TTP #15- Chris St. Hillaire on Music and Activism, Organizing, Positive Effects of Living a Plant-Base Diet on the Road

My conversation this week is with drummer, multi instrumentalist, activist and all around inspirational guy Chris St Hillaire. After more than a decade with his band the London Souls, Chris is now touring with Sinkane. Chris is also a founding member of the Sound Mind Collective who's "aim is to to connect independent musicians and artists with our local communities to encourage meaningful positive growth through education, social justice advocacy and creativity." Chris insight into the connecting the worlds of activism and music is inspiring and so important

Intro music: 'Do you?' from DB3 album 'Firebrand'

Episode interludes are taken from: Chris St. Hillaire "Strangers" and "Road March", London Souls "Steady Are You Ready" and Sinkane "Everybody"

In this conversation:

• Sound Mind Collective

• Operating in a conscious way

• SMC and community based issues beyond music ie policing- mentorship to incarcerated kids

• Musician business workshops

• Lack of organizing in younger musicians

• Activism on tour and linking with local communities

• Eating healthy on a budget while on tour

• Journey to plant-based diet

• Ethical treatment of animals

• Growing up in Trinidad

• Standard American Diet= SAD

• Food=Culture

• Life on the road forcing the issue with regards to health- That being the catalyst for change

• Plant-based diet+ change in playing, life on tour, approach and mental clarity/focus

• Daily schedule- Juice bar in the morning

• Show preparation- Positive mindstate above all

• Developing an activist mentality in musicians

• Interconnectedness of issues

• London Souls

• Sinkane

• Importance of valuing relationships in building a music career

• Goals: long term vs short term

• Leave room for your goals to evolve