2020: Into The Fire
2020: Into The Fire is a Nodball.com special series chronicling the struggles of independent musicians, artists, and creatives as they cope with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ever-changing social and political climate. Host Jesse Curtis interviews 15 different artists, each discussing their personal journey, and the impacts the year is having on their lives, both personally and professionally.
Episodes
In Conclusion...
Host Jesse Curtis shares his thoughts on the evolution of the series and the personal impact the conversations he had with his guests over the last year have had on him.
Ozeal DeBastos - Embracing Your Creative Destiny
Ozeal Debastos shares his story, and his wisdom on what it takes to live your purpose to the fullest and how to push through when times get tough.
Kadesh Flow - Overcoming the Worst Week (And Year) Ever
Independent Nerdcore artist and trombonist Kadesh Flow shares a story of following your intuition to become what you are meant to be, as well as staying motivated and determined to follow your dreams.
Robert Brantley - The Harsh Noise of a Hard Year
Harsh noise artist Robert Brantley shows us how he's battling the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought him and his scene, finding a way to connect with his audience when this year has forced us apart.
Hassan BFly - Unshakable Faith in the Fire
Author and Musician Hassan BFly shares his story of starting over with nothing, his spiritual breakthrough, and why he thinks God is not even close to what you've been lead to believe.
Ambush Vin – The Great Canadian Escape and Knowing Yourself
Ambush Vin discusses his music, personal and professional struggles, the time he nearly got stuck in Canada and puts fellow Indie artists on some serious game with his golden wisdom.
This Modern - The Long Road to the Top
Marcus and Sean of the pop/rock group This Modern share their origin story, how COVID-19 derailed an important tour, and how they are navigating the chaos left in its wake.
Jeffrey Bryan - Surviving the Sunset Strip and Other Tales
Singer, songwriter, and composer Jeffrey Bryan talks about being a part of the sunset strip scene and Hollywood in the 1980s, Touring with Survivor, and the one thing independent artists need to do to find success.
Russ Baum - Making the Most of Any Circumstance
Russ Baum shows you that it's possible to nearly lose everything, rise from the ashes, and be a better version of yourself, no matter the circumstances. Russ tells his story of loss, triumph, and being a positive force.
Shubzilla and Bill Beats - CHAZ Stories and the Power of Two
Hip-Hop duo Shubzilla and Bill Beats share the story of how their team formed and why it works so well. Hear their perspectives on the CHAZ zone in Seattle, as well as their thoughts on the current social/political climate.
Damn Selene - Tales from the Road and the Trenches
Damn Selene is an independent rap artist out of Denver, Colorado. They share many stories from their road tours over the years, as well as the importance of mental health and the challenges marginalized groups face every day.
LaBranda Pope - The Struggles of the Modern Day Educator
LaBranda Pope is using her platform as a high school educator to reach an increasingly distracted and detached youth. To show them how to navigate an increasingly complicated world in spite of a system that works against them.
April Stevenson - Short On Supplies, But Never Short On Hope
April Stevenson tells her story of hardship and overcoming the deck being stacked against her as she finds a way to keep creating in spite of everything.
GR3YS0N - Twin Blessings and Remaining True To Yourself
GR3YS0N talks about being a new father, the evolution of his hip-hop persona, his love of games, comics and anime, as well as the people and places that have helped define who he has become, and how he is blazing his own trail into the future.
Lex the Lexicon Artist - Ego and the Epicenter of COVID-19
Lex the Lexicon Artist talks about being in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ups and downs of independent touring, and we dive into her latest album, Alter Ego.
Alfred Banks - Sudden Losses and New Beginnings
What do you do when your livelihood, the stage and the crowds, are taken away from you? What’s the next move? Alfred banks shares his story.
Episode 0: Out Of The Frying Pan..
Jesse Curtis takes you through his personal journey, the moment he decided helping independent artists succeed is his calling, and what to expect from this series.