In today’s episode, Scott “Sourdough” Power discusses his decision not to attend Burning Man this year—an annual pilgrimage that has long been a cornerstone of his creative life. Known for its jaw-dropping installations and rebellious artistic spirit, the festival holds a special place in Scott's heart, particularly for the cherished memories made at Camp Corny, “the friendliest fucking camp in the universe.”
As he explores the reasons behind his absence, Scott balances nostalgia with the realities of life. This year, his daughter’s milestone 13th birthday coincides with the festival, forcing him to weigh family commitments against the allure of the Playa. He candidly shares the bittersweet feelings that come with stepping away from an experience woven into the fabric of his identity.
Scott also reflects on the evolution of Burning Man amid the rise of social media and technology, particularly the introduction of internet service provider Starlink. He questions the impact of these changes on the festival's essence and whether they dilute the very magic that draws so many to the desert. Finally, Scot considers what it means to dance to your own beat, even when the rhythm of life pulls in different directions.
Quotes From This Episode
“You have to dance with your party pole if you want your spirit animal to thrive and be healthy, and give it the nutritious sustenance that your spirit animal needs to be happy and healthy. You have to dance, people. You have to dance.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power
“If you're an artist or creative professional, going to Burning Man is a required reading. You've got to go at least once to check it out. There's a lot of confusion about Burning Man. There's a lot of criticism about Burning Man. Some of it is warranted. Most of it is not. But if you don't go, you can't know. And it's easy to criticize shit you don't understand or don't know.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power
“[Burning Man] is about unplugging from the default world and plugging in, so to speak, to this remote, isolated oasis in the desert, and connecting with your fellow campmates and your community there. So the internet, the Starlink product, I think, is a toxic element to the culture and the experience of Burning Man.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power
Links Mentioned in This Episode
About Scott ‘Sourdough’ Power
Scott “Sourdough” Power is the co-founder and creative director of Crewest Studio, an LA-based arts media organization focused on visual and performing arts. With a diverse career in the creative field since age 18, Scott grew up in a musical Midwestern family, influenced by a rich church background. His early health challenges, including a near-fatal illness, instilled in him a fierce will to live and create. He earned a B.A. in graphic design and arts management from Columbia College Chicago in 1994, later completing the AIGA Executive Business Program at Yale and obtaining professional licensing certification.
Scott has held various roles across publishing, marketing, and the arts, creating brands and curating exhibitions for global companies. An adventurous spirit, he is a member of the Explorers Club and spent time in the Alaskan wilderness, where he earned the nickname “Sourdough.” Recently, he contributed to the launch of a medical NGO in Haiti and served on various boards. In 2023, Scott founded Arterial, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists share their stories and reach wider audiences.
All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured graphic: David Schwartz.