotional tones, and experimenting with various modalities.
Despite his mastery, N8K99 remains the industry's "invisible man," focusing on the art rather than the fame. His elusive double album "Chromatic Depression" whispers of his presence in the digital music realm, but it's his dedication to the craft that truly defines him. N8K99's vision extends beyond personal acclaim; through Eckenrode Muziekopname, he aspires to elevate Jacksonville's local talent, creating a digital collective to champion and disseminate their artistry globally.
With his feet firmly planted in Jacksonville, N8K99 envisions a future of continued musical exploration with his band Radio Poets, his podcast, and EM. His ambition is not of glittering fame but of a sustainable, fulfilling musical journey, evolving as a Middle Class musician who navigates the industry's tides with a whimsical yet determined spirit.