A lot of people think music just happens. That you walk into a studio, hit a few buttons, and a perfect song comes out. But the truth is, there is no magic without effort. No amount of polish can fix something that is not there to begin with.

The process is real, messy, and human. You make mistakes. You record songs you hate. You laugh at the weird stuff you wrote when you were ten. And somehow, all of it becomes part of your sound. Showing up, messing up, and learning is what brings music to life.

In this episode of Sky Talks, I sit down with my producer and friend, Conch. We share laughs, stories from the studio, and some unfiltered “would you rather” questions. Conch talks about his journey into producing, why mentoring young artists matters to him, and the importance of making music that’s real, not perfect. It’s honest, funny, and a true look at how our songs come to life.

"Just be okay with the fact that you might not love the first things you create. You have to get the bad songs out of the way before you can get to the good ones. So just start, in whatever way that looks like for you." - Conch

Topics Covered:

(00:00) Welcome to Sky Talks

(02:41) Get to know our guest, Conch

(05:52) Importance of storytelling in music sessions

(08:20) Finding your sound

(10:40) Flexibility and pivoting creatively

(13:23) Early music influences and inspiration of Conch

(17:16) Trial-by-fire approach to mastering music production

(23:16) Importance of relationships and mentorship in opportunities

(25:40) Music as a safe space amid addiction and recovery

(28:40) “Would You Rather” segment

(34:35) Experiences with aesthetic procedures

(39:24) Sex on the first date

(40:53) Pet peeves and mental traits in communication

(46:09) Advice for aspiring musicians: starting with free tools

(49:11) Misconceptions about “studio magic”

(51:56) Connect with Conch

About the Guest:

Conch is a Canadian recording artist whose music blends emotional depth with atmospheric production, bridging Hip Hop and R&B with a personal, cinematic touch. Writing, producing, mixing, and mastering his own work, he has earned over 3 million streams, Spotify Editorial support (New Music Friday Canada, Fresh Finds, Outliers, Mood Ring), and airplay on CBC Radio and SiriusXM, with features in CBC & Exclaim. On stage, he has shared bills with J. Cole, Travis Scott, Aminé, and Cordae, while his hometown following has led him to consistently sell out shows in Edmonton and perform at main stages like One Love Festival and Iron Mic. Beyond his own music, Conch produces, engineers, and mentors artists as lead engineer at Resonate Music School & Studio.

Connect with Conch:

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/Conch-Spotify

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okayconch

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@okayconch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okayconch

About the Host:

Jessa Sky is a proud Métis Cree singer-songwriter, mental health and addiction awareness advocate, keynote speaker, and the host of Sky Talks Podcast. Her career continues to rise, but her path has also been shaped by personal battles with mental health and healing. These experiences inspire her to create music, conversations, and spaces that remind others they are never alone.

Through her voice, whether in song, on stage, or behind the mic, Jessa brings healing and humour together. She offers connection, breaks stigma, and shows that resilience can grow even from life’s hardest seasons.

Connect with Jessa Sky:

Website: https://www.jessasky.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessaskyy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessaskyy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessaskyy

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jessaskyy

Welcome to Sky Talks—, let’s get a little unhinged and talk about EVERYTHING! I’m your host, Jessa Sky, where healing and humour collide. Let’s Go, AHO!

Welcome to the FIRST episode of Sky Talks!

In this debut episode, Jessa sits down with her very first guest: the one and only CAB’Ral (@allthingstk).

Cab’Ral is an Edmonton-based alternative hip-hop artist known for his genre-blending sound and introspective lyrics. Born to a Portuguese immigrant family, he has risen from releasing gritty R&B singles to selling out major venues like the Winspear Centre in Edmonton. His debut EP, CAN-D CHEW-Z, recorded in New York, showcases his adaptive vocals and contemporary production .

Cab’Ral has opened for artists like Lil Mosey and Shawn Desman on a cross-Canada tour and has released tracks such as “Take Time,” “Club Paradise,” and “Real Honesty,” which highlight themes of personal growth and resilience . His music often explores the challenges of daily life, making him a distinctive voice in the Canadian hip-hop scene.

Beyond music, Cab’Ral engages with fans on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, sharing insights into his creative process and personal experiences .

For more about Cab’Ral, visit his Instagram or TikTok.

Follow Cab’RAL!

Instagram: @allthingstk

TikTok: @allthingstk

Threads: @allthingstk

Facebook: Allthingstk

Youtube: Cabral

Spotify: Cab'Ral

Follow Jessa!

Website: https://www.jessasky.com

Instagram:@jessaskyy

TikTok: @jessaskyy

Threads: @jessaskyy

Facebook: Jessa Sky

Youtube: @jessaskyy

Snapchat: @jessaskyy

Spotify: Jessa Sky

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Sky Talks Podcast, hosted by Jessa Sky, a dynamic singer and storyteller who has been captivating audiences since 2021 with her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances. Known for blending authenticity, humour, and healing into her artistry, Jessa’s journey has taken her from live music stages to launching her highly anticipated podcast, Sky Talks Podcast offers an unfiltered dive into her 29 years of life experiences, creating a platform for validation, connection, and open dialogue. Featuring insightful conversations with compelling guests, Sky Talks inspires and uplifts listeners while keeping them entertained.