Hello! My name is MJ Caselden. I'm interested in exploring cultural differences, and have had some experiences doing so through backpacking, collaborative work overseas, open conversation, and sometimes experimenting traditions and rituals that are foreign to me.

I am often told by people that I am "extroverted", although I am not sure that I agree with that statement.

These days I'm focusing most of my time and energy on my own business/art practice, a creative agency I lead based out of Brooklyn NY, called Caselden Studios (www.caseldenstudios.com).

We're focusing on interactive sound sculptures and sound installation, both designing, touring, and offering workshops and presentations.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Now that I've started touring my artwork, I need to accompany sculptures to install, and also to be sure that they operate properly.

Many arts organizations are inviting me to exhibit sculptures or give workshops, but can not afford to pay for hotel accommodations for me... So instead of saying "no" to those chances to show work, I'm hoping to find empty couches.

In addition, I do have a love of travel and of meeting new people (see above section), so I'm thinking couchsurfing will be a good fit for me and probably for the host/s.

Interests

In my personal/alone time, I like to listen to (and compose) electronic music, meditate, wander around in the city or in the woods, cook a good meal, or enjoy a drink at the local bar with some friends.

• arts
• dining
• cooking
• meditation
• partying
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• electronic music
• backpacking
• business

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Almost always electronic: Ambient, Glitch, IDM, Grime, Jungle, Drum-n-Bass, Breakcore, and yes occasionally Dubstep, Hip Hop. Techno too.

Specific artists: Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Boards of Canada, Venetian Snares, Naono, Bauri, Plaid, Spark, Telefon Tel Aviv, Autechre

Movies: Idunno whatever.

Books: Don't really read them these days. I'm pretty busy. I read material off of the intenret but its usually just research for a bigger picture task I'm trying to accomplish.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've done too many amazing things to even list here.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're interested in meditation, I'd be happy to teach some of the more traditional techniques (posture, breathing, etc). In the past when I had more spare time I lead groups at my university, and at my old office job. Now I just sit with friends from time to time.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I also like to cook and would be happy to prepare a meal or two. I do tend to prepare health-food oriented dishes (that's a warning ;)

Lastly, if you have some type of emotional baggage and want someone to complain to, I do tend to have open ears for that type of thing, and sometimes push the other party to consider new perspectives. I wonder if I'll end up regretting that offer after some time couchsurfing :P

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Macao, Nepal, Spain, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States