The light side of the night seekers

Interview with Zoe Presnick & Derrick Boyd- musically known as ‘Tone of Arc’.

‘My whole purpose here on this planet is to inspire people to the light. I imprint my music with subliminal empowerment and hide my light behind the dark and sexy shadows, blending in as a werewolf gone good.’- Derrick Boyd.

Tone of Arc will join us on the white isle Friday September 20th to showcase their powerful live act at Flying Circus. It’s a sincere honour and pleasure to welcome this duo to the island and our network.

I’d like to talk to you about consciousness, the light, god… connectivity… whatever you choose to call it – how that influences your music, which you almost describe as being channelled, and what it’s like to be sensitive and receptive being in the dance music industry.  I hope that this content can serve as an open forum, a means to touch on the humanity and divine within all of us. This interview is expressed as a matter of opinion, of personal taste and experience and by no means is intended to be preachy or even to be taken as advice… We must all choose our own paths; the beauty of humanity is in our differences and our ability to appreciate these.

So let’s dig in…

What does this term ‘the light’ or ‘consciousness’ mean to you? And how do you practice it?

Zoe- “light” is being positive, loving and non-harming. Consciousness is the place where we are all one/not separate. Deepak says it best.

Derrick- To me the light and consciousness are a bit different to many. The light is that which some would call God but I can’t stand the idea of some old guy with a white beard sitting on a golden throne sending people to a fire – torturing inferno of infinity for not sitting by his side playing bingo with earth’s beings giving you one chance and only one. Once you serve the light you always serve the light and live to gain consciousness and spiritual evolution until the last phase, however many lives it takes to return as a master – one collecting the experience and knowledge for the whole of the Law of One. The Creator is the light and dark and everything that exists is the light whether it be evil or not, it is a part of the whole and part of us and can’t be understood by separating yourself. We are acting on behalf of the divine plan whether we are aware of it or not.

Like a lot of us I imagine that you believe the world is changing, moving into higher levels of collective consciousness, how do you see this affecting/will affect the dance music industry?

Zoe- I don’t know but I’m excited to see/experience what that is. I love surprises!

Do you ever feel like you have to censor yourself regarding your beliefs, or that people think you are ‘weird’….if so how do you deal with these situations?

Derrick- I have been battling peacefully with the idea of what I know is happening with our evolution since I was 17. Patiently waiting for the day that people will understand what I am talking about. My parents will never get it. Convincing stubborn people with closed minds is impossible. People have to want to change either by example or discovering self-awareness.

Music is the closest art that reflects our evolution as we sing and create. It’s a direct reflection of our experiences. The sets we used to play a year ago we would never do again because we have changed.

Now almost everyone I know can hear me go off about UFOs, Pleiadians, Sirius, ancient Egyptians, channelling and the ascended masters without losing them never to return to a spiritual conversation again. One, because I have gotten very good at reading people and what they are open to, and two – people are getting more interested in that which they don’t know and may frighten them, as we have become more adventurous and courageous.

Tell me a bit about what you believe… a nutshell version… if possible. Your elevator pitch…

Zoe- I believe in love. I believe that if you believe in any ONE idea or story that you are limited to that. I believe in curiosity and letting your heart and intuition lead the mind so that you can believe what comes natural and moves you.

Deep in the bowel of artistry and production are there circles of connected individuals that gather to communicate love through music? if so does this joyous sound ever make it to the public arena?

Derrick- Everyone that comes to our parties and shows is on the tip of ascending from the old stagnant beliefs of yester year. The ones who enjoy us the most have open hearts and are evolving extremely fast. Shinning though dark times and breaking through the control seekers. They are on the path of true freedom and most don’t even know it. They just feel great and love more and share more and care more. With our production I imprint the music with subliminal messages of love and light and self-awareness. I create a vibration that fills the soul rather then leaving it bored and sucked dry of spiritual substance. Our bodies need constantly filled with positivity as we are crystalline structures transmitting our own personal frequency. The higher self is hovering above waiting for our ability to reside 100% in our bodies. Why do you think only 6-10% of our brain is used and the rest lies dormant. It is our design to fulfil our greater purpose and reach for the heavens to remember who we are and what knowledge lies in that present we do not understand of ourselves. If we were born with all that knowledge in this world we would explode.

There has been a lot of attention given to the glitz, glamour and the popification of the dance music industry. What’s your opinion on this? Is it all bad? I have met some of the most conscious people through electronic music and if this sound is now being appreciated by the masses, even in a diluted and commercial format is that not a step forward? What can be done moving forward to maintain the integrity of music as it becomes more and more popular and commercialized?

Zoe- there is a lot we don’t have control over. The best I can do is lead by example and gather with/support the people who are like minded so that we can grow in numbers and move “forward”.

What steps can we all as individuals, as music lovers and light seekers take to make positive change in this world and scene?

Derrick- Well I think we need to stick up for ourselves and our beliefs. People are afraid to show what makes them unique out of fear of prosecution and judgement. To be failed in society for doing so. We need to stop the governments around the globe for they are corrupt and pose a threat to our well being. Money is a terrible fuck you to our spiritual enlightenment, supports separation of higher self, latches ego to our forward motion and causes disconnection to the earth, each other and all the animals. If it sustains as our main focus we will destroy everything on this planet without batting an eye. Truth.

There is a lot of ego in our music scene, artists and fans alike- What’s it like being so deeply immersed in a scene that so often contrasts consciousness? How do you remain positive and light in the face of all this?

Zoe- I don’t see “ego” as being a contrast. It’s part of consciousness as well. It’s how you use it that counts. So, don’t be an asshole. I do my best not to be an asshole but my trying isn’t fool-proof. I try to be in a ‘glass half full’ mind set.

Derrick- People who think they are the shit act like shit. Nobody is a rock star in this. Your cheap hotel living, shitty food, and over paid Dj sets don’t qualify you for being shitty to other people. To be a Dj or musician is to be a shaman. One who beats on the drums and tells the stories that move your inner child to its magical abilities. Those who don’t understand this have boring sets in my opinion. They leave you left wanting.

Why do you think drug use is so prevalent in the dance music scene, and do you think it is more common than within other music scenes?

Derrick- People are trying to tap into that higher place. It takes a leader to show you how to do it right, not abuse, and accomplish something great. Drugs are not meant to be continued through out your life but guide you to what will complete you or what will destroy you.

If you could create 3 major changes in the dance music scene/industry what would they be?

Derrick- I would change the starving artist bullshit. People should be paid by funded benefits or programs to do what they do. An artist unhappy or unable to complete their work is very dangerous. Look at Hitler. He was a painter ridiculed by his peers.

What would you keep the same?

Derrick- The love of life and adventure. I would change almost everything though. I’m not from this planet so don’t take that personally.

What do you love of the dance music scene?

Derrick- People are amazing. I love to watch them dance and enjoy music. It’s so fun.

You describe your music as almost being channelled, inspired, coming through you and not necessarily by you… you must be a pretty sensitive person to receive this… what’s it like to be so busy, to be touring, travelling and so heavily immersed in the ‘nightlife’ while also maintain a spiritual practice? What do you do to maintain your balance and stillness with so many external demands?

Derrick- My body is very unhappy and I suffer in pain constantly. I can’t eat the organic foods and smoothies I normally would on the road. Planes are very bad for you and I go through radiation a lot. This job is entirely out of balance with my physical condition. It won’t last because I have higher standards and knowledge of what it will take for me to be truly happy and fulfilled. I am doing spiritual work and fulfilling what I came here to do and perform. But I am not going to pretend that I won’t get sick of partying my ass off and destroying my body. It will get old and I will need to stay still, stay grounded and have a healthy routine. Lots of  Yoga,  growing my own garden and building a sustainable clean energy home.  The music I channel without thought is allowing me to have that future. Although I do what I can and try not to complain as I am very thankful for my position but I must say I work very hard just to have freedom to stay home and make music which is my favourite thing to do on this planet. My studio is heaven to me and I will always make music.

You work and play together as a couple, is it difficult to maintain balance in a relationship when you spend so much time together…. how do maintain an inspired relationship?

Zoe- “difficult” isn’t the word. I chose to look at it as “effort” or just “work”. It takes patience, understanding, compromise and selflessness to achieve balance in our relationship. As long as I put the music and the value of our relationship before everything else then things work. And sleep. We have to sleep so that we don’t kill each other. Sleep deprivation is a shitty drug.

Tell me a bit about your inspiration, your process…how you make music and why?

Zoe- There is nothing else that makes me feel like I do when I’m creating/singing/performing. It’s a direct line into happiness, meditation and consciousness. I do my best work in life while I’m in that space and I always want more.

Are there any spiritual leaders, books, or guides that you feel are particularly relevant?

Derrick- I stopped reading a long time ago. I can’t read stories that aren’t true to me or novels that go into other peoples minds because I will read the whole page and at the same time go somewhere completely better in mind later realising I didn’t get a word in. My mind is very creative and hard to stop from wonder and magic and day dreaming. I went through a few years as I was very young reading only spiritual knowledge which was the only thing I could retain like:

– ‘Be Here Now’ by Ram Dass

– ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle

– ‘Bringers of the Dawn’ by Barbara Hand Clow

– ‘Earth’ by Barbra Marciniak

– And every channelled book from the Pleiadians. 

After reading these I started evolving so fast and started seeing so many UFOs it was crazy. Totally living the life that I always wanted, feeling special and gifted with blessings of their presence I can’t deny. No one can take that from me.

You are renowned to have The Dead Sea Scrolls, a myriad of unreleased music….if this music moves through you, divinely,  why do you censor it?… what goods are you keeping from this world, and what makes certain music ‘good’ enough to release and other not?

Derrick- The test of time. Some of the songs from the album were made up to 6 years ago. I have a lot and some are just so good I can’t release. Others are not so much and just remain as my art. I try to do something different every time as to not get bored and be open to new possibilities. Music is the way I evolve so I respect my evolution by concealing some of it. I don’t need to release everything and I’ve never received a check from anyone so, why bother? I don’t need an ego’s back catalogue.

Do you make conscious choices to associate with certain DJs/Producers/Parties based on similar beliefs? Would you say that your closest friends are of a similar mind/heart-set?

Zoe- Yes, Yes and Yes!!

Derrick- I don’t judge people or put too much thought into it. I just focus on myself. If I don’t have to live with you then do what ever you want man. Lets jam out. For the most part all the people that I play with are on point and I get what I need from them- my freedom to be me.  Those who do not can suck it, you are in my way.

You are playing at Flying Circus in Ibiza on the 20st of September, a party known for its headier form of debauchery, how did you get involved with the Audiofly/Flying Circus boys and what do you think about the party?

Zoe- This will be my first time in Ibiza and Derrick’s first time playing there. He met the Audiofly guys before I did. All I can tell you is I LOVE playing their parties! It seems we have similar intentions when it comes to enjoying our lives and getting our music out into the world.

What do you think about Ibiza and what are you most excited to do while here?

Derrick- Going to see beautiful parts of the Island. I love the after parties there. It’s a bit weird though going to DJ island and seeing billboards of people I know or don’t ever want to. It leaves me speechless. Really I just want to meet more wonderful people from there. They are Free Spirits.

more info:

Tone of Arc