Speaking From My Heart: Reflections On 'A Directory of Inspiration'

There’s so much I want to say about this project, not just because I’ve worked so hard on it, but because it symbolises so much of what I care about and have been inspired by over the last few years.

There’s so much I want to say about Network Archives 001: A Directory Of Inspiration not just because I’ve worked so hard on it, but because it symbolises so much of what I care about and have been inspired by over the last few years, and at the centre of it all is the creators. Their use of technology, the level of creativity, their work ethic, the co-ordination skills, the execution of ideas, they way they have built communities, developed an audience, told their stories, shared their process, their thoughts, their knowledge and continued to push the boundaries of their art, but also importantly to me; re-imaging what being a music artist even is. I have been lucky to be in and around the birth of a few music scenes in my life, and although it has no category or name, to me the world I have been operating in since starting Sound of Fractures felt very similar. One of realisations I’ve had is its as close to the Scenius concept I have been. I have found myself continually being inspired, learning, being pushed not just creatively but also in terms of my mental models, giving me the confidence to use technology creatively and apply my skills to new mediums. So, its not just the music that has reinvigorated my love of being an artist, it has also been finding so many inspiring other artists on a similar journey.

The contributors to this collection may not even agree that there is a connection between their work, but history has shown that the threads between us are often only visible when we look back. I hope that by collating these unique projects together, that the energy that I have felt over this time is encapsulated in some way and becomes more visible. There is a thing happening here, and enclosed are examples of the different questions creators are asking through their work, in an attempt to find answers in an uncertain time for the value of music. During the last 3 years the emergence of the blockchain provided flexible tool for creators, one that served as a playground for ideas, formats and approaches, and provides a underlining catalyst to the content of the zine. Although the tools were at times clunky and hard to use, it offered less boundaries than we were used to, and out of that creative window ideas blossomed. Whether some of these ideas could have been executed in different ways is missing the point, the point is that its existence triggered something in us all at a time when streaming and platform models felt like they were restricting us and failing us. Yes the technology and tools we use will evolve and change, but in each iteration new ideas, new models and new ways of seeing ourselves will emerge and this zine documents one of these moments, where artists are leading the way, taking risks, asking questions and experimenting.

After writing this, I realise this project is, in many ways, a thank you—to all those around me and the many others we didn’t have time to include in this first edition. It’s my way of sharing the value I’ve gained from the incredible ideas I’ve been exposed to and inspired by. There’s so much knowledge in these pages, so much to learn for creators of all kinds. While technology will keep evolving, the key takeaway here is this: we need to build worlds that are unique to our identities. If you want to understand how to do that, read this zine. Honestly, it’s the best advice I can give to any musician, manager, or fan looking for fresh ideas. This is the kind of knowledge and insight we rarely get access to. So, take this opportunity—buy the zine, and most importantly, share it. Share it publicly, share it with your fellow creators. To me, this zine is more valuable than any short course or TikTok guide. It’s the real work, the real ideas, from voices in the trenches, experimenting when it would be so much easier to follow trends or service algorithms. Too often, our ideas are reframed by platforms and brands as their own, or knowledge is shared without credit. My hope is that Network Archives becomes a home for artist-led knowledge and research, a space that positions creators where they belong and inspires others to share their processes. No matter your genre, style, background—whether you’re a founder, manager, marketer, or creator—there’s something here for everyone to connect with and be inspired by.

It’s important to end this post by acknowledging something: creating work that pushes boundaries is incredibly hard. It takes so much energy to create, develop, and promote these kinds of projects. This zine was made possible by Executive Producer C.Y. Lee, whose support funded the design and the time needed to bring it to life. Without that backing, and the work by Jade Garcia who as producer worked on this as tirelessly with me, Network Archives 001 wouldn’t exist. The creators featured in this zine are doing the hard work, often spending their own money to explore answers—not just for themselves, but for all artists and for the future of independent music as a whole. Your support plays a vital role in this effort. Buying the zine or supporting any of the creators whose work resonates with you is more than a transaction; it’s a way to help build sustainable independent music ecosystems that have shaped so many of our identities. This newsletter also offers a paid subscription option, and with every new subscriber, I can dedicate more time to what truly matters to me—projects like this, that amplify voices and ideas worth sharing. If you’ve found value in what I create, I’d be deeply grateful for your support.