Citywide Blackout

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.

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.