Citywide Blackout

Sal Abbinanti talks about how real life led to his new comic “The Hostage”

Sal Abbinanti has been a part of the comics industry for years, working as a media rep for some of the biggest names in the business. But Sal is a creator as well, and very soon his new comic “The Hostage” will be available to readers.

 

The story is based on a trip Sal took to Rio de Janeiro. There, he saw the abject poverty that so many lived in, including children. “The Hostage” is his tribute to the country and the kids. Sal and I talk about the work that went into this, from the world-building to his rather unique art style. We talk about his work in comics, and what he's learned about being an indie creator.

 

Sal launched a Kickstarter to support the project, and it's available until Feb. 25. Follow the link to become a supporter and get some amazing tier rewards.

Arielle Perez talks about life and loss in debut EP, plus Natalie Joly shares tales behind new music video

In this episode, I talk with Ontario-based musician Arielle Perez, who recently released her debut EP, “Fourteen.” This five-track album looks at the themes of bullying, loss of a loved one, and finding your way through life, and we talk about how real life inspired her music. Her songs all have music videos to go with them, and she walks us through the planning process and the folks that she worked with.

 

Arielle is also a model, having been on the cover of CAN Kids Magazine in 2020 and we look at the role that modeling plays in her life and the common ground between it and music.

 

After this, enjoy two tracks from her EP, “Find the Way” followed by “Without You.”

 

 

But wait, there's more! Wakefield-based artist Natalie Joly joins me for a new segment, where we check in with past guests to see what's new in their world. Natalie just finished a new single, “Yours To Stay,” and the music video, which she filmed in an abandoned mansion. Following the interview, kick back and enjoy the new tune, which will be available on all streaming services on Feb. 26.

WALLIS talks music videos in the pandemic and the Philly art scene

In this episode, 15 year-old-WALLIS, a singer/songwriter from Philadelphia, talks about how she continued to create and perform during 2020 by writing songs with her father. Her debut single, “Lonely Christmas,” embodies the complexity of the season as people find new ways to be together while staying physically apart.

 

WALLIS also talks about working with her father on the song, as well as the music video she made with her family and how they worked within the limits brought on by the pandemic. Her song and the music video have been a tremendous success, earning thousands of streams and over 1 million views.

 

WALLIS has been active in the Philly art scene through her music as well as acting, and she shares some of her experience, including being part of a show at the Walnut Street Theater.

 

Following this, enjoy Wallis' debut single, “Lonely Christmas.”

KIN talk about creatives crossing styles, and adventures in music videos

The London-based pop band KIN have been making the most of 2020, releasing three new singles and music videos. In this episode, band members Grace and Adam talk about the story told in the videos and how they worked with the limitations brought on by the lockdown.

 

The band—Grace, Adam, and Ritu—all have lengthy creative backgrounds, including modeling, starring in Netflix shows, and on stage with the National Theater. We look at how they've been able to apply this work to their music and some of the different directions it's taken them in.

 

The members also have a lot in store for 2021, from new EPs to live performances—which I sincerely hope can happen.

 

Following this, enjoy the band's recent single “L.O.V.E.” I really loved the vibe of this song, and the music video touches on the festivals that we all miss.

Joan Law Lowell's book provides a platform to learning about the Bible

Author Joan Law Lowell and I sit down to talk about the lessons found in the Bible, but shown through a very unique lens. Her book, Teach the Little Spirits: The Ten Commandments introduces young children to the concepts of the Ten Commandments through the daily adventures of animals down on the Lord’s Little Farm.

 

Joan and I talk about how she went from concept to finished product, and some of the changes that got made along the way, including a fact-check to make sure the book was Bible-friendly. Joan also shares the worldbuilding process and the many characters to be found in the book.

Senseless Optimism talks musical origins and her unique style

In this episode, Boston-based bedroom pop artist Senseless Optimism and I talk about what led her to produce and release three EPs and several singles since last July. She talks about the evolution of her style of music and what she's learned as a self-taught artist.

 

We also look at how she's grown as a musician and what led her to include of her personal life in her music, including her most recent release, “Half a Home.” And I'm very excited to ask about her upcoming virtual show for ONCE Somerville and the unique path she took for her performance.

 

Following this, enjoy her song, “Lonely Daze.” Thanks go out to Mark Kaye of Hear Now Live for his help arranging this interview.

Joe Aubrey and Eric Peterson introduce us to the Space Bastards

Think the future's always going to be a great place? Prepare to have those expectation shattered with the new comic series “Space Bastards.” Writers Joe Aubrey and Eric Peterson join me to explore the universe that they have created, one in which the Intergalactic Postal Service is staffed by a pack of insane, blood-crazed mercenaries.

 

We meet Manny Corns and Davey Proton, the two main characters of the series and dive into their origins and some of the potential directions they're going into in future issues (but no spoilers!). We also talk about the artwork by The Boys artist and co-creator Darick Robertson and the process of bringing the story to life.

 

This is Joe and Eric's first title and we look at the buildup to the release of the first issue earlier this month and their reactions to the many positive reviews.

Author Michael Shutz shares his scares in new haunted house story

Just what scares a horror writer? It's a question that author Michael Shutz answers in this episode and connects to his newest book, “Plank Children.” In this story, Miles Baumgartner follows a trail of rumors and half-truths after seeing a photo of his deceased nephew (looking very much alive) on Facebook. His search leads him to St. Hamelin's, but soon learns that this abandoned reformatory is not as empty as it appears.

 

Michael and I talk abut the creepy cover that he chose for the book, and how he likes to take on his own fears when writing. We look at the true history that gets woven into the story, and some of tropes he worked to avoid in the writing process.

 

We also talk about the journey from concept to publication and some of the different publishers that he's worked with, as well as how self-publishing has evolved to become a legitimate option.

 

Jerry Hull embarks on a variety of stories and sounds with his new albums

A year and a half ago, I first interviewed England-based singer/pianist Jerry Hull. Since that time, he's been anything but idle, putting out two albums and a compilation. Jerry and I talk about the different stories he takes on in the new releases, “They're Looking for Me” and “Ordinary Man,” as well as the signature sounds of each one.

 

Jerry is originally from Memphis, Tenn., but moved to England 19 years ago. As he approaches this major milestone, we talk about life in the town of Hull and how he's adapted, as well as if he ever considers returning to the U.S. We also look at how he's kept his creative energy going since last March.

 

After this interview, enjoy three of Jerry's songs—“1969 Mexico Connection,” “Antoinette,” and “Victim of Circumstance.”

Kieran Lancini returns to the country scene after 18 years with new music

After an 18-year hiatus, Kieran Lancini is back in the music scene in a big way. This UK-based country singer-songwriter from North Queensland, Australia saw success at an early age after being named Star Maker Winner at the 2002 Tamworth Country Music Festival. This led to worldwide traveling and touring.

 

Things happened and Kieran thought his music career was a thing of the past, but after attending the Star Maker 40^th anniversary show, he felt the fire inside him and decided to jump back in with two singles, “The Reason,” followed by “I Need You.” We talk about the process of re-becoming a musician and how it felt to once more release new songs.

 

Kieran looks back to his time with Star Maker and some of the more memorable experiences at the show and other highlights of his music career. He also talks about the future and what plans he's got in store.

 

Following this interview, enjoy “The Reason” and “I Need You.”