“Call it what you will. I call it God.” — Cindy Williams When I told friends and family that I was interviewing Cindy Williams, the reaction was always the same: “What? You are interviewing Shirley?!?!” That’s because while Cindy Williams’ acting career has spanned over 40 years, with roles ranging from the 1973 movie American Graffiti to her recent cameo in the 2013 […]
Keeping the Faith With Cindy Williams Read More »
“The dark, the dark, The darkness falls on you. The dark, the dark, The darkness swallows you.” —“The Dark” by Huntress Jill Janus is perhaps best known as the incendiary lead singer of the progressive thrash metal group Huntress. For years, Huntress, which Janus describes as an “occult” band, has combined its intense sound with themes of fantasy to convey the
Jill Janus’ New Beginning Read More »
For years, Mike Mahler has been a leading fitness guru, specializing in a range of techniques, including kettlebell and body-weight training, as well as the health benefits of a plant-based, vegan diet. The core of Mahler’s message transcends technique, however. In order to succeed in life, one must find purpose, set goals to serve this purpose and
The Real Strength of Mike Mahler Read More »
“I feel like I was once Separated twice, Now I feel like I Will never know my mind.” — “Heavy Metal” by The New Tarot Monika Walker and her band, The New Tarot, are certainly making their way into the public consciousness. Critics say their “hard-rocking brand of Synthpop,” which is “equal parts mystical and danceable,”
The Magical Consciousness of The New Tarot’s Monika Walker Read More »
When describing hardcore punk music, Lester Bangs wrote that “hardcore is the womb.” The intense, focused sound of a structured three-chord, hardcore punk attack provided the listener with an immersion. In that immersion was a comfort and safety; a place where kids who felt alienated and bored could be distracted, connect with a community and
The Beautiful Randomness of the Band Suicide Read More »
“It’s that sky in the moonlight; Waves in the sunset; Strength in the fight; When we wait through the night; Have faith; it’s a sure bet.” — From “When We Love” by MexiCan (featuring Lydia Molise and Anthm) In the 45 years since Hip Hop was founded in the South Bronx of New York City, it has
Love Conquers All At The Universal Hip Hop Museum Read More »
Malcolm X said that racism is a “cancer.” Decades later, research supports his assertion; not only does racism and discrimination result in tangible disparities for its victims, but also it destroys an individual’s very health and self-concept. At the core of the harmful practice of racism and discrimination is a simple message: some people don’t matter. If racism is a cancer, Hip Hop
Why Culture Is Medicine at the Universal Hip Hop Museum Read More »
“I took a day or twoTo exile from the light,To unfold that prisonerThey call a mind.”– From “It’s Happening Again” by Agnes Obel Talking with Agnes Obel is more relaxing than talking with 99 percent of my therapist friends who aspire to help people cope with anxiety. This calming effect comes perhaps from years of developing a creative
Agnes Obel’s Empathy Technology Read More »
“Just two days after the first of June,A pine with arms brushing off the dew;Unlike a sky copious with death,Precipitation of heart and head.”— From “Monsoon” by Hippo Campus On one level, things are going great for Nathan Stocker and his indie rock band Hippo Campus. Hippo Campus has released only two extended-play recordings thus far,
Nathan Stocker’s New Normal Read More »
“Only the beginningof what I want to feel forever.”— from “Beginnings” by Chicago Tribute bands are bands that love the music of a specific—and usually well-known—band and play only songs from that band in their live shows. Mere mention of the term “tribute band” may induce eye rolls, sighs and other nonspecific condescension from musicians
Mason Swearingen and the Psychology of the Tribute Band Read More »
