Chris L. Terry, Author of ‘Black Card’, About A Mixed-Race Rap-Lovin’ Punk Rock Musician in the 2000s Struggling With His Identity

In this episode, Chris L. Terry, who is both a writer and punk rock musician, does double duty as author and music guru. Chris and I talk about his novel ‘Black Card’, a story that follows a mixed-race punk rock musician and his struggles with identity. Chris and I get candid about race, how to pronounce certain naughty words, Hip-Hop, punk rock music, and even Confederate monuments.

Per J. Ryan Stradal in ‘The Rumpus’: “Provocative, warm-hearted, and often hilarious, ‘Black Card’ tells the story of a biracial punk rocker searching for his place in a largely white world. He’s come to feel that his sole black friend holds the key to his identity, and the pressure and expectations of this friendship come to a head in a community where racism takes countless subtle and overt forms. Terry is a remarkable writer, and ‘Black Card’ oughta be on every summer reading list.”

Chris L. Terry was born in 1979 to an African-American father and an Irish-American mother. He spent his teens and early 20s touring the U.S. and Europe as the singer in different punk bands. Terry has an MA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Creative Writing MFA from Columbia College Chicago. His debut novel ‘Zero Fade’ (Curbside Splendor, 2013) was on Best of 2013 lists by Slate.com and Kirkus Reviews. Terry lives in Los Angeles with his family. He works as a Copywriter and Creative Writing Instructor.

MUSIC AND MEDIA FEATURED IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

1. “Longview” by Green Day
2. “You Should Be Sad” by Halsey
3. “Crimson Static #2” by Julian Calendar
4. “Don’t Shoot” by The Game, with special guests
5. “It Wasn’t Us” by Ludacris
6. Samuel L. Jackson and Prince saying “motherfucker”
7. “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy
8. “Hip-Hop” by Dead Prez
9. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
10. “I Think They Try” by Light the Fuse and Run
11. “When Doves Cry” by Prince
12. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin

LINKS:

Chris L. Terry on Twitter and Instagram: @chrislterry

Chris L. Terry’s ‘Black Card’ Largehearted Boy Playlist: http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2019/09/chris_l_terrys.html

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices