Citywide Blackout

Boston-based duo take it to the next level

In recording of an Instagram Live broadcast, Jermaine Kelly and Lando Savage of the Boston-based lvl3rd [pronounced Level Third] talk about the Boston music scene in the pandemic and what they originally had planned that has since been canceled. We also talk about how the two met and their favorite places to play in Boston. They've got a new single out called “Milkshake” as well as a music video, and we take a look at some of their future plans.

Following this, enjoy the new single, “Milkshake.”

Traveling Spain with Ernest Hemingway's ghost

Like the title? It's basically the subject of author Ken Dortzbach’s debut novel “Finding Hemingway,” available on July 7. This story sends its protagonist Callie McGraw on a life-changing adventure after she receives a mysterious phone call from Ernest Hemingway. She begins packing her bags for the sun-kissed streets that night. Starting in Barcelona, Callie embarks on a six-month escapade of a lifetime, a whirlwind of Spanish food, wine, art and dancing, with a revolving cast of friends and lovers keeping her company in each new locale.

Ken and I talk about his own time in Spain and his many adventures there, as well as how a career in law prepared him (kinda) for writing a novel.

ShellzDaGod talks music videos and a return to the stage

Boston-based rapper ShellzDaGod is back! The man has been on the show plenty of times and he always brings something new. This time, it's a couple of singles, “Bus Down” and “Get Back (Ft. Spiff Hunnit)” which you can hear at the end of the podcast.

We talk about his music career came to a halt during the pandemic, and his plans once business as usual can resume. This includes making more music videos, which he has put a lot of work into in the past. Trust me when I say the forthcoming projects will be no different.

Pearl Cutten wants everyone to know that they are beautiful

I welcome back Denmark-based artist Pearl Cutten to talk about her new single, “You Are Beautiful,” part of her forthcoming project “Fragments of My Soul.” Pearl also has a music video for the single in the works, and we do a deep dive into what fans can expect. Pearl talks about what has filled her time during the pandemic and some of her goals for 2021.

After the song, sit back and enjoy “You Are Beautiful.”

Clare Cunningham talks new singles, virtual shows, and life in Nashville

From Ireland to Nashville, solo artist Clare Cunningham talks about the journey that brought her to the US and some of her favorite places to play. Clare’s latest project has been recorded at RCA studios in Nashville. The first single off the project “Heart Of Mine” is to be released July 3, and we talk about releasing new work in the pandemic age and her plans for the rest of the year.

Following this, I've got two songs from Clare, “Carry Me” followed by “Grey Lady.”

The secret origin of Dragonflyman Day

I go live on the Citywide Blackout Instagram page with Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, to talk about the unprecedented announcement that June 16 will be hereafter known as Dragonflyman Day. This is in recognition of the bookstore publication date of the upcoming trade paperback release of DRAGONFLY & DRAGONFLYMAN—the prequel to THE WRONG EARTH—by writer Tom Peyer, artist Peter Krause, colorist Andy Troy, and letterer Rob Steen.

Along with this, we see how Ahoy has weathered the pandemic, which along with most other businesses, shuttered countless comic book stores. We also look at the numerous cancellations of comic-cons across the country this year.

Teacher publishes a love song for biology

In this episode I'm joined by author David Parrish for his new book “The Gyroscope of Life,” available through Pocahontas Press. He describes the book as a love song to biology, but for those of us less science-savvy (like yours truly), it's broken down for your reading enjoyment. It goes deep into the history of biology, and David touches on a lot of related subjects, such humanity and our impact on the planet, and the roles of genders and how in the plan and animal world, it's less of a “either/or” and more of a spectrum.

 

 

Sabrina Maria talks new music and past shows

Originally from the UK and now living in Italy, singer/songwriter Sabrina Maria has a new album out, “Life Is A Journey, Not a Destination.” We talk about her own journey as a musician from her days gigging and how she's evolved to the point where she is now.

Her new album takes the listener on a journey of positivity and hope with upbeat, motivating songs and she talks about the stories behind them.

Following this, enjoy the tune “Go Out There and Get It,” from the new album.

Boston author begins at the end

Author Christine Meade joins me to talk about her new book, “The Way You Burn,” available through She Writes Press. The book opens with, well, the original ending as David returns to his New Hampshire cabin to find it on fire, with his girlfriend Hope the likely person behind it. This book explores David's attempts to understand the complicated pasts of his loved ones by unraveling the vast webs of secrets they’ve kept hidden.

We talk about the many changes this book underwent since Christine first wrote it as well as setting it in Boston, where she lives and the fun she got to have with that. We also look at releasing a new book amidst the pandemic and how that entire process has had to change.

I hope you're digging the new opening and closing tracks, provided by the amazing Sarikaiden. Be sure to check out his music and his podcast, Mumble the Owl.

Learning about a life in Hell

In this episode, author Rex Hurst and I talk about his new book, “What Hell May Come,” which will be published on June 12 by Crystal Lake Publishing and based on the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. Rex was already pretty familiar with this by reading a lot of books on the subject and talks about the story behind the Panic. We look at the main character, Jon St. Fond, and what happens after discovering that his his parents are part of a secret occult religion with hidden ties all across the world.