Something, in Greenpoint, That’s Not Autumn Blevins: Mayteana Morales and David Bailis, the Band known as Walk Talk.

This article is being reprinted with permission.

There is one image that dominates Greenpoint, Brooklyn, these days. It is a poster of a spoiled child, with her arms crossed in front of her chest, sneering in front of the camera. A look of such condescension and annoyance that it almost defies belief. That is because this girl, only twelve years old, is the star of a children’s television show, which is filmed not far from here. A show about a group of child snitches that has garnered such popularity that it challenges one’s faith in the next generation.

If you have not guessed the identity of this child actress by now, you must not live here. In that case, you are somewhat lucky. You will have missed the meteoric rise of an actress that continues to dominate the conversation. A rapid ascension that seemed to occur overnight. In fact, this actress was virtually unknown almost a year ago. The only film role to her name was a crude horror movie, along with some cereal and toothpaste commercials. That changed when she was bullied in school, allegedly the bullying occurred when another student found out she had learning disabilities.

Ever since that time, Autumn Blevins has been everywhere (and certainly all around the city). Just last week, Autumn was in the middle of Times Square, singing one of her songs (she sings now too). And the week before that, she was featured in the New York Times Magazine. Further, she appears in countless commercials and sponsors numerous products. Also, lest I forget, she received a prominent role in that animated dinosaur movie released last year.

This over saturation of an actress with limited talents is exhausting, to say the least. However, there is evidence that even Autumn realizes her lack of acting ability. For instance, she now “interviews” children with learning and developmental disabilities on her Instagram. Autumn claims she wants to spread awareness and to educate others on the neurodiverse community (or exploit them in other words).

The emergence of Autumn Blevins is evident everywhere one turns. It’s almost preferable to stay indoors with phone and laptop turned off. There is an alternative option, though, that will ease one’s anxieties. A band that has been producing liberating music in Brooklyn for a couple of years now.

Walk Talk, composed of Mayteana Morales and David Bailis, along with other musicians, combines genres to create truly rhythmic and powerful songs. There are plenty of tunes worth listening to on their new album, like Motherload and 100 Ways. The band also plays regularly at the Ponyboy and the Paper Daisy (among countless other venues in the city). This group of talented artists deserve more attention and recognition for the work they have produced.

This article is a tie-in to the novel, Special Friends. Link to Chapter 9 is available here (all preceding chapters are also included).

Link: https://baltimoreraven87.medium.com/being-special-chapter-9-415c313d1d11