Some folk talk about technology with an "emperor's new clothes" glee, as though it's a panacea for everything wrong with society. Others exhibit phobic terror, blaming technology – not how people use it – for human failings and foibles. Many see both a light and dark side, and there's increasing interest in the addictive nature of social media.
For today's curious and playful guest Tim Arnold, technology, social media and our appendage-like mobile phones allow us to be "super connected" – enabling expression, conversation and connection. But with a potentially corrosive effect too.
Tim is a singer songwriter and filmmaker who has self-released 22 albums after starting his music career leading 90’s British art rock band Jocasta.
His new feature-length film and album Super Connected includes a single of the same name, released today. Watch the video here.
Talking with Tim was fun and frank and fascinating. In this interview we cover:
- whether technology has made it easier or harder to make a living as an independent musician
- how a friend of Tim’s who is a mental health professional inspired Super Connected, and why Tim made his new film with Dixie McDevitt and Kate Alderton
- what a "story concept album for the digital age" means
- social media can have a corrosive effect on our mental health and can be a lifeline too,
- Tim's a creator, collaborator, interviewer (check out his weekly Super Connected Conversations podcast and YouTube series exploring the impact of technology on human psychology and society) – how does he manage his own mental bandwidth, prioritise or focus so as not to be overwhelmed?
- is Tim worried about big business and music industry behemoths muscling in where independent creators have been able to innovate?
- can Artificial Intelligence (AI) come up with music which stirs the soul?
- why Tim (joined by Stephen Fry) campaigned to save some of Soho's most loved community assets like Madame Jojo's and Soho Square
- how to get an invitation (everyone is welcome) to see the feature-length Super Connected film and whole album (go to https://superconnected.technology )
- Tim's work with the Sheffield Arts Lab – there's play and intrigue ahoy here!
- How to connect with Tim (website | Bandcamp | Twitter)
This episode is a treat and a feast and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.