I spoke with 1/2 of Pocket Vinyl for this episode of Dreams Not Memes. Pocket Vinyl (CT) is a music and art band consisting of Elizabeth Janciewecz and Eric Stevenson. Elizabeth creates improvised paintings while Eric plays piano and shares stories. At the end of their performance Pocket Vinyl auctions the painting and continues to share their story. 

The duo has done quite a lot, including touring across all 50 states in 44 days, creating a documentary called Drive. Play. Sleep. , and run a comic book series called The Touring Test ( @touringtest on IG). The most inspirational aspect of Pocket Vinyl is that they are independent. Eric and I discuss the facets of being an independent artist, making sacrifices, and setting goals. Listen to more about their story and how they use their collective creative abilities to keep the engine going.

I spoke with Christopher Bynes, a writer, curator, and musician from Boston, MA. Christopher has booked me at Boston's Dorchester Arts space and has interviewed me for AfroPunk. In this conversation, we talk about black representation in the arts, black stereotyping in entertainment, and how to include others in independent music communities. Bynes recently teamed up with Z Tapes and Counterzine to start a compilation called The Blackwashing which includes a wide variety of black musicians from around the world and is being used to fundraise for a variety of racial justice organizations. Listen to more about Christopher's journey and perspectives on Dreams Not Memes.

To follow Chris head to @tokenblackaspie on Twitter

To purchase The Blackwashing go to ztapes.bandcamp.com/ 

I spoke with my friend and songwriting partner Esther.  Esther is a Columbus, Ohio native who moved to Philadelphia after getting her degree in Social Work from Ohio State. Esther came to Philadelphia to pursue a masters in Music Therapy and started her next phase in her music journey as a solo artist. Esther is a recent graduate of Drexel University and is currently working on the next steps in her career. 

In this episode, Esther shares her story about leaving midwest Ohio, dealing with mental illness in her community, leaving a religious cult,  and, shifting from playing in a band to reclaiming her own sound and reinventing herself.  Esther and I wrote a song called CTRL+ALT+DEL which is about the removal of emotional toxicity from strenuous relationships. Tune in and listen on Dreams Not Memes. 

To Listen to Esther Click one of the links below 

Bandcamp 

https://estherah.bandcamp.com/

I spoke to Portland, Maine fashion designer Olivia Dwyer about her journey in her career. Olivia shares her story about the supply chain logistics of doing commissions, the ethical challenges of the fashion industry, and how she overcomes her own issues while working. Olivia has been making a variety of custom order masks in the midst of COVID-19 and shares her insights about freelancing and art.  Find out more on Dreams Not Memes.

You can follow Olivia at @oliviahalodesigns , Olivia would also like for you to support the following Portland, Maine artists below. Olivia is community-driven, people-centered, and art inspired. 

@Loquatshop

@Allysunwest

@molliennis

@ashleypage.studio

@christinecolatosti

@droseos

@000liviacanny

@nobodywrote

@emilynoraoneil

@heychellisea

@ashleypage.studio

@koltinsullivan

I spoke with Sean Markey a Philadelphia guitarist, songwriter, and music teacher about his journey towards building himself. In this discussion we talk about songwriting angles, playing for other bands, the appreciation of black music, and much more. Sean has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of my former guests such as Taylor Kelly, Laura Lizcano, and Maria Mirenzi.  Markey is also featured on a number of jazz records. Some of those include Lucas Brown's record "Skyviews", Corporate Responsibility (Man on a Wire, Jive Turkey),  the Temple University Jazz Orchestra Frank Sinatra record,  Tune in and listen to Sean's story and check out some of the projects he has played with at concerts. 

Shoot the Messenger

https://shootthemessenger3.bandcamp.com/releases

Brother Martin

https://brothermartinband.bandcamp.com/

Taylor Kelly 

https://taylorkelly.bandcamp.com/

Laura Lizcano 

https://lauralizcano.bandcamp.com/

Emily Hill is an organizer for The March to End Rape Culture in Philadelphia. We spoke about her experiences with the organization, it's mission and the concert that will be happening on July 3rd,2020 via zoom. In his episode we dive into activism, organizing with your skills, Emily's acting career and glass ceilings . Learn more about Emily's career , reflections and accomplishments on Dreams Not Memes. To support The March to End Rape Culture or follow Emily's podcast click the links below. 

RTERC Ticket Link - https://philly-mterc.ticketleap.com/rock-to-end-rape-culture/ 

Popcorn Murder Stories Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/popcorn-murder-stories/id1480029374

I spoke with my friend and collaborator April Hartman in this episode of Dreams Not Memes. April and I met through a mutual friend in the folk-punk community, Billy Collector. Hailing from Lancaster, PA April runs a non-profit collective called Second Chance to Play which is dedicated to providing instruments to those who need healing while recovering from addiction. Hartman is also the front person for folk-punk band Apes of the State, drummer for Countersuits, and banjo player for Local News Legend. In this episode, we delve into April's journey with recovery, music, community support, and their long term goals as a creative. Tune in more on Dreams Not Memes. Remember always drink seltzer, it's for the people. 

I spoke with an old Penn State friend Matthew Kelly about his career, politics, and ambitions. Matthew shares his journey as a professional podcaster and working with Geekscape.net. Matthew is part of One Hit Thunder, My Favorite Episode OF...., The Roaring 20's Podcast, and Horror Movie Night podcast which are available on all digital streaming channels.

Highlighted in this episode, you can hear about how Matthew went from being a film writer to becoming a podcaster to working on film again. You can learn a lot about lessons learned with content creation, taking risks, and staying humble. Matthew and I share our thoughts about helping others and using our platforms to connect, today's political issues and uplifting voices at all times. To follow Matt's projects view the links below. 

To hear all of Matt's podcasts go to www.Geekscape.net

To listen to Horror Movie Night go to www.HMNPODCAST.com 

I spoke with Carolyn Lederach, an events curator, manager, and photographer from the Philadelphia area. Carolyn and I know each other from our college days at Penn State. In today's episode we talk abut Carolyn's growth and insights towards being in the music industry and community, surviving with COVID19 and her project the Philly Music Caves. Find out more about Carolyn's journey, insights and perspectives towards chasing her ambitions in today's episode. 

To follow Carolyn's ongoing projects view the links below. 

Website: http://www.hazycolours.com/philly-music-caves-2

Instagram: cled1024

I spoke with YouTube Vlogger, The Cozy Representative. Julian' vlog provides deep dive docuseries on Myspace Era Musicians and PopPunk/Emo Scene greats of the 2000s( ie Nevershoutnever, All Time Low, Academy Is, etc). In our conversation we talk about tour survival, storytelling in journalism, content creation and more. Take a dive into Julians interests, ambitions and relationship with music on Dreams Not Memes.

Follow along Julian's Journey at 

Twitter: twitter.com/dramaclubjulian

Instagram: instagram.com/thecozyrepresentative