Citywide Blackout

Citywide Blackout, March 16, 2019: Kathleen Valenti/Avanti Nagral

On this week's podcast, I open with author Kathleen Valenti, who has a new book in her Maggie O'Malley seires, “As Directed.” She talks about the Maggie's development, going from recent college grad to solving one murder after another. Kathleen also delves into her marketing background and how this has helped her to spread the word about her work.

Following this I play a new single from Mike Allen, “Set in Stone.” Mike began playing professionally at 16, working for the Little Walter Price Blues Band. Switching to country in 1980, he spent years on the road playing for Jeff Hord and the Texas Fullhouse Band, Hatfield and McCoy, Phoenix, and others.

After the break, Boston-based singer-songwriter Avanti Nagral joins me to share the story behind her new single. “thank u (pls).” This song centers on a recent breakup, and how she grew from the experience. She's on the way to India to begin a press tour for the music video for this song, and she talks about the social media influencers and YouTube stars who worked with her on the project.

 

Citywide Blackout, March 12, 2019: Boskone Part 1 with S.L. Huang/Eugene Doucette

Welcome to the first in my series of Boskone interviews. Boskone is an annual science fiction and fantasy convention that takes place in Boston. I've covered it for the past few years, and it's always been a great time.

First up, author S.L. Huang and I talk about the times she's been set on fire (seriously) while working as a stunt person and how this and martial arts training come into play in her work. We chat about villains and how they sometimes imitates life, particularly in this current political climate. This is her first Boskone, and she shares some of her favorite parts and how she became involved in the first place.

Eugene Doucette is a hybrid author, and he talks about what that means and how it's benefited him as a writer. We talk reviews, both good and bad, and how even the bad ones can offer a lesson. We chat about marketing one's work and some of the biggest challenges that he's faced.

And for new music, I bring you “Last Call” from Maida a singer-songwriter based in Germany. Her style has been compared to that of Melissa Etheridge. Her song is up after the first interview, and to close the show, I give you “I Drink Alone,” from “Wildman” Pebo Wilson, who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and began singing at age 16.

 

Citywide Blackout, March 10, 2019: Mikel Wisler/The Adventures of June Bug

On this week's show, I welcome back author and filmmaker Mikel Wisler to talk about his new book, “Sleepwalker,” a thrilling tale involving the bleeding edge of robotics and nanotechnology. We talk about the real vs. the fiction and how our own world mirrors the one he created.

Next up, we're talking radio dramas! Writer Jim Newman of the podcast The Adventures of June Bug shares the origin story of this new series, how it was casted and the process of bringing these characters to life. We've also got a bonus for you, episode one in the June Bug series.

And what would this show be without new music? After the first interview enjoy “Nothing But You” from Andreas Carlsson & The Moonshine Band, a rock and country band from Sweden. Check them out on Facebook for all news on their new music currently being recorded.

 

Citywide Blackout, March 3, 2019: Richard Starkings/Matt Warren

Comic legend and creator of the Elephantmen series Richard Starkings opens the show. We talk about the concept behind his new series “Ask for Mercy” –available exclusively on ComiXology Originals—a tale of Nazi demons and the group of supernatural warriors tasked with stopping them. We also talk the “graying” of the world of comics and how it's impacted the characters of this and other titles. We spend some time on our favorite characters, the notion of hope and it's reflected in certain titles.

Matt Warren is up next, and with 40 years in the industry he has a lot to share. We talk about the advent of house music, how one made a career back in the era of vinyl and cassettes, and his upcoming tour for his debut album, “Music is My Life.”

On this week's podcast, I feature the song “Star-Crossed,” by the band Excorde, made up of Jimena Arroyo, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Jonnie Cook, from Chicago. This is a great tune and I hope you enjoy it.

Citywide Blackout, Feb. 23, 2019: Christine Lajewski/Dust Prophet

Opening this week's podcast is horror author and haunt actress Christine Lajewski. We talk about the monster in her book, “Bonebelly” and her time working at haunted houses and how it's become a part of her book. We've even got a cool giveaway, so be sure to listen for the question.

After that, industrial metal artist Otto Kinzel is back on the show with https://dustprophet.com/ Some old friends have returned to lend their talents to this new foursome and the result is some amazing metal. They've got shows lined up, and Otto talks about getting noticed in this day and age and some other projects by his kids.

And I'm continuing to provide you with new tunes. After the first interview, Montreal, Canada-based artist Ghostly Beard has a new single out called “Papercut,” and after Otto's interview I play two Dust Prophet songs, “The Big Lie” and “Revolutionary Suicide.”

Boskone Preview, Part 2: Fonda Lee/Christopher Golden

In this episode of Citywide Blackout, we continue our pre-Boskone coverage. Boskone is an annual fantasy and science fiction book festival that I've attended for years and always have a blast at. It's happening this weekend, Feb. 15-17, and you can learn more at boskone.org.

First up, I talk to Portland, Oregon-based writer Fonda Lee about audiobooks and how to get the voices just write, her joy at writing fight scenes, and how to best prep for a convention like Boskone.

Next up, it's author Christopher Golden, known for his work not only with books, but also comics and television. He shares some behind-the-scenes info on what it means for a book to be optioned for film or television and talks about scenes that have been intense, even for him.

Plus, it's more new music! Michael Egleton, a Blues, Soul and Jazz artist from Akron, Ohio. He describes himself as a soulful sound with innovative techniques and style, and I can't argue with that. I'm playing “Behind These Walls” and “Situations” at both breaks.

Citywide Blackout, Feb. 10, 2019: Clea Simon/Gerald Coleman

Welcome to our podcast preview of the annual Boskone book festival. First up is author Clea Simon—a newcomer to the Boskone family. She and I talk about the Boston music scene, which is the setting for her book “World Enough,” our favorite clubs, and how the it's changed over the years. She shares the story behind her new mystery novels, most of which have animals as the main characters.

Fellow writer Gerald Coleman's resume is far too long to list, but we cover a lot of ground in this interview, talking about how theology and science fiction come together, his work with the Affrilachian Poets and the diversity we see (and don't see) in comics and science fiction.

In addition, I've got some new music for you, with singles from Marco Bonvicini and Klgor.

Citywide Blackout, Feb. 3, 2019: Rainbow in the Dark

In this week's podcast, I sit down with Comfort and Adam, creators of one of my favorite comics, “Rainbow in the Dark,” now available on the Webtoon app. We talk about the wide array of characters and what each brings to the table, fan reaction to the story and how its changed their lives, and how these two made a career in the world of comics. Big thanks go to Kim Estlund for arranging the interview.

Stick around, because I've also got some new music to share. First, it's “Imaginary Me,” from Zuhlke and “Truth,” from ISSA member Fretsu NJ.

Citywide Blackout, Jan. 27, 2019: 19 Miles Per Hour/Sonya Jevette/Ultrafeedy

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Citywide Blackout, your podcast home for the best in music, movies, and more.

This week, it's all about the movies, as I chat with the New Hampshire-based foursome 19 Miles Per Hour. They recently released a new album and have had a great 2018 of shows, with more planned for the new year.

Next we traipse down to Texas to speak with singer-songwriter Sonya Jevette. She too has had a lot happen, and we speak on her production company, how you get your own day, and new music for 2019.

The journey continues to Brisbane, Australia, and I have the chance to talk to Reuben Aptroot of the band Ultrafeedy. Australia's got a great music scene, and Reuben takes me on a stroll through some of the venues and up and coming bands, and shares some of the band's latest news, including a new single and recent tour.

Citywide Blackout, Jan. 19, 2019: Fact Pattern/Avi Wisnia

On this week's episode of Citywide Blackout, I sit down with Raanan Bozzio, drummer of the band http://www.fact-pattern.com/. This LA-based band is now in its third year and recently released a new single, “A Form To Be.” We talk movies, music, how the band first formed and their plans for 2019.

Later, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia and I hang out at The Twisted Tail to talk about his plans in the new year, and also how he came to Philly and his grandfather's influence on him as a person and his music.

You can follow the show on Facebook by searching for Citywide Blackout, and on Twitter and Instagram under citywidemax.

And this week I'm excited to announce that Citywide has launched its own Patreon site. Search for Citywide Blackout and become a supporter of the show. Every little bit helps. Big thanks go to Matt Martino, our first Patron.