Citywide Blackout

"Lost on Planet Earth" explores a new path

Writer Magdalene Visaggio and artist Claudia Aguirre join me to talk about the new series “Lost on Planet Earth,” available on ComiXology Originals. We delve into the story of Basil, a young woman living in the year 2381. Her only goal in life is to become a captain for the Interplanetary Fleet, but will that really make her happy? It's one of the many elements to this brilliant story and we talk about how it all came together and the team behind it.

ComiXology is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

Boston bands release benefit compilation to help venues

Boston's music venues have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic and it's unclear when local shows will return. To help the venues, David HD of the band Circus Battalion helped create “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” a 30-song compilation album to benefit the Midway Cafe, O'Brien's Pub, Once, and The Jungle.

He and bandmate Mike McMahon join me to talk about the impact to the local scene and their thoughts on some of the long-term effects. Circus Battalion also has a new album out called “Scumming Attractions,” dedicated to The Great Scott, which recently announced that it would not be reopening.

Following this, I've got “So Far So Good,” from Carissa Johnson, on “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” followed by “Blackout” from Scumming Attractions.

Punk artists talk about their work in children's music

In this episode, Lindsey Loogie and Nemi of the band The Sewer Buddies talk about their newest releases, Butt Brains and Pizza Butt. The Sewer Buddies is a collective of various Massachusetts musicians, founded by Lindsey, that collaborate to create comedic children's punk music. We talk about the creative process and the shows that the band has played as well as what they want the kids to get out of their music.

After this, enjoy four songs from the band—Doggy Dance, Mud, Popcorn Octopus, and The Pizza Song.

The expanding creative world of Jeremy Flagg

In this live Instagram broadcast, I'm joined by author Jeremy Flagg to talk about the many new things he has going on. This includes Superhero-Fiction, a consortium of authors that focuses on writers who specialize in the novelization of superheroes. They've also got a virtual convention happening May 18-22, with panels scheduled for each day.

If that wasn't enough he's also working on a new comic with Amanda Kahl, known for her title, “Age of Night.” We also do some serious nerd chat on what we're doing to fill the extra time in the midst of the pandemic.

Stephanie Mathias talks about always reaching for your goals

Singer-songwriter, violinist, and pianist Stephanie Mathias has a lot to be happy about—she recently released a new single, “It's My Thing,” along with an amazing music video. The video has an interesting story involving the production process and some late changes that had to be made. Stephanie also talks about her musical family, which includes her husband and their daughter. Though the pandemic has caused a lot of her plans to be sidelined, she's continuing her art, putting out a new music video for Mother's Day.

Following this enjoy three songs from Stephanie, “Fragile” “My Thing,” and “Sweet Baby.”

ComiXology title shows a ride-share from hell

Writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo join me to talk about their five-issue series, “Afterlift,” available in full on ComiXology. The series follows Janice Chen, a ride-share driver who picks up a pair of mysterious passengers who are pursued by otherworldly forces, and realizes that her already-terrible day might be headed straight to hell.

Zdarsky, Loo, and I do a deep dive into the story and its origins, as well as some personal connections to the creators. Loo talks about the different vehicle designs he used, as well as how he gave form to the demons and landscape of hell.

ComiXology. is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

Tia Beale talks about how music and movies come together

Singer-songwriter Tia Beale was all set to host a release party—and then the pandemic put a halt to that. So while we wait for things to open up, she and I talk about her new single “Do It Over,” which speaks of the devastating loss of a close friend to suicide.

She also has a music video for the song and she highlights the team behind the production, and the previous one for her single “Coke and Mentos.” Tia lives in Sydney, Australia, and talks about some of the venues she loves to check out shows at.

Following this, I've got her new single, “Do It Over.”

 

 

Black Ghost co-writer talks about building a hero's world

Alex Segura and I dive into the world of “The Black Ghost” comic which he wrote with Monica Gallagher. We talk about the Lara Dominguez and her path from crime journalist to hero in a city rife with corruption. The world of “The Black Ghost” is one that took some time to make, and Alex goes into the world building process that he and Monica took on, as well as the many characters in it.

“The Black Ghost” is available exclusively on ComiXology. The service is $5.99 a month and gives access to over 25,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more, along with exclusive discounts.

The music scenes in Los Angeles and Boston

Singer-songwriter Stephanie James has had quite the journey, going from Boston to Los Angeles a year ago. She talks about the move and what led up to it and some of her favorite times in Beantown. We do a deep dive into each city's respective music scene and how they stand out. She's also putting the finishing touches on her debut album “Unbreakable,” set to be released later this year and talks about some of the new directions she's going in. A single from the album, “Throw Me a Rope,” is set to be released May 8.

Big thanks to Nina Pickell for her help in arranging this interview. If you're an artist looking to take your career to the next level, Nina has the skills and experience to make it happen.

Following this, enjoy the NPR Tiny Desk acoustic version of “Throw Me a Rope.”

 

The world of steampunk dragons

Author Michael Swanwick joins me to talk about his newest books, including “The Iron Dragon's Mother,” which concludes a trilogy that began 25 years ago and “City Under the Stars.” We talk a lot about world-building, how the publishing business has changed since he started writing, and the influence that fellow writer Gardner Dozois had on his life and career.