Citywide Blackout

Jon Merz talks production studios and acting in “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

My next guest is someone I’ve known for a long time, so it surprised me to realize he’d never been on the show before. Well, that just gives us a lot to cover, doesn’t it?

 

Actor/writer/model Jon Merz and I talk about opening the doors to Ten 21 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a full-service company that does demo reel scenes, book trailers, script work and a lot more. We talk about the decision to launch his own company and some of the folks they’ve been working with. We touch briefly on his latest project, an adaptation to his successful vampire book series, and will do a deeper dive in a future episode.

 

Jon’s acted for many years and perhaps his biggest milestone to date was his role in the Whitney Houston biopic, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” We talk about being around some of the biggest names working today and how he prepared for his role. This May, he’ll be taking the stage in “Hunting Whitey” on May 16 at The Wilbur and shares the challenges of stage vs. screen and his techniques for this kind of performance.  

A bit of the city and the country in this novel double-header

Interested in a gripping murder mystery with all kinds of cool twists? How about a story of a family home with a web of secrets? Either way, this episode has you covered!

 

Up first is Priscilla Paton to talk about her new book, “When the House Burns,” third in the Twin Cities Mystery series. A murder case with a commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, this book brings us back to Detectives Erik Jansson and Deb Metzger as they search for the killer of an adulterous real estate agent. Priscilla and I look at where the series is now and why she decided to set amidst the backdrop of current events. We also talk about the detectives, their relationship and how its evolved throughout the series.

 

Following this is Julia Brewer Daily for her new book, “The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch.” The story focuses on Emma Rosales, heiress of the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn. Running the ranch is something Emma could handle with her eyes closed…if The Thorn were any ordinary property. Julia and I look at the real-life inspiration among the ranches of Texas, how her upbringing leant itself to the writing process and the secret of The Thorn.

Ela Ozturk brings musical, cultural influences to her work

Singer-songwriter Ela Ozturk draws on a lot of inspiration for her work—from the musical side, it’s the likes of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Adele.

 

From her family, her Turkish background also plays a strong role in the creation process, whether it’s the region’s signature sounds or those currently performing who call Turkey home. In this interview, Ela and I talk about how these two sides have shaped her as an artist.

 

Living in the Bay Area, Ela’s become pretty connected to the music scene there, and shares some of her favorite places to perform or see shows at, as well as the different artists she’s come across.

 

“Circle Back To Me” is about wanting the person to find a way to return into your life even though you’ve both moved on, are older, and we look at the real-life story behind the song. We talk about how she’s grown as an artist since the release of her first single, “Bad Habit,” and her plans for this year.

 

Following the interview, enjoy the new single, “Circle Back to Me,” and be sure to check out the rest of her music.

“Let’s Play” jumps into the videogame world with “Everdate”

I’ve been a longtime fan of the webcomic “Let’s Play,” so when I heard that it was being adapted into a dating game called “Everdate,” I had to learn more. Series creator Mongie (Leeanne Krecic) and I talk about how the goal of getting into gaming and working with Always Imagine to make it happen. We dive into how the game will be played and the creative approach they’ve taken.

 

Players will be able to play as one of 12 canonical characters and interact with other characters throughout the world. This game mode will be handled like most popular dating simulation games, with information shared between characters that may be vital in contributing to a successful date. Fans of the series will love getting to spend more time with their favorite characters, and we look at how their different personalities come through.

 

There’s a Kickstarter going on until March 16, and Mongie shares the different tiers, how it feels to well exceed the original goal and how this success will impact the final product.

Todd Keisling’s “Devil’s Creek” hits a new intensity in horror

For this episode, I’m joined by Todd Keisling, author of “Devil’s Creek” a book that creeps the hell out of me after just a few chapters. It’s the author’s eighth book and unsurprisingly, has been nominated for a Bram Stoker Award, the highest honor in the genre.

 

Todd and I sit down to talk about the world he’s created in this new book, which centers around a death cult in a rural community and those that manage to escape it. We explore the mentality of its leader, Jacob Masters and how he led a community from its normal life to their grisly end. Jack Tremly, one of those brave enough to deft Masters, is the main character of the book and we talk about his role in the years that follow. 

 

Todd has dedicated the book to Frank Michaels Errington and Matt Molgaard and he shares who these people are and the influence they had on the novel, as well as the forward written by Ronald Malfi. This book goes to some extremes and Todd talks about just how intense he’ll make a book and where he draws the line. 

 

 

Take a tour of The City….just watch your back

It’s comics time! Lately I’ve been reading the new series “The City,” and after checking out the first two issues, Writer David Choi and I sit down to delve into his debut title. We talk about the gang war that has engulfed the city and the folks responsible, Jericho, K, and Comox, and the role that each plays.

 

David talks about how he met Illustrator Dicky Siregar and Colorist Dave Praetorius and what led them to take “The City” from concept to published product. But publishing is just part of the process! What follows is the hustle to get each copy into the reader’s hands. If you’ve seen the comic’s Instagram, you know that hustle is real and David shares some of the different ways he’s been getting the word out.

John Mantooth walks a haunted path with “Holy Ghost Road”

From the opening pages of John Mantooth’s newest horror tale, “Holy Ghost Road,” we’re plunged into the thick of the action. The story is seen through the eyes of Forest, a 15-year-old who’s just witnessed Pastor Nesmith forging a pact with a demon. She’s on the run to find her grandmother, the only person who can make sense of what’s happening and maybe, maybe put a stop to it.

 

Unfortunately, Granny is 40 miles away, and Forest is on her own with no car, no phone, and an entire congregation on her trail. To reach Granny, Forest will have to learn to see the world true, even as the demonic and the sacred wage war for her soul.

 

This book has been a great read, and so I’m very excited to talk all things scary with the author. John and I talk about the choice to make this a first-person viewpoint and how that influences the story. He shares some of the real-life influences and their role in the book.

 

John’s also a crime writer, having written three novels under the pseudonym Hank Early, and he talks about how the two styles cross over and which of the two genres is his favorite. We also go into his recent time with Cemetery Dance Publications—through which this book was released.

A very funky discussion with Carter & the Capitals

With a high-energy, upbeat style, the funk band Carter & the Capitals bring a sound that you can’t help but dance to. This five-piece from Edmonton, Alberta released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and since then have played some amazing shows.

Frontman Lindon Carter joins me to talk about how the band got its start and their early years on stage and on the road. We go into how things changed when COVID hit, and what it’s been like being back in the groove. Recently, they released “Lovely Lovely Lovely,” their first new music in three years. We go into how the band has evolved over that time and the new sound that comes through in the single.

Following this, enjoy the funk/pop sounds of “Lovely Lovely Lovely,” a preview of sorts of the band’s future releases.

Meredith Berlin explores a trio of personal struggles and the growth found therein

To look at the lives of Brooke, Elizabeth, and Susan, one may think they have it all. They’ve made their mark in the city of Manhattan and are living the good life. But a closer look uncovers a variety of challenges—Brooke questions her marriage as she embarks on a new venture; Elizabeth receives a shattering diagnosis and remakes herself to recover some semblance of identity; Susan admits that her sexual and romantic preferences do not lie exclusively with men. Each of these characters has their own journey, and it’s in confronting it that we get “Friends with Issues,” written by Meredith Berlin and available as of Jan. 24.

 

I’m a little ways into the book and I found myself drawn in by the realistic cast and intertwining plots. Meredith and I talk about the creation process for each character and how it was fueled by her own experiences. We look at her many years as the editor-in-chief of Seventeen Magazine and Soap Opera Digest and how it helped prepare her for the role of novelist, as well as the lessons to be learned.  

Jarreau Williams shares a chance encounter in his new single

Ever had a random meeting with someone that stuck with you long after it was done? Jarreau Williams has, and it was such an inspirational moment that it wound up being the subject of his new single, “Cherry.”

This high-energy dance-able song shares the story of how he was approached by a woman in the bar of a Baltimore restaurant. She was waiting for some friends, and the two struck up a conversation, but she left before he could even get her name. See, “Cherry” isn’t just the song’s title, it’s a sort of code for this interesting person.

We talk all about the story behind the song, plus working with Virginia-based producer Austin Bello, whom Jarreau collaborated last year for “All The Cards.” Jarreau has a great show lined up for the single release, and we give you all necessary details if you happen to be in the D.C. area.

Plus after we’re done, give the new track a listen—and maybe you’ll have your own memorable meetup.