Citywide Blackout

Jamie Hart speaks on her break from music and new releases

Boston-based Jamie Hart joins me to talk about her new release, “Get Closer.” But before this happened, Hart almost quit music in 2017. She took a deep dive into her spiritual practice, and worked to understand herself and disillusionment with the music industry. In 2019, came a pivotal moment: “What would you do if you only had a month to live?” Jamie asked herself. The result of this is her return to music with much in store, and a new perspective and goals.

Lina Cooper talks about Boston shows and New York plans

Boston-based musician Lina Cooper joins me to talk about her relationship-themed concept album “Damned” and the incredible story behind it. She shares some of the best lessons learned as a student at Berklee College of Music and what's she's been taught being on stage. She also shines the spotlight on The ArtHouse Collective, a combination band and live music venue.

 

After that, chill out to two of her songs, “A Good Year” and “Ethereal.”

Touring the Breaklands with writer/creator Justin Jordan

Justin Jordan, the co-creator and writer of “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode,” talks about his new series, “Breaklands,” available on ComiXology. Set 150 years after the event known as The Break, the new world is a post-apocalyptic land of amazing powers....except for one person. Kasa, the only non-powered person, must save her brother Adam when he is kidnapped in issue one of this five-issue series. Justin delves into the world building process, how he created the characters for this series, and what people can expect in future issues.

For music, enjoy “Bid Mad” from New York-based rapper Molly McCoy. This one's a long time coming, as Molly recorded one of the first bumpers for the show. Molly's style is tight and flowing at the same time, and the music is sick.

 

Sharisse Zeroonian talks film, a new series, and hilarious set tales

Writer/Director Sharisse Zeroonian and I do a deep dive into her film career, looking at her two feature films, Mouse in the Bread and Well Water and a brand new series, One Plus One Equals Two. She talks about what got her into film, and why she's stayed involved for so long. We chat about changes in the industry and the pros and cons of what those have resulted in. And there are plenty of behind-the-scenes stories from Sharisse's films and she shares a couple.

For music enjoy two songs from Jack and the Box, “If It Sounds Too Good” and “Sugar Tea.” This is a new blues project from Keith Pevoto. Due to physical limitations brought on by Sarcoidosis, he has moved from playing bass to spending the last few years writing songs and getting his vocals in shape. The result is some amazing music that you should really check out.

Epic fantasy tales and East Coast tour stories

Rhode Island-based author A. Keith Carreiro is celebrating the completion of his The Penitent trilogy—but he's not done yet. You see, this is just one-third of a trilogy of trilogies, and he takes a look at what else is planned for the series, as well as the developments that occur in The Penitent, Part III. We also talk about being an independent author and some of the marketing lessons he's learned from being at conventions and fellow authors.

And then I'm talking tour stories with the group WazUaz, who have made a career working with their audio, visual, and physical creation. They recently completed their MoneyHoon and NewlyDead tours and have a boatload of tales to tell! They also talk about their business, a blend of music, art, and fashion, and how they've turned it from a labor of love to their new careers.

The country duo Separate Charm recently released their new single, “Me Time,” and I absolutely love it, as you can read in my recent Review Roundup. This tune has a cool opening, great instrumentals, and superb vocals. You can hear it after Keith's interview.

Defense lawyer taps into career for courtroom series

This week's show takes a look at the career of Ed Rucker, an L.A. criminal defense lawyer who's worked in the field for decades, representing a number of high-profile clients, including John Orr, the greatest serial arsonist in American history. Some of these cases have even been adapted into nonfiction books. Following his retirement, Rucker decided to jump into the writing world with the Bobby Earl series, now in its second book, “Justice Makes a Killing.”

Rucker talks about the new book and the story behind it, but also gives us an in-depth look into the world of jury trials, the criminal justice system, and prisons, all of which made its way into his works.

And for music, I bring you “Better Off” a new single from Cara Paige. I really dug this song from the beginning, and it's got a catchy, upbeat tempo. After that it's the electro duo Mai Eve with “When You Scream.” This EDM/Rock track is similarly upbeat, but the story is a very serious one.

Musical journeys from London to Nashville to Atlanta

Kicking off this week's program is London-born and Atlanta-based hip-hop artist Poni Capri. She's got a new EP out called “Dark Candy,” which touches on her time in the world of drugs and gangs and how she's made her mark as a musician and model.

The Nashville-based folk duo of Lost Hollow tell us all about their adventures in Europe, plus their new release, Looking for Happy and the release show planned later this month. Included in the album is the song “Shine On,” which is dedicated to the memory of Sancy Shaw, who died tragically in a drunk driving accident.

Plus, there's great music from both guests. From Poni, we've got “Chosen” and “Rich Sex,” and Lost Hollow brings us “Shine On” and “We Are One.”

Boston musician shares gig stories, plus a look at Keystone Comic-Con

Boston-based singer-songwriter Maddy Roop chats with me at the Real School of Music about her debut album, “Rings,” which spanned a three-year period. She also talks about some of the many shows she's played in the Boston area and how it felt to go from weekday to weekend gigs, as well as the big Halloween one she has planned.

Keystone Comic-Con Event Director MK Goodwin and I talk about this event's second year and what fans can look forward to. We look at the big names who will be making an appearance, changes from last year, and the planning that goes into making this amazing convention happen.

And following this, it's “Can't Get Over You,” from Jennifer Mlott, a past guest of the show. This new song has a beautiful opening and the vocals are amazing.

The guys of Rough House Publishing take us on a gory ride

Love gore and comics? Then you'll want to listen to this week's show! I sit down with Derek Rook and Steve Van Samson of Rough House Publishing to talk about their new Gore Shriek® Resurrectus project. We talk about the killer art, great stories, and what led to this new release. We also look to their upcoming appearance at Rock and Shock, and past experiences at this epic convention.

And for tunes, enjoy “Sun Ra” from the London-based Between Suns. The video for this was so damn cool and the song is a great way to kick off the day. Sick rock and stellar vocals.

Following that, Echoheart, a two-piece pop-rock group from Maryland brings you their new song, “Void.” I loved the chill opening flow of this one, and the way it ramps up is very smooth and well done. A great follow-up to “Sun-Ra.”

 

 

Mark Bergin charts an amazing story in his debut police procedural

Author Mark Bergin taps into his nearly 30 year career in law enforcement for his new book, “Apprehension,” released on July 30 through Inkshares/Quill. “Apprehension” follows the story of Detective John Kelly; his niece was murdered right before his eyes. His family says he failed her, and Kelly can’t share his secret act of vengeance. Now, fellow detectives digging in another case can end Kelly’s career and send him to jail.

This book also seeks to bring awareness to an important—though sadly not well known—issue in law enforcement: police suicide. 

And following this interview, I've two great songs for you. First up is “Tonight,” from Austin singer-songwriter Christine Renner. This is her first single, released on July 12 and taken from a forthcoming EP of the same name. This is a very chill, but catchy tune. Christine has a great voice, and I think you'll dig this tune.

After that, The Cranberry Merchants bring you “Going Nowhere.” This husband and wife rock duo out of Atlanta, Georgia, are writers and producers of all of their own material, and even produce their own music videos, filming to editing. I loved this song, which has a great classic rock feel.