The Healing Beat: Neal Conway on the Soul of House Music in the Age of AI

When Neal Conway first stepped into Odell’s nightclub in Baltimore in the early 1980s, he had no idea he was walking into history.

“I didn’t know I was witnessing the birth of a movement that would change not only music, but the way people connect,” he tells LA Entertainment Weekly. “House music, born from marginalized Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities, became more than a genre. It became medicine, community, and revolution.”

Conway would go on to help carry that movement into the mainstream. As a composer and producer for Crystal Waters, he co-created the iconic “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless),” a house anthem whose unmistakable organ hook still echoes through clubs, commercials, and TikTok edits. The track has been sampled and interpolated by artists like Katy Perry, Pitbull, and 2 Chainz—but Conway insists the real story isn’t about charts or celebrity.

“The story of house music isn’t about fame,” he says. “It’s about healing and belonging.”

Legendary producer Marshall Jefferson frames it the same way. “House music was never just about the beat,” Jefferson told Conway. “It was about creating a space where everyone belonged.”

From Underground Salvation to Global Stage

What started in underground clubs in Chicago, New York, Baltimore, and Detroit eventually exploded into a global phenomenon—without the traditional gatekeepers. Affordable drum machines and synths, like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909, opened the door for working-class kids to make professional-sounding records straight from their bedrooms and basements.

“House music offered cultural freedom through technology,” Conway explains. “You didn’t need a million-dollar studio,” adds producer Geoffrey C. “You needed passion and a drum machine.”

That democratization didn’t just reshape the sound of pop, it reshaped the business. Festivals like Chosen Few in Chicago and Movement in Detroit now draw crowds from around the world, pumping millions into local economies. In the streaming era, classic house records have become evergreen—still racking up plays, licensing deals, and syncs decades later.

“We built an ecosystem,” says Thomas Davis of the Original Basement Boys. “We created jobs and careers outside the system.”

The Science of the Groove

What dancers felt intuitively in those dark, sweaty rooms, science is only now catching up to. Studies in leading neuroscience journals have shown that rhythmic music hovering around 120 BPM—the heartbeat of house—can lower stress hormones, elevate dopamine, and even support recovery in certain neurological conditions.

“Science has confirmed what we felt on the dance floor,” Conway says. “The groove literally heals.”

For him, crafting those rhythms wasn’t just a profession—it was intentional therapy. “For me, composing those patterns was more than art,” he explains. “It was therapy by design.”

Safe Spaces on the Dance Floor

Long before “safe space” was part of mainstream vocabulary, house parties were living it. For LGBTQ+ communities and other marginalized groups, the dance floor became sanctuary: a place where identity, gender, and expression weren’t policed—they were celebrated.

“You left your worries at the door,” DJ Disciple told Conway. “If you felt the music, you were family.”

In a world that seems more divided than ever, Conway sees that legacy as one of house music’s greatest achievements. The best parties still operate as one of the last truly democratic spaces: strangers, phones down, united by bass, sweat, and a kick drum.

Can AI Feel the Beat?

Today, Conway finds himself at another crossroads—this time between human creativity and artificial intelligence. AI can now master tracks in seconds, separate stems, and even generate melodies with a text prompt. But can it do what house music has always done—heal, connect, and move souls?

“AI can assist, but it can’t replace the craft,” Conway says. “Music lives in the imperfections—the subtle swing, the emotional nuance, the human touch no algorithm can code.”

He’s cautious about the industry’s rush toward automation.

“With AI, it’s dumbing us down with steroids,” he warns. “When creativity becomes too convenient, authenticity is the casualty.”

And yet, he also sees a cultural correction coming. Young producers scour his old analog recordings, sampling tape hiss and slightly off-grid drum patterns in search of something AI can’t quite fabricate: rawness.

“Audiences crave warmth, imperfection, and human energy,” he says. “Ironically, the more digital everything gets, the more people come looking for that human feel.”

The Beat Remains Human

More than three decades after its release, “Gypsy Woman” still hits like a revelation. Somewhere right now, a teenager is hearing that organ riff for the first time—no context, no nostalgia—just pure feeling.

“Every time that happens, it keeps me hopeful,” Conway says. “The future of music will include AI, but its heart will remain human.”

To him, the lesson of house music is simple and urgent: healing and joy aren’t extras. They’re essentials.

“As long as people need to move, connect, and feel alive,” he says, “the rhythm will continue. The beat persists. The groove remains human.”

‘Saffron Robe’ Shines on the Festival Circuit, Winning Best Documentary Feature at ARPA International Film Festival

The award-winning feature documentary Saffron Robe continues its inspiring journey across the global film festival circuit, adding another major accolade to its growing list of honors. This month, the film took home Best Documentary Feature at the prestigious ARPA International Film Festival in Los Angeles, further cementing its reputation as a powerful story of hope, education, and spiritual devotion.

The film, directed by Jane Centofante and produced by SaTree Productions, offers an intimate and visually rich portrait of Lao Buddhist monk Abbot Onekeo Sittivong, who dedicates his life to bringing education and spiritual traditions to children in one of Laos’s poorest and most remote regions. Told through the eyes of the young novices studying under his guidance, Saffron Robe paints a vivid picture of resilience, cultural preservation, and the quiet power of compassion.

“We are grateful to continue sharing Saffron Robe with audiences around the world,” said Centofante. “This film is ultimately about hope—about how one individual’s devotion can ripple out and transform a community. We wanted to honor that courage in our storytelling, and every screening is an opportunity for new audiences to see the beauty of Laos through this lens.”

The film has enjoyed an impressive festival run throughout 2025, premiering at major international events including the Chichester International Film Festival, Marina del Rey Film Festival, Oakland International Film Festival, and Chelsea Film Festival in New York City, where it made its East Coast debut in October. It has also screened at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, New Hope Film Festival, Nyack International Film Festival, and Love & Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona.

At each stop, Saffron Robe has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike for its heartfelt storytelling and stunning cinematography. The film’s creative team brought together a diverse and talented roster of artists, including Jayne Hufschmid (Producer/Writer), Kraig Butrum (Producer), Alexander J. Hufschmid (Director of Photography), Joel Kingsbury and Nicolas Doldinger (Cinematographers), Michel K. Tsagli (Sound), Thavisouk “Thavi” Phrasavath(Editor), Peter Golub (Composer), and Corey Brill (Narrator).

“Bringing this film to audiences has been a labor of love,” said Producer Jayne Hufschmid. “Our team poured heart and soul into capturing the resilience of these children and the wisdom of their teachers. To see the film resonate at festivals around the world is profoundly moving.”

Following its recent win at ARPA, Saffron Robe continues its festival journey through the end of 2025 with screenings at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival in Delaware, the Tennessee Independent International Film Festival near Nashville, the Golden Gate International Film Festival in Saratoga, the Gulf of Naples Independent Film Festival in Italy, and the Culver City Film Festival in California.

Through each new screening, Saffron Robe continues to captivate audiences worldwide—its universal themes of compassion, faith, and transformation striking a deep chord with filmgoers, educators, and spiritual seekers alike.

‘Saffron Robe’ is a testament to the power of one individual’s devotion—and the way a single act of service can illuminate an entire world.

For more information, visit https://saffronrobefilm.com/.

The Future of Weight Management: How Stonehenge Health Is Redefining Natural Appetite Control

The weight-management industry has seen it all. Fads come fast. Quick fixes, big promises. Pharmaceuticals with results, but always a cost. Health, traded for risk. But lately, people are asking a different sort of question. Is there a better way that is smart, safe, and sustainable to support weight goals without sacrificing well-being?

This is where Stonehenge Health enters the story. Their answer: Dynamic GLP-1. It’s a supplement made to quiet cravings, support metabolism, and promote a healthy body composition. The formula isn’t improvised. Each ingredient is studied, tested, and validated by real people, not just numbers. Stonehenge Health’s mission? Keep science front and center. Deliver what’s promised. Skip shortcuts, embrace evidence.

A Science-First Philosophy

Ethan Cohen founded Stonehenge Health in 2014. His guiding rule: Don’t cut corners. That’s rare in a crowded market where fillers and weak formulas are common. Stonehenge Health goes the other direction. Every ingredient is chosen based on research, included at meaningful levels, and never watered down. What you see on the label matches what’s in the bottle. No hedging.

The company takes its time. Before launch, every product is part of User Group Testimonial studies called iHUTs. It’s not the norm in this industry. Everyday people try the supplement, give feedback, and those results stack up against the clinical research. If real-world experiences fall short, the formula gets reworked. Careful. Deliberate. The goal isn’t hype. It’s trust, earned with patience and data.

Dynamic GLP-1: A Multi-Targeted Approach

Dynamic GLP-1 rejects the quick-fix mentality. It approaches weight management on several fronts: appetite, metabolism, and gut health all at once. The formula relies on DNF-10® yeast peptides for curbing cravings and boosting fullness. Capsifen®, which is derived from chili peppers, helps with calorie burning and sustained energy. There’s Berbevis® Berberine Phytosome™ for metabolic balance and healthy blood sugar.

Layer in Akkermansia muciniphila, a probiotic for a healthy gut environment. Add Ceylon cinnamon, known to help the body use nutrients well. The result is a coordinated effort, not isolated action. Stonehenge Health calls it a “synergistic ecosystem.” Each ingredient plays a role, together supporting appetite and metabolic balance.

Real-World Validation

Stonehenge Health tested Dynamic GLP-1 in a consumer study. Results appeared quickly. Within a month, most users noticed fewer cravings, smaller meal portions, and less snacking. Tangible shifts in daily habits. These outcomes build on the research for each ingredient. Together, they show that transparency and evidence matter. Here, marketing promises are matched by real results.

Dr. Melina Jampolis, board-certified physician nutrition specialist, backs Dynamic GLP-1. “People deserve products that actually do what they claim,” she says. The key difference? Stonehenge Health insists on clinically supported ingredients and real doses. That’s rare. It’s also necessary.

Building Trust in a Noisy Market

This approach stands out in a world crowded with noise. Stonehenge Health avoids buzzwords. No miracle claims here. The focus is on outcomes, integrity, and education. Product development is guided by their Health and Wellness Advisory Board, a team of experts in medicine and nutrition who put both data and patient needs first.

The future vision is clear but practical. Stonehenge Health aims to make its name synonymous with trust and transparency. Not just another supplement brand, but a symbol of responsible transformation. For anyone looking for a science-first, natural approach to appetite and weight management, Dynamic GLP-1 points to a new direction. One that’s clear, measured, and built to last.

DJ Samantha Michelle Remixes a Jewish Tradition to Inspire Togetherness

When DJ and filmmaker Samantha Michelle steps behind the decks, she’s creating a shared experience through a curated playlist. Her energy fills the room, not with noise, but with a sense of belonging. Through her “Soho Shabbat” event series, Michelle brings people together in a way that feels relevant, intentional, and cultural. It’s not just another night out. Instead, it’s a celebration of togetherness.

Ancient Custom With a Modern Twist

In fast-paced cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London, genuine connection can feel out of reach. For many young professionals, especially those in the Jewish community, traditional gatherings no longer fit their lifestyle. The question becomes how to preserve cultural traditions while resonating with a generation that craves authenticity. Instead of letting tradition fade, Michelle decided to remix it.

A Global Celebration of Faith

“Soho Shabbat” is a space where spirituality meets sound, and faith meets fun. The event invites guests to experience Shabbat in a way that feels current, inclusive, and personal. It’s a night of music, connection, and joy that reclaims a day of rest for those who may have lost touch with it. However, this soiree isn’t a party for the sake of partying. Michelle views her sets as a statement that tradition can evolve and still feel sacred.

Michelle’s recent London event on October 17 captured that spirit perfectly. With appearances from figures like Hen Mazzig and Ben Cohen, the night drew a crowd that reflected the global reach of her vision. Attendees weren’t just there for the music. They also came to experience community in a form that resonated with who they are today.

The Universal Language of Music

What makes Michelle’s work stand out is how she uses music as a universal language. Her DJ sets are emotional and immersive. It’s a sound that transcends genres and geographical boundaries. She has performed on some of the world’s most eclectic stages, such as Glastonbury, SXSW, Berlin’s KitKat Club, and Cannes. Each performance is like a heartbeat that creates a connection through rhythm and energy.

Michelle has cultivated more than just another nightlife event. The point is to inspire a sense of belonging worldwide. Whether she’s in Los Angeles or London, she brings people together under one beat.

A Creative Artist With Many Talents

Michelle’s artistry isn’t limited to turntables. As a filmmaker and cultural curator, she channels her creativity into storytelling that celebrates identity. Her projects, much like her sets, are intentional and full of purpose. There’s no separation between her art and community work. Both are part of the same conversation about how creativity can unite people.

What makes her distinct is her clarity of mission. Michelle doesn’t chase trends or titles. She uses her platform to highlight joy, connection, and shared experience. Her events are inclusive by design. They offer a space where people can feel seen, celebrated, and connected through sound.

The Rhythm of Music, Heritage, and Community

In an industry often focused on individual fame, Samantha Michelle stands for something collective. Her “Soho Shabbat” series shows that music can still serve as a bridge between heritage, spirituality, and modern life. For her audience, it’s a chance to dance, reflect, and rediscover what it means to belong.