WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL SOCIAL CALENDAR for: November 14th 2022 to November 20th 2022

SLIDE 2 

The week ahead is bringing out all our emotions so prepare for an intense week ahead. But what else would you expect in the month of Scorpio?  

SLIDE 3 

Monday, November 14th: The Scorpio Sun connects with Neptune retrograde in Pisces bringing in the torrential rain of emotions.

You will be feeling extra sensitive today so don’t be surprised if you find yourself laying low and watching some ROM-COM with hot cocoa.  

SLIDE 4 

Wednesday, November 16th: Ardent Venus swings into worldly Sagittarius stirring up attractions across every aisle.

Over the next few weeks, you could take a Vegas-sized chance on romance. Venus demands more excitement and passion in our lives. Plan ahead for a weekend getaway with your Bae. And since it’s Scorpio Season, something exotic and Unorthodox is the answer! If you or your Bae have been holding secrets from each other, they will start to be unraveled this week. Hopefully, both of you have been telling the truth to each other and not entertaining a secret lover/admirer.  

 SLIDE 5 

Thursday. November 17th: Mercury moves into fast talking Sagittarius, urging us to think before we speak in an effort to avoid problems with others. Sagittarius has us thinking globally and cross-culturally.

Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the different perspective's. You could find a solution to a problem simply by thinking larger and outside your norm.  Use humor to deflect any tension within talks and keep your venting to a TRUSTED 3rd party. Rumors spread fast once Scorpio Season winds down.   

SLIDE 6 

Thursday, November 17th: Mercury and Saturn square off urging us to speak our minds. But not just to anyone! Venus and Neptune retrograde link up bringing tenderness and empathy to repairing (and building) our relationships from the tensions created earlier in the week. 

SLIDE 7 

Friday, November 18th: A battle of the egos could burst out Friday when the strong-willed Sun in Scorpio clashes with authoritarian Saturn in Aquarius.

Don’t get pulled into any social media quibbles, and if you find yourself arguing with a co-worker or family member on political ideologies, you are best walking away then trying to change the point of view of someone who will not be open to discourse and discussion.  

SLIDE 6 

Saturday, November 19th: Mars retrograde in Gemini and Neptune retrograde square off, making us feel stuck, unsure, and ambiguous about the future.

Pay attention to your intuition as its been screaming at you these last few weeks about which direction you should be going. There have been plenty of clues helping direct you on your path. This transit can be challenging, which is why the best advice is to not dwell about the past or make plans — just be present to turn the aspect in your favor. Luckily, you should feel back on track within 24hrs. Chalk it up to just a case of the Saturday Blues. 

SLIDE 7 

Sunday, November 20th: On Sunday, the confidence-boosting Sun flows into a can-do trine with larger-than-life Jupiter.

This biannual alignment blesses us with boundless optimism and a sense of limitless possibilities. Say good-bye to those Saturday Blues!  With both planets floating in water signs, logic may be scarce. Inspiration may arrive as an intuitive hit or a wave of emotion compelling you to pursue an opportunity or dive into a relationship simply because it feels right. The Head and the Heart are def not in communication together today. BEWARE making life-changing decisions on your emotions without weighing all the cons that come with it.  

 SLIDE 7 

Cut Loose this week and live it up in true Scorpio Fashion! Be Sexy, Mysterious, and hunt for new exotic adventures that will push you to new boundaries. It’s okay to cut loose occasionally, just be careful if you find yourself walking down a shadowy path... you might find you like that part of yourself and it’s almost impossible to dampen the fire once the embers have been lit.  

Episode 1307: The Willowbrook, Writer/Director by Zach Koepp

“Good morning my Loves!”—to quote Ms. Lacey. Zach Koepp joins JUST TALKING to discuss his swiping social media thriller The Willowbrook. Once again the internet is pushing false hopes and pretenses after a renowned wellness influencer invites one of her recently overdosed followers to seek recovery at her small-town manor. The follower quickly realizes at The Willowbrook you LOG IN but you never really LOG OUT—until you're dead! Social media can be an addictive drug: “if we get sucked into that social media world—it’s like the elixir for giving up your individual power.” Writing this film as a thriller is “millennial.” Halloween Ends … horribly we might add. It feels like all of our greatest villains in the last 30 years of cinema have been put out to pasture one by one and now we have our new digital nightmare…social media cult followings. Mental health issues are a hot topic issue for millennials, but you’ll be surprised to find out what inspired Director Zach Koepp to make this film. From becoming online followers to staying at The Willowbrook the film takes time to explore each character’s final destination. Producer Jeffery Reddick (Final Destination franchise) came on board to remind us — you can’t cheat death. BUT how did Koepp’s prank on his younger brother turn into a win years later? This is our brave new world. You have to embrace it — or stay a luddite! Everyone eventually gives into the click and downloads. Remember kids, following influencers on social media will boost their egos. Following Lacey to The Willowbrook will get you killed! https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.da0862b4-42b7-4eb8-a5b1-6f08198f9475?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv-20

Mystic Marissa 🔮💫 is here to help you plan your WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL SOCIAL CALENDAR for: November 7th 2022 to November 13th 2022

SLIDE 2 

The Midterm Election is this Tuesday, and the planets are not aligned favorably for an effortless process.

Starting on Sunday’s (6th), Mercury, the planet of communication is very active and aligns with the South Node of Destiny in Scorpio. Creating miscommunications and anxieties and we are seeing this on all of our social and news feeds. Triple check all sources and research all candidates and propositions BEFORE casting that ballot! 

SLIDE 3 

Monday, November 7th: Venus, who is extra passionate in Scorpio, cools down when austere Saturn clashes today.

If you’ve been charging full steam ahead in your love life, tap the brakes. Just because you are in a relationship with someone doesn't mean they are going to see eye to eye with you; especially when it comes to politics.  You can agree to disagree, but if it’s a viewpoint that is a make or break, at least you are getting fair warning before taking the relationship deeper. Use civil discourse today as Venus in Scorpio tends to use venomous words when angered. Turn on Saturn’s quality-control filters and adult your way through the conflict, avoiding any slings or stings. 

SLIDE 4 

Tuesday, November 8th: The last eclipse of 2022 is here bringing a total blood moon lunar eclipse in Taurus that will shake up our lives forever.

Tuesday’s full moon in fiscal and security-seeking Taurus brings epic opportunities to shift (and increase!) the way you save, spend and earn. This is a great day to do away with a bad habit and start fresh! 

 SLIDE 5 

Eclipses are known for revealing and concealing and with it falling on an already contentious Midterm election, prepare for this eclipse to reveal secrets and scandals about everything from candidates to voting rights interference.

Another challenging aspect today is the eclipse will be in close connection to radical Uranus, the planetary agent of chaos. Hopefully, we will not see a repeat of the January 6th chaos. No matter where the final tally falls, expect to see a strong political movement in response. 

SLIDE 6 

Thursday, November 10th: Mercury and Saturn square off urging us to speak our minds.

But not just to anyone! Venus and Neptune retrograde link up bringing tenderness and empathy to repairing (and building) our relationships from the tensions created earlier in the week. 

SLIDE 7 

Friday, November 11th: A battle of the egos could burst out Friday when the strong-willed Sun in Scorpio clashes with authoritarian Saturn in Aquarius.

Don’t get pulled into any social media quibbles, and if you find yourself arguing with a co-worker or family member on political ideologies, you are best walking away then trying to change the point of view of someone who will not be open to discourse and discussion.  

SLIDE 6 

Saturday, November 12th: Mercury and Neptune retrograde in Pisces harmonize the weekend adding sentimentality and sweetness to our lives.

Get away this weekend and realign yourself spiritually. Whether it is a getaway to mother nature, or visiting your religious/spiritual haven, this is a weekend that demands you surround yourself with love and peacefulness. The Holidays (and Elections) are always hectic, so take what rest and respite you can so that you are fully charged for the difficulties that come with them. 

SLIDE 7 

Overall, the week ahead isn’t for the faint of heart. Reach out to others if you’re having a hard time and call those who are hanging on lightly.

Empathy is important in times like these. Remember, the beautiful thing about democracy is that we all don’t have to agree but we do all have to learn how to discourse in a way that is productive and healthy! 

Episode 1306: Scottish Rock Band, Dancing On Tables

VARIETY names TOP 10 BRITS bands to watch—AND we got one! Scottish Rock Band, Dancing On Tables joins STRIKE A CHORD to celebrate their debut album Colour In The Grey. Lead Vocals and Keyboard Robbie McSkimming tells how this album was a wizard Harry Potter years in the making. Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye (whatever is meant to happen to you, will happen to you). From the band's humble school band beginnings, working with Nashville producers and getting the call of a lifetime from Green Day’s former manager Pat Magnarella—WHAT could be better? Beyonce said: “if you like it you should put a ring on it”—WHAT did Robbie do? It’s not the first time a band on STRIKE A CHORD has claimed writing songs during the pandemic—BUT OVER 100!? The band’s single “So What” almost didn’t make the cut! Robbie explains. “There’s always an EX or new beau to sing about.” Sometimes you need to break the middle and dedicate a song to your ocean-less true love and your forever future romance. After hearing this album it is easy to fall in love with this band. Listen and Support at https://www.dancingontables.co.uk/

Episode 1306: 2022 Midterm Elections… And NO, We’re Not Talking About Your Midterms | Chris Collins Show

What’s GOOD listeners! Host Chris Collins and co-host Marissa Pitts discuss the upcoming 2022 Midterm Elections… And NO, we’re NOT talking about your midterm exams! Will Millennials and the Gen Z come out to vote? Should the U.S. government spend less time scrutinizing Elon Musk acquiring Twitter and focus on banning TikTok? Has America outgrown Affirmative Action and have we been lied to about the Green Revolution? AND—what is the number one social issue our generation is focusing on today?

Mystic Marissa 🔮💫 is here to help you plan your WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL SOCIAL CALENDAR for: October 31st 2022 to November 6th 2022

Feel like crying? Screaming? Or just burying your head under the covers till 2023 comes round? You can blame it on Mars final 2022 retrograde that started on Sunday.

The theme this retrograde is anger, so bust out the sage and mediation cushion, ‘cause you are going to need a lot of patience and deep breathing to finish off the year in high spirits.  

SLIDE 3 

Monday, October 31st: It’s All Hallows Eve and you KNOW that Scorpio Season relishes in SEXY, SCARY, and SPECTACULAR Costumes.

The moon is in Aquarius so lean into your quirky and creative side. Don’t just slap something together at the last minute, take the time to feel good in your costume choice. Remember, it's not about how much you spend, but how you FEEL in it that counts!  

SLIDE 4 

Tuesday, November 1st: The Moon hits its quarter moon phase in the early hours of the morning.

Nestled between two eclipses—the October 25 Scorpio solar eclipse and the November 8 Taurus lunar eclipse – this quarter moon will bring a moment of clarity and profound epiphanies. Remember, it is never too late to change your path. Just because something new might seem daunting, does not mean you cannot achieve it. Great rewards require greater risks. 

SLIDE 5 

Wednesday, November 2nd: Venus in Scorpio connects with the South Node of Destiny on urging us to connect and give our all to relationships.

Just be mindful if the feeling is reciprocated by your partner. It takes two to make a relationship work.  

SLIDE 6 

Saturday, November 5th: Venus in Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus.

Strong emotions might erupt like molten lava under this explosive and unpredictable face-off. Try not to interact with someone whose behavior keeps triggering you. If you suddenly feel like ditching your current relationship because of feelings of being smothered, hold tight on making a decision you might come to regret. You can get breathing room and still be in a committed relationship if you utilize communication.  

SLIDE 7 

Trials and Tribulations are part of Lifes journey.

You can find the silver-lining in a dark situation if you listen to your heart and trust your intuition. Remember to breathe deep, meditate and don’t make a rash decision on intimate relationships this weekend. Let the emotions boil over and simmer before moving ahead. 

Episode 1305: Philadelphia Rockers SORAIA Lead Singer ZouZou

Philadelphia Rockers SORAIA lead singer ZouZou joins STRIKE A CHORD to celebrate their new album Bloom (2022) in both digital streaming and collector’s vinyl edition. Bloom was released on Friday October 28th, 2022 and featured LIVE on our show. The last album SORAIA produced was in 2019. This new release explodes from the pressure building up from the last 3 years of not screaming on stage! Lead singer ZouZou recalls the hurdles of getting this record to the studio—but it was worth it. This LP is powerful and passionate—"It’s the beginning of another great cycle of our career. We’re very excited. We’ve waited a long time for this one in particular.” AND Steven Van Zandt under Wicked Cool Records is IN on this band!  What’s the success of your magic? The band’s latest single “Tight Lipped” is blowing up the charts! “I think you just persevere in anything you do… if you really want it… you don’t stop.” “I Seek Fire” OR should we all take the slow road to love? This track makes you think twice about dating apps. Falling in love is all about chemistry. Taking a shared risk in love is not easy. It should happen organically—BUT can we fight our biology? The pheromones are strong with this album! Support and listen: https://www.soraia.com

Episode 1304: Red River Road filmmaker, Paul Schuyler and Swedish Indie Rock Band, Bring the Hoax

JUST TALKING

Triple threat (Writer/Director/Actor) Paul Schuyler joins JUST TALKING to discuss his new film Red River Road. It’s Halloween time! The perfect excuse to watch scary movies or better yet—make one starring your own family. Your house becomes a movie set, the wife and kids are the characters, you’re isolated from society, and trapped in a room with psychotic humans — is this a movie or a documentary about Dad disconnecting the WIFI? An electronic pandemic virus starts infecting humans through the internet, distorting your ability to perceive reality. Writing the screenplay for Red River Road was all about taking things down a wormhole. Once you’re disconnected it’s a roller coaster ride into isolation. The film was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, a story about an internet pandemic during a real pandemic. Could the internet be the worst thing to ever happen to humanity? Have we hit an addictive toxic extinction event? Is social media the virus attacking society just one river away? Watch for yourself, https://www.wytshark.com/

STRIKE A CHORD

STRIKE A CHORD connects with Swedish Indie Rock Band Bring The Hoax. It all started over a shared love for indie rock and red wine. You’ve got to bring your flavor to the game. Stand out from the pack with fuzzy guitar licks and cute firm melodies. After a quick Ancestry DNA test our Host Chris found out Karl was his long-lost Swedish cousin? They both have the same glasses and the same mustache—BUT Swedes look a lot sexier. So, Chris shaves it off LIVE! Hoax’s latest single is “Jonestown” referencing the mass murder-suicide by cult leader Jim Jones in 1978—but, this dark theme is still fun. The band’s Bring The Hoax EP addresses millennial issues about blindly following online celebrities, social media responsibility and self-worth. The revelution will be televised or maybe streamed on Peacock SOON! Support and listen: https://www.bringthehoax.com/

Episode 1303: Acid Test Writer/Director, Jenny Waldo and Modern Pop Rock, KULICK

Acid Test Writer/Director, Jenny Waldo

Writer/Director Jenny Waldo joins JUST TALKING to discuss her debut feature film “Acid Test.” Set in the 90’s “Acid Test” is a female coming of age rebellion story fueled by Riot Grrrl music, a dysfunctional family and LSD. Based on director Jenny Waldo’s personal life the film was part therapy and an opportunity to fill the void of missing female punk film directors since the days of Tank Girl. “Acid Test” is strong with the Riot Grrrl manifesto—heavily influenced by bands like Bikini Kill and lead singer Debbie Harry from Blondie. Watch for the 1990’s throwbacks! Follow and support https://www.acidtestfilm.com

Modern Pop Rock, KULICK

Pop rocker KULICK joins STRIKE A CHORD. What’s the secret to getting over 3 million streams on Spotify KULICK? Uncheck the box, get the record label off your back, indulge yourself into the music and the streams will flow! Pop formula music gets predictable. Every artist has the moment when they need to timestamp the label and go off script. The latest album Everyone I Know Will Die (Deluxe Edition) does just that. Pop or NOT to Pop, KULICK influences range from REO Speedwagon to Tom Petty.  A very cool feature on the LP are 5 reimagined acoustic tracks with music videos. If you play guitar you get it.  The strings count but what type of guitar strings are “Necessities (Stripped)” for that acoustic jam session — watch the video to find out? It’s said, music is a gift from God so how do you make music with a hearing disability? KULICK accepted the challenge and jumped the hurdle! “Time to Go” is another deep track about life being overwhelming: “I still don’t want to die because it’s too good, I want more life.” Don’t Ghost me Bro! Ghost song writers have always been a thing but is it time to accept facts and give credit? Support KULICK! Support and listen: http://kulickofficial.com

Episode 1302: HenricK The WrecK, Video Game Contributor and Charleston SC Indie Rock band, Whitehall

Just Talking

HenricK The WrecK joins JUST TALKING to talk all things GAMING. Cyberpunk developers CD Red have announced a sequel to Johnny Silverhand's storyline played by Keanu Reeves in Cyber Punk 2077 for the upcoming expansion update, Phantom Liberty. Netflix is working on a new season for The Witcher 3—I don’t remember watching season 2? Nintendo revealed the first trailer for Super Mario Bros. Movie, a CGI animated film starring Chris Pratt and a mushroom load of additional celebrity voices. The film is scheduled for release in April 2023.  The big question is what game did Mario first appear in? A pause button of silence as Overwatch has been taken offline—BUT press the start button of relief because Overwatch 2 is here to keep gamers happy. Rockstar’s GTA 6 (Grand Theft Auto) game-in-progress version was leaked all over the internet. The binary oil spill caused massive virtual car traffic jams and catastrophic damage to the virtual META environment—the penguins from Happy Feet are protesting in choreographed dance patterns.  BREAKING NEWS!  The glory hole leaked new features such as weapons, upgrades and customizations—BUT gamers are excited about this feature the most, returning to Vice City not Reality City! Getting back to sweaty nerd reality. Twitch-Con is happening right now October 2022—AND there's also the early release of Scorn, a game inspired by H.R. Giger’s (Alien). The game is centered around bone and flesh, which coincidentally is what Twitch-Con is all about. https://www.twitchcon.com

Strike A Chord

Indie Rock band Whitehall joins STRIKE A CHORD.  The 4 dudes with long hair in a white room with 3 pictures behind them from Charleston, South Carolina U.S.A says it all. Whitehall has their new album Maizy dropping next year 2023. Their lead single, “Rose” is a chill in the heart vibe with a peppery edge—perfect for the Cali dream, driving down a highway with the sun on your back. Making the album Maizy these guys pulled an old Rolling Stones move. They drove up into the mountains and cut an album — kick ass! The Maizy drew inspiration from their manager’s dog.  The dog’s calming Gandhi-like presence helped ease anxiety, allowing connection through the cosmos and barking out the lyrics! WHAT does the lyric “drunken telephoner” mean? It’s a reference to Slaughter House 5 by Kurt Vonnegut — is this a dark metal band hiding in the shadows? Special congrats!  “It changed our lives.” Whitehall is opening for the Goo Goo Dolls with their “Chaos In Bloom” Tour 2022. “It’s a childhood dream come true.” Oooh my-lanta this band knows how to bring bangers!  Look out for the chaos in white: http://www.whitehalltheband.com

Off The Fret Episode 106: ANSON

OTF Episode 106: ANSON

OFF THE FRET, MORE MUSIC, MORE MUSIC TALK! If you’re like ME – MUSIC is everything! Since day one it’s been a passion of mine to create an opportunity to showcase amazing up-and-coming artists. The CHRIS COLLINS SHOW has interviewed some of the most incredible international and national bands out there—from Finland, the Philippines, India and UK—to NY, LA, Texas and Nashville—you name it. We are so fortunate to have this outlet to show you guys some of the most talented musicians out there today! There’s no other medium that brings people together like LIVE MUSIC. Join me and listen to our 6th installment, OFF THE FRET podcast. More Music. More Music Talk!—with ANSON! https://ansonofficial.com/

PODCAST VERSION

Episode 1211: Bad Year, Midwest Punk Rock and Poe the Passenger, Alt-rock

2 kickass bands join STRIKE A CHORD this week to end our 12th season on a high note! From Los Angeles, California alternative rock band Poe the Passenger talks about their new LP “ALINEA.” AND Midwest punk rockers Bad Year breakdown how best songs are breakup songs.

PODCAST VERSION

="https://anchor.fm/chriscollinsshow/embed/episodes/Episode-1210-Transviolet--Drugs-in-California-e1mom00" height="139px" width=100% frameborder="0" scrolling="no">

Episode 1211: Bad Year, Midwest Punk Rock

They’re called Bad Year—BUT they’re having a good time! Milwaukee punk rockers are holding the scene down with heartfelt tracks like “Killing Me.” “It’s a little personal—those are always the best songs, breakup… heartbreak songs.” Deep down everyone loves sad songs. The band opens up about leaving things open to interpretation. “Countless nights of letting the writing process flow and trying to come up with cool guitar lines.” “Black Out” is a track inspired by pyromania and serial killers. Talk about what not to put on your Tinder profile! Listen to these beautiful gentleman and rock out at: https://badyearmke.com

PODCAST VERSION

Poe the Passenger, Alt-rock

“ALINEA” is Poe the Passengers second album and a new beginning for the band. “It’s bit edgier—we wanted to go a bit deeper emotionally.” AND they did!  The LA rockers hit the target on the bullseye featuring tracks about social problems, personal growth, community, etc. There’s a sense of urgency with this record. The band talks about writing the lyrics to this album within a 30-day writing challenge. Like many bands Poe the Passenger felt the weight of the pandemic pressure crushing down and with that much heat you’re going to form diamonds like “Strangers.” This high-energy track rocks hard with a deep message about feeling distressed and torn apart at the seams—BUT  it’s the music video that brings everything back together. If you can’t see Poe the Passenger live on stage, consider watching them in the Metaverse. The band teams up with the Time Lapse Project hosting a visual event space at Stageverse. Think the Sims meets Whiskey a Go Go! Follow, support and enjoy at: https://poethepassenger.com

Episode 1210: Transviolet, Drugs in California

PODCAST VERSION

Episode 1210: Transviolet, Drugs in California

Sarah McTaggart lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Transviolet joins STRIKE A CHORD. In order to cut through the white noise you need crazy ideas to connect with people. How did the horror series Saw inspire their first single “Girls Your Age” –AND to help build a fan base? From a relatively unknown band to opening for 21 Pilots the band was thrown into the spotlight after some twitter love from Katy Perry and Harry Styles.  BUT how does “Girls Your Age” correlate to their new single “Love and Power?” It’s about reclaiming your voice and power.  Waves of orchestral strings and synth keys rumble over your ears.  It feels like the opening theme song to a David Fincher film. Take the diamond pill “Drugs in California” is another seductive track that puts you in a trance—accompanied by a music video that is just as tempting. What is the most addictive drug? You can’t snort or inject this one, it’s external validation.  Wanting to be wanted is an intoxicating libation to an artist. Follow, support and enjoy at : http://www.transviolet.com

Episode 1209: Omar Feliciano, House of Aragon

PODCAST VERSION

Episode 1209: Omar Feliciano, House of Aragon

Omar Feliciano lead singer from the Phoenix Within returns to STRIKE A CHORD. Omar brings his new solo album titled “House of Aragon”—sounds like something from the Game of Thrones! BUT how did a child’s promise and a dog named Spunky inspire the album? “Sit the fuck down and be opened minded.” It’s more Omar and less Phoenix.  The “House of Aragon” touches on some pretty intimate themes—love and loss, racism, human rights, prison system, etc. “Momma Calls” is a rock track that hits hard.  Inspired by Omar’s own experience, anyone who’s had to deal with the difficulty of our prison system will instantly find a deep connection to this song. “Technically no stance, the song is there just to pose a question.” “Snap” is another track that smacks you right in the face! “Another white boy shoots a school, another white cop kills a black man, the war on drugs is rigged to jail us—AND to steal our voting rights. What do you say to the millennials who are disenfranchised with voting? “We gotta vote—just do what is right, that’s all.” And get it done before we SNAP! The “House of Aragon” has a hardcore message that can sink a ship—BUT keep faith in the family anchor, it will hold you down. Follow, support and listen at: https://thephoenixwithinrock.weebly.com/blog/house-of-aragon-by-omar-feliciano

Episode 1208: EC Mayne, 50 Acres and a Cadillac

PODCAST VERSION

STRIKE A CHORD

Texas Rapper EC Mayne returns to STRIKE A CHORD flashing that grill for his new LP “50 Acres and a Cadillac.” Active and Attractive the Rapper confronts his inner conflicts during the pandemic, dealing with loss and celebrating a new collaboration with BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated). Now that things are opening up from pandemic restrictions, where does a Texan Rapper go to cool off?—Los Angeles!  Like Tupac said “California, knows how to party!”  From the beaches to the hood the Strop God got the red carpet treatment. EC dropped his new LP “50 Acres and a Cadillac” on Juneteenth 2022. A powerful statement about Texas being the last state to emancipate slaves and were promised 40 acres and mule as reparations. Can’t put rims on a mule but you can put them on my Cadillac! We’ve got the WORLD PREMIERE of “All In My Emotions” a track about connecting with your inner Strop God—show love to get love—“that’s how to get those blessings.” Writing tracks is hard enough—BUT what’s with this trend of pressuring performers to change lyrics because the twitter mob got offended? Do you care about pleasing opinions or the quality of your music? Big energy, passionate lyrics and repping Texas. Follow, support and listen at: https://open.spotify.com/album/2sd9gvycp0OzPcCWnf1r1t

Episode 1207: HenricK The WrecK, Video Game Contributor, Top 2022 Games (so far)

PODCAST VERSION

JUST TALKING

Our Video Game Contributor HenricK The WrecK takes off his Metaverse VR headset to join Just Talking. Press button A to begin with a multiple choice video-game quiz — remember the Konami code? It’s Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, START — it works on Chris but doesn’t on Marissa. That code is 13, 36, 45, 57, 67, 14, some lucky Mega Millions ticket-holder in Illinois will be celebrating 1.3 billion in winnings or hiding in a Minecraft. Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West continue to glue gamers to their gamepads but in the background the cat simulator Stray has been knocking all of your valuables off the shelves. Play as an alley cat, do the stray cat strut, hit robots in the head — the gaming world is loving it however not without controversy, many house cats have banned together claiming the game promotes “street paw” appropriation by felines world wide! Nostalgia drives deep, GTA (Grand Theft Auto) a franchise stealing cars since 1997 released remastered GTA 6 in Summer 2022 only to receive backlash from fans for a new female protagonist — are they going woke or broke? It’s been 15+ years, we all love games like Bully and Manhunt but do they need a sequel or a remastered version or is it just a studio cash grab? The hype train arrived at the station with sports celebrities investing heavily in e-sports but can they play the game? Microsoft Minecraft cancels NFT’s and bans private servers causing a shift in industry positions on where to put their building blocks. Follow, support and enjoy at :https://www.chriscollinsshow.com/henrick-the-wreck

Episode 1206: Catherine Barnes’ Radio Drama, "Trouble A Calamity Adventure." And Rock Band, Wolf Rd.

PODCAST VERSION

JUST TALKING

Returning Guest Catherine Barnes joins JUST TALKING with her Folk Rock band entourage Calamity. When a Vegas club gig at the Cavern goes south the ladies make a break for the Mexican border in this comedy action radio play “Trouble a Calamity Adventure.” Nisha Catron and Cathryn Beeks started the project with Catherine Barnes after watching a James Bond solo show. Inspired by true shit hitting the fan it wasn’t difficult for the band to create an action, murder drama comedy radio play about calamity—it actually happened! Radio plays are making a revival.  Batman Unburied “baterangs” Joe Rogan from Spotify’s number 1 podcast—holy WTF Batman! “There’s something amazing about listening, painting an image in your mind, plus it's way cheaper than CGI — Calamitization!” Rumor has it there’s a Harry Styles rock musical in development. If it’s true he’ll fit in with Calamity’s 5 lady ensemble nicely. “Trouble… it always finds us…” Follow, support and enjoy at : https://www.opendoorplayhouse.org/plays/thecalling57-s9np6-fneh9

STRIKE A CHORD

Vocalist Chris Hoffman of Wolf Rd. joins STRIKE A CHORD to speak on love, loss and rock. Wolf Rd’s new single “Way Down” is about picking up the pieces after getting your heart broken during a pandemic relationship — where’s the vaccine for that? Everybody hates Chris… or is it everybody loves to break up with Chris? Whatever—social media can be a cruel reminder that your EX is having more fun without you in the Metaverse.  Technology can offer digital salvation in an analog world —BUT the future is “sex dolls!” When was the last time you had a good song? “As Good As It’s Gets” is a cathartic pop punk track—AND the music video has a hidden message for the fans. Here’s a hint. It’s a park in Chicago and #606. Follow, support and enjoy at: https://www.wolfrdband.com

Episode 1204: San Diego CA, Los Saints, Punk Rock

PODCAST VERSION

Episode 1204: San Diego CA, Los Saints, Punk Rock

3 piece Mexican American Indie Alternative Rock Band from Chula Vista California, Los Saints joins STRIKE A CHORD. Love is a powerful emotional force which can unlock doors of affection or close them. Lead singer Angel opens up about their single “Lost You.” How does a millennial get over the fear of falling in love? The EP “Welcome to Confusion” was written in the aftermath of breaking up with an energy vampire—a powerful message about receiving and giving love on equal terms.  Angel started off as a single artist but found a family connection and an unlikely third member of the band when a mystical jam session unlocked the realm of Kick Ass music forming a trio known as Los Saints. Los Saints breaks down how overthinking can lead to mental chaos on their track “IDK” (I don’t know). Today’s bands need to compete on social media over likes and clicks but what about music videos? “Fouund You Somewhere” is one of the bands favorite music videos from the EP “Welcome to Confusion”—AND Angel’s music video directing debut!   BUT why 2 “U’s?” Was it just a typo? “When real love comes it will come at your front door!” Listen, watch and support at: https://www.instagram.com/lossaintsofficial

Episode 1203: Actress, Elizabeth Trieu, Erzulie

POCAST VERSION

Episode 1203: Actress, Elizabeth Trieu, Erzulie

Actress Elizabeth Trieu joins JUST TALKING to discuss her latest film ERULIE—a horror film. A jolly tale about 4 girlfriends enjoying their Holiday on the Bayou and decide to summon one pissed off mermaid for revenge!  Elizabeth shares her struggles as a working actress dealing with loss but stays grounded by having a sense of humor. What does it take to land a role? Casting directors will have a number of requests like kisses or frontal nudity.  BUT—what about getting coke snorted off your ass? Elizabeth earned a theater degree from The University of Texas at Austin, then bounced between Los Angeles, New York and Austin looking for work.  Asian women are getting put in a box—SO if Hollywood doesn’t want to step up—THEN writer/director Christine Chen will!  Elizabeth Trieu plays Violet Burns in the film ERULIE a role specifically written with Elizabeth as an Asian actress in mind. Show business is a cut-throat game, but if you keep calm and keep bleeding orange you’ll get there. Visit and support at https://www.erzuliefilm.com

Episode 1202: Sayreville New Jersey, Fracture NJ, Metalcore

PODCAST VERSION

Episode 1202: Sayreville New Jersey, Fracture NJ, Metalcore

2 piece Sayreville, New Jersey band FRACTURE joins STRIKE A CHORD.  Mason Keith brings the METAL and Devin Hasselbrink brings the CORE—what’s that spell?—METALCORE!  Quick TRIVIA, Sayreville, New Jersey is also the hometown of Jon Bon Jovi and a tasty Pork Roll breakfast sandwich! The long argued controversial topic of Backing Tracks has resurfaced once again causing a “fractured’ metal community — Backing track or not to Backing track—that is the question.  Keep it real and raw! FRACTURE EP release “Reflections of Regret” is an angry record without a lot of forgiveness.  Hasselbrink had to get a lot off his chest—SCREAM his frustrations to the world!  We listened and head banged in agreement—church is out! “Crestfallen”

FRACTURE’s debut music video opens with a voice over: “and I do not hope for a better world for anyone, in fact I want my pain to be inflicted on others, I want no one to escape”—a line from Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.  Damaged vocal cords are real when singing heavy metal.  Vocalists like M. Shadows from Avenge Seven and Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria have both torn their vocal cords.  BUT Hasselbrink has an interesting solution to keeping his voice nice and crunchy. Fracture your neck!  It’s the new headbangers motto. Support and Listen to FRACTURE: https://linktr.ee/FractureNJ