Citywide Blackout

Author David Rohlfing shares his killer thinking in debut novel

In this episode, David Rohlfing talks about the writing process for his debut novel, “Deliberate Duplicity.” Originally at nearly 200,000 words, a heavy editing process gave Rohlfing a lot of writing lessons, mainly on how much detail is enough.

 

This novel explores the twisted, vengeful mind of a serial killer, and follows the dedicated detective, Sasha Frank, who’s hell-bent on solving the mystery behind a string of gruesome crimes. Rohlfing talks about what makes a good villain for this kind of book, as well as the story behind the main character.

Hanna Barakat shares stories about the music scenes in Boston and Austin

My first episode of 2021 features Austin-based rocker Hanna Barakat talking about her debut album “Siren,” which encompasses 10 years worth of music. We talk about the production process and the different sounds that the album showcases.

 

Hanna is originally from Texas but spent some time in my old stomping grounds of Boston as a student of Berklee College of Music. She shares the story of how this came to be and some of the unique lessons she learned while in the city. Ironically, much of her band also went to Berklee, though they wouldn't meet until after that time.

 

Like many other artists, Hanna has seen her career suffer during the pandemic, and talks about some of her plans for 2021, which will include some new music.

 

Following this, I've got two tracks from the album, “In the Night,” followed by “Siren.”

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.”