Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today’s episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy.

We’ll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he’d pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch).

Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character’s spirit.

We’ll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story. 🎧✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where we harness the healing power of music to lift the soul. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Tim King who was literally on the road, pulling over in the dark‑lit front seat of his car—to chat with SOiL’s longtime bassist Tim King.

Tim walks us through the band’s upcoming UK return in October‑November 2026, the back‑story behind their wildly popular Play It Forward covers album, and the creative process that finally pushed SOiL back into the studio for a brand‑new record slated for 2026. He also shares the quirkiest of tidbits—from his 12‑string Hamer/Thunderbird experiment and his signature “up‑pick” technique to the personal posters that once covered his bedroom walls.

Between anecdotes about the band’s evolving lineup, a rapid‑fire “tone or technique” rapid‑fire round, and a surprising confession about “How I Live Without You” from Con Air, Tim gives us a behind‑the‑scenes look at life on the road, the challenges of being an indie‑label artist, and why every genre—metal, hip‑hop, country, or pop—has its own vital place in the human experience.

Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to hear why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak. 🎧✨

In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Chicago‑born jazz virtuoso Brian Culbertson – a multi‑instrumentalist, composer, producer, and the man behind the acclaimed album “Day Trip.”

From Brian’s early days tinkering on piano at eight, picking up trombone in the school band, and discovering the magic of a home studio at twelve, to his modern‑day workflow that blends live horns, synth‑laden beats, and the Output Arcade plug‑in that sparked the track “Sandcastles,” the conversation drifts through:

The instrument journey: why piano became his songwriting hub, how drums shaped his groove sense, and the challenge of playing piano passages that push his limits.

Music theory & learning: a down‑to‑earth take on why theory is “baby steps” and how a good teacher can make it approachable for anyone.

Creative influences: everything from Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to classical, EDM, Mongolian metal (The Hu) and dark hip‑hop—showing how eclectic listening fuels fresh ideas.

Production vs. performance: why the studio feels like home, the painstaking process of polishing a record, and the tricks he uses to translate studio vibes to a live stage.

The “Day Trip” story: how nine songs were written in just four days with co‑writer Nicholas Cole, and the emotional contrast between rapid bursts of inspiration and years‑long labors of love.

Beyond the music: Brian’s passion for wine, the creation of his signature blends, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway he co‑hosts, and the balance of artistry with entrepreneurship.

Get ready for a deep dive into a musician’s mindset, a handful of quirky anecdotes (no secret studio rituals—just a shower and a good vibe), and plenty of tips for anyone who dreams of turning a musical spark into a polished record.

Press play, lean back, and let the conversation remind you why, when words fall short, music always finds a way to speak.