Citywide Blackout

Blake English talks personal journeys in “Spiders Make Great Poets”

Performing artist Blake English's new EP “Spiders Make Great Poets” shows his journey from Athens, Georgia to LA, going back to his childhood when he sought a safe space to be himself. He's doing well in LA having recnetly completed the horror-themed music video for “Sad Girls Dance Party,” with a new one in the works. We talk about his background and how it's shaped him, as well as the different places life has taken him (Hint, LA was not going to be his original destination).

Following this, I've got two songs from the new EP, “Sad Girls Dance Party,” followed by “The Neighbors.”

Boston artist recognizes friends and influences in new album

In this episode, I'm live with Boston-based musician Matt Jatkola for his new album, “Never Fixed.” The album is a collection of covers and remixes featuring artists such as Teagan and Sara, Cyndi Lauper, The Bee Gees, and Soft Pyramids. He talks about the different roles that the artists played, whether it was contributing to his own style or being a valued friend he's had over the years.

After the interview, enjoy two songs from the album, “I Was A Fool (Tegan & Sara Remix)” followed by “Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper Instrumental Cover).”

Sabrina Fallah talks about getting her music on the radio

Ontario-based musician Sabrina Fallah has been hard at work getting her music onto radio stations around the world, and it's led to some amazing results. We talk about the stations you can hear her music on and the shows it's led to. She also gives some insight into getting your work heard and the pitfalls to avoid.

Following this, check out two of her songs, “All or Nothing,” followed by “Kiss is a Killer.”

Debuting comic writer blends murder, magic, and deeply human characters

Writer Helen Mullane and I take a look at her debut comic, “Nicnevin and the Bloody Queen.” In this story, a modern-day druid has been committing a series of ghastly murders in an attempt to unleash the awesome power of the ancient gods of Great Britain. But then he meets his latest would-be victim, rebellious teen Nicnevin “Nissy” Oswald, and that's when things get really interesting.

 

Helen and I talk about what it was like working on her first comic and what got her to this point, as well as the amazing team she worked with and the advice they had for her.

Michael Jones talks new music, poetry, and his favorite horror movies

Musician Michael Jones is entering the world of music with his debut EP, “American Poet, Pt. 1.” Prior to this, he was the founder and CEO of Pepperjam and he talks about this pivot to the world of music and how it's gone for him. One of his more popular songs, “This Is the Night,” is an apocalyptic party anthem and we dive into some of our favorite end of the world movies and shows, and he's seen quite a few.

Following this, enjoy Michael's newest song, “Real.”

Crema comic brings a story of love, ghosts, and coffee

In the newest episode, comic creator Johnnie Christmas joins me to talk about his newest title, “Crema,” available on ComiXology Originals. The story focuses on Esme, who works as a barista at a Brooklyn coffee shop and knows everything there is to know about the stuff. But when she drinks too much, she can actually see . . . and talk to . . . ghosts.

We talk a lot about the multi-leveled story which blends romance, a haunting legend, and a slice of life tale. Johnnie also shares how the pandemic has impacted his own plans for 2020 and the comic industry as a whole.

Planet DIVOC-91 takes an in-depth look at life in a pandemic

Planet DIVOC-91, a nine-part series from Webtoon, is an offbeat sci-fi satire about a pandemic outbreak in the far reaches of outer space. But the story goes way beyond that. Each chapter features the work of a different creative team and cover artist and is interspersed with short articles, links to videos, and other pieces of art by young adults about issues related to COVID-19, and mixes from world renowned DJs and Producers.

Writer Sara Kenney (who wrote the first part and laid the groundwork for the series) and artist Nick Brokenshire (who drew the second part) join me to talk about the creative process and the different directions aspects of the pandemic that get examined.

 

New single “Revelación” challenges racism and white supremacy

In this episode, I'm joined by Boston-based artists Genie Santiago and ALGO to talk about “Revelación,” a single they collaborated on and released on July 24. “Revelación” marks a shift in Santiago’s work towards protest music with a social justice message. We talk about that message and how to continue the conversation that recent events have started. Genie and ALGO reminisce on how they met and formed a partnership that has led to multiple creative projects.

Following the interview, enjoy the new single, “Revelación.” Proceeds from the Bandcamp release will go towards Border Angels, a California-based nonprofit aimed at assisting migrants traveling across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Horror author travels through time in her debut novel

Author Cheryl Alleyne's new book, “Belle Vue,” gives us a unique take on the haunted house genre. In this tale, we see the origins of Belle Vue Manor, formerly a Victorian lunatic asylum. In the present day, history student Alex Palmer is thrilled when his girlfriend, Claire Ryan, buys an apartment in Belle Vue. But as Alex begins to discover the dark truth about the asylum’s past, he, Claire, and their friend Marianne find themselves on a nightmarish journey.

We take a look at the research that went into this story and Cheryl's fascination with these kinds of stories. She talks about the challenges of doing your own marketing and the great time she's had working with Crystal Lake Publishing. The book will be released on August 25 with a print, e-book, and audiobook version.

Three At Home talk about live Friday shows and monthly releases

Joining me from their deck, Dann Russo and Mary Casiello of Three At Home talk about their new project, "playlist. #notarecord," which has been released one song at a time since June. Since the pandemic put a halt to live performances, they've run weekly livestreams called SpotiFriday, which has featured dozens of covers as well as some of their work. We even get into their origin, which has a few different versions.

 

After the interview, enjoy two songs from the new project, “Fill It Up,” followed by “We Were There.”