Citywide Blackout

Rhode Island Author Expo, Episode 3

In the final interview for the annual Rhode Author Island Expo, Debbie Tillinghast returns to talk her soon-to-be-released book, “A Dream Worth Keeping.” The book is centered on Martha, who divorces her controlling and unsupportive husband Tony, deciding to pursue her dream of being a pastry chef. But first, she has a journey to take, because in order to love again, we have to love ourselves first.

Zachary Kibbee shares how his work has been featured in movies, TV, and much more

If you're a fan of the Marvel series of shows, then odds are you've heard the work of Zachary Kibbee. He's my guest in this episode and his work can be heard in over 100 shows, movies, and ads. We talk all about that and the changes that it allowed him to make, including quitting his day job and becoming a full-time musician.

Zachary's got a new album out, “Life in Low Fidelity,” and we look at some of the new sounds he's using, with much of the work done in his home studio. It's a big investment, but one that he said paid off big time in allowing him more freedom when it comes time to record.

Following this, I've got a track off the new album, “Somewhere to Put My Gold.” I really loved the intensity and diversity of sounds he uses, and as he said, you can't just keep making the same song.

Half Decent's debut album tells the tale of a 16-year career in rap

Oxford, England-based rapper Half Decent has a new album out, “Groundhog Day,” which covers his 16-year music career across 18 tracks. He raps about anything and everything, and we go deep into the different topics included in his music.

 

Over the years, he's had the chance to collaborate with artists such as MC Lars, KRS- One and Kellindo, and we talk about the chances he's taken in reaching out to them, and the different ways it's paid off. Half Decent also gives us a look at what his live shows are like and some plans he has in place for 2021.

 

Following this, enjoy one of my favorite track off the new album, “Made Of.” I absolutely loved his surgical style and precision flow.

Rhode Author Island Expo, Part2

Welcome to the second collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.

 

My first interview in this segment is with Dana Vacca for her Freedom Series, which entails Freedom Calling and The Edge of Freedom. Set in the Civil War era, these books focus on escaped slaves and their journey toward freedom.

 

Next is Christine Lajewski, whom we last had on the show about a year ago for her book, “Bonebelly.” and we kick things off with her short story that is included in the Wicked Women anthology. She also talks about the horror genre, how to pitch, and the kinds of books she enjoys.

 

The final interview in this segment is with Joann Mead. She has a new book out, “Designer Baby,” the third in her Underlying Crimes series. We look at the villain Tiger Girl and her scheme to create the perfect babies, plus the real science behind the story.

Chashe speaks on Boston/London music scenes, being a full-time musician, and the different twists of life

London-based songwriter Chashe has certainly had an interesting life story. Born in Zimbabwe, educated at the University of Cape Town and Berklee College of Music in Boston, she has a lot of stories to share. We talk all about her time in Boston and the different bands she got the chance to see, with plenty of my own stories from living there.

 

Chashe's mom has been a central figure in her music career, whether it was encouraging her to pursue her dreams at a young age, to being the ultimate 'band mom' today. She also talks about working with her partner in the studio and how they complement each other as a team.

 

“Lucid” is Chashe's newest album, and it's an eclectic mix of styles and sounds. We look at the different stories she shares, from there being no rules when it comes to love, or moving ahead without looking back. She's also got new music in the works, and potentially some events to look forward to.

 

Following this, kick back and enjoy “Lucid,” followed by “9:45,” both from the new album and two of my favorites.

Mykaela Jay shares stories of singing her way from Melbourne to Ecuador and home again

In this episode, Mykaela Jay talks about what led to her moving from Australia at the age of 19 and living and playing in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. This includes busking with a circus performer, and would eventually lead to her heading back home. She also talks about the many charities she has worked with, as well as the activist causes she has taken on, both through volunteer work and in her music.

Mykaela has released two singles so far, “A Dog’s Way Home” and “Purple Flowers” and her debut album “Mother Dearest” will be released early next year. We discuss the many people she's worked with and some of the impromptu additions that have been made to the songs. She's also returned to the stage and we talk about how it feels to be back before a live audience.

Following this, enjoy her single “Purple Flowers.” It's got a jazzy, soulful style that I really loved.

Jeremy Haun packs an amazing story into 40 Seconds

Writer Jeremy Haun joins me to delve into the comiXology Originals title “40 Seconds,” which he worked on with artist Chris Mitten, colorist Brett Weldele, and letterer and designer Thomas Mauer. Jeremy and I talk about the origin of the story, the process of bringing it to the page, and some cool details that tie into his other works. We also go into the changes that the comics industry has seen and how indie creators now have a better chance of bringning their work to a wider audience.

Natalie Joly keeps the music going amidst the pandemic

In this interview, Wakefield-based solo artist Natalie Joly unveils her new single, “Running Circles,” which drops on Nov. 6. Recorded during the pandemic, this song took Natalie in some new directions, which she goes into, as well as her plans for releasing it with shows and tours not on the menu.

Natalie is a full-time musician, and she defines what that means and how it goes far beyond playing at clubs and going on tour.

Following this, enjoy two of her songs, “You Oughta Know,” followed by the new single “Running Circles.”

Arechan takes us on a tour of the world of LUFF

I've been looking forward to this one for awhile! Arechan—writer/artist behind the Webtoon title LUFF—joins me to give listeners a tour of the world behind this amazing comic. We talk about the worldbuilding that went into it, including the LUFF system and how it becomes such a central force that influences all aspects of people's lives. We go into the characters, Daniel, Julian, and Beatriz, and how they've changed over the course of 89 episodes.

Rhode Island Author Expo, Part 1

Welcome to the first collection of interviews of authors taking part in the annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Happening on Dec. 5, this year's expo will be a virtual one, with panels, author meet-and-greets, and much more.

First, Stan Carpenter joins me to talk about his history-inspired titles, which include a look at how World War II would have gone if the attack on Pearl Habor had never happened.

Next, Barbara Ann Whitman and I discuss her debut novel, “Have Mercy,” which came in part from Whitman's many years as a social worker.

Last in this episode are the writing brothers, David and Daniel Orsini. David is first and gives a detailed recap of his book, “The Weaver of Plots.” Following this, Daniel talks about his three books of metaphysical poetry.