I would like to introduce you all to Astin Rocks! She is an amazingly talented, inspiring filmmaker, musician, and host. She created an incredible web series called “Real Fakes”. Recently, I received the opportunity to interview her! Check it out below!

Where are you from?

Raised in Atlanta, GA! The SWATS, to be exact. With family and roots in MS.

What sparked your interest in filmmaking?

I’ve always been inspired by visual storytelling. I loved a good book, but seeing a story play out in front of your eyes was something I’ve wanted to be a part of since childhood. I made my first film in 10th grade and then went to Temple University for film and media arts.

Tell us about your web series, “Real Fakes”, and what it entails.

Real Fakes is a semi-autobiographical workplace comedy about a college girl working in a counterfeit handbag store. We see all she wants is to get off early enough to party, but not before suffering her money-hungry boss Milo and her brand-addicted and racially insensitive customers.

When it comes to creating films, what is something that is always at the forefront of your mind when thinking about the stories you want to put out into the world and the messaging you want to convey?

My two most important facets: emotions + humor.

Honestly, sometimes I’m embarrassed about how I feel. At the time of writing RF, I was deep in my misanthropy. But I didn’t want to wallow in it. Instead, I wanted to make light of what’s bothering me. I found that humor, or better yet, irony, is the best way for me to convey exactly what’s grinding my gears. And at that time, it was the intersection of racism and materialism under the same roof with fake-branded bags. Like, the nerve!

But when I found the lightness, I could find the rhythm, then the format. My goal then was to also utilize that opportunity to start some hard conversations in the present based on some very awkward moments from my past.

Let’s get into music for a bit! You are part of an amazing band called Thee BLK Pearl! For those who may be unfamiliar, what type of genre does your band’s music fall into, and what has that experience been like for you thus far?

Oh wow! Thank you! Thee Blk Pearl is a punk band with a whooole lotta soul. Starting the band is easily one of my top two life decisions ever made. It’s super fun. Going back to my last answer about approaching writing, my band has allowed me to get a lot more vulnerable. My songs are funny, but the anger still packs a visceral punch.

As a fellow creative myself, I know that we all experience some days that are more challenging than others. Creating anything is hard work, especially when trying to bring visions to life with all the intricate details. During those challenging moments, how do you keep yourself going?

That’s a tough one. To be honest, I give gratitude to the people I keep around me because they always have a word to keep me going. Even upon RF’s release, the women in my corner encouraged me to remember what’s important. To remember my why and to take breaks when I need to. Know this about me: I prioritize rest, and I don’t miss sleep. So when it’s challenging to keep going, I take a moment to breathe—maybe color in one of my coloring books, take a walk in my favorite park, get lost in the farmer’s market, or call my favorite cousin. And then I get back to it.

When you’re not busy working, how are you practicing self-care and pouring into yourself?

Ha! I kind of answered that. But as a continuation, I remember two mantras: “I can do hard things.” “Time isn’t real.” The reminders allow me to slow down.Re-calibrate without judgement. Remember, you’re on your own time, and everyone
is waiting for you, but not on you. Fill your cup before theirs.

When it comes to women and our women’s community, what would you like to see more of?

More?? I think, if anything, what I do see people demanding more are workshops over seminars, and that I agree on. So much more comes from hands-on learning than from empty girlboss sister circles. And something that I saw more in my teens and 20s was intergenerational gathering and support. Maybe I’m missing it, but I don’t see many of us reaching back to the youngins anymore. And I get it—maybe they think they know everything. Hell, we did too! But I sense a disconnect forming between the generations that I think we should latch. Otherwise, inclusivity and intersectionality are in great standing.

Share any websites, social media handles, and how we can connect with you and your work!

ME!: www.whyastrinrocks.com | @whyastinrocks on IG, twitter & FB

RF: therealfakeseries.com | youtube.com/realfakes | IG @therealfakeseries

Thee BLK Pearl: https://theeblkpearl.bandcamp.com/album/2-22 | IG: @theeblkpearl

Thank you so much Astin!

Photo Credit:

Headshot Photographer: IG: @phyllis.iller (Melissa Alexander)

BTS: Glenn Callwood