In the spirit of creativity and community, Wilton Rancheria recently hosted a series of podcasting sessions focused on music creation. This initiative took place during the summer, bringing together young members of the community to explore the art of music and podcast production in collaboration with the Department of Sound. Our host, Sari Mihiam, an executive assistant for Wilton Rancheria, guided the engaging conversations with participants Taheya Araujo and Yatir.


A Summer of Music and Connection

Throughout a month of podcasts, Sari, Taheya, and Yatir explored the nuances of music creation. They weren't merely learning technical aspects, but also experiencing the joy of creating music that resonates personally. "My favorite thing about making a podcast is connecting with people and learning about them," said Taheya. Her sentiment was echoed by Yatir, who appreciated the autonomy and creative freedom the process offered.


Creative Inspirations and Genres

When asked about their inspirations, both Taheya and Yatir shared that they were not influenced by any specific artist but instead chose to freestyle and create music that was truly their own. "I wasn't inspired by an artist," said Yatir, "I was just doing what my mind had in mind and having fun with it." Their creations leaned towards hip-hop, although they embraced spontaneity and experimentation, resulting in "really random" genres.


The Meaning of Music

For both participants, music holds deep personal significance. "Music has different meanings," Taheya explained. "It helps me feel better, brings peace, and lightens my mood." Yatir also noted the uplifting quality of music, stating, "Whenever I'm feeling down, I'll just start playing a song and sing along."


Exploring Musical Preferences and Memorable Tracks

A discussion of their musical preferences revealed diverse tastes. While Taheya's playlist includes artists like Jhené Aiko, Yatir enjoys Mexican music, which always gets her dancing. Favorite tracks aren’t singular, but for Taheya, "White Ferrari" by Frank Ocean is a go-to, while Yatir finds joy in disco, exemplified by "Rock Steady."


A Game of Associations

During the session, a fun word-association game provided additional insights. From artists like Taylor Swift to social platform TikTok, each word prompted unique responses. Despite differing opinions on artists like Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande, a shared appreciation for music's community and cultural impact emerged.


Reflections on the Podcasting Journey

Reflecting on their podcasting journey, Taheya and Yatir expressed their appreciation for the skills and experiences gained. Taheya found making beats particularly exhilarating, as it introduced her to a myriad of unfamiliar instruments. Yatir valued the interviews, delighting in the chance to connect with people. Both relished the freedom to pursue their musical passions without constraints.


Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

As this enriching program concluded, gratitude was extended towards the Department of Sound for hosting such an impactful series. Sari Mihiam wrapped up the session with hope for future classes, emphasizing the incredible experiences waiting for the next group of young creators. Both participants eagerly anticipate returning and contributing to upcoming sessions, hopefully inspiring new creativity within their community.

In every beat and tune, the essence of youthful expression and cultural heritage came alive, leaving an indelible mark on everyone involved.

^{Filmed at Shattered Records in Sacramento, CA.
This podcast was made possible through the generous support of Wilton Rancheria.}