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