Interview With Twin Ghost

 

By Netera Landar

What can I say about Twin Ghost that will help you understand the depth of his music? That when you’re in a virtual room with him, you have an instant connection. That he reaches your very soul. 

I think the first time I heard him sing was in Key West’s outdoor venue. That was a long time ago. The song I loved to hear was “Live Again.” The wolves howl in unison. Twin plays the guitar. He is pure magic. I write paranormal fiction in real life, and that always inspired me.

“Once upon a time….

You came to me in a dream

I knew you were… the one

I’ve lived a thousand lives a million times…”

Buy the digital album here (https://twinghost.bandcamp.com/album/live-again). Support Twin and enter his world. You will not be disappointed.

Twin agreed to an interview, which blew me away. When any musician can make time for you, it’s like your birthday and New Year’s wrapped up with a red bow.

Of course, I had to ask him what was the first song that he heard that made him think that’s a hell of a song?

“‘Rubber Band Man’ by the Spinners!” he admitted right away. “I don’t know if 7-year-old me would’ve said, ‘That’s a hell of a song.’ But I did wear out that 45 record! It certainly had an effect on young, Twin! ‘Love’s In Need Of Love Today’ by Stevie Wonder – That’s a hell of a song.”

Then I slipped in, "What is it about music that makes you want to devote your life to it?” 

“Because it’s magic! Creating joy out of thin air is something I will never take for granted,” he said. “When I’m performing, and that energy comes back at me. Man, that’s it! That’s where the magic is!”

Twin added that performing in Second Life is very powerful in that way. That the connection is instant and that this form of energy fuels him in a very positive way while he's playing.

I then asked him about his past. I wanted to know when he learned to play the guitar. If he took lessons or if he was self-taught. 

I learned that Twin’s father bought him a small acoustic guitar when he was 7 or 8 years old. He tried to teach Twin the three chords he knew.

“The word ‘f*ck’ was definitely expressed several times as I failed to make the chords correctly. (laughter),” he told me. “The end result was the guitar collecting dust. When I was around 14 or 15, I bought a bass and an electric guitar and simultaneously formed two bands with two groups of friends. The kids from my neighborhood and the kids from school.”

Twin was a rebel in high school, and he was fortunate to have an important friend during those years. Gary owned a Les Paul Electric Guitar and a guitar amp with distortion. 

“We’re talkin’ life-changing moment here!” Twin admitted. “The first time he handed it to me, it felt like I was being handed the holy grail! I knew my life would be changed forever. Gary was a Rock Star!”

Twin learned a lot from the “cats” he played with over the years. When he turned 17, he signed with Warner Records, released a few albums, and toured the U.S. He was in a hardcore punk band with friends he grew up with. His connection with them continued into his 20s. His life was filled with music, day and night, when he lived with talented artists and musicians.

“It was a very creative time in my life,” he stated. “Living together as a band, practicing all the time, and playing gigs. Some great nights where the band would play for hours, constantly reaching…for what? Who knows! (laughter). But we were all in and fully devoted to the cause. I learned a lot from those kinds of experiences. Good and bad.”

I asked Twin, as a songwriter, which song he is most proud of and what its message is. 

“I think the song most people respond to is ‘Pieces of My Life.” It’s a song about the effectiveness of listening. And perhaps sometimes just being an ear for someone is more fulfilling and useful than words or advice. But really, it’s just a love song.”

Twin admitted that he learned the most about his art during the years he performed in Second Life. Those were his best shows, his fondest memories, and personal musical achievements. He believes that this specific virtual world is where singers and musicians can enjoy live music, develop as artists, and craft their sound and performance. It’s the perfect learning ground because of audience feedback and support.

I asked him what brought him back to Second Life. He’d been gone for a while. 

“Gone, but hopefully not forgotten! (laughter). I certainly did not forget SL. Thought about it nearly every day. Missed it greatly. In short, life happened. But the good news is music heals. What brought me back? Music is meant to be shared (and it was painful keeping it inside). For me, live music is therapy! It has the power to heal both parties when we’re in it together. And that’s what it feels like when I play in SL, like we’re all in it together.”

Twin is booking in Second Life exclusively these days. You can find him on the grid all summer. Join his group to stay informed about his gigs, and head over to his website to purchase an album or two. 

He’s on YouTube and Bandcamp, and you can stream his music on all platforms:

https://www.youtube.com/user/twinghostfilms
https://twinghost.bandcamp.com/

The link to his calendar:
https://tinyurl.com/3xaenmha

Netera Landar
 

Interview With Maestro (Mythrilweaver Atlas)

 

By Netera Landar

You never know who you are going to meet in Second Life. I just happened to attend a political rally where RoseDrop Rust and Justine Johndory were singing. Not only was I impressed by the event, but I also met Maestro, who has incredible talent. I checked out his account on reverbnation.com.

I was lost in his song, “Wicked Thing This Way Comes.” When a song is written well, it takes you away. How far away is up to your imagination. He told me that he wrote the song about 12 years ago and that he’s made some small changes. “Under the quiet of the night, under the moon’s soft glow….” he sings, and you are transported to somewhere dark because of a curse. All is cold. Beware.

I asked him to tell me about the name Konstantin the Mithrilweaver on his ReverbNation account. 

“Well, Konstantin is my last name. Mythrilweaver comes from when I used to make chainmail armor, as the knights wore. I was using aluminum instead of steel because it is lighter to wear. Somebody asked me at a Ren Faire, ‘What is the metal you use?’ Thinking quickly of my love for Tolkien’s writings, like ‘The Hobbit,’ I said, ‘It is mithril,’ since aluminum was almost impossible to refine until the common era, so in the 1400s, it did not exist in the world in the form we know now. And he answered, not expecting that answer, ‘So you fancy yourself a weaver of mithril, do you?’ And I answered, ‘A mithril weaver? Well, me thinks I may just be good, sir.’ “And the rest is history.”

 

In real life, Maestro is a voice actor. He does radio commercials, character voices, and admits that he’s pretty good at imitating accents. 

Maestro began writing country music in 1984. His music was popular in the small Texas town where he’s from. He wrote a song a few years later, which George Jones recorded, and he got paid for it. For a teenager living at home, that was a lot of money. He signed away his rights and later learned that he didn’t receive credit on the album for his lyrics. Maestro said that was not all that uncommon back then. He began writing more Country and Southern Rock songs, and then this year chose to write Soft Rock and Blues.

He’s not sure of the exact number of songs he’s written, but said he has probably written the lyrics to over 200. He records all his own material and released one digital album in 2014.

Having listened to “Wicked Thing This Way Comes,” I had to ask him if he likes writing about the supernatural.

“I like the whole Edgar Allan Poe vibe,” he admitted. “For a while, I got well known for giving performances with a voice and delivery like Christopher Lee’s (the white wizard in The Lord of the Rings), using my newly deeper voice. I like gothic themes and classic monster movies, like Dracula from the 30s, the Wolf Man, from the 50s, and I like the more recent underworld movies, as well.”

Asked what genres he likes to sing, he replied, “I like most kinds of music. Until I was in my thirties, my voice was much higher. I got really sick, and it damaged my vocal cords and lowered my voice a bit. Now, I am a baritone naturally. I have sung in Second Life and recently started singing songs locally.”

Around 2005, Maestro began writing poetry. He also participates in poetry slams and has won more than 30 over the years. 

“I have been performing in the spoken word poetry genre for almost 20 years now. On reverbnation.com, I have been ranked #1 in my genre several times over the years,” he stated.

In terms of performance art, he said. “I’ve gotten some notoriety in the RL poetry scene across America,” he said. “I also do what I call bardics, where I read and sing in the same piece, which makes me fairly unique.”

He also wrote a satirical piece for the opinion section of his local paper. Readers appreciated his wit and encouraged him to focus on it.

When he has free time to come in-world, he enjoys exploring, going to concerts, and visiting friends. 

“I enjoy poetry, socializing, and doing artistic things, like building in SL. I have a massive tower on my mainland in the Horizons area that I modified from its original dimensions,” said Maestro. “I also built an 8-story castle in the air.”

Check out his reverbnation.com page: Konstantin The Mithrilweaver: https://www.reverbnation.com/konstantinmithrilweaver/

 

Netera Landar 

 

1890s Creede, Colorado

 

By Netera Landar

Let’s head into 1890 Creede, Colorado, a role-playing community loosely based on a real town in the Upper Rio Grande Valley in southwestern Colorado, near the headwaters of the Rio Grande River.

First, you should learn about the original town. Henri McKeenan provides the history lesson. She, along with Robby Lock, established 1890 Creede, Colorado, in Second Life. 

“In the mid-1800s, an influx of settlers from New Mexico and homesteaders from the East drove out many of the native, nomadic Ute people. By the 1870s, the area became a tourist destination. Stage services and the Denver & Rio Grande Railway provided a way for eager tourists to enjoy fishing, hot springs, and mining opportunities,” explained McKeenan. 

“In 1890, Nicholas Creede discovered a high-grade silver deposit in the Willow Creek area. Thus, the rush was on. The town’s population quickly swelled to 10,000 – compared to just 850 full-time residents in Mineral County today,” added McKeenan. “Just as Creede was booming, the city of Denver was experiencing legal reform against gambling houses and saloons. As such, many of Denver’s gambling establishments relocated to the central business district of Creede. This vibe has been reproduced in 1890s Creede, Colorado, with the Soiled Dove Saloon and the Silver Mine Hotel.”

Lock and McKeenan created their Moderate/Mature Second Life sim in 2015. Henri said they were discouraged by other Western role-play experiences that involved a hearty helping of drama. They decided to turn their existing sim into a western role-play experience with a no-tolerance policy for drama. They just wanted to have fun. The sim offers the vibe of a booming mining town without gun battles and crime.

Henri said that in February 2024, a Homestead Sim was annexed to the sim in order to create a mining district where residents could explore. 

“The project included a major overhaul of the original sim, which included improvements, such as additional or improved buildings, creation of more immersive experiences, and a touch of whimsy,” she said, adding that mesh has allowed them to do more with less impact.

The Holy Moses Mine is named after the Creede, Colorado, mine during its heyday. Near the mine, you’ll find a mining office, a tent city, and homes. Henri said that tent cities were the first homes for miners until permanent houses could be built.

“Also, there is a mineral water operation, Ute Chief Bottling Company, named after an establishment in Manitou Springs, CO, just west of Colorado Springs. The mineral water is said to cure biliousness,” said Henri.

Next came the Creede Opera House, a newspaper office, an upgraded hotel, and other building upgrades. 

The population increased, as well, and people began attending their weekly dance hall night at the Soiled Dove Saloon, Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. They came to the annual rodeo and the 2-day Fall Festival in an outdoor circus setting with live music, DJs, games, photo opportunities, dancing, and a freak show.

Creede has three real businesses and several for roleplay. Henri said that “real” shopping is across the road from Town Hall. Amori dei Fiori sells household and garden items. Tangerine Studios sells period household items, cabins, and photographs. The Violet Rose is a wedding planning service that also sells wedding jewelry.

As for roleplaying businesses, you’ll find: a general store, barber shop, blacksmith and stable, bath house, Soiled Dove Saloon, Silver Mine Hotel, Post Office, Fancy a Nibble Bakery, The Creede Courier Newspaper Office, Assayer Office, Joe’s Feed & Seed, Chinatown Store & Laundry, Chinatown Opium Den (disguised as a Chinese laundry), Gunsmith (with a Western hat vendor inside), Silver Spur Restaurant and Bar, Medical Clinic, Apothecary Shop and Creede Opera House.

There are no specific storylines at this time. Here’s a glimpse at Creede’s main characters. 

1. Robby Lock - Sheriff of Creede. Originally from Illinois, the son of a Union Colonel. Instead of going to medical school, Sheriff Lock traveled, found his calling after winning a fight in Creede, and was immediately chosen as sheriff by the locals.

 

 2. Henri McKeenan (aka Rev. Henri) is the daughter of French immigrants. She runs the saloon/brothel and is also the minister of the town church. Henri has a unique philosophy: you must take care of a man's physical needs before you can take care of his spiritual needs. She is married to Wylie McKeenan, whom she met when she and her horse and buggy got caught in a sudden snowstorm. He travels between Creede and the Denver area, where he helps on the family ranch near the Wyoming border.

3. Cindy Wellerman - resident of Creede, working under cover for a secret company. Her job is to keep an eye on someone who may or may not have committed a crime. We know she may be from Boston, but we're not sure. 

4. Dr. Raven DuPre' - town physician and veterinarian. Hails from Chicago and was educated in Boston. There she met Henri, who was studying theology. They became fast friends and traveled to Creede together. 

5. White Flower (named "Elizabeth" or "Betty" by her white, adopted family) - White missionaries snatched her from her native home and brought her into Colorado City for "education." Longing for her Ute family, she stole a horse and escaped back up to her village. Knowing the authorities would charge her with stealing a horse, the elders helped her to escape to Denver, where she caught a train to Creede. She participates in the ceremonies of the Ute people, who live peacefully in Creede.

6. Maggie/Mags - a homesteader from out east, Mags was married to a wealthy tyrant known for a cruel temper. He died under mysterious circumstances, and after the legal proceedings, she became a wealthy woman. Mags escaped to Creede, where she's now discovering she’s not the only one hiding secrets!

7. Miss Lindee - also hides a secret or two, mostly about a certain barn that blew up due to one of her steam-engine "experiments." Her father's money and power were used to hush the whole affair, but because of her carelessness, he put Lindee on a train to Denver. She ended up in Creede, where she could work and hide her past. 

8. Caron Parnall - escaped Detroit from a cruel father and cold-hearted mother. With only a carpet bag in hand, she ended up in Creede, CO, where work for young girls was scarce. She became one of the saloon "doves," but then met Joseph "Joe" Parnall, the town's blacksmith. Joseph looked past her employment situation and accepted her as the sweet young woman inside the outer shell. They became husband and wife at a great celebration that included the entire townsfolk. 

An interesting fact is that Henri came up with the idea of Creede Radio. Henri said that music streams come and go, and it’s always hit or miss whether they are active. 

“Robby did some research, and we formed Creede Radio. It is now up to about two weeks of non-stop music, streaming 24/7. Three DJ’s participated in building 2-hour sets of various genres: DJ Caron, DJ Henri, and DJ Una. Each DJ has her own unique style that makes the station rich with diverse genres and sounds,” said Henri.

Follow the station here:

·      In World – http://radio.shoutcheap.com:8320

·      VLC: http://radio.shoutcheap.com: 8320

·      iTunes: http://radio.shoutcheap.com:8320
 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/xFire/89/60/21

 

Netera Landar 

 

Democracy Defenders

 

By Netera Landar

Democracy Defenders' Headquarters.

A virtual world can be a platform for Americans to protect their rights and voice their disapproval. A January 31 event introduced me to Democracy Defenders, a Second Life group established by Lizbeth Portland, with assistance from Monique Travis, in March of 2025.

According to Lizbeth, Democracy Defenders is a grassroots activist group in Second Life committed to protecting the core values of American democracy.

Educating the public through posters.

“In the face of growing political polarization and threats to our freedoms from the destructive and dangerous Trump administration and MAGA, we advocate for civil rights and the protection of democratic institutions, and we work to ensure the continued functioning of a government that serves all citizens,” said Lisbeth. “Through education, mobilization, and direct action, our mission is to empower individuals to take a stand against this traitorous administration and in support of a just, inclusive, and resilient democracy.”

Asked whether the group follows the direction of a real-life Defending Democracy group, Lizbeth replied that it exists only in Second Life. Her group follows real-life groups and movements such as Indivisible, MoveOn, 50501, the Women’s March, and others to stay informed about nationwide actions like No Kings and to stay connected to and engaged in real-life resistance efforts.

RoseDrop Rust performing during the event.

The goal of the “Smashing Fascism” event was to raise awareness in Second Life about resistance to the current administration’s unjust actions and to continue building the in-world coalition of antifascist, pro-democracy resisters. 

Those who attended were encouraged to join two other active resistance groups: Indivisible and Café Resistance. Group joiners for both groups were posted, and Lizbeth encourages those who attended to join all three groups.

“Many people came to Democracy Defenders feeling as though they are alone in Second Life in their opposition to this fascist regime and are happy to learn that there are many others in Second Life who share their world view,” said Lizbeth. 

She added that music brings people together and that, for many years, musicians have addressed the need for social justice. That the event’s artists, Justine Johndory and RoseDrop Rust, were passionate in expressing their anti-MAGA and pro-democracy views, both in what they sang and what they said. This energized the crowd.

A comfortable meeting area in DD Headquarters.

 

Members of Democracy Defenders meet at 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Other events and protests will be scheduled in the future. Lizbeth hopes the multi-group coalition continues to grow and join forces. Organizers of the other two groups are Lorelei.Lavender of Indivisible and Persephone Phoenix of Café Resistance. 

Lizbeth said the groups’ main goals overlap, but they have distinct activities and unique goals. Democracy Defenders is fairly new, while the other two groups are more established. 

Posters promoting freedom of speech.

“Lori and I have spoken about bringing Indivisible and Democracy Defenders together for a combined action, perhaps around the upcoming third ‘No Kings Day’ in March,” said Lizbeth. “We all cross-promote each other’s meetings and events, and we all make efforts to promote and attend the monthly ‘Live Music and Peaceful Protest’ events held by Blue Fox (theblueeyedfox).

I asked Lizbeth why it is so important to voice our opinions/disapproval of the current state of affairs in the U.S.? 

Read and understand the message.

“This lawless, racist, destructive administration is tearing this country apart --  murdering its citizens, terrorizing its neighborhoods, destroying the social safety net – the list goes on and on,” she stated. “If we remain silent, we are complicit in the criminality. We have no choice but to use our voices to speak out against the death of democracy and the rise of fascism. If we do nothing, nothing will ever change. Every action we take against this administration matters, no matter how small we think it may be. Calling our representatives in Congress matters. Taking part in SL resistance groups matters because it supports RL activist efforts. It all matters. And we need everyone to participate because what’s happening affects all of us – not only in the U.S., but around the world.”

Netera Landar
 

The Harmony Hills Community

 

By Netera Landar

 

“Harmony Hills is a place where happiness and serene nature exist in harmony, where the promise of a bright future beckons from beyond. It will be our pleasure to welcome you home.”  ---Harmony Hills organizers

Harmony Hills was founded in July 2024 with a single region. It recently introduced its fifth. All photos courtesy of the Harmony Hills' owner.

A city bus stops in downtown Harmony Hills and then drives down the road. It’s quiet on a Saturday morning. I glance at the Second Life clock and see it’s only 8 a.m. Walking down the sidewalk in this roleplay community, I gaze at the store signs to see which businesses are here. Bloomberry Dolls is the first store on the street. A blue neon light flashes, drawing my attention to the local Video Games hot spot. 

 

Harmony Hills Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are prepared for any emergency.

 

Harmony Hills Hospital is conveniently located in the center of town. Down the street, I see a familiar pancake house. There’s a coffee shop, welcome center, town hall, bowling alley, yoga studio, and fast-food restaurants. That’s only a sample of what’s there.

Riverwalk Coffee House is just one of the many businesses in Harmony Hills.

 

This place feels like home. 

 

Angeliana Claro, the owner of Harmony Hills, founded the community in July 2024 with a single region that included both a residential neighborhood and a commercial district to support local businesses and encourage social interaction. She was responsible for its layout and vision, and a close-knit group of founding residents helped shape the town’s early identity. Town gatherings and seasonal events were hosted, and roleplay moments brought residents together.

Businesses and a new outdoor cafe area in the new region.

The most recent expansion is the addition of a fifth region. Included are horse stables, more town entertainment, commercial buildings, and a suburban living neighborhood.

“My goal was to create a town that felt alive, not just as a collection of rentals, but a place where stories unfold naturally, connections form easily, and residents feel like they belong. We don’t discriminate against anyone, and all are welcome,” Angeliana explained.

She recalled that in the beginning, the team was small. Four months after its development, the first general manager was hired. As Harmony Hills grew, departments and leadership roles were added to support the expanding community.

“Now we proudly have over 30 staff members, several department heads, and managers. All being rockstars to keep operations in Harmony Hills running smoothly,” said Angeliana.

Formal dining is offered at Chateau Noir.

Asked how the community has evolved, she replied that it’s grown significantly in size, structure, and depth. More regions have been added, more homes and businesses, and a wider range of roleplay opportunities, while still keeping the small-town feel. A number of residents play specific roles, such as police, fire, business owners, or town staff. They can participate whenever they want. New residents introduce fresh narratives.

She stated that interaction and connection are the core goals. Friendships grow naturally from shared experiences, but the focus is on meaningful engagement, storytelling, and community involvement.

“Today, Harmony Hills is home to a thriving and active population. We have roughly 200 residents. Many residents have stayed long-term, while others have moved on, often leaving lasting stories and memories behind,” she said.

A recent Paint & Sip Event.

Regular events are hosted 4 to 5 times a week, including town gatherings, department-based roleplay, seasonal celebrations, and natural story-driven events. Past events have included a classic car show, town hall meetings, a bowling tournament, trick or trivia, Oktoberfest, Fall Fair, Fall Masquerade Ball, Harvest Fest, Paint & Sip Event, Valentine’s Day Prom, Mother’s Day Brunch, and the grand opening of Old Dublin Pub.

Harmony Hills even has a newspaper. Jewels Munro and Tay O’Malley-Munro both report on what’s happening so residents can keep informed. 

Harmony Hills Town Hall.

In terms of real estate, Harmony Hills offers a variety of homes, from modest residences to larger family properties. Angeliana said that prices are fair and the town offers something for everyone. 

 

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/London%20Square/106/146/24 

 

Netera Landar