Creativity, Technology, Jazz Cow, and the Rise of British Jazz:

Conversations with Dominic J Marshall & Heidi Vogel

We recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with two of the artists we have working on the Jazz Cow soundtrack: Dominic J Marshall and Heidi Vogel, two highly regarded personalities of the London jazz scene, in their own right and alumni of The Cinematic Orchestra. Marshall welcomed me into his South London flat, while Vogel, an influential vocalist, shared her thoughts with AJ Haseley from Influential Music, with whom we are partnering on Jazz Cow. They met in a bustling café in Soho, London after her gig. Their insights shed light on the interplay between creativity, technology, and the evolving jazz scene in the UK.

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Creativity Through Life’s Trials

In the intimate setting of Marshall's flat, adorned with his own paintings inspired by the Book of Revelation and his plants breathe life into the space, the piano with an open score of a Ravel piece the room shone with creativity. Marshall spoke candidly about how his personal experiences and the challenges of life fuel his artistic vision. “Creative ideas mostly emerge through navigating difficult experiences,” he explained. “It's about living life fully and embracing its trials, not avoiding them. These experiences seed creative ideas.”

Marshall's reflection on the transformative power of creativity resonates deeply. He emphasised that genuine inspiration often comes from confronting and embracing life's hardships rather than escaping them. This view also extends to his broader critique of modern technology’s impact on artistic expression.

Social Media: The Artistic Antagonist

Both Marshall and Vogel had their concerns about the impact of social media on creativity. Marshall lamented,

“The day music became an industry was the day it took a knife to its heart. The concept of an ‘industry’ implies mass production, which doesn’t align with the essence of music. It’s about connection, not mechanisation.”

His critique resonates with Vogel’s sentiments as well. She noted social media can block creativity “I take breaks from social media to regain my focus. When I return, I find my work has benefited from the respite.”

Both artists agree that constant notifications and digital noise from social media distract from the real experiences that fuel creativity.

The Rise of British Jazz

As the conversation turned to the rise of British jazz, something my friend Amar Patel recently wrote about. Both highlighted the special factors that play a role in its growth. Vogel credited the vibrant jazz scene to cultural fusion and the talent of the musicians.

“People are realising just how cool British jazz is,”

she said, recalling the excitement of witnessing jazz students perform late into the night.

Marshall, initially uncertain about the reasons behind the jazz resurgence, later attributed it to the “insane talent pool” and a distinctly British attitude, “British musicians never waited for someone to tell us how our music should sound”. I agree with all those points, but I’d also emphasise that much of the groundwork comes from past British jazz musicians and initiatives like Tomorrow’s Warriors and jazz colleges, which contribute to the vibrant UK jazz scene.

Animation and Music: A Shared Passion

We also chatted about animation, which both artists love. Vogel prefers classic films, especially those by Studio Ghibli, while Marshall, also a Ghibli fan, shared his broader interest in anime. Vogel pointed out how animation inspires creativity and storytelling, mentioning Chico and Rita and Howl's Moving Castle. Marshall talked about enjoying anime series like One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100, showcasing his engagement with creative media.

Both artists are excited about their collaboration on the Jazz Cow soundtrack, seeing it as an opportunity to blend storytelling with music. Vogel highlighted the importance of returning to music's roots and connecting with new audiences. Marshall shares this enthusiasm, eager to explore new musical avenues and integrate jazz’s improvisational nature into the project.

Jazz: The Secret Ingredient

Jazz is the secret ingredient for understanding creativity. Marshall described it as a powerful form of self-expression, saying, “One solo is just plucked out of thin air, he said, “it’s interaction.” The blend of personal expression and spontaneous collaboration makes jazz special. Both artists view it as a way to connect—with themselves and others. This fusion of individuality and collaboration, along with an active engagement with life’s experiences, is Jazz Cow’s secret weapon!

It's exciting that these are just two of the incredible musicians joining the Jazz Cow soundtrack!

Visit our Kickstarter page to get notified when we launch and be among the first to snag exclusive rewards, including a Limited Edition album featuring both artists and several others. Let's get this project rolling!