STTSM

STTSM is an artist standing at the intersection of music, visuals, and the emerging world of Web3. With a background steeped in classical training and a heart that beats to the rhythm of experimentation, STTSM’s creative journey is as dynamic as his work.

From overcoming the challenges of living as an artist in the geopolitical South to exploring the boundless possibilities of generative art and synesthesia, STTSM’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and transformation. In this interview, we dive deep into his artistic process, the personal inspirations behind his music, and his perspective on the future of art in the Web3 space.

Join us as we explore the world of STTSM, where every creation is a testament to both the artist’s evolution and the ever-expanding horizon of artistic expression.

Eduard ( E ): Every artist begins with an interest, but there’s often a defining moment when it transforms into a true passion. Can you share the moment you realized, “Fuck it. I’m committing to this creative journey”?

STTSM ( S ): That moment happened a long time ago when I was still in school. In addition to my academic studies, I was also studying music at the Colombian Youth Symphony, where I learned solfège, music theory, and classical guitar. In my final year, I had to decide on a professional career, but none of the traditional options resonated with me. That’s when I realized that music and artistic expression were my true space—the place where I could shape my vision of reality and share it with others. When I understood that sound was my form of expression, both intellectually and emotionally, I had no doubt that this was the path I wanted to dedicate my life to.

E: Inspiration often comes from the people, places, and experiences around us—or even from within. Who or what has been your most significant muse, and why has it played such an important role in your journey?

S: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” I begin my response with this Picasso quote because, over time, I find it increasingly true. At the beginning of my artistic career, my inspiration came from my internal struggles—ones I couldn’t reconcile either spiritually or intellectually. Music became the best way for me to express and confront them. However, as the years passed, the people closest to me became my greatest source of inspiration.

Today, my wife, Mooncha, and my son are the driving forces behind my creativity. In fact, one of my first musical pieces in Web3, Glitchy Lullaby, is dedicated to my newborn son. I wanted to capture that magical moment when a new life enters this spectrum of reality and you feel the deep need to protect it. On the other hand, pieces like Sentido were inspired by Mooncha when I first met her. Although I composed it back then, it was only recently released in collaboration with Yoshiro Mare.

E: Life is full of ups and downs, and our creative perspective is often shaped by how we navigate those moments. Was there a particular hardship in your life that reshaped your approach to music or art? If so, how did it influence your craft?

S: I believe one of the biggest challenges of being an artist in the geopolitical South is finding the balance between creative work and work that is financially sustainable—work that is necessary to survive within this system. When both align, everything flows naturally, and you experience a creative freedom that fills your soul with happiness. However, many times, financial priorities take over, directly affecting the creative process and the work itself. There have been moments in my life when I had to set aside my art to take on jobs unrelated to artistic creation, which is a clear example of how material conditions impact these processes.

E: Reflecting on your early days, how would you say your music and art have evolved over time? What have been the most significant changes in your style or approach since you started?

S: The only constant in my artistic work has been change. I started as a classical guitarist, then ventured into contemporary academic composition, and later moved into free improvisation with electronic instruments—an approach I continue to explore today. Currently, my work in Web3 is defined by techno music and experimental electronic sounds.

E: Your work seamlessly intertwines music and visual art, creating a unique synergy that feels deeply personal. What inspired you to explore both forms of expression? How do they influence and inform one another in your creative process?

S: I’ve always had a deep fascination with synesthesia. Although I had previously explored visuals in a very basic way, it wasn’t until I discovered Web3 and AI tools that I dared to incorporate them consistently into my creative process. Right now, I’m exploring generative and audio-reactive imagery using software like Touch Designer. I believe that moving images greatly enhance the experience for those who listen to and see my work. My goal is always to create a synesthetic experience where both worlds complement and amplify each other.

E: Every artist leaves a piece of themselves in their creations, but staying authentic can be challenging in a world that often values trends over substance. How do you ensure your work stays true to who you are? Of all the pieces you’ve created, which one do you feel reflects your essence the most?

S: I’ve never been concerned with making my music or visuals trendy or viral. I always strive for my creations to reflect a part of me, without the intention of appealing to the masses. Instead, I focus on staying true to my thoughts and connecting with those who genuinely resonate with my art. It’s hard to choose just one piece that represents my essence because I believe we are constantly evolving, and each work reflects a specific moment in my life. However, some of my favorites are Degen Jam #1, which captures my punk spirit and the spontaneity of music created with hardware, recorded in the moment with minimal post-production. Glitchy Lullaby also holds special meaning, as I mentioned earlier—it reveals a vulnerable side of me. Among my favorite collaborations is Serene Fractures with Fabs27, a piece that allowed me to reconnect with an old friend in both life and music. This improvisation beautifully expresses our mutual understanding through sound.

E: Web3 is often described as a game-changer for artists, breaking barriers imposed by traditional industries. How do you see the Web3 space influencing your journey? What opportunities do you think it offers for artists to thrive and connect with their audience?

S: For me, Web3 has been a true turning point because it has allowed my art to reach the right people—my collectors. Unlike traditional streaming models, where play counts become an ongoing concern, Web3 frees me from that pressure. This has given me a level of creative freedom I had never experienced before, along with a more genuine connection with those who truly appreciate my work. However, Web3 is evolving rapidly, and I’ve recently noticed the rise of platforms like Rodeo and Zora, where viral and mass content is starting to take precedence over more curated, artist-driven collections. These curated works focus more on quality and artistic intent rather than quantity. I believe it’s important to adapt to these trends, but as artists, we must also maintain a critical perspective to avoid falling into the same patterns we once sought to escape in Web2.

E: Fans often interpret artists in their own way, but understanding how you see yourself can create a stronger connection. If we were to strip away all external perceptions, who is STTSM at his core? What defines you as an artist and as a person?

S: STTSM is someone who lives in the world of ideas and often struggles to bring them to reality. I’m a relentless dreamer who deeply loves my family, and I’ve found in Web3 an extension of that family. If there’s one thing that defines me as an artist, it’s movement and constant transformation—always staying true to myself and those around me. That’s why I believe musical improvisation, both solo and collaborative, reflects this continuous evolution. It organically captures the unfolding of a unique moment, knowing it will never be repeated in the same way.

E: Creativity is often fueled by purpose and a vision for the future. What is the core purpose behind your music, and what destination or goal do you hope to reach through your creative journey?

S: The purpose of my music and visuals is to create an intimate connection with those who resonate with them—to reach that raw, unfiltered essence. Through sound, I seek to craft a deep experience. Whether it transforms someone or not is beyond my control, but I do hope that when people experience it, they embark on a unique journey. As a musician and artist in Web3, my goal is to continue connecting with like-minded individuals, allowing me to keep creating, live from what I love, and share that joy with more people. In the field of cultural management, my wife Mooncha and I have built SITIO, a Spanish-speaking community dedicated to supporting cultural creators on their Web3 journey. Our goal is to provide a safe and collaborative space where artists can learn about this ecosystem while fostering a sense of community and collective growth.

E: If one song, movie, or book could feel like it was inspired by your art, which would it be, and why?

S: Many things have influenced my art, but if I had to highlight one, it would be In Rainbows by Radiohead. For me, it marked a before and after—its music, filled with atmospheres and colors, impacted me from the very first listen and has been a major source of inspiration, especially from a synesthetic perspective. If I had to choose a film, it would be Enter the Void by Gaspar Noé. It’s a sensory journey from beginning to end, masterfully portraying both the darkest and most beautiful states of the human experience.

STTSM’s journey is a powerful reminder that artistic expression is ever-evolving, shaped by personal experiences, the people we love, and the constant pursuit of creative freedom. From classical guitar to experimental electronic music, his work reflects an unfiltered, deeply personal exploration of sound and visuals. Through Web3, he has found a space where his art connects with those who truly appreciate it, reinforcing his belief in community, improvisation, and the transformative power of music.

To stay connected with STTSM and explore more of his work, you can follow him on Lens, Twitter, Instagram, Farcaster.

Mismir is committed to amplifying the voices of artists like STTSM, creators who push boundaries and redefine artistic expression. Follow Mismir on Lens, Twitter, Instagram, Farcaster to discover more stories, artists, and the movement shaping the future.