When We See Each Other
Stereoactive Media
1 Creator
1 Creator
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..."
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 When We See Each Other Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best When We See Each Other episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to When We See Each Other for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite When We See Each Other episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Ep 2.3 – Kimmortal
When We See Each Other
02/03/25 • 72 min
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/kimmortalmusic
https://www.instagram.com/kimmortaltheartist
===
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
An Only Child
When We See Each Other
05/05/21 • 58 min
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.
===
Guest: An Only Child
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Anjimile
When We See Each Other
07/29/20 • 35 min
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: Anjimile
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Billy Dean Thomas
When We See Each Other
11/04/20 • 48 min
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 Thomas
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Mackenzie Shivers
When We See Each Other
02/25/21 • 56 min
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.
===
Guest: Mackenzie Shivers
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Mel Fine
When We See Each Other
04/07/21 • 58 min
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 Fine
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Ep 2.2 – Najla Said
When We See Each Other
11/22/24 • 58 min
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.instagram.com/kittybubble
===
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
NYALLAH
When We See Each Other
08/12/20 • 63 min
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 healing journey, reflecting their experiences with love, loss, and the struggles they face as a Black, queer individual navigating the complexities of identity and societal expectations. NYALLAH also reveals the inspiration behind their standout track "Growing Pains," describing it as a heartfelt letter from their future self, encouraging resilience and growth amidst life's challenges and provides insight into the creative process for 'Reflections,' which took nearly two years to complete. They describe how their experiences at USC shaped their artistry and the challenges they faced in an institution that often privileged white narratives. From struggles with internalized oppression to false perceptions of professionalism, NYALLAH emphasizes how these experiences fueled their desire to create music that authentically represents their truth. The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of NYALLAH's artistry, their evolution as a songwriter, and their approach to composition. They share how their musical style blends elements of hip-hop and soul, producing a sound that is both dynamic and deeply resonant. NYALLAH emphasizes the importance of cultivating community within their music, stating that collaboration with fellow artists is essential to their creative process. As the conversation turns to visibility in the music industry, NYALLAH candidly addresses the complexities of being a queer, gender-nonconforming artist, recounting experiences of tokenization and erasure while reiterating their commitment to using their platform to uplift Black voices and engage in necessary conversations surrounding identity, mental health, and social justice. NYALLAH's perspective on liberation through art serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of creativity.
===
Guest: NYALLAH
Host & Producer: Nikkiesha McLeod
Producer & Editor: Jeremiah Lee McVay
Released by Stereoactive Media
Ep 2.1 - SuperKnova
When We See Each Other
11/08/24 • 61 min
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.
===
https://superknovaofficial.com/
https://superknova.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/superknovamusic
https://www.youtube.com/@SuperKnovaMusic
https://instagram.com/superKnovamusic
https://facebook.com/SuperKnovaMusic
===
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
Book Club, Vol. 1: 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi
When We See Each Other
01/17/25 • 72 min
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.
===
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.
===
ABOUT PET:
-NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
-STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER
-ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME
A genre-defying novel from the award-winning author NPR describes as “like [Madeline] L’Engle...glorious.” A singular book that explores themes of identity and justice. Pet is here to hunt a monster. Are you brave enough to look?
There are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with this lesson all their life. But when Jam meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption's house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth, and the answer to the question--How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?
A riveting and timely young adult debut novel that asks difficult questions about what choices you can make when the society around you is in denial.
"[A] beautiful, genre-expanding debut" –The New York Times
"The word hype was invented to describe books like this." –Refinery29
Get the book at https://www.rhcbooks.com/books/586483/pet-by-akwaeke-emezi
===
This podcast is produced by Stereoactive Media.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does When We See Each Other have?
When We See Each Other currently has 11 episodes available.
What topics does When We See Each Other cover?
The podcast is about Music, Podcasts, Arts and Music Interviews.
What is the most popular episode on When We See Each Other?
The episode title 'An Only Child' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on When We See Each Other?
The average episode length on When We See Each Other is 53 minutes.
How often are episodes of When We See Each Other released?
Episodes of When We See Each Other are typically released every 41 days, 12 hours.
When was the first episode of When We See Each Other?
The first episode of When We See Each Other was released on Jul 29, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ