When We See Each Other

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.===https://kimmortalportal.com/https://kimmortal.bandcamp.com/https://www.youtube.com/kimmortalmusichttps://www.instagram.com/kimmortaltheartist===0:09 Introduction to Kimmortal3:19 Welcoming Kimmortal6:43 Kim's Early Musical Journey10:04 Influence of Family on Art12:48 Education and Intuition in Music15:23 Genre-Bending Artistic Intent19:22 Creative Process and Inspiration26:42 The Meaning Behind "Stop Business As Usual"32:22 Evolution of Kim's Music38:46 Identity as a Queer Non-Binary Artist40:14 The Struggle with Specificity in Art41:30 Embracing Power in Otherness46:29 Navigating Community and Acceptance51:04 Surprising Musical Influences53:30 Performing vs. Studio Work56:16 Storytelling and Political Elements in Music56:25 Future Projects and Inspirations59:48 Combining Artistic Projects1:00:52 Recommendations for Other Artists1:03:14 Current Reading and Social Media Presence1:06:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.===https://www.najlasaid.com/https://www.instagram.com/kittybubble===0:14 - Introduction to Najla Said1:20 - Najla's Personal Journey9:08 - The Impact of October 7th16:43 - Addressing Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism20:18 - The Future of Palestinian Generations24:43 - Identity Beyond Her Father, Edward Said32:06 - Understanding Her Father's Legacy37:58 - The Evolution of ‘Looking for Palestine’ from Play to Memoir45:57 - The Beauty of Lebanon50:28 - Najla Reads from ‘Looking for Palestine’ About Lebanese Culture54:32 - Closing Thoughts and Recommendations56:39 - Outro

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

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.===Guest: Mel FineHost & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeodProducer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVayReleased by Stereoactive Media

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, underscoring the importance of supporting underrepresented voices in music. The episode concludes with a captivating performance from Billy, which happen to be one our favorite moments on the podcast so far!===Guest: Billy Dean ThomasHost & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeodProducer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVayReleased by Stereoactive Media

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 gender identity and self-definition with lyrics that convey a powerful sense of transformation. Anjimile also reflects on their evolution as a musician since releasing their first EP in 2011, highlighting the maturity that comes with age and experience and emphasizing how their evolving voice—deeper now from testosterone therapy—has transformed their musical expression. They also offer insights into their influences, both musical and non-musical, and how their intersectional identity as a Black queer trans artist shapes their unique sound.===Guest: AnjimileHost & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeodProducer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVayReleased by Stereoactive Media