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Strings Attached: Love and Music—Sustaining Both w/ Kiran Ahluwalia & Rez Abbasi

What does it take to sustain both a marriage and a creative partnership—without one overshadowing the other? In this long-awaited conversation, we sit down with returning guests Kiran Ahluwalia & Rez Abbasi, a powerhouse couple who have built extraordinary solo careers while seamlessly collaborating as partners in both life and music.
From navigating creative differences to maintaining individuality within a shared artistic vision, Kiran and Rez open up about the complexities of working side by side in an industry that often blurs the line between personal and professional. We explore how they challenge traditions, support each other’s artistic evolution, and continue to create a sound that is both deeply personal and globally resonant.
We also dive into the challenges of navigating social media as artists—how they balance authenticity with the pressures of visibility, and the impact it has on their creative process and well-being.
Additionally, we discuss the risks artists take in pursuit of their craft. Kiran shares her experience of suffering a major accident while filming a music video, highlighting the dedication and sacrifices that often go unseen in an artist’s journey.
About Our Guests:
Kiran Ahluwalia is a two-time Juno Award-winning vocalist known for her contemporary take on the great vocal traditions of India and Pakistan. With roots in Sufi, Qawwali, Ghazal, and Punjabi folk, she masterfully weaves influences from Mali, rock, R&B, and jazz into a sound that defies boundaries. Leading a dynamic 6-piece ensemble, she crafts music that is at once reflective, groovy, and deeply human—what the Seattle Times calls “a transnational sound as fresh as tomorrow.”
Rez Abbasi is a Guggenheim Fellowship-winning guitarist and composer, widely regarded as one of the most original voices in modern jazz. Voted #1 Rising-Star Guitarist in the DownBeat Critics Poll, he has been ranked alongside greats like Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, raised in Southern California, and deeply influenced by jazz, classical, and Indian music, Rez creates a sonic landscape that is as intellectually profound as it is emotionally stirring.
Together, Kiran and Rez embody the beauty and challenge of being hyphenated global artists—shaping their own artistic identities while constantly inspiring each other.
Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful discussion on love, music, and the delicate dance of sustaining both.
(Want more? The full, unedited version of this conversation—including behind-the-scenes moments—is available exclusively to our members. Membership is free! Sign up here to get access).
 
Connect with Rez Abbasi: 
Website: www.reztone.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rez-Abbasi-71229228740
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reztone/ 
 
Connect with Kiran : 
www.KiranMusic.com
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Spotify
 
 

Morning Routines: Ryan Hurst on Movement, Mindset, Health-Span, Music and Martial Arts& Starting Your Day Right

Morning routines are everywhere—CEOs, athletes, and high performers swear by them. But musicians? Not so much. In this special guest solocast, Ryan Hurst of GMB Fitness shares his personal morning routine and the mindset behind it. Originally recorded when he was living in Osaka, this episode was previously only available to my private community. Now, I’m bringing it to the podcast because I believe these insights are just as valuable for musicians and creatives as they are for athletes and trainers.
Ryan takes a grounded, holistic approach to training—his routine is about more than just movement; it’s about setting the right tone for the day, staying consistent, and cultivating the right mindset. I’ve personally had a morning routine for over 10 years, and I can tell you—it’s a game-changer, especially when you’re constantly on the move. While I’m currently on tour, I’ve noticed how having even a loose framework helps me stay focused and energized despite time zones, deadlines, and performances.
This episode isn’t just about fitness—it’s about how structure and routine can help you show up better in whatever you do.
Links & Resources:
🎧 Follow Ryan Hurst & GMB Fitness: https://gmb.io/about/ryan-hurst/🎵 Check out my Mobility Course for Musicians – designed for touring & studio life: https://www.holisticpianoacademy.com/courses/musicians-movement-ritual

Artistry vs. Craftsmanship: (Why Technique Alone Will Never Make You a True Musician)

Read the blog post below:
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/artistry-vs-craftsmanship
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https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
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Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com

Why Art is Not a Sport

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https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
Get my Free Training.
Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text: www.tlwrites.com

Why Friends Cannot Be Our Coaches: Artists and 'Emotional Labor'

Read the blog post here.
Get on the waiting list for my artist mastermind
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
Get my Free Training.
Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text: www.tlwrites.com
 

Coaching vs Therapy: A Creative's Perspective

Read the blog post here.
Get on the waiting list for my artist mastermind
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
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Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text: www.tlwrites.com

What is an Artist Coach? A Guide for Independent Artists

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Get on the waiting list for my artist mastermind
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
Get my Free Training.
Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text: www.tlwrites.com

What is Critical Thinking and Why Artists Need It

Read the blog post:
 
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/what-is-critical-thinking
 
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Relationship-building, personality development & being a supportive collaborator as a musician w/ Ferenc Nemeth

NYC-based Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth is a Grammy-award-winning musician and educator who continues to push the boundaries of jazz drumming, composition and education with his unique approach of self-development and artistry. Nemeth has been one of the most sought after drummers both, in Europe and the United States with a lineage from a musical family, lending him a unique dynamism and versatility fostered from a very early age.  
 
From his early days at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Thelonius Monk Insitute of Jazz in Los Angeles, Nemeth has learned from and worked with the world’s finest jazz musicians and groups including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Kenny Werner, the Billy Childs Trio, Bob Sheppard, Dave Carpenter, John Clayton, Jimmy Heath, The Henry Mancini Orchestra amongst others.  An ever-present thirst for exploration and experimentation has seen Nemeth travel widely and play with musicians from a stunning variety of backgrounds and countries. This occupation in turn, has also resulted in Nemeth’s regular participation in workshops and teaching programs around the world.
 
We catch up in this informal chat after our artist residency at the Bimbache openART Festival to unpack some serious themes revolving around the challenges musicians face today in an ever-growing and confusing industry that threatens the authentic growth and integrity of artists at various phases of their careers with a strong focus on goals, personality development, and intentionality.
 
Watch the extended, unedited taping session here (includes additional footage and transcripts).
 
 

What is Perfectionism and How Does It Affect Artists?

Read the blog post:
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/blog/artists-and-perfectionism
 
Free Workshop: 
http://www.artistmindmap.com/
 
My self-paced artist-development course:
https://www.holisticpianoacademy.com/ciar
 
Waiting list for my artist mastermind & group coaching: 
https://www.holisticmusicianacademy.com/communitywaitinglist
 
Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com
Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com