Episode 211 with Chris L. Terry and James Spooner, Passionate Researchers, Veteran Punk Rockers, and Stewards and Proponents of Black Punk Excellence for Future Generations

Notes and Links to Chris L. Terry’s and James Spooner’s Work

 

 

   For Episode 211, Pete welcomes Chris L. Terry and James Spooner, and the two discuss, among other topics, the exciting release of Black Punk Now and reader response, the seeds for the book and the rationale for certain structures in the book, the balance between a punk aesthetic and fair treatment and pay for artists, Black punk as joy and liberation and catharsis, exciting new movements and artists in Black Punk and its attendant creative pursuits, and what Chris and James wish for the book’s future.  

 

   Chris L. Terry is the author of the novels Black Card (Catapult, 2019) and Zero Fade (Curbside Splendor, 2013), which was named Best Book of the Year by Slate and Kirkus Reviews. Mr. Terry’s short work has appeared in PANK, Razorcake, Very Smart Brothas, and more. He has taught for PEN America, Writing Workshops LA, and Storycatchers Theatre. 

 

   James Spooner is an American film director, tattoo artist, and graphic novelist. He is best known for his 2003 documentary film Afro-Punk, and for co-founding the Afropunk Festival. He also directed the 2007 narrative film White Lies, Black Sheep. His first graphic novel, titled The High Desert, was published in 2022.

 

 

Buy Black Punk Now!

 

Read an Excerpt from Black Punk Now

 

James’ Website

 

Buy The High Desert by James

 

Buy Black Card by Chris

 

Read about Afro-Punk Documentary

At about 2:20, Pete welcomes back Chris-the first two-time guest! and asks about seeds for the book and about the initial reaction to the book’s publication 

 

At about 6:00, James responds to the same questions as above: seeds for the book and the book’s connections to his work with AfroPunk

 

At about 11:10, Chris shouts out Cecilia Flores at SoftSkull and the use of the tattoo framing in one interview in the book; he also discusses “creating Black spaces” with joy

 

At about 11:50, James mentions the cover of the book, “having the time of their lives” and Black Joy

 

At about 12:40-14:50, Chris responds to Pete’s questions about the book’s title’s genesis and the “timeliness” of the book

 

At about 14:50, Pete cites James’ Introduction to the book and James responds to Pete’s question about Black Punk’s rise with regard to concerts and exposure and its connection to corporatization 

 

At about 19:15, Chris talks about the balance between the DIY ethos of punk and the newer generation’s keen ways of valuing their work and including more interested people 

 

At about 22:30, James reminisces on the different scenes in punk circles when he was doing concerts

 

At about 25:05, Pete and Chris highlight the book’s Roundtables and interviews, particularly with Bobby Hackney, Jr., and key quotes that show Blackness and punk to be inextricable, as well as the openness of the book’s contributors 

 

At about 28:15, Pete asks about punk rock and how it came from rock-originated by Black musicians and became associated with white musicians; Chris describes this  

 

At about 30:30, James describes “major” Black figures and Black bands who were and are at the forefront of so many movements; he shouts out Soul Glo and Zulu and draws connections between the older and newer

 

At about 34:15, Chris uses his West Coast tour from 2002 as an example of how

 

At about 34:40, The three talk about the great Fishbone and The Last Action Hero soundtrack

 

At about 36:15, Pete asks about Blank punk and compliments the book’s variety and its politics and discussion of gender fluidity and other important issues; Chris speaks on punk as a lifestyle, and not just a style of music

 

At about 39:20, Pete wonders about any evolution in the ways in which women and nonbinary people have been treated in recent years of punk; Chris and James discuss challenges that still remain, as well as what they list as incremental victories

 

At about 44:05, Pete highlights quotes and interviews from the anthology and the ways in which catharsis is demonstrated through Black punk lifestyles

 

At about 46:05, Pete asks James and Chris about their process in picking a favorite Black punk songlist

 

At about 47:25, James and Chris respond to Pete’s questions about how they want the book to survive and thrive in coming years, and the rationale on having the book softcover right away

 

At about 49:15, Pete highlights engaging work from James and Chris in the anthology

 

At about 50:20, James and Chris talk about exciting future projects

 

At about 52:30, James and Chris give out their contact info and social media

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   Please tune in for Episode 212 with Theresa Runstedtler, award-winning scholar of African American history. Her work focused on intersection of race/masculinity/ labor/sport, and her recent:  Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation that Saved the Soul of the NBA.

   The episode will air on November 14.