Choose your own adventure: newsletter includes both video and written essay - and a mixtape!
I have a garden of pink peonies and I decided to paint them blue and orange.
Rock n’ roll friend, I’ve always found myself lingering in wonderland like Alice, in my own world. And I’m glad that you want to be part of it.
I am truly one lucky girl to have a backyard filled with peonies. There’s nothing better than having these fragrant blooms in every corner of my home.
At the beginning of the pandemic, like many, I threw myself in to projects just to stay sane. I began experimenting with photography and video again.
In the story of Alice in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts demands the white roses in her garden be painted red.
I began playing with this idea and painted my peonies. Little did I realize it would morph into my first experimental film, Flower Arcade.
What was once an act of playing has become one of my favorite pieces that I still reference today. I’m actually working on a painting inspired by these film stills.
You might ask, how can one be happy with all the heaviness going on in the world?
Well, that’s what The Radio Room is all about; a creative hub to to get inspired and immerse yourself in positive distractions.
Since it’s springtime, I wanted to provide some resources that will make you feel blooming rather than wilted.
I’m going to start off by gifting a playlist.
I was talking to a friend about songs of summer and how music discovery just seemed more magical in the summertime and before the days of streaming.
I started thinking about songs that have those iconic guitar riffs, uplifting lyrics and melodies that feel like a soundtrack for summer magic.
How does one find that magic? Quit passively listening to music.
Streaming services recommends more of the same thing. How can you find your new favorite summer song when you stay on the same musical carousal?
So here is a mixtape for you! It’s so fun! I made it in an instant.
Tell me if you find a new fav or remember an oldie but a goodie track that you haven’t heard in a while.
Mixtape is available on Spotify and Qobuz.
Don’t have either? Transfer to your preferred streaming service using Soundiiz for free!
I’m prepping for the next radio show episode of Electric Radio Club. I’m really excited about the theme but I don’t have all the components to record yet.
So why not listen to a previous episode?
This flower bud’s for you
As I previous mentioned, creating experimental videos began by just playing and being outside.
Like Alice, I wanted to create my own wonderland and started documenting my surroundings.
The world’s a fascinating place if you just look around.
Here is the video for Flower Arcade.
Consider it a moment of Zen…..with distorted flowers. Like Wonderland, it’s a trip.
Goes well with the Oasis lyrics in the mixtape I made you….
I live my life for the stars that shine
People say it's just a waste of time
Then they say I should feed my head
-Oasis
It’s the end of the world and I feel fine
I listened to this interview on the podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend with the well-known documentarian Ken Burns multiple times.
Ken Burns creates some of the most watched documentaries ranging from all subjects of American history. From Women’s Voting Rights to The American Revolution to the Holocaust to Jazz, he’s documented the good, the bad and the ugly things this country has experienced.
He eloquently talks about American history and the current state of the world that made me feel hopeful rather than impending doom.
Party in the Garden
In order for me to find out about local events it is through Instagram. Which leads me down a doomscroll.
This plucks my energy.
So might I suggest setting a timer? Search for local events in your area and then, get the hell off the app and go do something!
Grab a friend or go alone. Either way, you’ll feel better.
Last weekend, I attended a free concert called Garden Party that featured only women and non-binary musicians. This event started out in someone’s backyard and grew immense popularity that it has now become a free event at a local park.
One of my radio listeners, Titus of the music duo, Titus and Mark, sent over a music suggestion Katy Guillen and The Drive stating it would be perfect for Electric Radio Club. He was right!
It just so happen they were playing at the event and they were amazing!
If you are in the mood for some great alternative rock with killer guitar solos, you will enjoy this band.
The outdoor space was packed and the weather could not have been more perfect.
I saw a concert goer sitting alone at a table enjoying the concert while crocheting. You’re not alone is spaced filled with people. If you are worried about attending an event alone, no one’s paying attention anyway. Well, except little ol’ observant me.
I also caught another great show this week, Hotline TNT opening for the band Dry Cleaning.
They kinda remind me of a shoegazey version of Third Eye Blind but something tells me the band would not like that reference.
Side note: their music is not on Spotify but I included on the Qobuz mixtape.
What’s your song of summer? Could be from any year. Let me know and maybe I’ll add to the playlist.😊
Thanks for being here.
Stay inspired,
Joi
Support my work by becoming a subscriber.
Ventura Highway and Summer Breeze!
Oh my, I can't get over those peonies! Gorgeous and I love the idea of the flower arcade.