BEYOND THE EGO: MUSIC AS A RITUAL OF CO-CREATION
Interview published on 6th March 2025 A Conversation with Anthony Middleton (Audiofly)
An influential voice within the FutureSound global family, Anthony Middleton joins Jimmy Kyriacou for an exclusive conversation on music, creativity and transformation - exploring the deeper forces behind artistic expression, the role of muses and spirit guides, and why true artistry requires stepping beyond the ego.
Anthony Middleton, co-creator of AUDIOFLY originates from the UK, however is now a longtime resident of Ibiza. A classically trained musician, he was drawn to the acid house and the rave scenes early on, fueling a lifelong passion for sonic exploration. From DJing iconic clubs to refining his craft under industry mentors, Middleton’s journey took a transformative turn when illness led him to meditation and Tibetan Bön practice. This introspective period deepened his artistry, ultimately leading to the creation of Audiofly—a duo that has shaped the global electronic landscape with its signature blend of innovation and soul.
creativity as a process of co-creation rather than a solitary act
Jimmy Kyriacou (JK): Anthony - you are in Mexico right now right?
Anthony Middleton (AM): Yes that's right - we are working on launching our brand new festival - Seeds of Love
Jimmy Kyriacou (JK): Anthony, you’ve had a long journey through music, meditation, and creative exploration. You describe creativity as a process of co-creation rather than a solitary act. Can you expand on that?
Anthony Middleton (AM): Absolutely. For a long time, I saw music as something personal, something I was creating. But over decades, I’ve come to understand that I’m more of a conduit than a sole creator. When I’m truly in the flow, it feels like the music is being given to me, rather than being something I consciously construct.
That’s why I see creativity as a trinity—there’s the artist, yes, but also the muses that inspire and the spiritual guides that shape the deeper flow. The artist is just the final stroke of the paintbrush, not the whole picture.
JK: That’s really in line with FutureSound’s ethos—music as a force that shapes perception and connects us to something bigger. We’ve explored this idea in The Ritual of Rave, where Dr. Martha Newson explains how sound rituals break down individuality and forge deeper communal bonds. Would you say this idea of co-creation is part of that same phenomenon?
AM: 100%. Whether in a rave, a meditative sound journey, or just improvising in the studio, we tap into something collective. The ego wants to claim ownership—“I wrote this, I created this”—but real creativity happens when we let go. Many great artists describe it like a transmission, something coming through them rather than from them. I’ve learned that the best work happens when I get out of the way and let the music emerge.
Trust the process, trust the unseen, trust that the music knows where it wants to go. If you listen, it will guide you.
JK: That’s powerful. So, let’s break down the three parts of this “trinity.” First—the artist. You describe the artist as both the brush and the hand that wields it. How does that work in practice?
AM: As artists, we need skills and technique—our brushstroke. We train, refine, and experiment. Without that, we’d have no means of bringing visions to life. But it’s more than technical ability. It’s about being receptive, attuned to the world, and prepared to wield the brush when inspiration strikes.
That’s why some of the most innovative electronic music right now comes from immersive experiences. That’s the artist stepping up—not just as a musician, but as a conduit shaping a journey.
JK: And then there’s the muse—a concept that’s been around for centuries. How do you see it today?
AM: The muse is both external and internal. The Greeks believed in nine divine muses, while the Romantics saw the muse as something wild and fleeting. Some artists find their muse in people, others in nature, some in technology. I see it as a mirror—it reflects what already exists within us but gives it shape and urgency.
Some artists find their muse in people, others in nature, some in technology. I see it as a mirror—it reflects what already exists within us but gives it shape and urgency.
JK: That brings us to the third element—spiritual guides. This might be the hardest for people to grasp. What do you mean by it?
AM: Unlike muses, which are often fleeting, guides feel more like steady presences. Some come through dreams, meditation, ancestral wisdom, or even just sudden moments of insight. I resisted this idea for years, but the more I paid attention, the more I realized there’s an intelligence behind inspiration—it isn’t random. Many artists describe it as channeling, and I now fully believe in that process.
JK: It’s as if music is guiding people beyond their immediate thoughts into a deeper, connected state. Would you say artists act as facilitators in that process?
AM: Yes, completely. When you surrender to the process, you’re not just creating for yourself—you’re guiding others through something beyond words. That’s why music, especially in live settings, can feel sacred. Whether it’s a DJ set at a festival, a ritualistic drumming circle, or a classical symphony, the effect is the same—it takes people somewhere else.
JK: But the challenge, especially in today’s world, is staying in that state. With the pressures of money, fame, and digital noise, how do artists protect the creative spirit?
AM: It’s hard. We live in a world that wants results, products, streams, virality. But true creativity isn’t about control—it’s about surfing the flow. The moment you try to own it, you risk stifling it. That’s why many ancient traditions had sacred exchanges—artists and healers weren’t paid upfront, but gifted in gratitude. When you create from a place of balance, rather than expectation, the results are far more powerful.
Many ancient traditions relied on sacred exchanges—artists and healers were gifted in gratitude, not paid upfront. Creating from balance, not expectation, yields the most powerful results.
JK: So, to sum it up—music is a co-creation, not a solo act. The artist sharpens their craft, the muse sparks inspiration, and the guide channels deeper wisdom. When the ego steps aside, something truly profound emerges.
AM: Exactly. Creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about listening. Listening to the whispers, the nudges, the unseen forces. When you truly tune in, the real magic begins.
JK: And that’s the core of what FutureSound is about—unlocking music’s limitless potential, both artistically and experientially. Anthony, this has been incredible. Final thought—what’s the one thing artists should remember when they step into the creative process?
AM: Trust. Trust the process, trust the unseen, trust that the music knows where it wants to go. If you listen, it will guide you.
JK: And what’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
AM: Always! There’s new music, some deeper explorations into immersive sound, and, of course, more time spent in the places and spaces that inspire me the most.
JK: Sounds incredible. Thanks for your time, Anthony—see you on the island later this year!
Anthony Middleton continues to shape the future of electronic music through innovation and deep creative exploration. To learn more about his journey and latest projects, follow him on INSTAGRAM
Inspiration for this interview based on an original article from 'Escaping the Consensus Chronicles'