When We See Each Other Ep 2.1

A quick producer's note:

We're proud to finally officially relaunch When We See Each Other with the first new episode of the podcast in over three years! This has been in the works for months and we recorded this episode with SuperKnova back in mid-September. Obviously, though, the week preceding this release brought about major news that really shook us up. As much as we wish circumstances didn't make it so, hearing the stories of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices is even more important now than it was when we recorded this – and especially the voices of trans and nonbinary folks who have been very specifically targeted by the incoming regime. The stories heard on this show are ones of positivity and tend to invoke the power of music and art in the realization and expression of ideas and identity. They stand in clear contrast to the misinformation and bigotry that is much too pervasive in our world and we hope you'll listen and support these artists and their work.

Available on Goodpods, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

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."

Episode Credits: