Episode ten marks the finale of season one with our interviewer Habib William Kherbek who curated this season’s interviewees. Our guest this week is the multi-faceted, creative practitioner, Taylor Le Melle.

Originally from the United States, Taylor currently resides in the UK. They are a writer, organiser, curator, producer, and the publisher and editor at PSS, a micro-publishing press.

In conversation with Habib, Taylor discusses “The Virosexuals” by Orion J Facey, a recently published sci-fi novel set in a dystopian Manchester, UK, in 2080.

The book explores themes of self-discovery, Afro-futurist queer subcultures, excess, trauma, healing, and action. It tells a story of a new STI - a computer virus with physical effects directly linked to the brain with no known cure. It reflects on the algorithmic enclosure of choices, the nature of reality, and the coercion of software.

Taylor highlights the cinematic quality of the book and its exploration of the intertwining of pleasure, ecstasy, and terror. Orion’s interests in various philosophies, transcendental, religious, and spiritual texts are also touched upon. Taylor raises the question of what actions readers might feel permitted to take after engaging with the book.

Beyond publishing, Taylor’s diverse interests include curating, writing, producing, herbalism, and researching nutritional links to moods and emotions. They discuss biohacking through teas and honeys, understanding the blood-brain barrier, and enhancing the nervous system through singing and vibration healing. Taylor also writes book reviews and is currently working on a novel, with Orion serving as a mentor.

Taylor co-founded a film cooperative with friends, emphasising the importance of community and cooperation for survival, especially in the demanding environment of London. They no longer work for entities outside the cooperative, challenging the notion of critical distance and the taboo of working with friends. Taylor advocates for collaboration with emotionally invested individuals.

Taylor Le Melle served as a Jerwood Writer-in-Residence in 2018 and curated the “boundary+gesture” exhibition at Wysing Arts Centre in 2019, exploring themes of personhood and property.

Creatrix Pod is presented by Claire Zakiewicz for Creatrix Magazine.