ABOUT THE GUEST: Featured on shows like 'Good Trouble,' 'Queen Sugar' and 'NAOMI,' T R U V O N N E's cinematic themes and use of synths, subs, and undertones are used to tell stories and create an ambient atmosphere for whoever is listening... and watching.

- Official Website: https://www.truvonne.com/

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

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0:09 Introduction to When We See Each Other

4:00 Meeting T R U V O N N E

7:08 Political Climate and Personal Balance

10:25 Practicing Hope and Joy

15:46 T R U V O N N E’s Musical Journey

21:18 The Early Days of Songwriting

26:09 Musical Influences and Inspirations

27:57 Family and Musical Background

31:39 Creative Process in Music

38:02 Visual Storytelling in Music

40:54 Discussing the New EP and Single

49:57 The Artistic Process Behind Releases

55:24 Identity and Music

59:59 Genre and Artistic Expression

1:06:07 Studio vs. Live Performance

1:08:39 Recommended Artists and Influences

1:10:23 Current Reads and Inspirations

1:12:29 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Nikkiesha McLeod and Iman Carter are joined by author Anastacia-Reneé to discuss her book, ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere,’ a bold hybrid collection of poetry, flash fiction, and Afrofuturism sci-fi.

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Iman and Anastacia-Reneé 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 ‘HERE IN THE (MIDDLE) OF NOWHERE:’

The book explores what happens when god is a Black woman in a town. What happens when there are multiple universes in the middle of nowhere?

What if in each universe there reigned other Black woman gods? One million versions of god, and one million saints to watch over us? And what if this Black woman god were placed here on earth?

These are just a few of the questions Anastacia-Reneé asks in this daring and mind-bending hybrid collection. Hers is a universe of striking variety—monsters, nontraditional saints, witches, zombies, the couple in the apartment next door, the wise elders from down the block, and gods watching over us all—as well as community and connectedness.

With a prose storyline and characters that connect through family, time, and place, Anastacia-Reneé paints world(s) rich with wonder and the paranormal as she peers into the lives of everyday people and spectacular creatures inhabiting not just our neighborhoods, but other dimensions. ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere’ is about interstellar ancestry, community and spirituality. It is about the things we invoke, conjure, and rely on to maintain joy as we keep it moving through difficult eras. Anastacia-Reneé’s power imbues her spellbinding storytelling with lovingly rendered characters brought to life in lyrical poetry. She builds worlds within worlds and dares us to fully see and love ourselves in all our complexity.

Get the book at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/here-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-anastacia-renee

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- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

Nikkiesha McLeod is joined by Iman Carter and Christopher Silverberg to discuss author Anastacia-Reneé’s ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere,’ a bold hybrid collection of poetry, flash fiction, and Afrofuturism sci-fi.

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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.

===

ABOUT ‘HERE IN THE (MIDDLE) OF NOWHERE:’

The book explores what happens when god is a Black woman in a town. What happens when there are multiple universes in the middle of nowhere?

What if in each universe there reigned other Black woman gods? One million versions of god, and one million saints to watch over us? And what if this Black woman god were placed here on earth?

These are just a few of the questions Anastacia-Reneé asks in this daring and mind-bending hybrid collection. Hers is a universe of striking variety—monsters, nontraditional saints, witches, zombies, the couple in the apartment next door, the wise elders from down the block, and gods watching over us all—as well as community and connectedness.

With a prose storyline and characters that connect through family, time, and place, Anastacia-Reneé paints world(s) rich with wonder and the paranormal as she peers into the lives of everyday people and spectacular creatures inhabiting not just our neighborhoods, but other dimensions. ‘Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere’ is about interstellar ancestry, community and spirituality. It is about the things we invoke, conjure, and rely on to maintain joy as we keep it moving through difficult eras. Anastacia-Reneé’s power imbues her spellbinding storytelling with lovingly rendered characters brought to life in lyrical poetry. She builds worlds within worlds and dares us to fully see and love ourselves in all our complexity.

Get the book at https://www.harpercollins.com/products/here-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-anastacia-renee

- Produced and hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod

- Produced and edited by Jeremiah Lee McVay

- Released and distributed by Stereoactive Media

Host Nikkiesha McLeod dives into an enlightening discussion with Vahn Black, a multifaceted vocalist, producer, and memory worker whose artistic journey reflects a rich tapestry of musical influences and personal identity. The conversation covers everything from the current sociopolitical climate to the intricate process of musical creation. Vahn shares her personal journey of emotional resilience, drawing strength from the historical context of jazz music as a source of defiance and solace. This leads to a broader discussion about the intersection of art and social justice, illustrating how Vahn’s creative expression is both a personal and collective act of resistance. Vahn elaborates on the importance of joy as an integral part of that resistance, allowing music to act as a refuge amidst adversity.

The episode provides a glimpse into Vahn’s early inspirations and musical pedigree, notably how her upbringing in Detroit—a city vibrant with musical history—shaped her artistic path. Vahn recounts the pivot point in her life when she realized music could be a profession and the transformative journey she undertook in her music education. She reflects on how attending the Detroit School of Arts solidified her passion for music, leading to an exploration of various instruments including guitar, bass, and baritone ukulele. She reveals the intricacies of how she develops her music—ranging from initial ideas captured in voice memos to elaborate arrangements. Vahn’s storytelling often reflects personal experiences intertwined with wider socio-cultural themes, with the aim of representing underrepresented narratives in music. In particular, Vahn shares about their decision to create a trilogy inspired by Gladys Bentley, a black lesbian drag king from the Harlem Renaissance, detailing how their story has profoundly resonated with Vahn’s own reflections on gender fluidity and identity.

- 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.vahnblack.com

https://www.vahnblack.bandcamp.com/

https://www.soundcloud.com/vahnblack

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

https://www.instagram.com/vahnblack

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4RzNMvH3WP11GHpgqWjRw7

https://tidal.com/browse/artist/37015224

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