Salt Lake Dirt

Episode 283

Guest: Emily Russo

Book: Vivienne

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In this episode, I sit down with author Emmalea Russo to discuss her debut novel, Vivienne, released on September 10th by Arcade. Emmalea provides an intriguing overview of her book, which explores the tumultuous comeback and subsequent decline of an older artist named Vivienne Volker. Set over the course of a week, the narrative intertwines Vivienne's private life in rural Pennsylvania with the public cacophony of internet comments and social media, creating a rich and compelling story.

We delve into Emily's creative process, including her inspiration for incorporating YouTube comments into the narrative and the fascinating mix of reality and fiction. Emily shares her thoughts on the divisive nature of these comments and the unique energy they bring to the book.

Great chat, amazing book!

Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Episode 282

Guest: Jaron Lockridge

Film: The Stix

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In this episode, I sit down with the prolific filmmaker Jaron Lockridge to discuss his latest film, The Stix. Available now on Amazon Prime and Tubi, this gripping independent film has captured the attention of many. Jaron shares the journey of transforming The Stix from a YouTube web series into a full-length feature, delving into the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking.

We explore Jaron's creative process, from his early influences like Quentin Tarantino to his unique approach to writing and directing. He opens up about the importance of preparation, the hurdles of low-budget filmmaking, and the tight-knit community of actors and collaborators he has built in West Tennessee. Jaron also discusses the emotional impact of dedicating the film to his late friend and the rewarding experience of screening the film with an audience.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode 281

Guest: Nicholas Marchetti

Film: The Fencer

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In this episode, I welcome back filmmaker Nicholas Marchetti, whose work we previously covered during the Wyoming International Film Festival. We dive deep into his latest project, The Fencer, a short film serving as a proof of concept for a future feature-length film. Nicholas shares the inspiration behind the film, rooted in his wife Alyssa Lomuscio's experiences as a top-ranked fencer, and discusses the physical and mental challenges athletes face.

Nicholas provides insights into the festival circuit, including the recognition his film You Mourn Weird received, and the unique feedback from festival programmers. We also explore his journey in the film industry, from high school film courses to studying at Temple University, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his career. 

We delve into the pre-production process for The Fencer, the challenges of casting for a niche project, and the excitement of working with talented actors like Bear D'Angelo and Ray Abruzzo.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode 280

Guest: Alex Osman

Book: Scandals

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In this episode, I sit down with the multi-talented Alex Osman, a writer, musician, and photographer based in Austin, Texas. We dive into his latest poetry collection, Scandals, which was released on August 1st. Alex shares the organic process behind compiling the collection, starting with just 20 poems in 2021 and eventually amassing nearly 80.

We delve into his unique approach to art, where unfulfilled film scripts often become poems or short stories. A particularly fascinating story is how John Waters discovered Alex's work, leading to an unexpected and supportive friendship.

We also touch on Alex's musical endeavors with his projects A Need to Be Shot and Thinner, both available on Bandcamp. Additionally, we explore his passion for photography, influenced by icons like William Eggleston and Diane Arbus, and his ongoing project to compile a full-length photo book.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode 279

Guest: Caleb Hearn

Album: Left On McKinney

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In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented musician Caleb Hearn, who has quickly become a favorite of mine. Caleb has a new album titled Left On McKinney coming out on September 6, and he's kicking off his tour on September 10 at Kilby Court in Salt Lake City. We dive into the making of the album, the personal stories and emotions behind the songs, and Caleb's journey from writing poems as a kid to becoming a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. Caleb shares his experiences of overcoming stage fright, the impact of his parents' divorce on his songwriting, and the exhilarating feeling of connecting with fans during live performances. We also touch on his upcoming marriage and the importance of preparing for a lifelong partnership. This episode is a heartfelt conversation filled with insights into the life of a rising star in the music industry. Stick around to the end where we play Little Bit Better (featuring ROSIE) from the new album.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Episode 278

Guest: Laura Albert

Book: Harold's End

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In this episode I welcome back author Laura Albert (known for her acclaimed works written under JT Leroy). Laura has been a big supporter of Salt Lake Dirt since its inception, and I am thrilled to delve into her novella Harold's End. We discuss the book's origins, its themes, and the unique pets that symbolize hope and love in the lives of its characters. Laura shares insights into her writing process and the emotional journey behind creating this incredible story.

Great chat, great book!

Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Episode 277

Guest: Drew Danburry

Album: I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said (Icarus Phoenix)

Today I welcome back musician Drew Danburry. Drew has become one of my favorite musicians and I'm always excited when he has a new release. We discuss his latest projects, including his band Icarus Phoenix's new album I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said, set to release on August 15. Drew shares insights into his music-making process, the band's recent tour in Japan, and the inspiration behind his creative endeavors.

Great chat! Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Episode 276

Guest: Meredith Yinger

Film: Scars Unseen

In this episode, Kyler sits down with filmmaker Meredith Yinger to discuss her powerful documentary Scars Unseen. Meredith delves into the emotional journey behind the film, which follows three women—Maha, Adrienne, and Trish—who have overcome domestic violence and are now paying it forward. They explore the genesis of the project, the challenges of finding subjects willing to share their stories, and the impact of the pandemic on domestic violence statistics. Meredith also shares insights on how friends and family can show support, emphasizing that leaving an abusive relationship is a process, not an event. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Thanks for listening!

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Synopsis:

Scars Unseen is a 'triumph of the human spirit' documentary, following three inspiring women who have overcome domestic violence and are paying it forward. 

Scars Unseen aims to illuminate the power of healing, de-stigmatize victimhood, and encourage open communication about the causes, treatment, and prevention of domestic abuse. (Source: ScarsUnseen.com)

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Episode 275

GUEST: Calahan Skogman

NOVEL: Blue Graffiti

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Today Kyler sits down with writer, actor and poet Calahan Skogman to discuss his debut novel Blue Graffiti published by Unnamed Press. Calahan shares the inspiration behind the book, his writing process, and how the pandemic influenced his creative journey. They delve into the themes of small-town life, the beauty of mundane moments, and the profound impact of literature on his writing style. This episode is a must-listen for book lovers and aspiring writers alike!

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Blue Graffiti Synopsis:

Living in the home he inherited from his mother and abandoned by his father, painter and construction worker, Cash, has never known anything beyond the fields of Johnston, WI—never particularly wanted to, either. Why would he when his friends are there, his work is there, his history is there. He loves Johnston. But when an emerald-eyed stranger named Rose blows into town one summer evening in his favorite local bar, everything changes. It's love at first sight. For Cash, anyway.

What follows is an intimate reflection on the love, faith, and tragedy that courses through the blood of America’s backbone. Cash and his closest friends find themselves vital threads in the fabric of their community, the memory of those forgotten, and partners in a new enterprise: adventure.

A bluesey ode to the Beat generation for the modern era, Blue Graffiti is Wisconsin-raised writer Calahan Skogman's poetic debut imbued with an essential freedom, romance, and longing for a bygone era. (Unnamed Press)

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Episode 274

Author: Brendan Gillen

Book: Static

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On this episode I welcome author Brendan Gillen to discuss his new novel Static. Brendan shares his insights on character development, the creative process, and the importance of persistence in the face of challenges. Great chat, great book!

Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Static Synopsis:

For Paul, stealing is easy. When he's hungry, he strolls into a bodega and steals lunch. When rent's due, he steals records and flips them for cash. As a lonely kid growing up in Ohio's Rust Belt, stealing was the only way he could score the hip hop records and production equipment that fueled his musical dreams.

Now he's in NYC fighting to keep his once-ascendant band alive and his life from falling apart. His bank account is flatlining. The love of his life has broken his heart. Bunky, his bandmate, is ditching him for Eloise, a soulful vagabond with an intoxicating voice. When financial trouble forces his parents from their lifelong home, Paul ramps up his stealing to save his family from collapse. And in a fever of creativity, he begins to steal from the voices in his life to make the music he's sure will save his soul.

Set against the modern music industry, where a single social post can change your destiny, STATIC is alive to the weight of familial expectations, the pursuit of our deepest hopes and dreams, and the struggle to make meaningful connections in the anxiety of the digital age. (Vine Leaves Press)

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