We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chris Portka. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chris below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Want to learn or get better? Do the work. Even if it’s 1 minute of work before you get distracted and take a break. Do the work.

When I first started wanting to play music I thought, well if I’m only clever or smart or inspired enough, I’ll be able to come up with an amazing song immediately: right this moment.

I still somewhat believe in the power of immediate inspiration, but making space and time to be able to use inspiration is crucial. You never know when inspiration will strike, and when it does, are you ready to channel it?

For consistent results, making your craft a habit is absolutely necessary. Whether you allocate an hour per day, an hour per week, or an hour per month – establishing a consistent periodic time you work on your craft will pay dividends.

Keep working. Don’t just think about it, you have to put the time in. Practice and it gets easier. The more time you put in, the more you will become receptive to what the universe is trying to communicate through you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in California, I’ve always been at the intersection of technology and art. As a UC Berkeley graduate, my journey began in the realm of software development, but my heart was always tuned to a different frequency – where music and art meet the digital world. I had to overcome my biggest fear – singing and using my voice in front of people – over decades of struggle and with the benefit of Voice Movement Therapy. I can now happily say I’ve found my true voice, both as a musician and as an individual.

I stand proud as a writer, software developer, designer, and musician. My work, especially my latest, first vinyl, “Trash Music” is a testament to this unique blend. I use every skill I have to create soundscapes and songs of experimental noise joined to carefully sculpted frequencies and compositions. I strive to create a space for listeners to explore their own subconscious conflicts and quests for self-acceptance. As part of the Al Harper Band, and through my solo performances, I strive to bring an exploratory spirit to every note and pixel I create.

What sets my work apart is the fusion of diverse disciplines – synergy of code, sound, and visual art. This blend is not just about creating music or art; it’s about crafting experiences that resonate on a deeper level. To my fans, followers, and future collaborators, I extend an invitation to join me on this journey of continuous evolution and discovery. Together, let’s turn the cacophony of life into a symphony of creativity.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my journey as an artist is the profound self-discovery it brings. For me, creating art is not just an act of expression- it’s a vital means of connecting with my truest self. It quenches a lifelong thirst by drinking in the very essence of who I am. Before I fully embraced my creative side, there was always a sense of something missing, a gap in my existence that I couldn’t quite define. This void is the inability to channel and express my innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Artistic expression has become a sanctuary, a place where I never need apologize. Each creation is a puzzle piece that helps to decipher life’s myriad complexities and contradictions. The process of creation is more than just fulfilling- it’s essential for my well-being. I don’t say this lightly- creating art saves my life. It pulls me back from the brink, time and again. If I’m lost, I can be found again through expression. The depth of being is a journey that continually teaches me, heals me, and saves me.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

My journey with NFTs began on social media in 2019 where I started to see many different wonderful artists engage with what seemed like a new form of art. I met many great artists and learned the scene and eventually released a double album “DJPants.eth presents: The #NFTBlues.” This project was initially launched as NFT demos (1 song per day), followed by a full mix and master, eventually making its way to all streaming platforms. This experience has shaped my view on NFTs as a revolutionary tool for artists, especially in the digital realm.

I see NFTs as a powerful avenue for artists to set their own terms when releasing their art digitally. In the current landscape dominated by platforms like Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Google, Instagram, etc, artists often relinquish control and ownership of their work to these companies. NFTs challenge this norm. They may be complex and come with a learning curve, but they empower artists with true ownership and control over their creations. This aspect of NFTs should align with any artist who values independence and self-expression.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the infrastructure for NFTs is still in its nascent stages. Unlike traditional social media and streaming services, there aren’t yet user-friendly apps and platforms that make accessing NFT art straightforward for the majority of people. This gap in accessibility is a significant hurdle in the widespread adoption of NFTs. But I remain optimistic. As the technology and platforms evolve, I believe NFTs will become more accessible, opening up new possibilities for artists and audiences alike.

For those who are passionate about DIY and independent culture, NFTs are nothing short of a godsend. They represent a shift towards a more artist-centric model of content creation and distribution, one where the creators have more say and stake in their work. As we navigate this evolving landscape, I’m excited to see how NFTs will continue to empower artists and reshape our understanding of digital ownership and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cportka.xyz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_c.lp_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cportkamusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/_c.lp_/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJ_Pants
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djpants/
• Other: Latest vinyl release: http://trashmusic.xyz/
• Github: https://github.com/cportka/

Image Credits
Chris Portka, Carol Miltimore