Citywide Blackout

Citywide Bytes—Murders in a small town in Maggie Giles’ new book

For this episode, we’re taking a trip to the town of Cedar Plains, just a quiet place where not a lot happens…except for murder….a lot of it. Joining me is author Maggie Giles for her soon-to-be-released novel, “The Art of Murder.”

Maggie talks about the town of Cedar Plains, the real-life inspiration behind its creation and how the murders rock the quiet community. She shares the dichotomy of main characters Courtney Faith and Alexa Huston and how one accidental murder takes Alexa down a dark path. One theme of the book is if murder can be justified if it targets the deserving, and we talk about how this helps shape the story.

Michael Bland closes out his trilogy with “The Price of Freedom”

In 2020, author Michael Bland introduced is to Dray Quintero and his fight for freedom in “The Price of Safety.” Now, he’s bringing that story to a close with his final book in the trilogy, “The Price of Freedom.” Here’s a look at the story:

It’s 2047. The rebellion has been crushed. The Agency is reestablishing control. 

Rebel leader Dray Quintero languishes in his cell, struggling against his captors' manipulations. His daughter Raven's cries torment him at night. He has doomed them both. 

In this interview, Michael talks about the events that have brought us to this moment. He shares Dray’s growth as a character and if he’s wound up in the place where Michael thought he would. Michael talks about growing the story from one novel to three, and how he mapped out the trilogy.

Michael is far from done when it comes to writing and talks about the possibility of a spin-off or two. We go into his books being nominated or presented with more awards than we can count in one episode, and just what else lies in store.

Citywide Bytes—Holy Roller on the road to Boston Calling

This interview is a unique one, because the next guest on Citywide Bytes isn’t calling from the studio or their home, they’re on road, and among the stops will be Boston Calling.

Brady Heck and Rebekah Rafferty of the band Holy Roller join me to talk about how it feels to be back on the road after a month away and their upcoming performance at Boston Calling on May 23. We talk about their set and which Boston Calling bands they’re looking forward to seeing.

Rebekah and Brady share their origin stories of the band, as well as how the style has evolved since their 2019 album, “Holy Roller.” And of course, we go into what’s to be expected down the road.

Closing out this episode is the single “Flat Track Fire,” from the band’s 2024 album, “Good Religion.”

Rebuilder ready to take the stage at Boston Calling

From Dropkick Murphys to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the punk band Rebuilder has some memorable times on stage — and later this month, they’ll be making some new memories when they play at Boston Calling.

Sal Ellington (vocals, guitar) joins us to talk about what’s in store for their set, and the bands he’s looking forward to seeing. We talk about their times with the Murphys and Bosstones and other story-worthy shows they’ve done.

Sal talks about being nominated multiple times for Best Punk Band in Boston by the Boston Music Awards and how it felt to win. He shares the band’s origin story, their most recent release, “Local Support,” as well as what’s planned for later this year.

Closing out this episode is the song “One Hundred Days,” our personal favorite from “Local Support.”

Snacktime goes from Rittenhouse to Boston Calling

From their early days performing free shows in Philly’s Rittenhouse Square, the seven-piece band Snacktime has come a long way, and on May 25, they’ll take the stage at Boston Calling to bring a truly amazing sound to the city.

Band founder and sousaphone/bass player Sam Gellerstein joins us to talk about their formation in the summer of 2020 and making their mark on Philadelphia’s music scene. Sam shares what folks can expect at their Boston Calling show, and some of their recent (and upcoming) highlights as a band. 

Sam talks about the band’s new single “Sunshine” and the story behind it, as well as how they grew into their current musical style. We talk origin stories, what folks can expect in the future, and the impact the band has made over the last five years.

Closing out the show is the new single, “Sunshine,” an upbeat tune with a great message.

Ben Chou at the 2024 PAX East

As PAX East returns this weekend, we’re sharing some interviews done at the 2024 PAX East by Ben Chou.

In this episode, Ben talks with Jim Fitzpatrick for his first game, Mission to Planet Hexx! Ben speaks with Jim about his path as a game creator and journey of developing his game, Mission to Planet Hexx!

Following this, Ben chats with Scott "Doeboy" Doe, local Twitch streamer, musician, Esports commentator and retro game enthusiast. Doeboy talks about the passions and experience of the gaming and entertainment industry as well as his experience at PAX as an attendee and a presenter during PAX's 20th anniversary. 

In the final interview for the 2024 PAX East, Ben talks with Brandon "IamBPala," local Twitch streamer, YouTuber from New Hampshire and professional video tech specialist. Ben talks with Brandon about the game industry, gaming and experiences at PAX over the years, in particular at Pax East as PAX celebrates its 20 years of existence. 

Writer brings military life into debut novel

Jeremy D. Baker is a former US Army counterintelligence agent and combat veteran. He’s served alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan and is a PTSD survivor. Over the past 20 years, his work in national security has focused on intelligence, counterterrorism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, climate risk and resilience, and cybersecurity.

That experience was an integral part in the writing of his debut novel, “The Guilty Sleep,” out in print, e-book and audiobook this May. Here’s a look at the story:

Afghanistan vet Dexter Grant is broke, reeling from PTSD, and on the verge of divorce when he's approached by his old Army buddies to help rescue their former interpreter, the man who once saved Dex's life. It means ripping off a vicious queenpin's drug proceeds — but not to worry, they have it all worked out. And if anyone can pull it off, it’s Dex’s former team lead, Staff Sgt. Saenz. 

Tempted by an easy score that could make his own problems disappear and imbued with new purpose, Dex agrees to play his part. But just as in combat, the best-laid plans don’t survive first contact with the enemy. When the heist goes off the rails, Dex’s wife and daughter become targets for bloody revenge. Dex must face down his spiraling inner darkness and call on all his strength and training to save his girls. In his quest, he'll learn there was much more to this heist than he ever imagined. 

Jeremy holds nothing back as he talks about how his time in the Army and working with the government helped shape his protagonist and the story itself. He talks about the elements he sought to avoid, so as to keep the story more authentic. He also goes into how writing helped him deal with the challenges he faces today.

His book has received a lot of advance praise, including Lee Child, who called it “A terrific debut—fast, tough and hard, shot through with hard-won authenticity and deep humanity.” Jeremy shares his reaction to this and how, as an author, it feels to receive such high praise.

Jeremy is an avid reader and name-drops quite a bit, which of course leads us to ask about his favorite authors and dream collaborations. He’s a big horror fan and we go into a potential shift to this genre and the type of book he’d like to write. And naturally, we talk about a potential future for Dexter Grant in other stories.   

Citywide Bytes—Josh Mendoza crosses genres, dimensions in new book

Writer/director Josh Mendoza is already well known in the world of film, and he’s used those skills to create his debut novel, “Shadow of the Eternal Watcher.” Here’s a look at the story:

Lately, Duster Raines has started seeing an alternate version of reality where he leads a life of importance, wealth, and power. Visions so vivid they seem more real than the life he lives as a PI, scrounging the gutters of Los Angeles for an easy buck. It’s enough to drive anyone insane.

Pulled into a missing persons case he never wanted, Raines finds himself framed and hunted by the government. But as he searches for answers to clear his name, he discovers a truth he never could have imagined. He possesses the ability to bend spacetime to accomplish incredible feats. With these powers, maybe he’s got a shot at the life he deserves. There’s only one problem standing in his way—the other Duster Raines.

Josh and I talk about what inspired this blend of science fiction and LA film noir and how the two sides came together. He shares the background of Duster Raines and how he adapts from being a down-on-his-luck PI to a reality-crossing being with reality-warping powers.

Mendoza is the founder of Strike the Sun Entertainment, and we talk about going from the realm of script writing—where brevity is key—to the wide-open spaces of novels. He shares the revision process, plans for a sequel and maybe, just maybe, a film adaptation.

Falsely Accused walks new ground with “Unbroken”

From playing shows to being recognized by WBUR, the Boston trio Falsely Accused has been on the move, and with their new EP, “Unbroken,” they pack a lot into five songs. Band members Mike Azzolino, Matt Tavano and Mark Young talk about the new elements from their last release, “Compression,” and how their music has grown since the 2021 album.

We go into the different places the band has played at and what’s on their musical bucket list. Mike, Matt and Mark give us the band’s history, and their time working with Kennedy Studios in Burlington, Massachusetts. We talk about being on WBUR’s “14 NE musicians to listen to this winter” list, how they’ve grown the band since they first formed and what we can expect down the road.

Closing out this episode is “Witches” from the new EP, and you should definitely check it out.

Citywide Bytes—Explore the dark depths with “Fear of the Deep”

Let’s face it—the ocean is a damn nightmare and our next guest gives us one more reason to stick to shore. Joining us is Julie Hiner for her new book, “Fear of the Deep” out through Torrid Waters, an imprint of Crystal Lake Publishing. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Bailey, a lifeguard with a heavy metal heart and a Jack Daniel's addiction, has long avoided the deep sea since a haunting accident. San Diego's sunny shores provide a facade of normalcy, where her nights are drowned in music and whiskey, and her days are spent keeping a safe distance from the ocean's grasp. 

But the sea has a way of claiming what it wants. The discovery of a woman's body, marked by peculiar and familiar blue marks, washes up on the beach, forcing Bailey to confront the fears she's been running from. Deep beneath the waves, something sinister lurks, a nightmare born from genetic engineering gone awry. As Bailey delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a web of horror and science fiction, where sea creatures of the darkest depths become terrifyingly real.

Sounds terrifying, right? Well, Julie has a lot to talk about, as we explore Bailey’s character and just what happened to keep her on land as much as possible, and what brings her back to the deep. We talk monsters and other works that helped inspire “Fear of the Deep.”

Julie shares what it was like working with Torrid Waters and Crystal Lake Publishing and creepy-as-hell cover that was made for the book. We also explore what’s next and if this deep sea horror story is one Julie will return to someday.