This time I sit down with Adam Balk, better known as NU_HAVEN, to explore what it means to carve out your own lane in electronic music.

Adam’s story is as unconventional as his sound: from working as a software engineer on games like Halo and Magic: The Gathering Arena to becoming a producer of what he calls “emotionally evocative computer music.”

We dive into how he made that leap, why trusting your gut beats chasing trends, and how to balance precision with authentic expression.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Adam’s transition from software engineering to music production.

• The paradox of being an introverted artist seeking recognition.

• Mixing as composition, and why “the mix is the production” in electronic music.

• The tension between the pressure to “do more” and the risk of burnout.

• Why authenticity always outshines chasing approval.

• The role of community and connection in live electronic music experiences.

Whether you’re a producer, composer, or just someone walking the unconventional creative path, this episode is packed with insights about making art in today’s world—and why sometimes the best music happens when you’re not even trying to force it.

-Dr. Z

✨ Guest Links
NU_HAVEN on Spotify | Bandcamp | Instagram

This is the last part of the conversation of this little miniseries, and we dig in to "Street Fighter Mas" by Kamasi Washington. It's a fun song with a lot of energy! Hope you enjoy.

- Dr. Z

In this part (2 of 3), we listen to and discuss the famous "King Park" by La Dispute. This song is a challenging listen for most people, but it reflects on and reveals some very important issues. Hope you enjoy.

-Dr. Z

"John Something" by Aesop Rock kicks off this round table. Part 1 of 3 of a much longer recording session, we take our time dissecting each tune. Hope you enjoy.

- Dr. Z

Marcia and Jason join me to analyze three songs: "Devil Like You" by The Bridge City Sinners, "Black Tame" by Topaz Jones, and "Pepper" by Butthole Surfers.

Hitting our stride in this conversation, we begin to dig in to what makes these vastly different artists similar in their modes of expression. From new age folk to Neo-funk flavored rap and throwback 90's jams, we reveal yet again that genres don't really matter. People do.

-Dr. Z

Can AI become a genuine creative partner rather than a replacement for human artists?

Marcia and Jason join me to analyze three songs: "V.A.N." by Bad Omens, "VAPORIZE" by NU_HAVEN, and "Can You Tell" by Vulfpeck.

We talk about the different ways artists make their music. We look at how they use structure, production, and themes to make each song unique.

-Dr. Z