Ep. #63 – Feat. Cyn Factory Burlesque

Today Matt welcomes the core members of Cyn Factory Burlesque, producers/performers Mary Cyn, Sarah Tops, and Johnny Caligula, and performer Dick Move. All hailing from New York, New York, the guests share their stories on how Cyn Factory started and how each member joined the group. Mary chats about the other shows she has produced including Original Cyn and Epic Win Burlesque; Dick and Johnny chat about how they found their dynamic in sharing the stage as hosts; and they all share some of their favorite moments from performing at The Bier Baron in Washington, DC, their self-proclaimed home away from home. And so, from the future of Cyn Factory to their connections in the industry, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Cyn Factory Burlesque.

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Ep. #60 – Feat. Magical Girl Burlesque

In the mood for some girl empowerment? And girls? Well today, Matt welcomes Raina Sinclair, Betty Brash, and Paige Literati as the three producers of Magical Girl Burlesque (and as performers in their own right). Inspired by a genre of manga that focuses on the power and inner strength of girls and women, Magical Girl Burlesque joins Matt to discuss their origins as a burlesque troupe and how they all got their start, individually. From the details on how they create their acts, to discussions on Matt’s involvement as a host, and even their activities outside of burlesque, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Magical Girl Burlesque.

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Ep. #58 – Feat. Matt Knife

Today Matt welcomes burlesque performer and producer Matt Knife, hailing from Brooklyn, NY. The producer of his own show Homo Erectus, Matt Knife discusses his performing & producing career, including some of the recent projects involving your host, Matt Storm: specifically, The Pink Room Burlesque’s tribute to Mulholland Drive. He chats about his style of performance, what it’s like to debut a new act that’s never been performed before, and his background in theater production and costuming (and how that’s informed his burlesque career). On these subjects and Matt’s other artistic endeavors — including his love of painting — here’s presenting Matt Storm and Matt Knife.

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Ep. #54 – An Evening with Stormageddon

This week marks a special episode of the series with your host, Matt, forgoing his usual interview to get candid & cozy with you—yes, YOU—the listener. Sit back as he gently inundates you with a barrage of events, updates, media recommendations, and some words of wisdom. In the way of events, he pitches some upcoming shows where he’ll be DJing and stage managing as Stormageddon. Listeners can also enjoy a brief rant on what should be the values of all artists—nay, persons alike, those being the tenets of professionalism & integrity. Then, prepare yourself as Matt bombards you with a series of updates, name-drops, & recommendations: from podcasts to movies, music, games, and theater. He discusses the ‘art of the playlist’ and invites listeners to check out some of his favorite compilations (all of which can be found on his Spotify page). With some final thoughts on a prospective Q&A series that caters to listeners of the series and lovers of music, here’s presenting Matt Storm (a.k.a. Stormageddon).

Photo of Stormageddon by David L. Byrd

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CCP Ep. #204: Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper | Feat. Johnny Caligula

Today’s guest, Johnny Caligula, was “born in the back of a traveling show”… his “momma did dance for the money they’d throw.” At the age of 30, he decided to follow her example and took up the ancient, sexual art of burlesque. Fortunate to receive guidance from the likes of Lefty Lucy, Mary Cyn, and Sarah Tops, Johnny regales us with tales of his latest exploits in burlesque (along with some insights into the business), before presenting us with this week’s album pick: Coloring Book by the prominent collaborator of Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, Chance the Rapper. After a lengthy group analysis, be sure to stick around to the bitter end for some quick plugs on Johnny’s upcoming shows!

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Ep. #49 – Feat. Dangrrr Doll

Today Matt welcomes Dangrrr Doll, a burlesque performer, producer, and cosplayer based in Brooklyn, NY. Dangrrr Doll is the producer of the Comic Con Vixens, the official burlesque show of NYCC. She is also the producer of RAWR! Burlesque and of the Nerdlesque Festival. With Matt, Dangrrr Doll chats about her start in burlesque, what goes into the process of creating some of her acts, and the difference between performing and producing. Touching upon her future endeavors (and her grand vision for the future of burlesque), she explains how confidence plays a role in her art, and how it’s been the fuel that propels her towards her next act. So without further ado, let’s propel ourselves towards Matt Storm and Dangrrr Doll.

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Ep. #48 – Feat. Anja Keister

Today Matt welcomes Brooklyn burlesque producer & performer Anja Keister. The producer of D20 Burlesque, Anja is the first Crash Chords “crossover guest” in that she has now appeared on both the Crash Chords Podcast and on Autographs. You can hear us tackle her album pick, Beat the Champ by The Mountain Goats in CCP Ep. #161. Today is a special episode of Autographs because Anja is coming on to promote her upcoming show: D20 Burlesque Tribute to Podcasts. Matt (a.k.a. DJ Stormageddon) will be a special guest DJ for this event. Hear Anja discuss the inspiration for the show and the kinds of podcasts Anja listens to. Also hear about the performers, about some of Matt’s favorite acts (and how they came to be), and about Matt & Anja’s work in the 2016 Nerdlesque Festival. The host of performers for the D20 event will include Anja Keister, Iris Explosion, Seedy Edie, Triple Jay, Fancy Feast, Mx Macabre, Ravenessa, Legs Malone, and a special duet by Mary Cyn and Johnny Caligula with go-go by Taylor Sweet — and, of course, your host DJ Stormageddon manning the sound board!

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Ep. #46 – Feat. Doc Wasabassco

Today Matt welcomes Doc Wasabassco—fake doctor, but real burlesque kingpin, hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Doc is the host and producer for a burlesque company which he’s come to emblemize. On his humble beginnings in burlesque and the origin of Wasabassco entertainment and showcases (which is closely tied to Andy Heidel and The Way Station), Doc chats about how he had to overcome tremendous stage fright and how he wasn’t always comfortable behind a microphone. He chats about the variety of shows and themes that Wasabassco has tackled over the years, the NY burlesque community, as well as the Agents of Wasabassco (a tight and supportive community within the company). Finally, with a word or two on Matt’s involvement with Wasabassco as a DJ, and some gabbing about movies and comics, here’s presenting Matt Storm and Doc Wasabassco.

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CCP Ep. #187: Everybody Wants by The Struts | Feat. Kati Delaney

Today, Crash Chords is pleased to welcome guest Kati Delaney (visual artist, voice-over artist, and former Way Station bartender extraordinaire)! She joins us to discuss her voice-over work, the development of her drawing style, and–segueing into the album of the week–her many MISadventures experiencing music as a bartender. Finally we come to her album of choice: the 2016 reissue of Everybody Wants by the glam rock insurgents from the U.K., The Struts. Help us break down the album, and let us know your thoughts below!

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CCP Ep. #183: Donker Mag by Die Antwoord | Feat. Nasty Canasta

At last we’ve snagged the veteran Burlesque artist, producer, and all-around conceptualizer, Nasty Canasta. To kick off the episode, we talk about all things Nasty; we hear about the esteemed performer’s turbulent journey toward her chosen art form and how it coincides with her love of theater, script writing, and production work. Nasty also brings us our album of the week! Join us in a discussion of Donker Mag by Die Antwoord, a rap-rave duo out of South Africa… a “Nasty” analysis, indeed. And of course, don’t forget to check out the curiously named 2 DESKS show at the Way Station, Thursday March 10th.

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