When We See Each Other
When We See Each Other

When We See Each Other

Stereoactive Media

Overview
Episodes

Details

When We See Each Other* is a podcast hosted by Nikkiesha McLeod focused mostly (though not entirely) on work by Black, queer, trans, and non-binary musicians and other artists.

*as in, "When we see each other in the streets..."

Recent Episodes

Ep 2.2 - Najla Said
NOV 22, 2024
Ep 2.2 - Najla Said

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

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58 MIN
Ep 2.1 - SuperKnova
NOV 8, 2024
Ep 2.1 - SuperKnova

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

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61 MIN
When We See Each Other Trailer
NOV 6, 2024
When We See Each Other Trailer

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/

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2 MIN
An Only Child
MAY 5, 2021
An Only Child

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

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58 MIN
Mel Fine
APR 7, 2021
Mel Fine

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

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58 MIN