Artist Spotlight

Issa Rae Demands Hollywood Pay Its Dues to Black TV in Fiery SXSW Keynote

In an impactful keynote speech, Issa Rae highlighted the ongoing challenges that Black television has faced over the years. She explained how, from the earliest sitcoms to today’s hit dramas, networks have prospered by telling Black stories, yet true recognition and appreciation remain hard to come by. Some may dismiss this as talk, but Rae is resolute in sharing her perspective. Her new project, Seen & Heard, aims to prove this history clearly.

“It’s one thing to hear about it,” Rae explained. “You might have encountered discussions around how certain networks have treated Black creators. But having the actual storytellers and writers document this history makes it undeniable. We wanted to create a thorough record that shows how they built their success on our stories, while we have little to show for it. It’s a sad situation, and it keeps happening again and again.” The docuseries includes perspectives from notable figures in entertainment, such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay, who share their experiences and discuss Black television’s ongoing struggles.

It serves as a rallying call for recognition and ongoing support and investment in Black storytelling. Issa Rae’s career showcases the importance of authentic Black voices. From her groundbreaking show Insecure to her growing role as a producer, she has constantly pushed the industry to improve. With Seen & Heard, she’s committed to ensuring that Black TV pioneers’ contributions are remembered and valued. Hollywood tends to forget things when it suits them, but Issa Rae is ensuring that Black television will be acknowledged this time. Seen & Heard is a powerful call for change.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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