Tim Bettinson is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter and producer most recognized for creating and living behind the lustful, ambient guise of Vancouver Sleep Clinic. Across his catalogue, elements of anthemic indie rock, intimate R&B, and sophisticated folk provide a sweeping film soundtrack for Bettinson’s gentle vocal and expansive storytelling. Emerging from his native Brisbane, Australia on the strength of a series of singles including “Someone To Stay," “Middle of Nowhere," “The Wire,” and the bedroom-produced viral cover of “As It Was," Tim now roams the world with a laptop and headphones in pursuit of adventure and creative inspiration for his ever-evolving project.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Leaving Los Angeles (00:12:19)
• How Tim and Yoshino originally met (00:14:04)
• Lesson’s Tim has learned throughout his journey in music and the industry (00:17:31)
• The feeling of making music (00:23:34)
• Yoshino’s journey into martial arts and photography (00:26:47)
• The first song Tim released on Soundcloud called “Vapour” (00:30:19)
• Tim’s decision to start singing and using falsetto (00:35:22)
• Natural talents vs. achieving abilities through hard work (00:40:39)
• Anxiety and self-imposed pressure (00:52:25)
• Advanced technologies (00:57:45)
• Finding balance and joy within the creative process (01:04:06)
• Dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, and negative thoughts (01:09:36)
• Navigating feedback and trusting your instincts (01:18:38)
• Defining one’s purpose (01:25:16)
• Finding perspective on past work (01:30:49)
• People who inspire Tim and Yoshino (01:36:57)

artistdecoded.com
vancouversleepclinic.org
instagram.com/vancouversleepclinic

Iranian-American filmmaker Saman Kesh has the most Vimeo staff picks, ever. He attributes this accolade to excessive consumption of rocket fuel and a knack for combining the human experience with a healthy dose of controlled chaos.

After his music videos won him YDA Silver at Cannes and two Best Video at SXSW, his foray into advertising was an epic international Superbowl spot for Taco Bell. Since then, he has worked with major brands like Zoom, Google, Citibank, Uber, and most recently picked up a handful of Clio awards for his work with Toyota and Nintendo. Saman has written and directed two universally hailed short films, CONTROLLER and HIT TV, which are being developed into TV-shows, and he is currently working on two feature films.

On his off hours, he plays video games and trolls racists.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Creating a sanctuary for yourself (00:03:20)
• His short film Controller, DP’d by Isaac Bauman (00:10:01)
• Saman’s definition of success (0015:43)
• Celebrating small victories (00:22:28)
• Working professionally with ADHD (00:26:59)
• Knowing our strengths and weaknesses and how to work with them (00:35:40)
• Martial arts and spirituality (00:43:22)
• Saman’s advice for artists and creatives (01:11:16)

artistdecoded.com
samankesh.com
instagram.com/saman_kesh

Daniele Bolelli is a writer, martial artist, university professor, and podcaster. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Los Angeles.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Daniele’s podcasts History on Fire and The Drunken Taoist (00:05:55)
• Daniele’s writing practice (00:08:51)
• Family and navigating personal struggles (00:15:03)
• The origin of Daniele’s passion for history (00:30:59)
• Reflections on legacy (00:35:02)
• Unpacking success, values, and the nature of quality (00:40:46)
• The complexities of meritocracy  (00:53:32)
• Discussing personal values (01:08:19)
• Thoughts on the impact of advanced technology (01:17:10)
• Power and agency within decision making (01:44:50)
• Daniele’s life advice (01:49:21)

artistdecoded.com
danielebolelli.com
danielebolelli.substack.com
historyonfirepodcast.com
thedrunkentaoist.com
instagram.com/daniele_bolelli