Hope in Hard Times: Why ‘A More Perfect Union’ Matters Now More Than Ever

Sojourners’ President Rev. Adam Russell Taylor has unifying vision for America in these divided times. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 “A More Perfect Union” by Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Reissued in Paperback

Broadleaf Books has reissued Rev. Adam Russell Taylor’s timely and compelling work, “A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community,” now available in paperback. (Mixte Communications, 2025)

First published in 2021, this powerful public narrative speaks directly to the fractures and threats facing American democracy today. As the nation confronts deep divisions and looming dangers like Project 2025, Taylor calls for a moral realignment grounded in shared values, inclusive ideals, and a bold vision for unity.

Reimagining the Beloved Community

In “A More Perfect Union,” Taylor draws from the moral vision of the Beloved Community — a concept rooted in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. His approach bridges generational, geographic, class, racial, gender, and ideological divides, aiming to inspire collective action and hope in a time of uncertainty.

A Moral Call at a Crossroads

With a foreword by the late Rep. John Lewis, the 249-page book challenges readers to recognize the pivotal moment we face and to embrace the work of national healing. Taylor’s message is clear: the journey toward a more just and inclusive America must begin now.

“A More Perfect Union” is available in both hardcover and paperback wherever books are sold.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that works to advance justice and peace. He previously led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group, served as Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision U.S., was co-founder and executive director of Global Justice, and was selected as a White House Fellow under the Obama administration.


Praise for “A More Perfect Union”:

“America stands on a knife’s edge. If we are to survive this moment, with its pitfalls and perils, we have to figure out how to be together differently.” –  Eddie S. Glaude Jr., author of “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”

“This essential book reframes and renews the vision from our earliest history, in the civil rights movement, to some of the most hopeful and powerful new examples of it today.” – Jim Wallis, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, founder of Sojourners, and New York Times bestselling author.

“An urgent and eloquent volume. Adam Russell Taylor invokes history, theology, and organizing experience to make clear that the idea guiding the witness of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis should be our North Star in leading toward redemption, renewal, and social reconstruction.” – E. J. Dionne Jr., author of “Our Divided Political Heart” and “Code Red.”


‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.


Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”


‘The Sound’ Echoes with Terror: A Climbing Thriller That Goes Beyond the Edge

Brendan Devane’s ‘The Sound’ opens theatrically and on Video On Demand nationwide on June 27. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎬 THE SOUND – A High-Stakes Horror Thriller Set Against a Vertical Nightmare

Release Date: In Theaters and On Demand – June 27 (US)
Genre: Thriller / Horror / Action
Rating: R
Running Time: 104 minutes


🔥 Synopsis

In the gripping new horror thriller The Sound, a team of elite climbers is given rare access to the Forbidden Wall—a towering, remote rock face that has remained closed off for decades. Among them is Sean (Marc Hills), a seasoned climber haunted by the memory of his grandfather’s doomed attempt on the same wall 63 years prior.

But what begins as a high-adrenaline expedition soon devolves into a terrifying fight for survival. As the team ascends, they encounter a chilling and malevolent force lurking within the rock, one that will push them far beyond their physical and psychological limits—hundreds of feet above solid ground.

The Sound courtesy clip, used with permission.

🎥 Key Cast

  • Marc Hills (Elephant Department)
  • Rachel Finninger (American Horror Story)
  • Nicholas Baroudi (The Hating Game)
  • Jocelyn Hudon (The Strain)
  • William Fichtner (Crash, Armageddon)
  • Christina Kirkman, Jolene Kay, David Clennon, and elite climbers Hazel Findlay, Brette Harrington, Adrian Ballinger, and Alex Honnold (Free Solo) add realism and intensity to the climbing sequences.

🎬 Creative Team

  • Written, Directed & Produced by: Brendan Devane (The Canyonlands)
  • Executive Producer: James Devane (Sadieland Productions)
  • Cinematography: Ryan Galvan
  • Editor: Alex Russek (Reel Rock)
  • Original Score: James Iha (The Smashing Pumpkins)
  • Distributor: Blue Harbor Entertainment

🎟️ Where to Watch

In Theaters – Limited release in key cities:

  • Los Angeles: Lumiere Music Hall
  • New York Metro / New Jersey: Cineplex 12 Newark
  • Dallas: Angelika Dallas
  • Denver: Bow Tie Movieland 7, Carbondale
  • Chicago: Roxy Cinema, Ottawa
  • Boston Area: Scene One Gilford Cinemas
  • Minneapolis: St. Michael Cinema
  • Detroit: Bel Air Cinema
  • Orlando: GQT Merritt Square
  • Atlanta: Fieldstone 6, Hiawassee
  • Saratoga Springs: Scene One Milton Mall
  • …and more cities nationwide

On VOD – Available on all major platforms including:

  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Fandango At Home
  • And more

🧗‍♂️ Final Thoughts

The Sound promises an intense blend of claustrophobic fear, psychological horror, and heart-pounding action—all set on a precarious vertical battlefield. With real-life climbing legends in the cast and a chilling supernatural twist, this is one summer thriller that will leave audiences hanging… literally.


Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dragons Love Tacos Brings Fire-Breathing Fun to San Antonio

Magik Theatre stages the wildly popular story for a special summertime run. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

🌮🔥 Dragons Love Tacos Heats Up the Stage at Magik Theatre This Summer

Hey, San Antonio! Did you know that dragons love tacos? And kids absolutely love the bestselling picture book “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri! This summer, Magik Theatre brings that beloved story to life in a hilarious, high-energy stage production perfect for the whole family. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

Thanks to support from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts and presented in special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences, Dragons Love Tacos opens June 21 and runs through August 3 at Magik Theatre in Hemisfair Park.

🎭 From Page to Stage — With Spicy Surprises!

“But wait,” you might wonder, “the book is only a few pages long—how can that stretch into a full show?” Don’t worry, the creative team at Magik has cooked up something special!

Director Anthony Runfola spices up Rubin’s text (adapted by Ernie Nolan) with slapstick comedy, silent film-style hijinks, and classic clowning. Vibrant dragon costumes by Sarah Steele and Salmieri’s whimsical illustrations help bring the story of a boy, his dog, and one very explosive taco party to life. Suitable for ages 3 and up, this show is packed with fast-paced fun, music, and laughter.


🌮 Special Events & Add-On Experiences

📚 Preview Performance

Saturday, June 21, 2p.m.
Be among the first to see the show—and every child gets a free book (while supplies last), courtesy of H-E-B’s Read 3 literacy initiative.

🎉 Opening Night Party in the Park

Saturday, June 21, 5p.m. | Show at 6:30p.m.
Celebrate opening night with free mini tacos from Estela’s Concessions (while supplies last), aguas frescas, music by DJ Mayhem, dragon crafts, photo ops, and more. The party is free and open to the public!

🌮 Taco Tuesdays

June 24, July 8, & July 22 | 5–7p.m.
Join us outside the theatre for delicious bites from Estela’s Concessions and summer fun in Hemisfair Park before or after the show.

🎭 Backstage Experience Add-On

Available after every performance (except during special events) — just $20/person for a backstage tour, meet & greet with the cast, and ice cream.
Note: Not wheelchair accessible. An adult must accompany all minors.

🎂 Birthday Party Packages

Celebrate your child’s big day with a Magik Theatre birthday party after a main stage performance. Includes show tickets, party space, crafts, a backstage experience for the birthday child, and more. We handle setup and cleanup!


🎟️ Special Performances

  • Sensory-Friendly Show: Saturday, July 19 at 10a.m.
    A relaxed performance for children and adults with sensory sensitivities.
  • Pay What You Wish: Saturday, July 26 at 2p.m.
    Sponsored by H-E-B. Enjoy the show and a reptile encounter with Once in a Wild Petting Zoo! Tickets are available only at the door.
  • ASL Interpreted Show: Saturday, August 2 at 2p.m.
    Featuring ASL interpretation by Robert Cardoza for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons.

🎫 Ticket Info

Magik Theatre has options for everyone:

  • Family four packs
  • Single tickets
  • Flex passes
  • Group rates (10+ guests)

📍 Visit: 420 S Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205
📞 Call: (210) 227-2751
💻 Buy online.
🕒 Box Office: Monday–Friday, 10a.m.–3p.m.

Note: All patrons, including children under 2 who require a seat (including car or booster seats), must have a general admission ticket.


Whether you’re a taco fan, dragon lover, or just looking for a fun summer outing, Dragons Love Tacos at Magik Theatre is a sizzling good time for the whole family. Don’t miss it—grab your tickets today and bring some extra napkins… just in case! 🌮🐉💥

Welcome to the Gelliverse: Gelli Haha’s ‘Normalize’ Sets the Stage for Switcheroo

Gelli Haha releases new single ‘Normalize.’ Photo: Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp, used with permission.

Gelli Haha Unleashes “Normalize” — The Final Single Before Debut Album Switcheroo

Gelli Haha has officially announced her newest single and video, “Normalize,” the final release ahead of her highly anticipated debut album Switcheroo, due out June 27, 2025. Drawing from the rich textures of 80s Nigerian soul boogie, the track delivers a smooth, mid-tempo synth-funk groove beneath Gelli’s raw yet velvety vocals. In the chorus, she aches for escape: “I want to fly away.” (another side, 2025)

The video for “Normalize” is a surreal extension of her live performances, directed by David Gutel. It continues the psycho-science experiment narrative introduced in her previous single “Spit,” revealing Gelli’s transformation into a parachute monster. Watch the video below.


Introducing the Gelliverse

Gelli Haha (pronounced Jelly-Haha) is more than a musician — she’s a shapeshifter, a sonic acrobat, and a visionary performer blurring the line between Studio 54 glam and Area 51 mystery. Her music dances in the tension between playful and profound, absurd and sincere.

Her debut album Switcheroo, via Innovative Leisure, serves as the official soundtrack to the Gelliverse — a vibrant, chaotic, and genre-bending world of her own design.


Switcheroo: A High-Voltage Creative Experiment

Created in collaboration with Sean Guerin of De Lux, Switcheroo is the product of spontaneous experimentation and a shared love for off-kilter pop and vintage gear. The duo leaned into analog oddities — Eventide Harmonizers, MXR Pitch Transposers, Electrix units — crafting textures that are intentionally flawed and brilliantly bizarre.

Every track is an invitation to let go, laugh, dance, and dive headfirst into the spectacle. Switcheroo is an inside joke turned theatrical masterpiece.


Don’t Miss Gelli Haha Live in LA

Gelli Haha’s wild, prop-filled, fully choreographed live performances have made her one of the most buzzed-about acts in the LA underground. She returns Friday, August 8, headlining at Resident in Downtown Los Angeles, with support from dance arts center and a DJ set by KCRW’s Travis Holcombe.

Presented by Minty Boi and Gelli Kompany. Tickets available here.


Let yourself get weird. Gelli Haha’s Switcheroo is coming.

Switcheroo tracklist:
1 – Funny Music
2 – Spit
3 – Normalize
4 – Bounce House
5 – Piss Artist
6 – Tiramisu
7 – Gelliverse
8 – Dynamite
9 – Johnny
10 – Pluto is not a planet it’s a restaurant

Courtesy photo, used with permission.


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Psychedelic Science 2025: Denver’s Most Mind-Expanding Week of the Year

Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts headline Psychedelic Science 2025 kickoff party in Denver. Photo: Colorado Convention Center.

🎉 Psychedelic Science 2025 Brings the Party to Denver!

DENVER, CO — June 2025
Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025) isn’t just the world’s largest gathering of psychedelic researchers, therapists, and policymakers—it’s also a celebration of creativity, culture, and community. From June 16–20, Denver will come alive with a full week of immersive events, headlining performances, and wellness experiences that extend far beyond the walls of the Colorado Convention Center. (Psychedelic Science 2025)

🎶 Opening Night: Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts Live

PS2025 kicks off with an unforgettable launch party—Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts Live at the Mission Ballroom. This immersive night of music, comedy, and art is presented by Good Trip Studios, creators of Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics (Netflix), who will also be capturing content for an upcoming sequel.

👉 Grab your tickets now.


🌆 Music, Magic & Movement Across Denver

In partnership with MAPS and Superfly (creators of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands), PS2025 will feature independently produced events all over Denver—open to both attendees and the public.

🎤 Headline Concerts

  • June 17: Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts – Mission Ballroom
  • June 18: Tycho – Ogden Theatre
  • June 19: Blind Melon – Cervantes
  • June 20: Drive-By Truckers – Ogden Theatre
  • June 19–22: LSZEE (4 immersive shows) – Mission Ballroom

🎨 More Must-See Experiences

From immersive art shows to movement workshops and comedy, here’s just a taste of what’s happening:

  • June 17:
    • Sasha Shulgin’s 100th Birthday Celebration
    • A NEW Trip with Shane Mauss
    • Poranguí & Savej: A Musical Journey
    • Iboga Saves: Ending Addiction
    • Shroomski Melt: The Visionary Art Superbowl
  • June 18:
    • Psychedelic Drag Speed Friending
    • The Psychedelic Playhouse @ Jonas Brothers Building
    • PRATI Party @ Town Hall Collaborative
  • June 19:
    • Operation Inner Peace
    • Queer Magic 2
  • Wellness Events:
    • Sunset Skyline Rooftop Yoga @ Catbird Hotel (June 18)
    • Mat Pilates on Tap (June 17)
    • Plants, Yoga & Beer @ Bierstadt Lagerhaus (June 22)
    • Friday Night Yin @ The Source Chiropractic (June 20)
    • BUNNY YOGA! @ Great Divide Barrel Bar (June 21)

💡 Note: These events are independently organized and not part of the official PS2025 program. Many are free or low-cost to promote inclusive access.


🤝 Why We Gather

“Whether you’re a veteran advocate or first-time attendee, there’s a place for you to dance, laugh, and connect. These events remind us why we’re here—to gather, grow, and find joy in the journey together.”
Gina Vensel, Director of Media & Community Partnerships, PS2025


📅 Explore, Register, and Join Us

Visit Psychedelic Science 2025 to:

  • View the full conference agenda
  • Register for workshops and talks
  • Get travel and hotel info
  • Browse the complete list of community events.

About Psychedelic Science 2025

Hosted by MAPS and produced with Superfly, PS2025 is the world’s leading psychedelic conference. Since 2010, it has brought together scientists, therapists, cultural leaders, and changemakers to explore the future of psychedelic research, healing, and culture.

📍 When & Where:
June 16–20, 2025 | Colorado Convention Center, Denver


About MAPS

Founded in 1986, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the medical, legal, and cultural understanding of psychedelics and marijuana. With over $150 million raised to date, MAPS is pioneering new frontiers in mental health, drug policy reform, and public education.


Come for the science. Stay for the community. Leave transformed.

Now Streaming: ‘Bound,’ a Raw Tale of Survival and Redemption

Acclaimed indie drama Bound is now streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Indie Drama Bound Now Streaming on Major Platforms

📍 Los Angeles, CA – Freestyle Digital Media has officially released the acclaimed indie drama Bound, now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

Centered around themes of found family, survival, and forgiveness, Bound is a raw, emotionally charged story that has captivated audiences across the festival circuit. Since its world premiere at Dances With Films, the film has earned an impressive 11 wins and 34 nominations.


🎬 About the Film

Bound marks the directorial debut of Broadway actor Isaac Hirotsu Woofter (War Horse), who also wrote the screenplay. Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of a young artist who escapes her drug-dealing stepfather, fleeing to New York City with only her pet flying squirrel. There, she reinvents herself with the support of a new, unconventional family—only to later return home to confront her past and truly find freedom.


Cast

  • Ramin Karimloo (Holby City)
  • Jessica Pimentel (Orange is the New Black)
  • Alexandra Faye Sadeghian (Ditch Boys)
  • Bryant Carroll (Hit Man)
  • Pooya Mohseni (The Walking Dead: Dead City)
  • Jaye Alexander (film debut)
  • Bandit the flying squirrel

🎞️ Film Details

  • Genre: Drama / Crime / Thriller
  • Run Time: 1 hr 41 min

🎤 Director’s Statement

“From outdoor Shakespeare to Lincoln Center, I spent 25 years telling other people’s stories. Five years ago I decided to tell my own story. We’re thrilled to finally bring this gritty underdog tale to your screen. I like gut-punching movies that take you for an emotional ride, so strap on your hard hat and fasten your seatbelt. Let’s go.”
Isaac Hirotsu Woofter


If you’re a fan of indie cinema with grit, heart, and originality, Bound is a must-watch. Add it to your watchlist today and experience one of the most talked-about indie films of the year.


“Films like Bound are great examples of what true independent filmmaking should look like” — Film Threat

“This pulse-pounding thriller is bound to move audiences on an emotional level. Once you see Bound, it will be impossible to forget it.” — Digital Journal 

“Evoking early Sean Baker, Woofter brings together an excellent cast and gives them idiosyncratic and interesting characters.” — Flickering Myth 


Bound still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From Viral Covers to Emotional Club Anthems: Mareux Evolves with ‘Ébèné Fumé’

Mareux shares shares Ébèné Fumé video/single feat Riki. Photo: Jason Renaud, used with permission.

Mareux Teams Up with Riki for New Single “Ébèné Fumé” Ahead of Nonstop Romance🎶

Los Angeles, CA – Revered pop/darkwave musician and producer Mareux (Aryan Ashtiani) joins forces with multifaceted artist and singer Riki on his nostalgic new single “Ébèné Fumé,” out now via Revolution/Warner Records. (another side, 2025)

Riki’s charismatic, confessional vocal performance blends seamlessly with Mareux’s intricately crafted electronics, creating a compelling dance-pop track that’s as moody as it is magnetic. Her standout presence shines throughout the song’s striking music video, created by Muted Widows (Michael E Linn, Nedda Afsari, and Michael R. Zumaya), which visually channels the same fusion of elegance and edge.

Where most artists might double down on the slick darkwave and goth-pop that brought them initial fame, Mareux pivots with his upcoming sophomore album, Nonstop Romance, due out June 27. The new project is messy in all the right ways—drunk in love, feverish with emotion, and unafraid to stumble. Picture a frilly valentine dragged through city grit: gushing, fractured, but completely transparent in its longing.

Throughout Nonstop Romance, Mareux sets his songs like Venus fly traps—irresistibly romantic and danceable, but tinged with a sinister red glow. It’s a record that revels in pleasure while hinting at danger, a balance central to its ethos.

“I’m trying to make something that’s reflective of me getting older,” Mareux shares. But rather than quiet introspection, his version of maturity centers on joy: “Could you put it on in your house with people around and not bring the mood down?” That guiding question helped shape the sound and energy of the album.

Written and recorded in Mareux’s Lincoln Heights bedroom throughout 2024, Nonstop Romance draws cinematic inspiration from a muted old CRT TV playing everything from Tarkovsky and Jodorowsky to Hype Williams’ Belly. The result? Smudged tape-residue synths woven into readymade club anthems.

Though Mareux favors vibe over precision, longtime fans won’t feel lost. Whether you discovered him through his viral platinum-certified cover of The Cure’s “The Perfect Girl” or the noir heartache of 2023’s Lovers from the Past, there’s plenty to swoon over. Nonstop Romance is exactly what it promises: emotionally raw, sonically rich, and obsessed with love.

“I only care about one thing,” Mareux says. “And that’s being in love.”


📀 Pre-Order / Save Nonstop Romance


🎤 Upcoming Performances

  • Friday, December 12Fox Theater, Pomona
  • Saturday, December 13The Novo, Los Angeles

Tickets are on sale now. Stay tuned for more tour announcements!


Nonstop Romance tracklist:
1 – Blackmail
2 – Radio Club
3 – Nonstop Romance
4 – Wild at Heart
5 – Ébène Fumé Ft. Riki
6 – Prodigy
7 – Blue
8 – Laugh Now Cry Later
9 – Snake Eyes

Photo: Cameron McCool, used with permission.


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Arcades, Lawsuits & Love Songs: Walter Day’s Legacy Hits a New Note

Arcades & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day is the follow up film to the iconic indie The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎮🎶 Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day — Release News, Review & Director’s Insight

The highly anticipated follow-up to The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is finally here. Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day will be available globally on TVOD and digital platforms beginning June 9, 2025. (Cinematic Red PR, 2025)


🎬 About the Film

Directed by Ed Cunningham (Undefeated, The King of Kong), this musical documentary is his feature film directorial debut. Arcade & Love Songs revisits beloved characters from The King of Kong, reconnecting with the real-life gamers who captivated audiences since their Slamdance debut.

The film follows 74-year-old Walter Day, the father of esports and iconic star of The King of Kong, as he navigates a lawsuit that threatens his legacy. At the same time, he embarks on a deeply personal journey: finally recording and performing the rock-opera love songs he’s carried in his heart since a devastating 1980s heartbreak—right at the height of the arcade boom.

The film premiered in U.S. theaters earlier this year through Monkey Wrench Films, capturing the same nostalgic magic that made The King of Kong one of Slamdance’s most celebrated documentaries.

Run time: 1 hr. 31 mins.


🎥 Credits

  • Director: Ed Cunningham
  • Producers: Jonathan Perkins, Seth Gordon (Baywatch, The King of Kong), Mike J. Nichols (Zappa)
  • Writers: Ed Cunningham, Mike J. Nichols, Paul Leach (The Woodsman)
  • Executive Producers: Ed Cunningham, Byron Ashley, Scott Jackson, Harrison Kordestani Kerry, Cathy Loveland, Paul Campoamor
  • Editor: Mike J. Nichols

👨‍🎤 Director’s Statement

The King of Kong premiered at Slamdance 2007 to a packed house of just the right type of audience. As the filmmakers, we could not have selected a better group of people to be the first to see something we had lived with for three years. The gamers, tech-types and doc lovers were all into it from frame one….The whispers, laughs and touching moments were all hitting…We knew the film could be seen as mocking people we had grown to love, doubt and admire and had worked tirelessly to present them truthfully and empathetically. And this audience got it. From that night forward, the original documentary has changed many people’s lives – for better and worse – so when Billy Mitchell called to tell me Walter Day was being sued based on things that happened in our movie, I began helping make sure he was properly defended…I felt a responsibility to document the conclusion to Walter’s journey and it was also a great opportunity because I love his music and want to help get out in the world.

Ed Cunningham


Movie Review: Arcade & Love Songs: The Ballad of Walter Day

Arcade & Love Songs is a tender, quirky, and unexpectedly profound documentary that shines a spotlight on a cultural pioneer. Walter Day, once the steady-handed referee of The King of Kong, becomes the heart and soul of this new film—revealing the music, memories, and emotions that shaped his life.

Ed Cunningham blends archival footage, heartfelt interviews, and theatrical musical sequences to create a vibrant portrait of resilience. Walter’s songs—strange, sincere, and oddly beautiful—are as much about heartbreak as they are about healing. Especially moving are the testimonials from younger gamers, who speak to how Day and the esports community shaped their sense of belonging.

This is more than a film about retro games—it’s about chasing your passions, no matter your age. Arcade & Love Songs is a love letter to the 8-bit generation, to late-blooming artists, and to anyone still holding onto the dream of finishing their song.


📅 Watch It

🗓 Release Date: June 9, 2025
🎟 Pre-order Now: Apple TV & Vimeo-on-Demand
📺 Available On: Apple, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Fandango, Vimeo-on-Demand


Let your heart hit “Start.” Walter Day’s ballad is one worth listening to.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for a review of this film and received a screening link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘The Isolate’ Explores Inner Turmoil in Demons My Friends’ Latest Heavy Release

Demons My Friends share new single and video for The Isolate. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Demons My Friends Drop New Single “The Isolate” Ahead of Sophomore Album

Last month, Demons My Friends, the heavy-hitting trio from Mexico City and Austin, unveiled their latest single, “The Isolate,” marking their debut release with acclaimed heavy music label Ripple Music. (US/THEM Group, 2025)


A Sonic Reflection on Teenage Anxiety

“The Isolate” is a deeply personal track, capturing the intense anxiety the band members experienced during their socially awkward teenage years. The song lays the thematic groundwork for their upcoming sophomore album, soon to be officially announced.

“Demons My Friends continues to be a therapeutic effort for all of us,” says guitarist/vocalist Pablo Anton. “With this new song we wanted to shine a light on our teen years… so much of the drama in our lives is invented by our own minds, by our own demons.”


Behind the Music

  • Music by: Demons My Friends
  • Lyrics by: Pablo Anton and Luis Salinas
  • Recorded at: One Pot Mexico (Querétaro, Mexico) and Red Nova Ranch (Austin, TX)
  • Produced & Mixed by: Jeff Henson (Red Nova Ranch)
  • Mastered by: Alberto de Icaza

Band Members:

  • Pablo Anton – Guitars and vocals
  • Lu Salinas – Bass and vocals
  • Tarro Martinez – Drums

From SXSW to Sonic Catharsis

Formed during an impromptu session at SXSW 2022, Demons My Friends brings together members of Fellowcraft (Washington, DC) and Mexican rock veterans QBO. What began as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into a fully-formed musical identity.

Their concept is clear: confront inner demons—anxiety, depression, rage—and transform them into creative fuel.


Debut Album Demons Seem To Gather (Out Now)

Their 2023 debut Demons Seem To Gather (via Gravitoyd Heavy Music) showcases a powerful blend of drop-tuned grunge riffs, doom-laden structures, psychedelic harmonies, and groove-heavy rhythms. Fans of Monolord, King Buffalo, All Them Witches, Soundgarden, and Baroness will feel right at home.

“The Austin/Mexico City groove unit applies their sonic dominance toward deftly-written, clever songs… climactic hooks shake up their luxuriously groovy pacing.” — Invisible Oranges

Available now on LP, CD, and streaming platforms.

Demons Seem To Gather tracklist
1.The Tower Falls
2.Bring The Night
3.Inner Slay
4.Ghosts Of You
5.Make Them Pay
6.Fire Mountain
7.Your Bones
8.We Are The Resistance


Stay tuned for more from Demons My Friends as they gear up for their next chapter—haunting melodies, introspective themes, and thunderous grooves included.