We had the good fortune of connecting with Ernesto Cardenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ernesto, why did you pursue a creative career?
The decision to dedicate myself to music and art came to me in 2 aspects, the internal and external.

First, internally my exploration of music and sound from a young age, grew into a passion that has led me down a path of self discovery and expression that is still on going. The study of music has allowed me to learn, appreciate and more deeply understand the mathematical, geometrical, and philosophical beauty of the world, which is a great source of inspiration for me.

Externally, I had the realization of how powerful of a tool art, and especially music can be to communicate a message and share knowledge. I believe the highest form of art is that which not only entertains but also communicates truth and wisdom. This can have a profound impact on individuals and by extension, society. From the caveman days to the renaissance to the modern day and political revolutions, music has always been an integral part of evolution. In this sense, music is a tool to expand consciousness.
For these reasons I believe the pursuit of music is a worth-while endeavor.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My musical journey led me to start my own music and art experience called, Dimensions of Being. Dimensions of Being (DoB) is an experimental music & art gathering that takes its participants on an exploration through sound, light & vibration with the intention of discovering and understanding the Dimensions of Being.

A multi-sensory experience, DoB transforms everything from clubs, warehouses, art galleries and natural hideaways into immersive art spaces, incorporating sound, visual and culinary art in order to create transcendental atmospheres that seek to catalyze self-discovery.

DoB is the result of a life long passion for sound and music, united with my study of philosophy, science and spirituality.
At home growing up I was exposed to all kinds of music, ranging from Classical, Rock, Latin and Electronic music. As well as different philosophical teachings and theories.

Born in New York, and raised in Atlanta, I first began playing/performing music in school orchestra in 6th grade. This taught me music theory and introduced me to performing music in front of a crowd. I played the violin through out middle school, but once I entered high school, I decided I would sell my violin and use that money to buy my first set of drums. During those years I really began to search and dive deep into different kinds of music and fell in love with rock music and percussion.

When I got into college I started to go out, and really began experiencing live electronic music shows for the first time. I fell in love with dance music. I quickly realized I had to start making and writing electronic music and sold my drum set. With the money, I was able to purchase the first piece of my music studio, a high quality audio interface. This was back in 2011. I started learning, experimenting and teaching myself audio engineering and music production and have been exploring it ever since. I started building my studio, and after a few years of making and producing music, I needed a way to showcase my music, so taught myself how to DJ. In 2016 I began working as a DJ & Music Production instructor at Guitar Center, and still do to this day.

I began playing locally in different parties and venues, and throughout the years expanded out to different cities in the southeast region such as Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville. As my music developed so did my intention. I saw the powerful potential of my music to serve as a gateway for people to connect with themselves and others on a deeper level. These musical experiences can have profound benefits on all the dimensions of our being, from the physical to the mental and emotional. These perspectives became the seeds for what would become Dimensions of Being.

In 2018, I finally launched the DoB project. and have done over 30 shows in 3 different states. My team and I curate these explorations where people can dance, converse, paint, and immersive in art installations.

Apart from this, my partner, Jennifer Bronzel, and I are in the process of opening an Art Space/Listening Bar & Cat Lounge called The Frisky Whisker at the redeveloping Underground Atlanta, in the heart of the city. This will be a meeting place and hangout spot for all kinds of people, but especially for these that love art, music, and cats. Expect an opening date sometime in 2023. You can learn more about us at thefriskywhiskeratl.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to name so ill make a few lists,

Iconic, must visit spots:
– The view from the top of Stone Mountain
– Little 5 points
– Piedmont Park
– A stroll around the restaurant and bars of East Atlanta Village
– Fernbank Museum
– High Museum of Art

Food Spots
– The international food on Buford Highway
– Antico’s Pizza
– St. Cecilia

Hangout/party spots
– Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
– Midcity Cafe
– An Alley Cat party
– Victory Sandwich Bar
– of course, a Dimensions of Being Exploration

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Two people who were big influences on my artistic development come to mind.

The first is my father. Growing up he instilled in me a curiosity for physics, nature and science. This has had a great impact on the way that I perceive music, sound and art. Informing my study of music on a deeper, and more interconnected level.

Secondly my older brother, Yul, who is an amazing producer and musician, artistically known as Words of Niō. My first experiences in a music studio environment, or interacting with music production equipment came to me by being around him.
Being around his different bands growing up and seeing them create and perform music, had a major role in my introduction to the world of music.
I am grateful to have them in my life, and dedicate my shootout to them!

Website: https://soundcloud.com/silentduality

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernesto-cardenas3/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/silentduality

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silentduality/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/gaYg8tsPJGU

Other: https://www.dimensionsofbeing.com

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