We sit down with Demetrius—a hip-hop artist from Frederick, Maryland. Debuting in 2020, Demetrius has become a key figure in Frederick's hip-hop scene. His artistry and community involvement were spotlighted in the Frederick News-Post in 2023, where his journey and impact were highlighted. In addition to his music, Demetrius curates the monthly Real Rap Show and frequently collaborates with Benefactor Events to bring live hip-hop experiences to the community.

Lori Rounds is an award-winning visual artist whose practice includes painting, printmaking, and photography. A lifelong creator, she began pursuing art full time in 2019 following her retirement from a successful career in information technology.

Lori is currently an artist-in-residence at the Y Arts Center and an active member of several arts organizations, including the Maryland State Arts Council, Frederick Arts Council, Frederick County Art Association, Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, and the Rehoboth Art League. She also volunteers remotely with the Smithsonian Institution, providing support for its online studio art and art history courses.

Her accomplishments include receiving an Individual Artist Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Frederick Arts Council, and being selected for a prestigious year-long Smithsonian Artist at Work exhibition in Washington, D.C. Lori's work is featured in permanent collections across the country, reflecting her growing national recognition.

In this full length episode, we sit down with Jordan Holt. Talented videographer, photographer, and founder of Falling Squares, a creative group producing compelling video content for local businesses and entertainment platforms alike. Jordan shares the story behind his journey, from early foundations and education to the evolution of his unique visual style. We dive into his creative inspirations, approach to storytelling, and the vision driving Falling Squares. Whether you're into media production, entrepreneurship, or just love a good creative journey, this episode has something for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Lord, founder, executive director, and president of the Global Z Recording Project. Bill holds a doctorate in adult education, training and development, and international communications, along with a master's degree in educational media, media production, and distance learning.

Through his nonprofit, Bill is breaking down barriers in long-distance collaboration and education—bringing people together from around the world through creative, community-driven projects.

We dive into his inspiring journey, the mission behind Global Z, and his upcoming event, Carroll Creek Unplugged—a dynamic evening featuring an open mic and a house band performing twelve songs live at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater on May 25th at 7 PM. Don't miss this chance to experience music, community, and connection—come join the festivities!

In this episode, AJ Naylor—better known as Sounds by Fred—reflects on his legendary Bang Bang parties and the cultural waves he curated that reshaped the Frederick music scene. He takes us on a journey from his early years as a crate-carrying DJ to becoming the creative force behind his fashion label, Made by Fred. Influenced by the local community, Yo! MTV Raps, skate shops, and more, AJ reflects on his relentless drive for self-expression and opens up about building a brand with no business plan—just pure artistry.

In this episode, Ricole Barnes and I had the pleasure of interviewing Roy Ghim, a film and music columnist who has long been an active member of the Frederick arts scene. Throughout his career as a freelance writer, Roy has contributed to notable publications such as The Frederick News-Post and The New York Times. In his free time, he enjoys coaching soccer and curates an online publication called Western Machines.

Daryl Campbell, or Daryltron, began his artistic journey as an obscure hip-hop artist. After experiencing a series of transformative life events, he decided to chase his long-held dream of becoming a multi-faceted creator. Drawing inspiration from iconic musicians like Beck, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Prince, Daryltron boldly expanded his creative pursuits.

Although leaving behind his previous lifestyle was challenging, Daryltron initially faced difficulties finding his place in the music world. However, the pandemic became a pivotal period for introspection and artistic growth. This renewed dedication led to the release of his first official video, which quickly amassed thousands of views, and the production of three upcoming albums.

With his passion and unwavering focus, Daryltron is establishing himself as a dynamic, visionary force in the music industry.

The Steampunk Soiree at the Frederick Book Arts Center was an event hosted by Braindead Live this past October. I had the opportunity to attend and interview six key people behind the event's success: Dylan Zingg and Tony Gianni from Braindead Live, Coordinator Eric Groff, Photographer Matthew Mason, DJ Marisa Hyphae Hongos, and Mixologist Landon Harwell. Enjoy this exclusive insight into what it takes to host a local event in Frederick.