Sep 16 2024 56 mins
Today's guest is Shaunt Raffi, an Armenian music curator, DJ, musician, and producer based in Toronto. Shaunt shares his journey of embracing his Armenian identity, his experiences with psychedelics, and his mission to preserve and share Armenian culture through his creative ventures.
Episode Highlights:
- Armenian Identity: Shaunt discusses how living in Armenia redefined his relationship with his heritage, allowing him to embrace being Armenian as an intrinsic part of himself.
- System of a Down: Shaunt explains the band's significance to Armenian diaspora, serving as a powerful example of maintaining cultural identity while achieving mainstream success.
- Psychedelic Experiences: Shaunt shares how his first LSD experience at a music festival broadened his musical horizons and redefined his understanding of personal freedom.
- Cannabis and Meditation: Shaunt talks about overcoming cannabis dependence through meditation, gaining clarity on his life's purpose and strengthening his creative resolve.
- Creative Community: Shaunt reflects on creating safe spaces for artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of fostering judgment-free environments while promoting responsible behavior.
- Cultural Preservation: Shaunt shares his philosophy on preserving Armenian culture by making it relevant and lovable to others, redefining preservation as cultivating appreciation.
- Entrepreneurship: Shaunt offers advice for aspiring creators, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding that cultural work's impact may not be fully realized within one's lifetime.
You can follow about Shaunt here:
https://www.instagram.com/shauntraffi
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