Crossroads Cafe

This episode features ALMA, a three-piece experimental dream pop outlet from Brooklyn. The band, consisting of Alba S. Torremocha, Lillie R. McDonough, and Melissa K. Carter, recently released their first LP, Mosaic, a "personal letter to NYC" that also explores contemporary social issues and the universal, ageless travails of the heart. We spoke about Mosaic, which the band is in the process of converting to a stage musical, as well as their passion for climate activism and social change — a passion that infuses much of their work, including their single "Water Rises," a self-described "party song about climate catastrophe."

Michelle Lhooq is a journalist who covers subcultures, drugs, raves, and everything in between. Her Substack newsletter Rave New World ​is a raw, immersive window into modern counterculture in all its ecstasies and contradictions. (Be sure to subscribe at ravenewworld.substack.com). In this interview, we spoke about the spiritual side of raving, the intersections between ecology and nightlife, dissociation and ketamine, the future of psychedelics, post-pandemic parties, and so much more.

This episode of Crossroads Cafe features Heather Christian, the exceptionally talented creator, writer, and star of "Animal Wisdom," a musical that involves summoning quite a few ghosts. Christian, a medium and a musician adept at transversing the boundaries between art forms, dimensions, and human minds, talks the art of crafting a show that the New York Times called "part exorcism, part dialogue with her dearly departed; part slide show and part ontological theorizing."  "Animal Wisdom" is available to stream live, courtesy of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and American Conservatory Theatre, at act-sf.org through June 27, 2021.

Blood Cultures' new album "LUNO" is a deep dive into the shadow self and an exploration of what's possible when you truly open your eyes to the world around you. Inspired by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Dan Harmon, and David Lynch, the album is a doorway to a much larger universe that opens like a labyrinth for listeners daring enough to enter. In this interview, we spoke about everything from the twisted roots of racism and capitalism to the Heaven's Gate cult and the process of waking up to the narratives that control us so we can better create new ones.

Artist, visionary, and community organizer Hollis recently released a single called "Grace Lee" which pays homage to the Asian American activist of the same name. Grace Lee Boggs fought for the marginalized and the working class and remains an icon of cross-racial solidarity thanks to her advocacy for the Asian American Movement and for the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. Hollis, who seamlessly blends community organizing, business and artist advocacy, and music and direction in her everyday life, is the perfect person to carry on Grace Lee's torch in song. We talked about the relationship between creativity and imagination and social change, and so much more.

Jocelyn Mackenzie talks about her debut LP, PUSH, as well as her work as an artist and medium, and she gives some advice for attracting good energy and creative inspiration.

Amanda Quaid is an actor, writer, and voice coach. On the day Joe Biden officially won the 2020 election, we spoke about the climate crisis, spiritual ecology, the power and pitfalls of writing about climate change, and the need for new stories to address our collective historical moment. 

Dancer, poet, musician, and world traveler Neguin talks about finding freedom through the art of breaking and Capoeira. He also discusses his new spoken word and dance video, "To Be," which is a powerful Black Lives Matter statement and a call for unity and solidarity.

Legendary musician, mystic, and laughter meditation practitioner Laraaji talks healing, spiritual oneness, his new album "Sun Piano," and his decades in NYC. Find him at @laraaji_official.

Musician and activist Zeshan B talks his new album "Melismatic," mental illness, grief, and social change.Find him at @zeshan and www.zeshanb.com.

In this episode, musician Ravahn (formerly known as DUVV) tells us about her new EP “The Things We’ve Done/The Love We Need," and discusses her recent life-changing spiritual awakening.She also gives us a bit of advice about finding peace and freedom through believing in something greater than ourselves.  Find her at @ravahn_ and www.ravahn.com.

Actress Erica Muñoz graces Crossroads with a discussion about representation in Hollywood, her disastrous debut in Broadway’s RENT, her starring role in HBO’s “Long Gone By,” and the complexities of telling stories about undocumented immigrants.