#38 – How Does Sound Become a Tool for Creative Resistance? | Kokayi

Guggenheim Fellow, artist, producer, and educator Kokayi returns to unpack the layers of sound, storytelling, and being a vessel for cultural memory.

Since our first conversation, Kokayi has pushed deeper into multidisciplinary work—blending sound design, improvisation, code, and community-building. This conversation tracks his reflections on legacy, experimentation, and why he’s wary of institutions that try to own culture. We talk about what’s next, how he stays rooted in practice, and what it means to be free in a creative economy that rewards conformity.

• Sound as both artform and archival practice
• Why joy is built into his live performance structure
• Navigating mentorship, freedom, and capitalist frameworks
• Creating from truth instead of chasing metrics
• The importance of protecting your time and your IP

🎧 Revisit Kokayi’s earlier episode to hear how his practice has evolved—and where he’s taking it next.

SEE A BODY - KOKAYI FROM BLACKNESS & THE INFINITE POTENTIAL WELL

The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). 

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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