235 | Kristian R. Hill (God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines)
My Summer Lair Chapter #235:How Many Of The Techo Six Can You Name?
Future Shock is a 1970 book by American futurist Alvin Toffler and Adelaide Farrell. The shortest definition for the term Future Shock is a personal perception of “too much change in too short a period of time.” And that truly describes Detroit. It’s no surprise director Kristian Hill featured the book in his documentary God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines.
In 2008 Marvel Studios released Iron Man. This is how it all started. By 2012 all of Marvel’s cinematic superheroes had assembled in Avengers. The MCU was up and running; having established a formidable pop culture experience.
Similarly Detroit was home to a group of techno DJs…a sonic Avengers: The Techno Six.
Smokey Robinson, J Dilla, Jackie Wilson, White Stripes, Eminem, Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, The Supremes I’ll even toss in Stevie Wonder…Detroit has given us so much music. And you know all these musicians; you know all their hits.
But one of Detroit’s greatest musical contributions has been overlooked and undervalued: Techno. The electronic-music phenomenon was created by Detroit DJs in the 1980s…big banged by The Techno Six. That spark transformed dance music internationally and blossomed into the multibillion-dollar industry of EDM today.
And just who were The Techno Six who gifted us all with this incredible techno music? That’s the exploration of Kristian R. Hill’s God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines…screening at Tribeca Film Festival.
Though often techno sounds like the future and sci-fi and space ships God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines lets us look back in the past…like a time machine. So let’s visit Detroit in the late 80s by talking to director Kristian Hill.
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter so we can have some fun…dancing to loud techno!
234 | Alex Winter (The YouTube Effect)
My Summer Lair Chapter #234:What Is The YouTube Effect?
The first time the words the “YouTube effect” were used were in an LA Times article in 2006. At the time it was focused on the “phenomenon” of individuals uploading clips. Now it’s shifted as this documentary explores the positive and negative aspects of the popular platform.
You know Alex Winter as the non-Keanu Reeves half of Bill and Ted. While Keanu is busy avenging his dog (mash those guys up!); Alex has mainly been directing documentaries that explore the impact of technology on our society.
Downloaded in 2012 (the impact of filesharing and Napster), 2015’s Deep Web (Silk Road and the politics of the Dark Web), The Panama Papers (leaked documents about tax havens) and Trust Machine (blockchain) both in 2018.
His latest The YouTube Effect is a nuanced look at the utopian and dystopian aspects of the popular platform we all use. You know the negative: misinformation has ruled creating a Bogus Journey for many Lost Boys. The positive is it’s an Excellent journey especially for Showbiz Kids typically ignored by traditional media.
All of this leaves us with a “strange things are afoot at the Circle-K.” feeling.
Just a sample of the themes explored in Alex Winter’s The YouTube Effect documentary now playing at Tribeca Film Festival. (Oddly enough you can see the trailer on YouTube.) The documentary posits we’re currently in a “misinformation apocalypse.” Sounds like we need a John or Sarah Connor.
(Gale Anne Hurd was a producer on The YouTube Effect…she of course produced along with James Cameron the original Terminator Trilogy. Originally Skynet was a cautionary tale then it became a meme; sadly we diluted the danger. We’re not often a wise society.)
What are you watching on YouTube? There’s divine delight at discovering delicious pop culture. Sign up now so you can enjoy the My Pal Sammy newsletter.
233 | Alex Mallari Jr. (The Adam Project & Hello (Again))
My Summer Lair Chapter #233:Are you impressed with how hard a time traveler from Scarborough hustles?
You know how New York City has Brooklyn? And Brooklyn has blessed New York City and really the world with Jay-Z, Michael Jordan, Spike Lee. Lots of really cool creatives from a really cool borough.
Well in Toronto we too have a super cool borough; our Brooklyn is Scarborough. Which has fashioned a lot of dope creatives. The Weeknd is from Scarborough as is Mike Myers, Jim Carrey and myself. That’s right. I’m putting myself on that list. As well as my guest Alex Mallari Jr.
He and I do talk about Scarborough throughout this conversation. We talk about the hustle and the heart; you can hear the vibrant passion and an electric gratitude: honestly from both of us. Scarborough is a beautiful borough populated with remarkable energy.
This isn’t just a conversation about Scarborough. Rather Alex and I discuss The Adam Project now streaming on Netflix. And Hello (Again) streaming on CBC Gem.
They’re both stories that involve time travel which is code for regrets or mistakes as well as a snarky kid. The Adam Project is a movie starring Ryan Reynolds who crash lands near his younger self and together to save the future they must overcome obstacles. Such as the main goon Christos played by Alex Mallari Jr. As Christos Alex was so Scarborough…a little bit rough; a little unrefined but constantly hustling. While Ryan Reynolds is so B.C. just a gorgeous view from every angle.
As for CBC’s Gem’s Hello (Again) it’s a time loop romance! Well technically a Canadian time loop romance; as it’s on the CBC. Behold the relationship with chef Jayden and ER resident Avery. Only for a chef the relationship is not cooking. So naturally a supernatural time loop situation grants him the chance to get things right…or keep trying. That’s the magically power kid in this project who trapped him in a loop. The first season of this time loop romance is 9 episodes. As for CBC’s Gem’s Hello (Again) it’s a time loop romance! Well technically a Canadian time loop romance; as it’s on the CBC. See what I did there?
Let’s exit this loop and start this My Summer Lair conversation by asking Alex about Canadian trash talking with Ryan Reynolds.
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
232 | Jefferson Moneo (Cosmic Dawn)
My Summer Lair Chapter #232: Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
Welcome writer and director Jefferson Moneo to My Summer Lair; his latest feature is Cosmic Dawn. A trippy UFO cult saga starring Camille Rowe and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
I’ll give you the basic description but know there is lots more going on than this: “After witnessing the alien abduction of her mother as a child, Aurora joins the UFO cult The Cosmic Dawn.”
As you’re about to hear in this far-out My Summer Lair conversation, this movie…visually yes it’s an arresting kaleidoscope.
Yet it’s also inspired by Jefferson’s unexplained experience he had in his youth…what he says are “crazy lights.” He openly shared his unique experience and I dunno what to make of it. Part of me is Mulder, part of me is Scully.
Like being prompted by the movie…you have to question your assumptions. Between the UFO cult and the experience of Aurora who witnessed the alien abduction of her mother as a child…it’s all off-kilter. What’s going on here?
The only certainty is uncertainty. Which is what you’d expect from a nonlinear movie.
This close encounter suggests an equally difficult question: Why do you believe what you believe?
Some contemplation music is provided by MGMT who contributed a number of songs to the Cosmic Dawn soundtrack; that wonderful synth and the style of the movie smoothly combine to offer up a warm 80s sci-fi movie feeling.
Currently Cosmic Dawn is available on On Demand Platforms.
But oh yes let’s start with Jefferson’s personal experience with the crazy lights.
Recorded: Wednesday January 26, 2022 at 11:30am EST
What are you watching on YouTube? There’s divine delight at discovering delicious pop culture. Sign up now so you can enjoy the My Pal Sammy newsletter.
232 | Jefferson Moneo (Cosmic Dawn)
My Summer Lair Chapter #232: Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
Welcome writer and director Jefferson Moneo to My Summer Lair; his latest feature is Cosmic Dawn. A trippy UFO cult saga starring Camille Rowe and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
I’ll give you the basic description but know there is lots more going on than this:
“After witnessing the alien abduction of her mother as a child, Aurora joins the UFO cult The Cosmic Dawn.”
As you’re about to hear in this far-out My Summer Lair conversation, this movie…visually yes it’s an arresting kaleidoscope.
Yet it’s also inspired by Jefferson’s unexplained experience he had in his youth…what he says are “crazy lights.” He openly shared his unique experience and I dunno what to make of it. Part of me is Mulder, part of me is Scully.
Like being prompted by the movie…you have to question your assumptions. Between the UFO cult and the experience of Aurora who witnessed the alien abduction of her mother as a child…it’s all off-kilter. What’s going on here?
The only certainty is uncertainty. Which is what you’d expect from a nonlinear movie.
This close encounter suggests an equally difficult question: Why do you believe what you believe?
Some contemplation music is provided by MGMT who contributed a number of songs to the Cosmic Dawn soundtrack; that wonderful synth and the style of the movie smoothly combine to offer up a warm 80s sci-fi movie feeling.
Currently Cosmic Dawn is available on On Demand Platforms.
But oh yes let’s start with Jefferson’s personal experience with the crazy lights.
Recorded: Wednesday January 26, 2022 at 11:30am EST
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
231 | Will Di Novi (Hot Docs Podcast Festival)
My Summer Lair Chapter #231: What Makes You Push Play On A Podcast?
Growing up we had TV hosts. MuchMusic and MTV had classic VJs and even now though it’s been years since they’ve been on the air the connection to these individuals runs deep. Lots of children’s TV shows have popular hosts Mister Rogers, Mr. Dressup and others.
A connection was forged through intimacy…we invited these people into our homes and into our lives. And that love was reciprocated; they shared their lives and told us stories. It’s a different relationship than what we had with celebrities. Yes we had a connection…or wished we did with a celebrity but they were often playing a character stuck in unrealistic situations.
A music VJ was authentic…they had the same enthusiasm for the bands I liked. They were excited about a new album…or an upcoming tour.
So podcasting as a form of media intimacy isn’t entirely new. We’ve always had digital friends; we respond to strong or distinct personalities. Though the medium has changed we know this experience; just as we know the hosts of our favourite podcasts.
And on January 25 through January 28 some of those familiar hosts will be coming to the Hot Docs Podcast Festival.
We got Michael Lewis in conversation with Ira Glass, yo! Moneyball means This American Life. Full Release Live with Samantha Bee will have a surprise guest. I asked Will Di Novi, co-curator of the Podcast Festival, for a hint.
You’ll hafta stay tuned for that.
And there’s informative panels for podcast creators: from editing to crafting a good talk show to networking with decision makers from the CBC, Amazon and Wondery and lots more.
Will is gonna get into all of this and lots more. His enthusiasm for podcasting and his vision for what it could be is infectious. As he shares in this conversation: “At Hot Docs our main MO is to celebrate the art and craft of nonfiction storytelling.” And with the Hot Docs Podcast Festival they’ve done just that.
Go to HotDocs.ca for the schedule, ticket prices and to check out the full lineup.
Though as you’ll listen Will and I chronicle this incredible podcast festival.
Oh! And even though it’s based in Toronto you don’t hafta be: this is all online and you can sign up anywhere you got wifi. How sweet is that…a no pants podcast festival. (#DownWithPants!)
Chilling on your couch and hanging out with Ira Glass. Behold the power of the podcast medium.
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
230 | Dani Doucette (Run With Me)
My Summer Lair Chapter #230: Are You Prepared To Enter The Daniverse?
Electro Pop Artist Dani Doucette joins My Summer Lair from sunny Costa Rica. She wisely departed the frozen north which is where I am recording. You can even hear the Sunshine in her voice. Sigh.
You can also hear her sun infused voice on her freshly released Run With Me EP.
Listening to her 7 song EP inspired me and I wrote the following haiku as a sort of review:
Sugar High Universe Craved heart Run With Me
So that is clearly an excellent place to start this really warm conversation about Dani, her spirited music, hot sci-fi movies oh and her inspired upcoming tour which isn’t like how most bands tour. You gotta wait for that such a cool creative idea.
But first as you’d expect from a podcast called My Summer Lair we gotta start with the Sun…
Recorded: Wednesday January 19, 2022 at 11:30am EST
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
229 | Penny Lane (Listening to Kenny G)
My Summer Lair Chapter #229: Have You Listened…Not Heard…Have You Listened To Kenny G?
When I say Kenny G what is the first thing that pops into your head? For me and this HBO Max documentary touches upon it; it’s that classic elevator music sound. I may be in the minority.
Kenny G is the best-selling instrumental artist ever. So clearly lots of people are happily listening to Kenny G. He himself says: “I don’t think I’m a personality to people,” says Kenny G. “I think I’m a sound.”
In the hectic boom and Breathless backlash to Kenny G and his music this entire discourse is electrified by a distinct philosophy of taste. Music is an emotional connection though for many critics they are not Sentimental about Kenny’s music.
Penny Lane’s documentary Listening to Kenny G is more than a Silhouette of the popular artist. By the Time This Night Is Over you’ll know more about Kenny G and hear some of his fiercest critics who are not fans of his Classics in the Key of G.
As such I was thrilled to talk to director Penny Lane to talk about the New Standards of taste and Kenny G.
Listening to Kenny G is part of HBO’s Music Box series created by Bill Simmons who gifted us 30 for 30 over on ESPN. Think of the Music Box series as sonic 30 for 30s. You can stream the doc on HBO Max.
This Music Box documentary happens to focus on Kenny G whose music gives pleasure to many and yet angers others. Let’s unpack the complex emotions with director Penny Lane.
What are you watching on YouTube? There’s divine delight at discovering delicious pop culture. Sign up now so you can enjoy the My Pal Sammy newsletter.
229 | Penny Lane (Listening to Kenny G)
My Summer Lair Chapter #229: Have You Listened…Not Heard…Have You Listened To Kenny G?
When I say Kenny G what is the first thing that pops into your head? For me and this HBO Max documentary touches upon it; it’s that classic elevator music sound. I may be in the minority.
Kenny G is the best-selling instrumental artist ever. So clearly lots of people are happily listening to Kenny G. He himself says: “I don’t think I’m a personality to people,” says Kenny G. “I think I’m a sound.”
In the hectic boom and Breathless backlash to Kenny G and his music this entire discourse is electrified by a distinct philosophy of taste. Music is an emotional connection though for many critics they are not Sentimental about Kenny’s music.
Penny Lane’s documentary Listening to Kenny G is more than a Silhouette of the popular artist. By the Time This Night Is Over you’ll know more about Kenny G and hear some of his fiercest critics who are not fans of his Classics in the Key of G.
As such I was thrilled to talk to director Penny Lane to talk about the New Standards of taste and Kenny G.
Listening to Kenny G is part of HBO’s Music Box series created by Bill Simmons who gifted us 30 for 30 over on ESPN. Think of the Music Box series as sonic 30 for 30s. You can stream the doc on HBO Max.
This Music Box documentary happens to focus on Kenny G whose music gives pleasure to many and yet angers others. Let’s unpack the complex emotions with director Penny Lane.
Recorded: Tuesday November 30, 2021 at 11:30am EST
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
228 | Henry VanderSpek (Old World Shoes)
My Summer Lair Chapter #228: It’s Gotta Be The Shoes…Right?
So: as a science fiction fan I enjoy photography.
Because photography exists at different times exactly like a time traveler.
A photo is taken in the present but the photo is viewed in the future so often the viewer is looking at the past. And it’s only when we look at the past—sadly we can only document the past obviously we can’t document the future I think—that we must make choices. We can’t document everything.
Thus knowing we can document the past the question then becomes what do we document?
Enter Henry VanderSpek AKA Culture Snap Photography and when it comes to documenting his photography subject matter is Old World Shoes.
His latest photography exhibition recognizes some of the talented individuals behind the shoes. Old World Shoes profiles individuals and owners of independent shoe and shoe repair businesses in Toronto.
Armed with a camera and an open heart Henry visited several shoe stores talking to shoemakers about their craft, about their customers and sometimes about the future. In the exhibition hosted at the Daniels Spectrum art gallery in Regent Park you can see photography testaments and videos to cobblers, to a rare and unique skill set and the strange environments where these creative individuals bloom.
Old World Shoes is lively: it is a compelling photo exhibition that celebrates Toronto, a city powerfully populated with immigrants and hustlers, talented individuals who have dedicated themselves to their craft. And among the crafty ones is Henry.
From Jamal Shabazz to Arnold Schwarzenegger to finding your vision to honouring his Dutch heritage with all those bicycles, this My Summer Lair episode is as comfortable as an old shoe.
Recorded: Friday November 26, 2021 at 11:30am (EST)
Stress free pop culture tastefully harvested for your divine delight. Once a week a carefully curated edition of My Pal Sammy goes directly to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter because the F in FOMO doesn’t stand for Fun.
