Join host Anthony Mistretta for an electrifying conversation with Denver-based DJ and producer Chad Vasquez, known as Discognition. From the roots of house and techno in Black queer communities to the dystopian implications of AI in music creation, this episode takes you on a journey through dance music culture, authenticity, and what it means to create in the age of algorithms. Chad opens up about his philosophy of "friends, not fans," the evolution of DJing from basement raves to streaming-dominated festivals, and why he believes staying true to your authentic sound matters more than chasing label signings. Dive deep into discussions about the homogenization of EDM, the dangers of AI-generated music, the cultural appropriation in electronic music, and why intimate club shows beat massive festival stages. This raw, unfiltered conversation explores creativity, technology, human connection, and the fight to preserve authenticity in an increasingly automated world.

Key Topics (Chapters)

00:00 Intro

03:56 Musical Backgrounds

08:06 Appreciating Creative Genius

11:31 The Coexistence of Creativity and AI

20:42 EDM Roots and Live Shows

28:28 The Evolution of DJing and EDM

42:10 The Ideal Performance Experience

49:03 The Culture of Dance Music

01:00:05 The Impact of Streaming on Music Creation

01:13:13 AI In Music Production

01:35:57 The Dystopian Reality of AI and Society

01:51:07 Gratitude and Boundaries in a Tech-Driven World

01:53:20 Outro

Resources and Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discognition

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/discognition

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/discognition

About The Ambiguous Truth Podcast

The Ambiguous Truth explores the stories behind people's passions, diving deep into what drives individuals to pursue unconventional paths and chase what deeply aligns with their values, interests, and skills. Host Anthony Mistretta creates intimate conversations that celebrate authenticity and the courage it takes to follow your own truth.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambiguoustruth

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theambiguoustruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theambiguoustruth