Allow Me To Introduce Myself
As a creative professional, I’ve always been driven by the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling. My name is Mark Carranceja, also known as Kuryente, and I’ve had the privilege of shaping my career around these passions for over two decades. My journey as an artist and shas been deeply influenced by my experiences—each chapter revealing new insights that have guided my creative purpose. Growing up in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, New York, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, I was immersed in a world of culture and sound that shaped my early understanding of creativity. The raw energy of the city, the diversity of voices, and the spirit of rebellion were all key influences in defining who I am today. I was fortunate to witness firsthand the evolution of music, art, and social movements that helped to shape the cultural landscape. From Hip Hop to underground Techno, the sounds that filled the air of Brooklyn have become an indelible part of my creative DNA.
However, it’s not just my roots in Brooklyn that have shaped my creative outlook—it’s also the experiences I’ve had since leaving the city and settling in Newburgh, New York. Here, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of renewal and reinvention. Newburgh, with its rich history and ongoing revitalization, has been an endless source of inspiration. The city’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day innovation reflects the very process of creative reinvention I’ve embraced throughout my career. The unpredictability of my own journey—moving between the fast-paced energy of Brooklyn and the quieter, more introspective pace of Newburgh—has allowed me to develop a broad perspective on creativity. It’s a perspective rooted in adaptability, in understanding that creativity thrives in the spaces between chaos and calm, tradition and innovation.
It’s this balance between contrasts that fuels my creative purpose. Whether I’m behind the decks DJing Techno, creating experimental films, or crafting content for emerging media platforms, my work has always been about connecting these worlds. Music, in its many forms, has been my primary medium of expression, but I’ve always believed that art isn’t confined to one genre or platform. Techno, with its relentless drive and capacity to evoke raw emotion, has given me the freedom to explore a new language of storytelling, one that doesn’t rely on words but on sound, rhythm, and energy. As a producer and DJ, I’ve been able to use the decks as my canvas, blending technology and artistry to connect with others on a visceral level.
At the same time, my foray into commercial production and experimental filmmaking has deepened my understanding of storytelling in a multimedia landscape. Filmmaking allows me to play with visual and auditory elements to craft narratives that push boundaries and challenge conventional forms. The intersection of these diverse mediums—music, film, and technology—has shaped my creative identity and reinforced my belief that storytelling can take many forms. The unpredictability of my journey has shaped me into a versatile creator, someone who doesn’t just follow trends but shapes them.
Through my work, I aim to encourage others to embrace that same sense of fluidity, to understand that creativity isn’t bound by expectations or categories, but is something that can shift, evolve, and adapt in response to the world around us. It’s this dynamic intersection of art, technology, and storytelling that continues to fuel my creative purpose, and it’s this mindset that I bring to everything I do—whether I’m teaching, producing, or simply experimenting with new ideas. In a constantly changing media landscape, I’ve learned that my creative purpose isn’t about maintaining a singular path; it’s about being open to where the next evolution of my work may take me.
“In a world flooded with media noise, Noisemaker Media has always been about cutting through that static. It’s not just about the work I create, but about the impact that work has on those who consume it.”
In 2002, I founded Noisemaker Media, my multimedia production company, with the goal of delivering content that’s not only thought-provoking but boundary-pushing. At the time, I had been working in various aspects of media production, from music to film, and had grown frustrated with the limitations of conventional platforms and mainstream narratives. I wanted to create a space where ideas weren’t just curated for mass appeal, but crafted to provoke genuine thought, stir emotion, and spark conversations that could shift perceptions. Launching my own production company was my response to a world inundated with media that felt homogenized, formulaic, and overly commercialized. It was my way of pushing back against the noise and offering something that felt real, raw, and unapologetically authentic.
The core mission behind Noisemaker Media has always been about telling stories that resonate with a diverse and engaged audience. I believe the world doesn’t need more content—it needs more meaningful content. Too often, we see narratives recycled or diluted to fit into safe, predictable formats. Through Noisemaker, I’ve sought to deliver something that cuts through that clutter. Whether it’s through music, film, or experimental projects, my goal has always been to challenge both myself and my audience to think differently, to explore new creative frontiers, and to engage in deeper, more transformative experiences.
I also launched Noisemaker Media as a platform for collaboration. The work I do isn’t just about sharing my own vision; it’s about connecting with others who feel the pulse of culture, art, and technology in their bones. I wanted to build a creative community that thrives on innovation, where artists, storytellers, and technologists could come together and create work that pushes the envelope. The company is a reflection of that belief—bringing together diverse voices to create something that feels authentic and original, something that taps into the shared experiences of people who live and breathe the cultural shifts we’re witnessing today.
In a world flooded with media noise, Noisemaker Media has always been about cutting through that static. It’s not just about the work I create, but about the impact that work has on those who consume it. I want to connect with people who aren’t just passive observers, but active participants in shaping the future of media. Through this company, I aim to offer something fresh—something that doesn’t just exist to fill a space, but to challenge the status quo and inspire change. It’s a vision that continues to evolve, driven by the belief that the stories we tell today can leave an indelible mark on the culture of tomorrow.
In addition to my professional work, I’ve spent over ten years in higher education, teaching video production and post-production, sound design, and new media studies. My role as an educator has deeply influenced the way I approach creativity. It’s not just about sharing technical knowledge; it’s about nurturing a mindset—one that encourages students to break barriers, to think critically, to understand that creativity thrives in an environment of freedom and exploration, and to leverage their art as a platform for change. I’ve worked with a diverse range of students, many of whom, like myself, are driven to carve out their own unique voices in an increasingly saturated space. My passion for teaching lies in giving them the tools and frameworks they need to discover their own creative purpose.
My creative purpose was never nurtured at any stage of my educational path. The New York public education system in the late-’80s and early-’90s was shaped by a white patriarchal standpoint, one that largely overlooked the diverse voices and unique creative expressions that didn't fit neatly into traditional molds. It prioritized conformity, standardized thinking, and the type of success that was defined by narrow, conventional measures—grades, test scores, and vocational paths aligned with the expectations of a predominantly white, middle-class worldview.
This system didn’t value creativity in the ways that I experienced it. My passions—music, film, and experimental art—were often sidelined, reduced to hobbies rather than seen as legitimate pursuits for personal and professional growth. The voices that dominated my education were ones that rarely mirrored my own experiences or the ones of those around me. Teachers and administrators failed to see the potential in a more fluid, unconventional approach to education. Instead of nurturing my creative thinking, the system pushed me into rigid frameworks that were designed to standardize and homogenize, rather than to allow for the creative flourishing I needed.
The lack of encouragement and understanding in those formative years influenced my educator mindset, thinking that is disruptive to the status quo. I learned early that education was not a place to explore my creative identity, but rather a place to adapt to the rules of a world that wasn’t built for me. It was a system that failed to recognize the diverse creative expressions emerging from the streets, communities, and cultures that weren’t represented in the classroom. In many ways, the educational path I followed worked against my creative purpose rather than fostering it. This realization was a pivotal moment in my life, one that eventually led me to seek out spaces where my creativity could be nurtured, free from the constraints of an education system that failed to see my value.
“Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to think beyond the conventional, to embrace the limitless possibilities of technology, and to help them discover and cultivate their own creative voices in the ever-expanding digital universe.”
As a New Media artist, I believe in the transformative power of the digital landscape. I’m constantly exploring how technology can serve as a canvas for artistic expression. Whether it’s through sound design in techno music, innovative field recording techniques, or experimental cinema that challenges traditional film language, my work reflects an ongoing dialogue with the future of media. I’m deeply interested in how emerging platforms—TikTok, YouTube, and others—are reshaping the creative process and giving rise to a new era of storytellers.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to think beyond the conventional, to embrace the limitless possibilities of technology, and to help them discover and cultivate their own creative voices in the ever-expanding digital universe. In today’s world, where innovation is the driving force behind almost every creative field, creativity isn’t just about producing—it’s about producing with intention. It’s about pushing boundaries, exploring new realms, and questioning the status quo in order to create work that is as meaningful as it is innovative. My journey has always been fueled by a desire to explore the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling, and it’s that same mindset that I encourage others to adopt in their own creative practices.
The digital landscape is evolving faster than ever, and with it comes an entire toolkit of emerging technologies that are transforming the way we create. From virtual reality to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), technology is not only reshaping how we work, but also the language we use to express ourselves. AI, in particular, has become an integral part of my creative process, a collaborator that allows me to push the limits of what I thought was possible. Over the past few years, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can be harnessed as a tool for enhancing creativity rather than simply automating tasks. For me, AI is not a replacement for human ingenuity but a catalyst that enables new ways of thinking and creating.
I’ve begun incorporating AI into various aspects of my work—from sound design in techno music to experimental filmmaking, where machine learning algorithms assist in creating unique visual effects and editing patterns that might otherwise be impossible to achieve. AI’s ability to analyze data, recognize patterns, and generate new content based on user input offers a fascinating opportunity for artists to engage with their craft in more fluid and dynamic ways. In my music production, AI-powered tools help me manipulate sounds, generate melodies, or even suggest innovative beats and rhythms that I can further shape, adding a layer of unpredictability and excitement to my compositions. Similarly, AI can assist in film editing, video effects, or even scriptwriting, offering fresh angles and perspectives that challenge my traditional creative process.
“AI’s potential goes beyond just being a tool—it’s shaping a new creative language. By interacting with AI, I am learning to think differently about how I approach content creation. It’s no longer just about creating from scratch but about engaging in a conversation with technology, allowing it to influence and shape the outcome in ways that feel organic and intuitive.”
But AI’s potential goes beyond just being a tool—it’s shaping a new creative language. By interacting with AI, I am learning to think differently about how I approach content creation. It’s no longer just about creating from scratch but about engaging in a conversation with technology, allowing it to influence and shape the outcome in ways that feel organic and intuitive. The lines between human and machine-generated creativity are becoming increasingly blurred, and in this space, new forms of expression are emerging—ones that are collaborative, evolving, and highly personalized. It’s exciting to think about how AI can be harnessed to foster new creative communities, where artists, technologists, and creators can collectively contribute to the development of a unique artistic lexicon that transcends traditional boundaries.
As I continue to explore these possibilities, my mission is to stay engaged with both the present and the future—embracing the rapidly advancing technological landscape while maintaining the human core of my creative work. AI, like any tool, requires a deep understanding of its potential and limitations, but it also offers an incredible opportunity to reimagine what it means to be a creator in the 21st century. Creativity is no longer just about making things—it’s about making with purpose, with intention, and with an awareness of the profound changes happening in the world around us.
In the coming years, I believe the relationship between technology and creativity will become even more intertwined, and it’s up to creators like myself to stay at the forefront of these developments. My goal is not only to continue pushing the boundaries of my own work but to inspire others to see the potential of technology as a partner in their creative journey. The digital universe is vast, and the possibilities are endless. By engaging with AI and other emerging technologies, we can create more profound, resonant works that speak to the heart of this rapidly changing world. Together, we can redefine creativity, blending human ingenuity with technological innovation, and forge a new path that’s more inclusive, experimental, and expressive than ever before.
“As creators, educators, and artists, we face challenges that demand adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to grow. The path forward is rarely straight, and the hurdles we encounter along the way can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s precisely in these moments of challenge that the most powerful, transformative work emerges.”
I’m excited to continue exploring and sharing my thoughts, ideas, and insights with you here. As we venture further into this digital age, I want to create a space where creativity isn’t just a fleeting moment, but a continuous conversation—an evolving dialogue that challenges us to think, experiment, and create. The digital landscape is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and with it, so too are the opportunities for creators to redefine how we express ourselves. Each new tool, platform, and medium presents not just a passing trend, but a chance to deepen our connection to art and culture. These innovations allow us to break free from traditional constraints and engage in a process of creative reinvention, one where we can push the boundaries of what’s possible and craft new narratives that resonate with the complexities of our time.
As creators, educators, and artists, we face challenges that demand adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to grow. The path forward is rarely straight, and the hurdles we encounter along the way can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s precisely in these moments of challenge that the most powerful, transformative work emerges. It’s when we are forced to question everything we know—about ourselves, our craft, and the world around us—that we find the courage to truly innovate. In these spaces of uncertainty, we find the raw materials for creativity, and it is through the process of embracing and working through these obstacles that we create something lasting.
So, I invite you to join me as I dive deeper into what it truly means to live creatively in this ever-changing media landscape. Let’s explore how technology, culture, and personal purpose intersect in meaningful ways, helping us uncover new dimensions of our creativity. Together, we’ll navigate the noise, filter through the clutter, and find the clarity that allows us to pursue our work with intention. This journey isn’t just about producing work—it’s about shaping our voices, elevating our ideas, and creating something that speaks not only to the world but also to the future. It’s about crafting stories that stand the test of time, driven by authenticity and purpose.
