ZackieL takes us on a profound exploration of music, dance, and ancestral healing. Describing his unique sound as "folkloric global soul," he shares how his music serves as a devotional practice, rooted deeply in ancestral connections.

As ZackieL delves into the transformative power of music, he reveals its capacity to facilitate healing, both for himself and his audience. He eloquently articulates the process of tapping into flow states and liminal spaces, where music becomes a conduit for profound spiritual experiences.

Throughout the conversation, ZackieL reflects on his travels, touching upon shamanic practices, spirit possession, and the transcendent nature of qawwali music. He highlights the resurgence of ancient healing modalities in Western contexts, emphasising the pivotal role of women as mediators between the seen and unseen worlds.

The episode delves into the mesmerising world of trance dance, drumming, and chanting, exploring how these practices entrain brainwaves and promote holistic well-being. ZackieL also shares his insights on the liberating expression of sexual energy through music and dance, celebrating the richness of human experience and aliveness.

ZackieL courageously confronts the legacy of colonialism, acknowledging the need for cultural reparations and an awareness of white privilege within the well-being and therapy realms. He underscores the importance of decolonial healing and the deep work required to address systemic misogyny and exploitation.

The conversation culminates in a profound discussion on Ayahuasca ceremonies, where ZackieL illuminates the transformative power of the Icaro, describing them as "spiritual surgery" for the soul. Through his compelling narrative, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of introspection, healing, and collective transformation.

ZackieL leaves us with a powerful vision of a future where music, dance, and healing are woven into the fabric of everyday life, fostering connection, community, and profound inner growth.

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ZackieL is a multidisciplinary visionary singer/songwriter and artist, and plays the guitar, percussion and handpan. He is a field recordist studies in ethnomusicology, event organiser & MC, fire keeper, and spoken word poet and storywriter. He’s hosted and headlined a plothora of events worldwide. He recently went to the Peruvian Amazon as a field recordist for Universal Pictures.

He spent many weeks living with the Shioibo-Conibo traditional healers, recording and learning the practices of Icaros, which can be described as medicine songs performed in ayahuasca ceremonies. One of these recordings is featured on the award-winning film Tar featuring Cate Blanchett.

He is a long-standing member of the Village101 Community Interest Company which is a black-led arts organisation and cultural initiative dedicated to Reclaiming the Narrative through innovative art, decolonial education, and regenerative culture.

ZackieL’s first single Wild|Wise was released on the 31st March. The second single SOLACE will be released alongside the official music video at the end of April, and the full SOLACE, The EP at the end of May.

Visionary Singer+Songliner, Multi-Instrumentalist - Global Soul Folkloric - Events - Available for Bookings- Field Recorder/Ethnomusicologist:

Follow: @_ZackieL_

FB: Zackiel Lewis-Griffiths

www.zachielmusic.com

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The Psychedelic Couch is hosted by Clare Faulkner, a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist and Certified Psycho-Sexologist.

Follow The Psychedelic Couch on Instagram at @thepsychedelicouch

Follow Clare on Instagram at @clarefaulknertherapy