In 2021, Emoji began writing and recording music with Nathan Jarvis (of Rue Mevlana). Check out the released tracks below.
In 2020 when COVID hit, Nikki launched her campaign for the legislature and focused her attention on helping Emoji create visuals for virtual performances.
Episode 9: Christine Hallquist, Mary Lacy, Cricket Blue
Vermont Electric Co-Op CEO, Christine Hallquist, stops by the studio to discuss her journey as one of the first CEOs in the nation to transition on the job. The conversation shifts from trans visibility in the workplace, to LGBTQ pride, and eventually to Hallquist's work as the leader for Vermont's second largest utility and her appearance in the documentary, "Denial." The queens also learn some frightening news, as Hallquist drops a startling environmental prediction. Then muralist, Mary Lacy, talks with Emoji & Nikki about how she got her start as one of Vermont's most popular up-and-coming artists. Lacy explains the inspiration behind her geometric style, her recent mural tour with Benjamin Moore, as well as her first big project in Burlington at The Moran Plant. Lastly, Cricket Blue (Laura Heaberlin & Taylor Smith) chat up their latest EP, IO, and their inspirations as both singers and songwriters. The two also share how they met and began performing together. Cricket Blue perform their single "Quiet".
Episode 8: Shay Totten, Nicole Christman
Shay Totten, former Seven Days "Fair Game" political columnist and current Communications Director for Rights & Democracy VT, shares with Emoji & Nikki how his organization serves to give Vermont communities a voice for the rights movements and real democracy. Totten discusses the their involvement in the recent victory of Ali Dieng to Burlington City Council, as well as their focus, and his in particular, for environmental and social justice advocacy. Then, local artist, Nicole Christman, transforms the VCAM studio into a full-on art gallery and chats with the queens about how she pivoted a potential career as a chemist to pursue her passion for the arts. Christman also explains how her art was selected to adorn a label for Magic Hat, what inspires her, and how she connects with her students.
Episode 7: Governor Madeleine Kunin, Eva Sollberger, Brenda Churchill
Emoji and Nikki talk about the LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont with the liaison to the Statehouse, Brenda Churchill. Brenda discusses how a bill becomes a law, changes that need to happen across the state, and provides the queens with a "refrigerator quote". Then they sit down with the host of Stuck in Vermont, Eva Sollberger. The queens cover a wide array of topics including Eva's claim to fame, snail racing, cud, and the pros and cons of media production. Lastly, they discuss changing political tides and the need for feminism with former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin. Madeleine talks about her political timeline, the intersections of environmentalism and feminism, and the role that young voters play in these turbulent political times.
Episode 6: Darren Perron, Susan Hartman of VT Pride Center, Rue Mevlana
WCAX's co-head news anchor Darren Perron shares how he got his start in journalism in rural Barton, VT, recalls his two-week stint chronicling the Vermont Air National Guard in Afghanistan, and brings along an award-winning clip covering the transition of Christine Hallquist, the CEO of Vermont Electric Co-Op. Susan Hartman, the new Executive Director for the Vermont Pride Center, is welcomed to the Queen City by Emoji and Nikki. The queens learn about what life was like for a young activist from Arkansas, what Susan's journey has been that led her to Vermont, and her goals and objectives for her tenure as the helm of the Pride Center. The delightful combination of Nathan Jarvis and Hannah Wall, both of local synthpop group Rue Mevlana, the creators of The T theme, stop by the studio. They chat with the queens about musical inspirations, the latest 10-year anniversary edition of their album Drop the F Bomb, the resurgence of vinyl and cassette, performing as part of a local supergroup at Waking Windows, and more! Plus, find out the story behind The T theme song!
Episode 5: Peter Jacobsen, DJ Rob Douglas, Reggie Condra
Reggie Condra stops by the queens' studio to discuss their upcoming comedy set at LGBTQLOL—a monthly queer comedy set at the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington. The queens chat with Reggie about what it takes to get going in the local comedy scene as well as the recent events regarding Kathy Griffin and President Trump and how comedy can sometimes cross the line . . . or not. Hey Mr. DJ . . . put a record on—I wanna dance with my baby! Then, one of the queens' favorite DJs, Rob Douglas, stops by to share their musical inspirations, favorite pop divas, Janet's mysterious baby, and what it will take to get a drag queen behind the decks! Finally, we hop in the new mobile HIV testing van and ride the Road to Zero! That's right—Vermont CARES Executive Director Peter Jacobsen informs Emoji & Nikki on the organization's campaign to end new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the state. Peter speaks out about prevention, testing, and education. And of course, the queens share their personal recipes for concocting the latest internet meme craze, covfefe, courtesy of Trump's infamous tweet.
Episode 4: Rachel Lindsay, DJ Llu, Tamra Higgins
Emoji and Nikki interview the co-president of Sundog Poetry Center, Tamra Higgins, and discuss upcoming poetry events across the state of Vermont. Tamra highlights a new program coming in 2018, Poetry and Justice for All, a 9-event series that focuses on a diverse set of identities including women, people of color, Abenaki people, and more. Then, Llu Mulvaney-Stanak discusses the variety of work Llu does in the LGBTQ+ community of Burlington, Vermont. Llu explains the many forms that activism can take and social media's influence on slacktivism. DJ Llu and Rachel Lindsay come to play the game Win, Lose, or Draw aka Pictionary. Who will win: Team Art or Team Activism? Lastly, Rachel Lindsay, the cartoonist behind Rachel Lives Here Now in the Seven Days, discusses her climb to fame. Rachel talks about the inspiration behind her Rachel Lives Here Now comic, The Wizard of Life, and her new graphic novel, Rx. Rachel also shows off her custom game College Party and how to convert it into a drinking game.
Episode 3: Karie Eisenberg, The Steph Pappas Experience, Major Face
Emoji and Nikki interview the band members of The Steph Pappas Experience including the lead singer, Steph Pappas, Loren Tindall (bass guitar), Nathan Scott (drums), and Michael Kirick (harmonica and washboard). The band talks about their "Jellyfish" album tour, and each members musical background in the Vermont area. Then Major Face comes to discuss their entrance into the Burlington drag scene and their long time involvement with the Burlington Pride Committee. Get the scoop on how Major adopted Emoji as their drag daughter and where they will be performing soon. Last, but not least, local business owner, Karie Eisenberg, from Old Gold Vermont talks about her interest in vintage and unique fashion. Karie brings along models to show off fashion trends of the spring and summer. Think sheer, vintage-inspired, and body cages! The Steph Pappas Experience closes out the episode with a performance of "Yer Cowboy" from their 3 Wishes album.
Episode 2: The House of Lemay, Mecca
In this episode of The T, Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne turn back time with Vermont's oldest -- we mean most established -- drag queen troupe, The House of Lemay! The legendary queens chat about the past 20+ years in the Queen City and perform the fan favorite, Colorado. Emoji & Nikki also receive an in-depth dance herstory lesson and tutorial from Ethan "Mecca" Fontneau. Let's vogue!
Episode 1: Kesha Ram, Travis Miller & Carlos Gonzalez of GLAM, Apadravya Palang
In this episode of The T, Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne sit down with former Vermont legislator and Emerge Vermont co-founder Kesha Ram to discuss the importance of encouraging young women to run for elected positions. The queens also learn about the upcoming events and ongoing services from the guys at GLAM. And the fabulous Apadravya Palang talks about her start in the drag scene and what inspires her.
Here’s a few of those videos.