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Concert Review: IAMX Bewitches Dracula’s Ball in Philly at Underground Arts
Originally Published on December 1, 2025 for Rock DNA Magazine Dracula’s Ball descended upon Underground Arts on the most fitting date of all, Halloween. While the ball has gone through quite a few venue…
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Concert Review: Allison Russell and Kara Jackson Radiate Love In Philly
Originally Published on May 8, 2025 for Rock DNA Magazine Have you ever been to a show where optimism, activism, and fierce, unconditional love were present all at once? Those are exactly the vibes…
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I keep picking at the scab
TW: Talk of suicide, trauma. If you are having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, and need support, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. I keep picking at the scabWhen I thought ending my lifeWas an…
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In This Moment’s Maria Brink: Empowering or Problematic for Metal Front Women?
Originally Published on November 25, 2014 by Samantha Sweeney for Rock On Philly. Women and their bodies are a battleground, subject to extreme criticism, especially in rock music. Last Tuesday night at In This…
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Geoff Downes of YES talks Yestival 2017, Philly, and How He Defines Success
Originally Published August 8, 2017 by Samantha Sweeney for Rock On Philly. Photo by Steve Knight via Flickr. After newly being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past April, progressive…
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Why Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” Is Important and We Should Be Talking About It
Originally Published February 17, 2016 by Samantha Sweeney for Rock On Philly When I first heard “Cherry Wine” on the way to Hozier‘s show at the Trocadero in November 2014, I was struck by…
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Sanctuary
A safe place.A womb a sacred siteTo worship and workOne must create within.To be clergy,And take reins from the rainsThe sand and the dirtOne must first riteAt the altar of the treesAnd right the…
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Rollercoaster
You give me the feelingOf a rollercoaster.That lightness in the pit of my stomachWhere it feels like it’s floatingUp to my sternum. It’s warm and also a little fuzzy,Much like a wine buzzMakes everything…
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Synchronized growth
Two branches growing in tandemLeaning towards the sunInto the rain to catch the best dropsOne half growsAnd the other flowersOne grows leavesThe other brownsThe other turns yellow Then green againOne sprouts a holeFrom an…
Samantha Mae Sweeney 