The Things We Do For Love: COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG 20 Years Later

Exploring the children’s show that wasn’t crafted for children with COURAGE composer and head writer. Samantha Vargas | Fangoria Jody Gray understood John Dilworth’s vision before he even submitted a trial composition for Courage the Cowardly Dog back in 1998. After watching the short that inspired the series, The Chicken from Outer Space, Gray knew exactly what to doContinue reading “The Things We Do For Love: COURAGE THE COWARDLY DOG 20 Years Later”

How nostalgia for old Abercrombie ads fueled HUNNY’s latest Homesick EP

Samantha Vargas | Alternative Press For Kevin Grimmett, the bassist/keyboardist of HUNNY, the band’s musical journey has always been about getting in touch with their feelings the moment they happen — or at least that’s how they ended up writing nearly 100 demos during the pandemic. And today, they’re finally ready to open up the vault by releasingContinue reading “How nostalgia for old Abercrombie ads fueled HUNNY’s latest Homesick EP”

renforshort is prioritizing mental health more than ever on Dear Amelia

Samantha Vargas | Alternative Press For rising artist renforshort, there’s a price to pay for constantly jumping between her hometown of Toronto and Los Angeles for work — namely a lack of sleep. But 20-year-old Lauren Isenberg, who woke up for this interview, wouldn’t have it any other way — and that impressive work ethic doesn’t just comeContinue reading “renforshort is prioritizing mental health more than ever on Dear Amelia

Zella Day turned her own abortion story into song with “Radio Silence”

Samantha Vargas | Alternative Press On June 24, Zella Day was set to release her new single “Radio Silence,” a pro-choice anthem that shared the intimate details of her own life-threatening, unintended pregnancy. But instead of relishing the day as another musical milestone and a preface to her upcoming album, Sunday In Heaven, Day woke up to theContinue reading “Zella Day turned her own abortion story into song with “Radio Silence””

carolesdaughter: “Music saved me; music gave my life purpose” – Print interview

Samantha Vargas | Alternative Press carolesdaughter has a lofty goal for the new year: bringing back music videos on MTV. Equipped with the nostalgia-heavy visual for her single “Target Practice,” Thea Taylor is ready to take on any television executives who stand in her way. While many TikTok stars might not even remember a time when MTV played music videos, TaylorContinue reading “carolesdaughter: “Music saved me; music gave my life purpose” – Print interview”

For Dora Jar, working as a musician is akin to being a wizard— Print interview

Samantha Vargas | Alternative Press Before you find yourself in her DMs, Dora Jar already knows that her name is a pun. She’s reminded about it at least once a week. And just like with her eclectic sound, she references her childhood for its inspiration. While some might not feel a nostalgic connection to an automated carContinue reading “For Dora Jar, working as a musician is akin to being a wizard— Print interview”

Director Jonathan Cuartas talks family, culture, and horror

Samantha Vargas | Zobo With A Shotgun When it comes to filmmaking, it can be difficult to craft stories that resonate with a wide audience. Luckily for filmmakers in the horror landscape, the concept of fear transcends culture and language.  Director Jonathan Cuartas’ first feature-length film My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To took the prominentContinue reading “Director Jonathan Cuartas talks family, culture, and horror”

[Film Review] My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To (2020)

Samantha Vargas | Zobo With A Shotgun It’s often said that blood is thicker than water, that there’s nothing stronger than familial bonds. Still, there’s no idiom to explain the complicated relationships that arise when your family starts craving blood. For siblings Jessie (Ingrid Sophie Schram) and Dwight (Patrick Fugit), the love they have forContinue reading “[Film Review] My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To (2020)”

[Commission] Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit Review

Samantha Vargas There’s something inherently delightful about beloved television shows and films creating Halloween specials. While the premise of seasonal specials might come off as a quick cash grab, they always seem to harness the nostalgic magic that comes along with the Halloween season as a child. From The Treehouse of Horror (1990-Present) to ScaredContinue reading “[Commission] Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit Review”

[Film Review] Flashback (2021)

Samantha Vargas | Ghouls Magazine At one point or another, everyone wonders if they’ve made the right choices with their time. Every decision, regardless of how big it may seem, can impact the future. Horror directors have often used the concept of time as a vehicle to explore the fear of the unknown because, unlikeContinue reading “[Film Review] Flashback (2021)”