Super connections, stories, technology, music and saving Soho with Tim Arnold

Some folk talk about technology with an "emperor's new clothes" glee, as though it's a panacea for everything wrong with society. Others exhibit phobic terror, blaming technology – not how people use it – for human failings and foibles. Many see both a light and dark side, and there's increasing interest in the addictive nature of social media.For today's curious and playful guest Tim Arnold, technology, social media and our appendage-like mobile phones allow us to be "super connected" – enabling expression, conversation and connection. But with a potentially corrosive effect too.Tim is a singer songwriter and filmmaker who has self-released 22 albums after starting his music career leading 90’s British art rock band Jocasta.His new feature-length film and album Super Connected includes a single of the same name, released today. Watch the video here.Talking with Tim was fun and frank and fascinating.  In this interview we cover:whether technology has made it easier or harder to make a living as an independent musicianhow a friend of Tim’s who is a mental health professional inspired Super Connected, and why Tim made his new film with Dixie McDevitt and Kate Aldertonwhat a "story concept album for the digital age" meanssocial media can have a corrosive effect on our mental health and can be a lifeline too,Tim's a creator, collaborator, interviewer (check out his weekly Super Connected Conversations podcast and YouTube series exploring the impact of technology on human psychology and society) – how does he manage his own mental bandwidth, prioritise or focus so as not to be overwhelmed?is Tim worried about big business and music industry behemoths muscling in where independent creators have been able to innovate?can Artificial Intelligence (AI) come up with music which stirs the soul?why Tim (joined by Stephen Fry) campaigned to save some of Soho's most loved community assets like Madame Jojo's and Soho Squarehow to get an invitation (everyone is welcome) to see the feature-length Super Connected film and whole album (go to https://superconnected.technology )Tim's work with the Sheffield Arts Lab – there's play and intrigue ahoy here!How to connect with Tim (website | Bandcamp | Twitter)This episode is a treat and a feast and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.