Nikkiesha McLeod is joined by Iman Carter and Christopher Silverberg to discuss ‘Bitter,' the speculative fiction/young adult novel by Nigerian non-binary author Akwaeke Emezi – and sequel to ‘Pet,’ which was covered in WWSEO Book Club, Vol. 1.

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Iman and Christopher are participants, along with Nikkie, in writing workshops organized by Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. Visit https://cavecanempoets.org/ for more information on the organization.

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ABOUT BITTER:

From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution--and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.

Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus… but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a  world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she  belongs—in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost? 

This timely and riveting novel—a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet—explores the power of youth, protest, and art.

Get the book at https://www.getunderlined.com/books/664028/bitter-by-akwaeke-emezi/

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- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

In this episode of "When We See Each Other," host Nikkiesha McLeod sits down with the talented rapper and songwriter, LovelyOcean. Known for their engaging and authentic approach to music, LovelyOcean discusses their journey as an artist, their inspirations, and the challenges they've faced along the way. The episode opens with a powerful track from LovelyOcean titled "Soft," setting the tone for an exploration of resilience, hope, and joy in the midst of adversity. As LovelyOcean reflects on the recent wildfires in LA and their emotional toll on her community, she emphasizes the importance of coming together and helping one another during difficult times. The conversation then pivots to the current political climate, where LovelyOcean candidly discusses their struggles with information overload and anxiety but also their determination to cultivate hope and joy in their life through music and meaningful experiences.

LovelyOcean shares their unique journey into music, which began with a foundation in poetry that later translated into rap. They share about their first foray into music, inspired by their ex-husband, and how they developed their skills over the years, all while navigating personal challenges such as their divorce. They also discuss their songwriting process, emphasizing the need for intentionality and the significant role that beats play in shaping their lyrics.

The conversation then turns to LovelyOcean's standout tracks, including "Love," which serves as a poignant reflection on their family and past experiences. They open up about how music has been a healing tool in their life, allowing them to articulate their identity as a Black, queer person and express emotions that may otherwise remain unvoiced. Deliciously layered, her music encapsulates powerful narratives woven with hope and vulnerability.

Another highlight of this episode is Lovely Ocean’s description of her unique sound, which blends East Coast style with a West Coast vibe, while maintaining a personal, authentic essence. She acknowledges the comparisons made between her and other artists, appreciating the recognition but also advocating for individual artistry. Throughout their chat, Lovely Ocean showcases her lyrical prowess and deep understanding of the art form, even sharing bars from her tracks—inviting listeners to connect with the messages embedded within her music. This candid conversation not only highlights LovelyOcean's remarkable journey as a musician but also serves as an encouragement for aspiring artists and those seeking to find their voice in a challenging world. Listen up for an empowering dialogue that blends music, identity, and the pursuit of hope.

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

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Support the artist:

https://soundcloud.com/lovelyocean

https://www.youtube.com/@lovelyoceanwaters

https://www.instagram.com/lovelyoceanwaters/

https://www.facebook.com/p/LovelyOcean-61560618410396/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1pqQJj7j8P9QP6p5SyxjJQ

https://tidal.com/browse/artist/16451201

Nikkiesha McLeod welcomes the talented R&B singer-songwriter NYALLAH, diving into their journey of creativity, resilience, and the intricacies of identity in the wake of personal and communal challenges. As they connect, NYALLAH shares their thoughts on navigating growth amidst struggles, notably reflecting on the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles and their impact on the communities they hold dear. They also discuss NYALLAH's musical evolution, highlighting new tracks and creative endeavors born from a place of vulnerability after a life-altering bike accident in 2022, as well as inspiring insights into their artistic process and the transition from producing music solely for performance to exploring their multifaceted identity as an artist. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling and representation, particularly for queer and trans artists, urging a reimagining of the space that marginalized voices occupy in the music scene. Furthermore, it touches on the climate of fear and uncertainty pervasive in today's socio-political landscape, particularly regarding recent policies affecting queer communities. 

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

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Support the artist:

https://www.nyallah.com/

https://nyallah.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/n.yallah

https://www.youtube.com/@nyallah888

Nikkiesha McLeod dives deep with Kimmortal, a queer non-binary Filipino-Canadian musician and visual artist. Kim kicks off the conversation with a look into their creative process, emphasizing how their early experience with music began with an acoustic guitar belonging to their sister, leading to a self-taught journey of songwriting and creativity. They discuss the impact of formative moments, such as performing original songs for family, which cemented their love for storytelling through music. Kim also shares their multifaceted background, highlighting the influence of their family and cultural heritage on their work while reflecting on the intricate relationship between their queer identity and their artistry.

Kim's approach to genre-blending in music is intentional, shaped by powerful moments from the past and grounded in a seeming desire to rebel against conventional structures. They describe how their songwriting process is influenced by digital media, utilizing snippets of inspiration pulled from various platforms to craft soundscapes that reflect their emotional states coupled with societal commentary, ultimately using their art as a means of addressing darker subjects while simultaneously seeking joy and connection.

This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

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https://kimmortalportal.com/

https://kimmortal.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/kimmortalmusic

https://www.instagram.com/kimmortaltheartist

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0:09 Introduction to Kimmortal

3:19 Welcoming Kimmortal

6:43 Kim's Early Musical Journey

10:04 Influence of Family on Art

12:48 Education and Intuition in Music

15:23 Genre-Bending Artistic Intent

19:22 Creative Process and Inspiration

26:42 The Meaning Behind "Stop Business As Usual"

32:22 Evolution of Kim's Music

38:46 Identity as a Queer Non-Binary Artist

40:14 The Struggle with Specificity in Art

41:30 Embracing Power in Otherness

46:29 Navigating Community and Acceptance

51:04 Surprising Musical Influences

53:30 Performing vs. Studio Work

56:16 Storytelling and Political Elements in Music

56:25 Future Projects and Inspirations

59:48 Combining Artistic Projects

1:00:52 Recommendations for Other Artists

1:03:14 Current Reading and Social Media Presence

1:06:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nikkiesha is joined by Serena Oduro and Christopher Silverberg to discuss 'Pet,' the speculative fiction/young adult novel by Nigerian non-binary author Akwaeke Emezi.

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Serena and Christopher are participants, along with Nikkie, in writing workshops organized by Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. Visit https://cavecanempoets.org/ for more information on the organization.

===

ABOUT PET:

-NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST

-STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER

-ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME

A genre-defying novel from the award-winning author NPR describes as “like [Madeline] L’Engle…glorious.” A singular book that explores themes of identity and justice. Pet is here to hunt a monster. Are you brave enough to look?

There are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with this lesson all their life. But when Jam meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption's house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth, and the answer to the question--How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?

A riveting and timely young adult debut novel that asks difficult questions about what choices you can make when the society around you is in denial. 

"[A] beautiful, genre-expanding debut" –The New York Times

"The word hype was invented to describe books like this." –Refinery29

Get the book at https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/586483/pet-by-akwaeke-emezi

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This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

Nikkiesha speaks with Najla Said, a multifaceted Palestinian-Lebanese-Arab-American actress, playwright, author, and activist, known for her poignant memoir ‘Looking for Palestine.’ Najla describes the intricate and painful realities faced by the Palestinian people, especially in light of the ongoing suffering and the recent escalation of violence in Gaza. With the goal of amplifying Palestinian voices, this conversation dives deep into the emotional turmoil and complexity of identity that Najla has experienced, both personally and in the context of her community, as well as how the recent violence has not only impacted her own mental health but has also influenced her sense of belonging and identity. She candidly discusses how, in the past, she often felt compelled to code-switch to make others more comfortable with her identity, a dichotomy that has grown increasingly untenable given the current climate. She underscores the vital importance of expressing truth amidst a sense of denial and gaslighting that she often feels around public discourse on Palestine.

Najla shares her thoughts on cultivating resilience in the face of horrific realities, including the events of October 7, 2023, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of conflict and identity vis-à-vis her heritage. Through the lens of her upbringing, Najla distinguishes her family's storied past from the narratives constructed around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing the need for a more nuanced understanding of this history. Drawing parallels to her father Edward Said’s legacy as an intellectual and activist, she grapples with her identity as an artist recognizable for her own voice rather than merely as her father’s daughter, including the writing of her memoir, ‘Looking for Palestine: Growing Up Confused in an Arab-American Family,’ which originated from a play she’d previously developed.

Najla’s reflections on Lebanon and Palestine serve to highlight the vibrancy of Arab culture that is often eclipsed by narratives focused solely on conflict. She vividly describes the warmth, connection, and shared loves that permeate her family experiences in Lebanon, underscoring the importance of these connections in the face of hardship. She also shares valuable recommendations of Palestinian authors, illuminating the diverse voices that contribute to a fuller understanding of the Palestinian experience. 

This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

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https://www.najlasaid.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kittybubble

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0:14 - Introduction to Najla Said

1:20 - Najla's Personal Journey

9:08 - The Impact of October 7th

16:43 - Addressing Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism

20:18 - The Future of Palestinian Generations

24:43 - Identity Beyond Her Father, Edward Said

32:06 - Understanding Her Father's Legacy

37:58 - The Evolution of ‘Looking for Palestine’ from Play to Memoir

45:57 - The Beauty of Lebanon

50:28 - Najla Reads from ‘Looking for Palestine’ About Lebanese Culture

54:32 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

56:39 - Outro

Nikkie speaks with the incredibly talented SuperKnova, a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter whose music embodies the diverse experiences of BIPOC, queer, trans, and non-binary artists – and has been featured on Showtime’s 'Work In Progress,' Epic Games’ 'Fortnite,' and playlists by Sephora, MTV and Spotify editorial. We begin the episode by showcasing SuperKnova's captivating track "Ava Gardner," which sets the stage for an engaging conversation about their journey through music, identity, and artistic expression. SuperKnova shares their unique background, revealing that their path to becoming an indie-pop/electronic musician began with jazz and included a stint in medical school. Along the way, music served as a therapeutic outlet while navigating their identity as a queer, transgender person. This transformative experience led SuperKnova to embrace songwriting as a way to process their emotions and life experiences, while their early songs, initially meant for personal reflection, gained an audience on platforms like Bandcamp, leading them to take seriously a career in music.

Superknova shares with Nikkie about their intention to create music that uplifts and empowers, particularly for marginalized communities, highlighting the importance of representing queer narratives in their work and weaving universal themes of love, belonging, and acceptance into their lyrics. They then delve into the realities faced by transgender and non-binary artists in the music industry today as SuperKnova shares their thoughts on tokenism and the ongoing challenges of navigating spaces that often feel unwelcoming. They talk about the need for safer environments and platforms that can amplify the voices of underrepresented artists, reflecting on their initiative to create a supportive music group specifically for BIPOC, queer, trans, and non-binary musicians. Toward the end of the episode, they discuss SupernKova's influences, musical style, and their aspirations for the future, including an upcoming fall tour and potential new music that will expand on their artistic vision. The episode then concludes with another of SuperKnova's tracks, called "Seatbelts."

This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.

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https://superknovaofficial.com/

https://superknova.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/superknovamusic

https://www.youtube.com/@SuperKnovaMusic

https://instagram.com/superKnovamusic

https://facebook.com/SuperKnovaMusic

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0:11 - Introduction to When We See Each Other

058 - “Ava Gardner” by SuperKnova

3:51 - Embracing Autumn

5:28 - The Journey to Music

6:34 - Transitioning from Medicine to Music

10:53 - Family and Identity

12:20 - The Importance of Chosen Family

13:08 - Embracing Queer Identity

14:23 - The Origins of SuperKnova

14:50 - Learning the Craft

22:08 - Creative Process and Inspiration

25:35 - The Magic of Ava Gardner

28:10 - The Power of Representation

33:30 - Connection Through Shared Trauma

37:16 - Writing from Identity

40:48 - Navigating Indie Music as a Trans Woman

45:39 - Creating Safe Spaces in Music

49:41 - The Birth of a Community

55:11 - Future Projects and Releases

56:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

56:54 - “Seatbelts” by SuperKnova

Nikkiesha: Hello, world. My name is Nikkiesha McLeod. When We See Each Other is a podcast that focuses on music and art by BIPOC, queer, trans, and non-binary artists, as well as artists I've met and known for some time.

Producer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, SuperKnova...

SuperKnova: You know, it took some time and therapy to really get out the internalized transphobia and really be proud of who I was and realize the obvious that there's nothing wrong with being transgender and it's a beautiful gift and just another example of the million ways you could live a life and the beautiful, diverse complexity of our world.

Nikkiesha: The black, queer, gender, non-conforming, Femi, R&B artist, NYALLAH...

NYALLAH: Me just choosing to write about my experiences and like to write about softness and to write about emotion and vulnerability, that within itself is an act of liberation and an act of defiance because I'm not supposed to speak.

Nikkiesha: Black trans artist Anjimile...

Anjimile: It's funny because I like came out in this song before I came out in real life. Like, I didn't realize until years later that this song related to my, like, trans masculine identity. And at the time I was still like exploring what trans meant and not really thinking too much on it. And I also relate my, like, gender and my queerness to my sense of spirituality.

Nikkiesha: The amazing rapper, Billy Dean Thomas...

Just to end, I'm wondering, can you give us, like, a few bars?

Billy Dean Thomas: Yeah. (rapping) I need a moment to process. Hear the prophet like Nostradamus, but not talking commas. Yeah, you smart but don't got no common sense Like Bruce Willis got six senses to kill us I'm seeing ghosts of these rappers when I open up my pen It's the thoughtful sustenance Look at the shit we up against I got beats, abundances We flowing together like ligaments And yeah, I'm glad I'm pigmented Hate the pigs in the system

Nikkiesha: You can find more information about this show at stereoactivemedia.com/whenweseeeachother. And please follow us wherever you happen to listen to podcasts.

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https://www.stereoactivemedia.com/whenweseeeachother/

Nikkiesha McLeod delves into the world of queer artistry with An Only Child, a captivating musician and dancer whose debut album, 'Prepare the Body,' is a project steeped in vulnerability. An Only Child shares about their creative journey, starting with their early inspiration to make music, rooted in a childhood filled with singing in the church and an innate urge to express themselves through melody. They also share the nostalgic memory of their first song, a quirky tribute to the animated series 'Rocket Power,' highlighting the blend of innocence and creativity that has persisted throughout their life. From film studies to dance, they reveal a multifaceted background that informs their artistic outlook, emphasizing how these various mediums intertwine and influence their work today. The discussion moves towards the meaning behind the artist's stage name, which is as much about personal identity as it is about artistic expression. They also candidly share the intentions behind their album to unearth and express emotions that have often been kept private, a process intensified by their experience of vocal cord surgery, which temporarily silenced them, and also share how the album title reflects a broader exploration of physical and mental preparation, intertwined with themes of healing and self-care. Throughout our conversation, An Only Child discusses the interplay between their music and dance, revealing how each song conjures a desire to move. This exploration leads to a fascinating commentary on the creative process, where they find inspiration in the comfort of their daily rituals, particularly bathing, which allows for a childlike state of creativity and relaxation. Reflecting on the timing of their album and the impact of the pandemic, An Only Child talks about navigating the unexpected challenges of 2020, including being injured just as they were mixing their album. They share how this tumultuous period has reshaped their perspective on work, rest, and community, emphasizing the newfound appreciation for connection. As we dive deeper, An Only Child elucidates their influences, from personal experiences to other artists in the queer and BIPOC communities, all of whom inspire their work in unique ways. The conversation weaves through topics of identity, resilience, and the quest for authenticity, culminating in thoughts on genre fluidity and the road ahead in a capitalistic world. The chat also touches on heavier themes as An Only Child candidly addresses their lived experience as a Black queer artist, drawing parallels between their identity and the freedom of expression found within their work.

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Guest: An Only Child

Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod

Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay

Released by Stereoactive Media

Nikkie dives deep into the world of singer-songwriter Mel Fine, whose artistry encapsulates the experience and emotion of being a queer, non-binary person in today's music landscape. Mel reflects on their journey through music and identity, exploring the profound influences that have shaped their path as an artist. They share their earliest memories of music, noting that it has always been a form of self-expression and storytelling for them. From early experience in musical theater to taking a more focused approach to songwriting, Mel describes how these experiences allowed them to articulate their feelings and experiences through music. They discuss with Nikkie the therapeutic aspects of songwriting, especially during difficult times, and how Mel's first significant compositions were born out of personal challenges and the desire to connect with others. Mel candidly recounts how their song, "In Between," emerged during a songwriting class when they decided to confront their truth head-on, leading to a cathartic songwriting experience. They reveal their process of coming out to friends, family, and even their audience through the music and its raw vulnerability. Mel shares about the supportive environment they have cultivated among friends and family, breaking down the barriers of misunderstanding that often accompany discussions around gender and identity. Throughout the episode, Mel's infectious passion for storytelling shines as they reflect on the balance between performing live and studio work and their experience auditioning for American Idol.

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Guest: Mel Fine

Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod

Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay

Released by Stereoactive Media