Kitting Out for the Samuraipunk Apocalypse
AI-generated Content, Old Skool Cyberpunk fiction (free) & Taiwanese Folk Metal
Honored samurai, ruthless ronin, wayward vagabonds, shadowy ninja and helpless villagers... welcome.
Opening Volley
While I’m keeping this week’s newsletter short (sorry, contest deadline approaches), I am NOT skimming on content. I really feel that this week has some top-notch work, so I’m just going to get “write” to it. Load up for the apocalypse with some ace work (below) from some fine people.
Main Event
Wrote about Wombo’s Dream app a few issues back and anyone who follows me on social media knows I have a deep love for AI. This week, an entry near and dear to my heart because not only does it feature AI art, music and fiction, but it’s hosted by, not one, but TWO, Japan immigrants (Bram Stoker-nominee Theresa Matsuura and Rich Pav) like myself... Uncanny Robot Stories. I’m not normally a podcast person, but I enjoyed URS and I’m contemplating submitting something myself.
Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgdzFk8yoR1pQp2HpHArrgA
Of course, this newsletter is not complete without free fiction. This week, I bring you “Hagfire” by S.C. Jensen — “a Canadian fiction writer, sci-fi enthusiast, and literary advocate. At least, that’s what her replicant ID states. She lives on the windswept prairies with her husband, three children, and various fuzzy friends. When she's not writing, she can be found trying to avoid mosquitoes, sunburn, and/or frostbite in the great outdoors while waiting, somewhat impatiently, for the singularity.”
“Hagfire” is a tale of dystopian drug addiction and corporate greed. It’s chilling on a level that borders psychological horror. Get reading! (Click image.)
Finally, this little gem is one I stumbled up just this week. The aesthetics are part Thunderdome, part RPG, all kickass. The only thing disappointing about this vocaless 2:51 is it’s short running time. I would be down for a full 15 minutes. Put it on in the background and let it work its magic on me. Guess it’s time to put up or shut up... Take My Money!
Nini’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUUIp1k0tywKM1oGMkkuFvw
Tons of videos, don’t miss her haunting rendition of “Paint It Black”
We never meet without parting
Next issue...
Until then!
Made in DNA
For MOAR free fiction and a little bit of craziness: https://campsite.bio/madeindna