Boston-based media company Boston Compass Newspaper (BCN) announces debut web series “Defining Leadership: An Artist Interview Project.”

Since its inception in 2010, the Boston Compass Newspaper (BCN) has developed from a 1-page zine listing underground music shows to an 8-page paper featuring comics, articles, and art. The publication has always been about uniting underground art communities, and bringing people together in person.  When the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, we were forced to reckon with the safety of our community, and underwent a heroic effort to create an online space for our content. Last year we launched a blog, a new brand, and an online calendar application, and this year we are excited to launch our first ever web series!

An artist-centered interview series, by artists for artists

“Defining Leadership: The Artist Interview Project” continues our dedication to artist-centered endeavors, exploring larger topics within the creative community through the microcosm of in-depth artist interviews. The series creator Pauline Kaba describes it as “a series dedicated to presenting the untold story of the untraditional creative, the soul who leads by example and thereby redefines the meaning of leadership, through challenging society’s limitations on creativity.” The artists selected for this series are creative leaders that she has encountered throughout her own journey as an artist. 

Having connected with Pauline at multiple community events and actions, we have come to know her as a passionate, powerful leader who speaks up and creates space for voices that are typically sidelined. Thus we are proud to lend our platform and assistance to this series. Our founder Sam Potrykus commends this shift in our focus  “In 2010 it was just me, a xerox machine and a music scene. 11 years later it’s a team effort that has adapted to meet the needs of the moment with skills beyond my punk rock roots”. BCN is excited to boost the narrative of artists as leaders, not just in their art, but in every aspect of society. We believe it is important to create space for conversations around how and why artists show up in community, through the voices and stories of emerging artists. 

Be part of the conversation!

The first season will consist of three artist interviews, approximately 25 minutes each, released every other week starting in mid April. Each interview is accompanied by a larger theme which BCN will explore through the chosen artist’s journey and perspective. The first two artists and their respective theme are listed below.

1. Stefanie D. Belnavis - “Accessing One’s Creative Health”

Through Stefanie’s interview we explore the importance of understanding one’s creative self (body, soul, and mind) and how to practice self care through prioritizing that self.

2. Chrystian Dennis - “Diving Headfirst” 

With Chrystian, we explore emotional intelligence and receptivity, as well as trauma responses and fluidity in creative relationships. 



The first episode of Defining Leadership was released on April 21th, 2021. Subscribe to BCN’s Youtube Channel, SoundCloud and Instagram/Twitter to join the conversation! You can also RSVP to the Facebook Event to receive real time updates on the series.