Citywide Blackout

Annette Berkovits' poetry book offers a portrayal of a mother's anguish

When Annette Berkovits' son was taken to the hospital for a stroke, she found writing to be a comfort, putting down her thoughts on faith, hope, and guilt. At the time it was just meant for her own eyes, but as she continued to write, the decision was made to collect these poems into her new book, “Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted.”

 

Annette talks frankly about what led to her son's stroke and his life today, particularly his love of music. We talk about her faith in science and how she kept it during this time, as well as how she stays positive. Annettee also shares one of her poems during the interview.

Arechan returns to discuss the final episodes of LUFF

Webcomic creator Arechan is back on the show to discuss the final episode of her amazing LUFF series on Webtoon. This one is full of spoilers as we go in-depth on the final episodes. We talk about the story's conclusion and what it means for the cast, just what happens to them following the conclusion of LUFF, and perhaps most importantly, which guy was the perfect match for Beatriz Torres. We also look at the song “Someone Else's Deam” by Absofacto, which was used in the final episode.

 

Arechan and I also look at the meaning behind the series and the message that she hopes all the readers took away once LUFF concluded. She talks about the different directions that the story went in and how she planned it all out. She also talks a bit about some other ideas she's hoping to begin work on.

 

It's no secret that Arechan and LUFF have a slew of fans, and for this episode, we asked them what they'd like to know. The response was tremendous, as around 100 people posted questions to Instagram and Twitter. These include whether Beatriz, Daniel, and Julian enter into a polygamous relationship, the mixture of the romance side of the story with the political, and what led to her to pursue webcomics in the first place.

Hazel-Eyed Rose shares a personal journey of healing in her new single

In this episode, Birmingham-based pop artist Hazel-Eyed Rose talks about her recovery from psychosis, anxiety, depression, and escaping from an abusive relationship in her new single “Out In My Mind.” Hazel talks about that journey, and how she views recovery, whether it's a mark on the road or a longtime process.

 

Hazel shares her experience being in the recording studio for the first time and what led her to choose electronic pop as a genre, as well as what other styles she's considering. We look at the music scene where she lives and some of the places she would go to prior to the pandemic.

 

Following this, enjoy her debut single “Out In My Mind.” I really dug the style and her vocals are amazing.

Poet Quinn Bailey brings it back to nature in new book

Poet Quinn Bailey always had a strong connection to the natural world, so much so that it's become his career. His new book, “The Currents Of The World,” collects a variety of poems shaped by witnessing, again and again, the power of nature. The poems have a pretty straightforward approach, but touch on a number of themes, such as the beauty of nature, the joy of dance, and trusting growth to happen in its time.

 

Quinn and I talk about the origins of the book and how he came to the attention of Homebound Publications. He looks back to how he first connected with nature and his favorite settings for writing his poems. We also talk about how he came to the decision to collect his poems and find a publisher to share them with the world.

 

To close out the interview, the author gives us a reading, sharing two poems—one from the book, along with a brand new one.

 

Stone Star's second season brings the comic to new heights in art and story

It was a year and a half ago when I talked with writer Jim Zub about the ComiXology Originals series Stone Star. A month ago, the second season began and Jim and artist Max Dunbar join me to talk about what we can expect from the story and the many characters.

Jim provides insight into some of the major plot points of Season 1 and how they'll factor into the new season. He also talks about what it means to have a creator-owned series and the directions the team has been able to go with it.

Max and I talk about the unique art of Stone Star, which features some amazing creature designs and landscapes. Max dives into the process behind his work, and some of the more fun aliens he got to make.

Of course, comic-cons have been among the many casualties of 2020, and Max, Jim, and I share some stories from past cons and offer some tips for up and coming artists who want to take advantage of the networking opportunity that these events provide.

Big thanks goes out to Superfan Promotions for arranging the interview. And if you're not already doing so, subscribe to ComiXology Originals for $5.99 a month to get access to thousands of digital comics from companies such as Marvel, DC, Image, Boom Studios, and much, much more.

Actor/musician Michael Cooke talks being on set and how the pandemic kicked off his new album

Who says that the pandemic can't have a silver lining?

Michael Cooke's career in the stage and screen was well underway (including a role in a new Netflix movie!) when COVID-19 brought such productions to a screeching halt. Undeterred, he decided to use the free time to learn the skills needed to break into music. The result—his new album, “Doin Alright,” a powerful and uplifting collection of songs.

Michael and I dive deep into how his foray into becoming an Olympic athlete led to working on dozens of plays, films, and television shows. He talks about meeting one's heroes as well as those in the industry that he'd love to work with.

We also look at his debut album, and his first time in the recording studio. Michael talks about the message he hopes to pass on through his music.

Following this interview, enjoy “Loosing My Mind For Nothing,” from the debut album.

In writing, Elizabeth Splaine's books took her on a journey of research

From heart surgery to Hitler's family, author Elizabeth Splaine covers quite a bit in her books. In this interview, she and I talk about her newest book, “Swan Song of a Jewish Diva,” slated to be released late next year. In this book, a Jewish opera singer rises to fame and becomes Hitler's obsession. In what has become the norm for her work, this book called for a lot of background research, and the result is a lot of learning for Splaine.

 

We take a long look at some of the new ground she covered, and share a few interesting historical facts. Splaine's most recent book, “Devil's Grace,” also taught her much, but began with a strong suggestion that she write about the light. She also recorded the audiobook, soon to be released, and she shares how her background in opera helped prepare her, as well as the new tricks she had to learn.

Francis Aud talks music videos, making children's music, and what it means to be an “Audball”

Brooklyn-based “FONK” artist Francis Aud joins me to talk about his new single “Codeine Kiss,” as well as the music video released in mid-November, including a soon-to-be-famous dog. He's been pretty active during the pandemic, and we talk about how he kept the creative energy going.

Aud's been making music since 2017, and shares what got him into music and his accomplishments over the last three years. This includes making children's music, and we discuss what goes into making tunes in this genre. It's a pretty cool story and really shows the range of his creativity.

After the interview, enjoy the new single “Codeine Kiss.”

Rhode Island Author Expo: Elizabeth Beisel shares tales from the Olympics in new book

In one of two interviews with the Keynote Speakers of the Rhode Island Author Expo, Elizabeth Beisel—a three-time Olympic swimmer, two-time medal recipient, and Olympic captain—talks about her recently-released book, “Silver Lining.” The book looks at her struggles with anxiety and stress that came about from her time at the Olympics, and how she ultimately overcame them.

In her book, Beisel opens up about her doubts and insecurities, and we talk about some of the ways she's been able to work past those. She shares some great stories from her time at the Olympics, including the times she—almost—got the chance to meet her heroes. Beisel also shares the next phase in her career: working as a color commentator for NBC.

Dean Chohan shows his cinematic skills in new music videos

In this recording of an Instagram livestream, UK-based R&B artist Dean Chohan talks about the music videos for his new singles, “Got Me Loco” and “Money.” There are two songs that tell a love story, the first being the roller coaster that is love and the second being one person living with a secret and needs to make a decision on the future of the relationship. Both videos are so well done and this could easily be a Netflix series.

We also talk about the people Dean worked with for the video and the chemistry they shared that made the production a success. He's also gotten to know a number of great artists, and he gives them some love during the interview.

Following this, enjoy the single “Got Me Loco.” Dean's got such a cool, mellow style, and the music is really amazing.