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November 14, 2020

Zantok Plays! – NieR:Automata (Review)

Hello everyone, and welcome to what will hopefully be a recurring feature here on jfrahm.com that I am calling Zantok Plays.

What does Zantok Plays mean? Well, simply put, it’s when I (Zantok) play a new game and write a review about it! I should mention that this doesn’t mean the games I write about will necessarily be new. It just has to be a game I’ve never played before, so if I ever get around to playing Earthbound it just might be featured here. I also want to just mention at the top here that I’ve never written a review before, be it for games or anything else, so this should be interesting! I have a few ideas on how I’d like to handle some things, but we might see some aspects of this evolve over time.

November 14, 2020

Smashtopia: Midna (Episode 32)

Zantok and Jonno visit their moveset workshop to take on Twilight Princess’ titular imp, Midna, in their first character Smashtopia of the year!

November 14, 2020

On Topic: Mining, Crafting, & Smashing (Episode 31)

Steve & Alex have dug their way into the fray! Zantok and Jonno share their thoughts on Minecraft breaking into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in this latest On Topic. They also share musings on the Fighters Pass as a whole, including fresh predictions on who the remaining DLC characters may be. Super Cast Bros. is a podcast series established by two super fans of the Super Smash Bros. franchise.

November 2, 2020

Weekly Roundup: October 25 – 31, 2020 (or, “Passions”)

It’s only been two months since I’ve lasted posted a “weekly” roundup and, hey, that’s better than five. In a year where one day seems to go on for three eternities and three seconds all at once, I’m cutting myself some slack—and crossing my fingers that we’ll all survive this dystopian nightmare long enough to make making them actually be weekly into a New Year’s resolution.

November 2, 2020

Lister Potter III Begins New Gaming Series, ‘Zantok Plays’, on ‘jfrahm.com’

Lister Potter III’s collaboration with jfrahm.com is set to expand! 15 months following the beginning of our Super Cast Bros. podcast odyssey, Lister’s latest venture sees him reviewing video games in a blog format. Entitled Zantok Plays, these reviews will be produced with no set schedule in mind. Whenever Lister has finished a game that he feels strongly enough about to write about, a new Zantok Plays will be born. We’re looking forward to this latest joint venture and working it into our overarching collaboration alongside Super Cast Bros. and more!

October 19, 2020

Smash or Dash: Great Tiger vs. Bald Bull & Funky Kong vs. Chunky Kong (Episode 30)

It’s an attack of the clones as Zantok and Jonno decide between two sets of characters! Should Funky or Chunky echo DK in the Smashscape? Is it Great Tiger or Bald Bull who will win this title match? Find out in this iteration of Smash or Dash!

October 19, 2020

Smashtopia: Stage Showcase! (Episode 29)

From obscure first-party gems like Pandora’s Tower to third party surprises like Dead by Daylight, Jonno and Zantok dig deep while sharing ideas for their first Stage Showcase!

September 12, 2020

On Topic: Out of Smash – Pokemon Memories (Episode 28)

Hello, Year Two! The second season is off to a whirling start with an On Topic that sees Lister and Jonathan “Out of Smash” for the first time. Here, they discuss their Pokemon memories – of games, anime, merchandise, and more. Join us for this trip down memory road. Featuring, for the first time, visual presentation and a smashing jingle!

September 7, 2020

Weekly Roundup: August 31 – September 5, 2020 (or, “The Revival”)

Well, it’s only been five months since I’d last posted a “weekly” roundup. That’s pretty on brand at this point, right?

In these times of COVID-19, time as a concept seems as nebulous as it does immemorial. Seriously, some days I wake up and still wonder if it’s June. Yet, the clock does still keep ticking in the same 12-rung, twice-a-day cycle that it always has. There have still been some landmark moments here and there that recall that place some semblance of rigidity back into the monthly calendar. A lot of it, in 2020 fashion, hasn’t been good. In an at-home dosage of bad news, my mini-dachshund of 14 years, Twinkie, passed away in June.

August 31, 2020

Smash or Dash: Tournament of Champions (Episode 27)

Wrapping up the first year of Super Cast Bros. is Zantok and Jonno’s Tournament of Champions. Herein, every previous Smash or Dash winner clashes head-on! Who will rise as their champion of champions? Character lineup: Octoling, Mach Rider, Ganon, Marshal, Zero, Toad, Ashley, Edelgard, Black Shadow, Decidueye, Shantae, Scorpion, Takamaru, Midna, Savvy Stylist, and Spider-Man!

Working with Jonathan Frahm on editorial projects has consistently been a joy. His enthusiasm for the music world and covering it in the best, most correct light is unprecedented. He’s a true wordsmith with a real knack for writing quality, thought-provoking pieces, and his correspondence has never been anything short of super friendly, extremely timely, and just all-around awesome. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more fervent purveyor of up-and-coming music.

John Riccitelli

Publicist

From our first e-mail contact to present day, Jonathan has consistently been a source for quality writing–every byline lends itself to a thoughtful, well-crafted piece regardless of length. Jonathan has also proven that he is able to meet challenging deadlines without sacrificing his end product. However buried in work he might be, Jonathan has always displayed excellent communication skills as I’ve never felt ignored or passed over in any of our correspondence. As a publicist, he’s one of a select few contacts that I can consider a friend (he’s very easy-going, even in otherwise-stressful situations), and someone I can count on at a moment’s notice to not only get the job done, but get the job done well. As a writer, Jonathan is the total package of both talent and sheer hard work.

Frank Keith IV

Baby Robot Media

Jonathan is an excellent journalist and writer who has a knack of bringing up-and-coming talent to the spotlight. An artist you may have just heard of at the beginning of the article or interview will seem like someone you’ve heard of for years by the end of it. A consummate professional and an even better human being, Jonathan makes the work environment a great place to be and brings a passion and heart to his job.

Jamie Alimorad

Singer-Songwriter

It’s been a pleasure getting to know & work with Jonathan over the years. Not only is he knowledgeable about a wide variety of music, but his appreciation and passion for the arts shine through in each piece. He’s consistent, reliable, and his ability to dig deep into each story is invaluable.

Sarah Bennett

IVPR

Sometimes the back and forth between a writer and a publicist (in the lead up to a feature) can be so mechanical, but Jonathan has always made it so warm and personal. He puts so much love into what he writes, and always leaves my artists (and I) feeling seen. His writing is so thoughtful, and he seems to really value connecting with people through music and sharing that love. He’s a true gem and a joy to work with—always.

Caitlin Pasko

Drunken Piano

Jonathan brings to life to whatever content he explores. His personal writing style shows true understanding of the greater musical landscape and he continues to impress us all with his ability to articulate the nebulous soul of the music about which he writes. As a presenter and curator, he brings his vigor and zest into event creation and promotion. I’d consider him a valued asset as a part of any creative team.

Nicholas Horner

Singer-Songwriter

Jonathan Frahm is an extremely knowledgeable writer that obviously has a deep-seated love for music and is always a joy to work with.

Rachel Hurley

Baby Robot Media

Working with Jonathan has been a pleasure. His passion for writing is palpable and it shows in his work. He has written bios and press materials for my work and it’s always a breeze having to work with him for further edits, etc. – until I was satisfied.

Melissa Polinar

Singer-Songwriter

Jonathan Frahm is an avid music listener who makes his presence known online as well as at your shows. He is a brilliant writer who is clever, honest, and knows just how to capture the essence of a performance or illuminate the subtle trappings of the artists he writes about.

Jacob Acosta

Singer-Songwriter

Jonathan Frahm is one of the most responsible, conscientious and timely music journalists I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s always consistent and steadfast with deadlines, and there are never any loose ends. His passion is unwavering and he’s always forthright about what content & information he needs to push for any given piece at a time. Jonathan always gets the story right and leaves nothing to be desired. An extraordinary talent!

Bobby Cleveland

Baboy Robot Media

Jonathan is an excellent writer and very knowledgeable of the music scene here in southern Arizona (and I suspect beyond as well). As a performer, I take note when a journalist really ‘gets’ a subject, and his research and attention to accuracy, as well as his enjoyable writing style, make him a standout at his craft.

Wally Lawder

Singer-Songwriter

We needed some assistance with our band bio, and Jonathan did an amazing job putting it all together! He is creative, pleasant to work with, and was happy to make revisions until it was just right. We would not hesitate to call on his writing expertise in the future!

Maria Francis & Jeff Overbo

Silver Lake 66

Jonathan is an incredible music writer whose passion for the art shines through his articles. He is honest in his work, decisive and focused on giving the best review he can. His articles are also diverse, eclectic, and are always on the cutting edge on music trends. It is always a pleasure to work with Jonathan.

Michael Odokara-Okigbo

Singer-Songwriter

Working with Jonathan on pieces for PopMatters has been an absolute pleasure. He’s well versed in a wide variety of genres and always open to checking out emerging artists. He’s timely, friendly, and professional. I’d recommend Jonathan to any publication looking to expand their writing team with someone who is driven to create great content across a diverse range of musical styles.

Michelle King

Noisy Ghost PR

I’ve worked with Jonathan Frahm on multiple pieces of coverage for my artists — in each case, he’s done a wonderful job in thoroughly grasping what each artist and project was working to accomplish and the message they were trying to convey, as well as the intricacies that make each of them what they are. Ensuring these pieces of the puzzle are properly communicated is the most important part of my job, and it’s lovely how Jonathan does so with ease. He’s always professional and friendly, as well, which is appreciated and noticed by everyone who frequently interacts with him.

Sarah Frost

Publicist

Jonathan is the gold standard when it comes to writers and editors. While we’ve never met in person, Jonathan has an innate ability to build personal, professional and close relationships with all those he joins forces with and my various teams and coworkers all sing his praises. Responsive, thorough, passionate and creative, I’ve been incredibly impressed with the detail paid to his work, his sense for great music and evolution as a wordsmith through the years. The same way he pours his whole heart and attention into his features, he does for all of our interactions, making them enjoyable and fun. I consider him a friend in what’s an otherwise tough and unforgiving business and implicitly trust his discretion, feedback and perspective with my roster.

Brittany Brave

Brittany Brave PR

Jonathan’s a superbly talented writer—not to mention a solid, reliable, standup guy. The total package. My experience working/collaborating with him over the past few years has been a joy from day one. His passion is unparalleled and his unique perspective on music is always illuminating. It’s clear he gives his all to each and every article/story he pens. Jon’s future is deservedly bright and I look forward to our continued work together.

Mike Kundrath

HIP Video Promo

Jonathan is such a joy to work with—a true music fan with a deep understanding of multiple genres. He’s detail-oriented, a fantastic writer, and our artists are always pleased with the interviews and features he facilitates.

Maria Ivey

IVPR

Jonathan is an excellent writer who is genuinely passionate about music. He is also a very efficient and timely communicator and it’s always a pleasure working with him!

Alex Haager

Public Display PR

Working with Jonathan is always a pleasure! Between his eloquent and nuanced writing and his deep understanding of the canon of American music, he truly captures the spirit of my artists’ work in his language. Personally, I never have to worry if Jonathan will come through with something promised, and his messages are always so timely and cheerful. What more could you ask for?

Ever Kipp

Tiny Human

Jonathan is an incredible writer with a genuine dedication to his craft. One of the main reasons I enjoy working with him so much is because of his passion for the music and artists that he covers. Not many people go the extra mile to produce a feature that shines a light on both veterans and undiscovered acts, but Jonathan always goes one step further. He consistently responds in a timely manner, and makes working together feel like we’ve known each other for years.

Paul Corsi

Green Light Go