Learn Killer Jazz Voicings, Creative Composition Methods, and More - Telemakus’ Incredible Insights

From Injury to Innovation — Telemakus’ Journey Is Unlike Anything You’ve Heard. In this inspiring episode of Jazz Lab, I sit down with pianist, producer, and sonic visionary Telemakus to explore a creative journey shaped by both genius and adversity.

Check out Telemakus' website here: https://www.telemakusmusic.com
Subscribe to Telemakus' channel here: ‪@realtelemakus‬ ​
🔥 Follow Telemakus on Instagram, Spotify, and more → @telmakus
📀 "Eight Ring Revival" drops this Fall

🎹🎹 We're both playing Casios! Check out the Casio Privia Line here (this is my affiliate link so I get a small commission if you decide to purchase one: https://alnk.to/5jiT1Yy

After losing the ability to use his hands due to a rare genetic disorder (EDS), Telemakus did something few artists would even attempt — he began composing with his toes. What followed is a body of work that’s both emotionally raw and musically extraordinary.

We talk about:

-Why creative limitations can be a huge strength
-His system for developing a true musical voice
-Composing without hands — and the album that came from it
-Turning pain into power: How he found resilience through music
-Exclusive preview of his upcoming record "Eight Ring Revival"
-Voicing tricks, form-building methods, and beat-first songwriting
-A powerful live exercise: improvising full stories at the piano

Whether you're an artist, a musician, or someone navigating a hard chapter in life — this episode will move you.

Timestamps
0:00 - Intro – How I Discovered Telemakus
1:01 - Surprise First Encounter at Nublu
2:19 - Telemakus Plays an Original Live
4:04 - Finding Your Musical Voice
5:45 - Writing Every Day & Creative Limitations
7:10 - Composing From a Bassline
10:25 - Live Breakdown: Turning a Bassline Into a Song
13:20 - How Voice Leading Creates Hidden Melodies
16:30 - Developing Form Without Rules
19:04 - How Feeling Shapes the Form
22:00 - Non-Musical Inspirations (And Painting with Mom)
25:30 - Moving to LA & the Creative Community
28:45 - Studying With Taylor Eigsti – Life-Changing Lessons
33:00 - Musical Storytelling Improv: "Corey the Ant" 🐜
36:00 - Storytelling Solo: The Cynical Uncle
42:00 - Flow State, Doubt, and Performance Mindset
44:40 - The Injury That Changed Everything
46:50 - Living With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
48:15 - How Telemakus Composed With His Toes
50:30 - The Long Road Back: Training Like an Athlete
53:15 - Turning Pain Into a Superpower
56:00 - Preview: Upcoming Album “Eight Ring Revival”
58:50 - Artistic Curating & Career Advice
1:00:15 - Telemakus' Favorite Voicings + Sus Chord Philosophy
1:04:00 - Behind the Scenes of “The Return of Telly”
1:08:00 - Producing with Limitations: Inside the DAW
1:13:20 - The Power of Musical Community
1:15:00 - Final Thoughts & Outro

#jazzpiano #telemakus #pianotutorial #podcast