I always get asked where I’m from.
Rock n’ Roll Friend, I’m from Nebraska.
A state that is known for being the most boring drive in the entire US of A.
So it’s not surprising that my fashionable self stands out amongst beige cornfields and concrete strip malls. My taste in fashion feels like my city’s tiny skyline. Nothing to look at for miles while driving along flat landscapes and then BAM! What’s that ahead? Something sparkly and tall! (I do love a good accessory)
Maybe deep down, I wish I had a cool characteristic that represented my locale. Kinda like the lyrics in Ella Langley’s song…..
“She’s from Texas, I can tell”
You’re Never Too Much
I’ve been told that I’m “too much” or “overdressed” or received those pondering stares followed by, “where are you from?'“
Like my outfit is a road block when really I just wanted to be a walking billboard of patterns. Animal print and all.
It took me a really long time to realize that being myself stirred up insecurities in others.
It takes time to own up to who you are and then telling people what you are all about.
You can wear the costume but you gotta show up as that character. Whoever you want to be; the owner, the artist, the activist.
Many will not like the film you are directing and that’s okay.
You can be a minimalist. You can be a maximalist. Don’t be what others expect you to be.
And above all, don’t be boring like an unplanted cornfield.
Perfect for the patio
Here is a playlist I curated last year for episode of Electric Radio Club. Available on Spotify or Qobuz.
You can listen to the full radio episode here on Mixcloud. My radio show is ad-free and free to listen.
Behind the Mic
Clip from when I did livestreams while also broadcasting on an internet radio station. From Phoebe from Friends to Enya brillant voice, this is from the Electric Radio Club episode, Witchy Woman, where I talk about women, real or fictional, who gave me permission to be myself.
Who inspired you to be yourself?
I think gay men make the best shopping buddies.
A few months back, I watched a documentary about the legendary costume designer Orry-Kelly who is known for creating designs for hundreds of iconic films.
From Casablanca to Some Like It Hot, the movie list and celebrity clientele is endless. His costumes would become fashion trends copied by well-known retail shops. He was also openly gay which was not common for the time period.
An icon and truly innovative artist, I recommend this movie-like documentary about his work and life.
It’s available for streaming on Tubi.
Fashion Fela
I’m wrapping up the incredibly popular podcast, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. I am aware of who the Nigerian musician was but this podcast sent me into a music world I had no idea existed.
An artist who was both revolutionary and also problematic, this podcast is so well produced, I felt like I was listening to a movie.
It really inspired me to add more flare to my writing. Like many stories, very little was documented about this artist and the world he created. It was all based on very detail descriptions of experiences like this article written by award-winning journalist, John Darten, who was a NYT correspondent during the time Fela was performing.
Tell me what you like about The Radio Room?
That’s all for now and until next time, stay inspired!
Joi
I think there's a prevailing idea out here that one should duck down and never make waves. In my experience, it usually means a lot of people not living out loud or even just being themselves. Shame, really.
Definitely gonna watch the fashion documentary. Sounds terrific. Excited to watch the YouTube stuff too. Thanks Joi. I am still new here and figuring out all of the things you are up to.