Chai with Afta Hill: Where Art, Ownership, and the Culture Collide
In this thought-provoking episode of The Gifted Gab, hosts Alex Eskandarkhah and Andre Kelly dive deep into the ever-evolving intersection of art, commerce, and culture. Afta Hill—an Iranian-Canadian artist, producer, and creative force—has built a name for himself by blending sonic textures that reflect both his Tehran and Toronto roots. From his early days as Safakash, where he racked up streams, to launching Bad Faith Records, Afta has always been a disruptor, challenging industry norms and pushing creative boundaries. The episode covers everything from the inefficiency of songwriting camps to the corporatization of music and sports, while also exploring the importance of creative hygiene and ownership in the digital age. Afta shares his father’s wisdom about staying committed to the creative process, the dangers of prioritizing efficiency over artistry, and how major artists like Drake are navigating the industry's legal and corporate landscape. Whether discussing TikTok’s role in information control or the ways streaming has devalued music, this conversation is a masterclass in artistic independence and cultural critique.
It's All About the Art (But, Like, Really Though)
First off, I loved how they got into the creative process. Afta Hill's point about prioritizing the story and message over just making something "cool" really hit home. It's like, we're so bombarded with flashy, attention-grabbing stuff these days that we forget what art is actually supposed to do. It’s not just about the aesthetics; it's about making us feel something, think something. It’s about those human details, the "mundane" things that make it relatable. And it seems like the more we try to be efficient and formulaic with art, the more we lose that soul.
They also talked about this "creative hygiene," and that's something I think we all need. Unstructured time to just let ideas breathe, consuming all sorts of art – not just what’s trending. It's about being open and present, not forcing anything. It's like, if you're constantly under pressure and deadlines, how can you ever expect to create something genuine? It's like they are saying, the creative process isn't robotic, it's about letting ideas flow.
The Music Biz is Messy (Shocker)
Then, the conversation dove into the music industry, and things got real. The whole Drake vs. Kendrick thing isn't just a rap beef; it’s a power play. Drake's lawsuit against UMG is a way to push back against the corporate machine. It's like, he's not just mad at Kendrick; he's going after the people who are really pulling the strings. It's a reminder that the pursuit of profit often overshadows the artists themselves. I feel like they put it well when they said that labels are exploiting artists for the bottom line, which is a little depressing to think about.
And it's wild to think about the labels potentially pitting artists against each other to drive down prices!. Like, these are real people with real passions, not just pawns in a corporate game.
TikTok and the Fight for Your Mind
The TikTok ban discussion was also an eye-opener. It's like, why is there so much fear around a silly video app? The guys made an interesting point about how it’s a battle for narrative control. TikTok's algorithm isn't just feeding you funny videos; it's shaping your worldview. And because it allows for unfiltered, firsthand perspectives, governments are now trying to shut it down. It’s concerning how the flow of information is controlled and how algorithms can be used to shape our thoughts.
The Illusion of Ownership (We Own Nothing!)
The conversation ended with a sobering thought: We don't really own anything anymore. Everything’s a subscription, a lease, a digital file that can vanish into thin air. Even a John Deere tractor – you can buy it, but you can't fix it! It's like we're all just renting space in this world, and that's a little unsettling to think about. And in the context of music, the devaluing of art through streaming services really is crazy. It's like, artists are expected to produce better and better stuff, but they’re getting paid way less. How does that even make sense?
Final Thoughts: Where Do We Go From Here?
What I took away from this podcast is that we have to be more aware of what's happening around us. We need to question the narratives we’re given and value art for its depth and humanity. It's about choosing authenticity over efficiency, and pushing back against the corporate forces trying to control our lives and culture. And as the hosts said, this is not limited to art, this applies to everything we buy. They highlighted the Super Bowl as an example of a corporate spectacle that manipulates culture for profit, which is something to consider [Analysis]. It's a call for all of us to reclaim agency and fight for a world that values creativity and genuine human connection.
This conversation really underscores that we're in a battle for our minds and our culture. It's not just about entertainment; it's about what we value as a society. So let’s start thinking differently about what we consume and what we create. It's time for a change, don't you think?