Citywide Blackout

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.

Mia Asano shares her stories from the stage

In this episode, Boston-based violinist Mia Asano talks about what it was like to perform with the amazing Lindsey Stirling, touring after graduating high school, and how the Denver fashion scene shaped much of her career. Asano is also a student at the Berklee College of Music and shares how things have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools nationwide.

A new take on artificial intelligence

Author Pat McKee takes on how one incorporates morality into artificial intelligence in his new book, “Ariel's Island.” In this book, Paul McDaniel is framed for the murder of a judge. He enlists Ariel, an artificial intelligence to help clear his name. Paul discovers that Ariel's lack of a moral code and his failure to guide her results in disaster as Ariel changes from able assistant and powerful rescuer to jealous mistress and, eventually, to murderous monster. The e-book is currently available for free through April 16, and I highly recommend you grab a copy.

Pat and I talk about how he built the foundation for this book and learned about the science behind the story, as well as going from a career in law to writing a techno-thriller.

What would you give up to stay safe?

Author Michael Bland joins me to talk about his debut novel, “The Price of Safety,” set in a world where an advanced surveillance system has where no crime goes unsolved. But what have we given up to achieve this? It's a question Michael tackles through his character Dray Quintero, who now must battle this system to save his daughter. Bland talks about his intense planning methods, the research that went into this book, and his plans for a trilogy.

Harpist shares her Arthurian-themed music

Classically-trained musician/harpist Jessica Victoria joins me to talk about how the legends of King Arthur have influenced her music, particularly her upcoming new album, set to be released in early May. Jessica has performed all over the world, including for Pope John Paul II, and gives a look at some places she'd love to add to her travel checklist. She also teaches and shares insight into her teaching style and some of the lessons she's learned over the years.

Following this interview, enjoy two of her songs, “Love Charm,” and “Some Songs Are For Crying.”

Breaking the stigma of suicide

In this episode, we learn what it means to lose someone to suicide. My guest, Nancy Caissie, lost her husband Larry on May 28, 2011 to suicide and she talks about the events leading up to this and the aftermath. She talks about the reaction from family and friends and the challenge of speaking about it with other people. She also looks at her life now: remarried, with her young children now grown up, and how she was able to take that step forward.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, know that help is available. The links below will take you to organizations that can offer support and counseling.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

 

Suicide Prevention Services of America

 

Suicide Prevention Services

 

Crisis Text Line

 

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Christian music artist brings us a massive collaboration

Alicia “Reese” Reisman, the songwriter behind Reese Collective, joins me to talk about her debut album, “The Journey.” This collection of Christian music has a very unique aspect—although she is the writer and creative force behind the project, every track features a different singer.

Alicia introduced us to the different artist and how she met them, as well as what they brought to the project in terms of skills and suggestions. We also talk about the stories behind each song.

After this, kick back and enjoy one of the tracks from the album, “My Everything (featuring Amy Little).”

Jake Swamp talk folk music in Boston

Stuart Babcock and Drew Zieff of the Americana/folk duo Jake Swamp and the Pine join me to talk about the folk scene in Boston and some of their favorite venues, including Toad and Club Passim. They've also got a new album in the works and they dive into some of the stories behind the songs.

Following this, enjoy one of their newest tunes, “My Sister's Old Guitar.”

EDM artist talks self-production and horror movies

In this episode, EDM artist SARiKAiDEN (pronounced as Sara-Kaden) takes us through his career, which has seen the release of three albums, two EPs, and over six singles, all using only an iPhone and a MacBook. He talks about the production process and some of the programs he uses, as well as how music has helped him to deal with issues like anxiety and depression. 

In addition to his work in EDM music, SARiKAiDEN also produces a podcast called Mumble the Owl, focused on horror movies and books, which he relaunched earlier this year.