When We See Each Other - Ep 2.1 - SuperKnova

Ep 2.1 - SuperKnova

Explicit content warning

11/08/24 • 61 min

When We See Each Other

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

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

Previous Episode

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/

Next Episode

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