When We See Each Other

ABOUT THE GUEST: Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Richard Parris Scott has used their artistic practice to build the foundation which their brand stands on. They've performed self-written and produced music with their band at festivals, performed original compositions with the

Holyoke Civic Symphony orchestra, and in 2024 released their second full-length album, ‘All’s Good.’

- 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

4:52 Meetin...

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...

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. Wh...

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.

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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...

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 re...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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ABOUT PET:

-NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST

-STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Nikkiesha McLeod welcomes the talented singer-songwriter Mackenzie Shivers, a close friend and an acclaimed musician, to share insights into her upcoming album, Rejection Letter, which is set to be released on April 2nd. The episode begins with Mackenzie's single "Martha's Vineyard," paving the way for an in-depth discussion of the emotional landscape of her music, her artistic evolution and the impact of the pandemic on her creativity, and the importance of supporting independent artists. 

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Guest: Mackenzie Shivers

Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod

Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay

Released by Stereoactive Me...

Nikkie chats with rapper Billy Dean Thomas about their identity, life, and music, including their powerful track "Trust No More" from the EP, For Better or Worse, which delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Billy shares their journey into rap, shaped by their experiences in Harlem, and discusses the inherent political dimensions of their music as a queer Black artist. The discussion then delves into their creative process, highlighting a spontaneous style songwriting that captures raw authenticity. The conversation also addresses the impact of the pandemic on their artistry and living situation, un...

Nikkie speaks with the talented Black queer gender-nonconforming R&B artist, NYALLAH about their artistic journey, beginning with an exploration of their childhood influences and how their upbringing in a creatively rich household surrounded by a variety of genres – including jazz, reggae, and R&B – infused their music with diverse sounds and emotions. They reminisce about listening to powerful vocalists like Mary J. Blige and Brandy, whose influences are evident in NYALLAH's own powerful and soulful style. Discussing their debut album, 'Reflections,' NYALLAH opens up about the personal and social themes interwoven throughout the work. The album serves as a...

Nikkie chats with Anjimile, a talented Black trans artist whose highly anticipated album, 'Giver Taker,' is set to release on September 18th via Father Daughter Records. Anjimile shares their journey into music, which was inspired by their upbringing in Texas, surrounded by musical siblings and influenced by the eclectic sounds played by their parents during family chores. The conversation touches on the deep connections between music, identity, and spirituality that permeate Anjimile's work, as they share the inspiration behind their standout single, "Maker," how it emerged during a particularly tumultuous period in their life, and how it explores...