Blackout Podcast Episode 323: Kuraaku – Music Producer / Mixing Engineer / Creative Director

In this episode, we sit down with producer, beatmaker, and creative powerhouse Karaaku for an in-depth conversation about his journey in music, versatility across genres, and his upcoming Afro House EP.

Karaaku opens up about his unique creative process, from crafting beats with artists like Youngstak to mastering the art of mixing and vocal production. He also shares insights on transitioning from Logic to Ableton, the importance of collaboration, and how his background in graphic design fuels his all-in-one approach to music and visuals.

Plus, Karaku drops hints about his untitled 8-9 track Afro House project, packed with summer-ready vibes.

Whether you’re an aspiring producer or a music lover, this episode is packed with gems on creativity, workflow, and the future of sound.

Born in Barbados, now residing in Halifax, Canada. Pushing sonic boundaries with a blend of Dancehall/Afro Dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop/Soulful Rap, Melodic-trap, Afro beats, Amapiano, Afro House and more.

Innovating with blending genres together , Kuraaku crafts a modern style of sound while also sampling 70s, 80s 90s frequencies reshaped for the future, shaping modern music in a brand new unique way.

Check him out @kuraakuproductshanz

Blackout Podcast Episode 322: Amy Harrison – Founder – Pixels & Pieces Design

In this episode of The Blackout Podcast, we sit down with Amy Harrison, founder of Pixels and Pieces Design, to explore her 20-year journey in graphic design, branding, and entrepreneurship. Amy shares how she got her start in design, the evolution of design tools (from Adobe to Canva), and her experience navigating the industry, including an unforgettable internship at a major sci-fi publisher in New York.

We also dive into:

Starting a business—how Amy transitioned from corporate layoffs to launching her own design studio with help from the SEED program.
Branding secrets—why consistency matters and how to avoid the dreaded “I’ll know it when I see it” trap.
Neurodivergence in business—Amy’s late ADHD diagnosis, her coaching work with Solo School, and her upcoming book on neurodivergence.
AI vs. human creativity—why Amy isn’t worried about AI replacing designers (yet).

Amy Harrison is the Founder & Force of Pixels & Pieces Design. She is a graphic and web designer from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She holds a graphic design diploma, a BA (English) from Acadia University, as well as a Masters of Science in Publishing from PACE University in New York. She completed the CEED Entrepreneurship Program and is qualified Project Management Professional.

Amy’s why is ‘to empower others so that we see opportunity’. Her DIY friendly approach helps her clients gain confidence and see their potential. The intersection of neurodiversity, creativity, and practicality offer Amy’s clients a unique experience.

After spending time working in traditional environments like large government and academic institutions, she has cultivated her ideal lifestyle as an entrepreneur.

Find out more @pixelspieces

Blackout Podcast Episode 321: Raven Storm: Producer/DJ/Performer

Raven Storm is an eclectic selector that brings infectious energy and a playful perspective to the decks.

Inspired by their intense desire to move and connect, their musical output exists under the ethos of making music for moving, thinking, feeling, and doing.

Raven is committed to bringing together a community of care and mutual inspiration through sharing space, art, and love via diverse mediums.

Check them out @theravenconspiracy

 

Blackout Podcast Episode 320: Keonte Beals – Author / Owner – KBeals Entertainment

In this heartfelt episode of the Blackout podcast, host Israel sits down with Keonte Beals, artist, author, entrepreneur, and CEO/founder of KBeals Entertainment. The conversation explores Keonte’s surprising journey from music to children’s book publishing, revealing that he actually started writing children’s stories before ever creating music.

Keonte shares the deeply personal inspiration behind his “I Am” book series, which includes titles like “I Am Perfectly Me,” “I Am a King,” “I Am Worthy,” and “I Am a Queen.” He explains how these books speak to his own inner child while helping today’s youth develop self-worth and confidence. Listeners learn about Keonte’s unique creative process—drawing characters first and letting the pictures tell the story—and how he’s expanded his reach through translations into French, Arabic, and Braille.

The discussion delves into Keonte’s school tour program called “The I Am Experience,” where he combines readings, music, and interactive activities to create meaningful connections with children. He also opens up about the childhood emotional and psychological challenges that shaped him and how his work aims to provide kids with the support and affirmation he wished he’d had growing up.

Throughout the episode, Keonte reveals his entrepreneurial mindset, his approach to building a business team, setting boundaries, and finding authentic success by following his intuition rather than industry norms. The conversation showcases how Keonte’s multifaceted talents have come full circle, connecting his childhood creativity with his adult passion for inspiring self-worth in the next generation.

Check him out @keontebeals

Blackout Podcast Episode 319: Rebecca Wilson – Artist and Entrepreneur

 

Rebecca Wilson is an artist and creative entrepreneur based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She runs Lucky Sprout Studio, a space for creative projects that range from illustration to design and beyond. Her watercolour work is known for its bold, graphic style, often featuring nature, symmetry, and intricate patterns. She also founded South Shore Sea Salt, a gourmet culinary sea salt business.

In addition to her studio work, Rebecca shares her art and behind-the-scenes process on YouTube, making videos about painting, creativity, and the realities of running an art business. With a background in Classical Studies, she loves finding ways to bring history and mythology into her work, keeping one foot in both the past and the present.

Find out more @luckysprout

Blackout Podcast Episode 318: Chef D – Owner – Chef D’s House

Chef D, the creative force behind Chef D’s House, is a Toronto-born private chef who brings over 11 years of culinary expertise to Nova Scotia after relocating earlier this year due to military service. With a diverse background in Italian, Caribbean, and French cuisine—along with international culinary influences—they specialize in crafting what they call “munchies elevated”: a fresh, gourmet twist on late-night cravings.

At Chef D’s House, the focus is on redefining “munchies” food—traditionally associated with late-night snacking—by offering thoughtfully prepared dishes that satisfy cravings without the hassle of deciding what to eat. For those seeking an enhanced experience, select infused options featuring THC or CBD are available, ensuring guests can enjoy their high alongside a delicious, elevated meal.

Currently, Chef D’s creations can be found at Dome Nightclub every Friday and Saturday, with delivery services available Sunday through Thursday from 8 PM to 4 AM (orders can be placed via Instagram DM to @chefds_kitchen). Follow their culinary journey on Instagram: @chefds_kitchen for food updates and @chefd_indahouse for a glimpse into their personality and behind-the-scenes moments.

Whether infused or classic, Chef D’s House delivers bold flavors and convenience, making late-night dining an unforgettable experience.

Check them out

@chefds_kitchen

@chefd_indahouse

Blackout Podcast Episode 317: Michelle Munro – Loop In Events / Events Specialist

Michelle holds the view that each event is as unique as the people who attend them, and has a passion for inclusive event design. Michelle believes that true hospitality means removing barriers to participation. Creating environments that say “you are welcome here” to participants and attendees means considering even the smallest of details, as well as genuine conversation and relationship building. 
 
Michelle works with her clients to understand their needs, and to suggest possibilities that will help maximize their event’s potential to be both successful AND meaningful. Creating gatherings where community can be created on the spot has always been a key motivator for Michelle. She does this by drawing on her leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, where for over a decade she worked with people who had a broad range of needs and values to support. She has been able to harness her skills and observations in community building and apply them to a career in the events industry.

Blackout Podcast Episode 316: Andrea Casey – Studio Owner/ Photographer / Acrobat

 

Andrea Casey is the proud owner of two small businesses. A Movement Arts (Pilates, acrobatics, dance, fitness) Studio & Photography Studio. She has dedicated her life’s work to creating a safe, warm and loving environment for people to explore movement that they can become passionate about, expand their bodies capabilities, and ultimately come back to celebrating the skin that they’re in.

Andrea believes in focusing on how movement makes us FEEL, rather than focusing on the superficial outcomes. Creating deep and meaningful relationships with her clients, while guiding them to a healthier relationship with their mind and body is top priority.

Photography has become another space where Andrea feels she can uplift her clients. Showcasing and supporting them in their most vulnerable, authentic essence has become such a rewarding space for her.

Andrea believes in leading from the heart, and always shows up for her clients with kindness, empathy, and compassion first. Through community impact, she hopes to continue to inspire people to be more vulnerable, soft and loving towards themselves (and others).

Check her out

@andreacaseyacrobatics

@andreasartphotography

Blackout Podcast Episode 315: Tiffany Jewel – Independent Writer / Author

Tiffany makes an impact in the lives of others as a certified motivational coach.

In this powerful episode of The Blackout Podcast, host Israel sits down with author and editorial writer Tiffany MacLeod to discuss her journey from childhood trauma to empowerment, creativity, and self-discovery.

Five years in the making, Tiffany opens up about the cathartic yet painful process of revisiting her past, how writing became her unexpected calling, and why she’s determined to break generational cycles as a mother.

From magazine features to runway modeling, pageant competitions, and even a music video appearance, Tiffany shares how saying “yes” to opportunities—despite fear—has transformed her life.

She also dives into:

[03:43] The unexpected resurgence of her childhood passion for writing—and how she landed editorial gigs across North America after a decades-long hiatus.
[12:23] Her upcoming swimsuit competition—why she’s competing after initially covering the event as a writer, and her “no-regrets” mindset.
[09:04] Social media’s double-edged sword—how she uses it to showcase her work while avoiding its draining negativity.
[17:07] Forgiveness, healing, and the blog she’s launching—extending her story beyond her memoir Triggers to Glimmers to help others resonate and heal.

Raw, uplifting, and full of unexpected turns, this conversation is a masterclass in rewriting your story—one bold “yes” at a time.

Listen now and discover how Tiffany turned pain into purpose, and why she refuses to let regret hold her back.

Find out more @tiffyjewl12

Blackout Podcast Episode 314: Ange MacCabe – CEO, Intuity Performance

Ange MacCabe, CEO of Intuity Performance, is a visionary leader committed to transforming how business owners, teams, and leaders thrive through Whole Person Performance coaching, training, and facilitation across the globe.
With over a decade of experience empowering teams in tech, medi-tech, non-for-profits, and life sciences. Ange has fueled Intuity Performance as the CEO and Founder to turn Managers into Leadership Champions decreasing company risk and increasing company profits through individual and group coaching, and facilitation offerings.
Ange is redefining leadership development by combining human insight with cutting-edge AI technology. Her AI-powered coaching and facilitation platform, set to enter beta testing in April 2025, will enable managers and teams to evolve into leadership powerhouses, driving success and minimizing costly setbacks.
Ange is a certified Performance Coach (ACC), Facilitator, and Assessor (DISC, EI-Q), and a recognized Human Resources Practitioner. She has been named one of the Top 25 HR Professionals in Canada (2016, HR Reporter) and was honored as a Business Elites 40 Under 40 awardee (2023). She is also a three-time nominee for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award (2022, 2023, 2024) and a finalist for the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Exporter of the Year award (2023). Most recently, she was awarded the Consumer Choice Award for Business Coaching in Nova Scotia (2025).
Outside of work, Ange enjoys spending time with her 12-year-old son and fur babies. She also serves as an active advocate of emotional intelligence as part of the coaching staff for the U16 AAA Buccaneers Boys Hockey team.

Categories