May 11, 2017: EBASS/Bracken MacLeod/Positive Negative Man

Bracken and Max 

This week's show marks the end of a wonderful segment, with Hailey Magee of the Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters (EBASS). Hailey joined the show around two years ago and helped launch a mothly segment that not only educated other musicians about the business side of the industry, but also featured some of the best performers in the city. Hailey recently decided to take a hiatus from EBASS, and we wish her the very best!

This week, we talk about the work that goes into running an organization like EBASS. Who knows, maybe others will be inspired to launch groups like it for other genres in the city. In addition, Zion Rodman plays a couple tunes and tells us all about his upcoming CD release and his ongoing Apartment Concert Series.

Horror author Bracken MacLeod returns to tells us about his new book, "13 Views of the Suicide Woods." It's a thrilling collection of dark fiction that Bracken wrote for ChiZine Publications. We talk about the state of horror and what the new generation of writers has to offer.

The guys from the band Positive Negative Man return to talk about their recent shows at the Somerville Porchfest, as well as their upcoming performances. They've also got lots of great new music to share!

March 9, 2017: EBASS/Haley Katrin Studios/Sella's Kitchen

Max with the cast and crew of Sella's Kitchen

Hailey Magee of EBASS returns to share her insight into making it as a musician. Thought by some to be an impossible dream, Hailey, her guest Haley Haerr-Hartmann of Haley Katrin Studios, and Max talk about the different ways that musicians have used their skills to turn their craft into a career.

Next, Haley talks about her upcoming show with EBASS, Singing Sober: Musicians Sharing Stories of Recovery. Featuring Melissa Ferrick, MB Padfield, & Anjimile, this show celebrates the strength and power of those who choose to embrace sobriety. Melissa Ferrick, MB Padfield, and Anjimile will share their stories of the struggles, difficulties, and rewards of the journey towards recovery. The event will also feature an open mic where audience members can share their own experiences.

Closing out the show is filmmaker Ralph Celestin to talk about his new project, Sella's Kitchen. Ralph is joined by actress/model Trisha Mondesir and actress and radio host Tayla Andre. We talk about the story behind this coming of age drama that explores Hatian American culture, and the roles that Trisha and Tayla take on. Ralph talks about the work that went into this new movies, as well as his previous project, Boston2Philly.

Nov. 10, 2016: EBASS/B.J. Knapp/Everyone's Hero Cosplay/Super Megafest, Part 3

Hailey Magee and Hannah Siglin

Hailey Magee makes her return for the monthly EBASS segment, along with singer-songwriter Hannah Siglin. We talk about music videos, the different options out there, and what to consider before shelling out the cash. There's so many ways to go about it, especially in a city like Boston.
Hannah shares some live acoustic tunes, what it's like transitioning from the state of Washington to Boston, and her family's musical background.

Author B.J. Knapp talks about her new book, "Beside the Music," a tale of an aging rock band and their decision to record a new album in the home of a very devoted fan. Suffice to say, not all sides are in agreement, and hilarity ensues. B.J.'s a diehard music fan herself, and her own love of rock plays a role in the story.

Cosplay artist Everyone's Hero Skypes in to share the facts on the 40 costumes he's made since joining the cosplay community two and a half years ago. From Nick Fury to Batman, he has a wide array of personas that he's adopted, learning as he goes and doing a lot with sometimes limited resources. He's gotten to know so many cosplayers, and he has some great stories to share.

BONUS: We've got Part 3 of the Blackout Bootleg series from Super Megafest! Author Blake Renworth talks about her debut book, "The Exiled Seven," as well as her own work as an editor. Stacey Longo has a slew of titles to her name, including several collections and her first book, "Ordinary Boy." She and Max talk about her journalism background, and if the characters that she's met while on the beat made their way into her stories.

Oct. 20, 2016: EBASS and Nico Rivers/Ignition Comics/Garbage Point/Horror Writers of Maine

[L-r] Emily Graham-Handley, Nico Rivers, and Hailey Magee

Hailey Magee is back for our monthly EBASS segment. We talk about some of the "old school" promoting methods like hitting shows, posting fliers, and general word of mouth, and if these still have a place where some people measure the attendance based on the Facebook event pages.
Later, Nico Rivers and Emily Graham-Handley play some great tunes for us, and we learn about Nico's Live From Nowhere music series and his many, many shows.

Corey Sawyer of Ignition Comics has a brand new series out, "Rapture," a story about a world where everyone has the potential to develop powers based on a flight-or-fight response to situations. He debuted this at Granite-State Comic-Con and it's gotten some rave reviews since then. Hear about the creative process that brought this title into being and the many minds behind it.

The band Garbage Point is next, and you can expect a great show from them on Halloween at the Haunted Ballroom at Once in Somerville. This horror-themed band talks about their favorite slashers, and an upcoming CD release.

BONUS: The last installment in the Blackout Bootleg series, Max talks to the folks at Horror Writers of Maine, who were at the recent Granite-State Comic-Con.

Sept. 22, 2016: EBASS and Hannah Christianson/King Julius/Blackout Bootleg: A. Wags Illustrations and T.H. Paul

Hannah Christianson [left] and Hailey Magee

EBASS is back! Hailey Magee returns to talk about the things to do before going on tour-suffice it to say, it's a long list. Setting aside money, checking the area ahead of time, planning the best route to get to the venues on time....there's so much to do, and many artists miss these all-important items.

Joining Hailey for the artist portion is singer-songwriter Hannah Christianson. She has a new album coming out on Dec. 4 with a show at the Burren in Davis Square. We also talk about how music has grown her as a person.

Next we're joined by royalty as hip-hop artist King Julius! He's been producing a number of music videos for his many songs, and is working on several new projects. We talk about the stigma of hip-hop music, how he rates a pro versus an amateur, and his time in the studio.

BONUS: Our newest Blackout Bootleg series begins with interviews with the many creative folks at the recent Granite-State Comic-Con. First is Arriona Wagoner, head of A. Wags Illustrations. Her work centers on the female form, popular characters, and zombies. She switches between styles, going from acryllic to digital to watercolor, depending on the job.

Next is author T.H. Paul, who's released his first fantasy novel, "The Legacy Chronicle." T.H. grew up reading the works of Tolkien and Dragonlance, and created his own world for his new series.

June 16, 2016: EBASS & Jack and Katie Music/Author Barbara Welch/Skin Drone

Jack and Katie with Hailey Magee

Hailey Magee, founder of EBASS, joins Max to talk about the city of Boston and the support it offers [or doesn't offer] for it's growing artistic community. Artists have it rough in Boston, between the escalating rent, shuttering venues, and more, many are making the move to New York or LA to seek bigger and better opportunities. But is there more here than meets the eye?

Joining us for the EBASS segment is the wonderful musical duo of Jack and Katie. These two have been performing for years, and possess an amazing sound which they share on the show with some live songs.

Author Rev. Barbara Welch shares her experience in dealing with child abuse through her book, "Out of Hiding: Grace is Still Enough." This is her first book, and she wrote it in just three months. In it, she details her spiritual journey to the home of Martin Luther and the transformation she experienced.

Otto Kinzel makes his big return to talk about his new project, Skin Drone! Working with fellow musician Erik Martin, these two have crafted a metal album that screams from the genre's heyday. These two worked hundreds of miles apart, through e-mail and phone, and the result is one hell of an album!

April 28, 2016: EBASS/Carlin Tripp/Jaysen Christopher/Whoopi Sticks

Author Jaysen Christopher

This week we welcome back Hailey Magee of EBASS for our monthly busiess/music segment. This month, Hailey and I chat with singer-songwriter Carlin Tripp about some of the do's and don'ts of bands when they perform. Afterward, Carlin talks about his 18Strings concert series, which has become a popular show at the Dedam Square Coffeehouse. Carlin also plays a few songs that have some very special meaning to him.

Author Jaysen Christopher is next and has he got a story to tell! His debut book, "Judgement Day," is a twisty little mystery that takes former CIA agent Kaylyn Vale on an intense ride as she tries to find out who is responsible for the serial murder of judges.

The band Whoopi Sticks rounds out the show, with new music and a great lineup scheduled for the Middle East on May 7. They also share some ideas on how to create a musical community, and what they'd like to see come of it.

March 17, 2016: Venus Mars Project/EBASS: Ariel Strasser and Triton Taylor/New England Music Awards

Triton Taylor

Starting this week's show, we've got Peter and Jacyn from the Venus Mars Project in the house, one of the nominees for The New England Music Awards.This band has been playing some amazing shows around the city, and we'll talk about the newest members, and potential for international shows.

Next, it's the return of the Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters group. Ariel Strasser, Ken Budka, and Triton Taylor are on this month's segment, playing some great live music and discussing what artists should consider before and while touring. Those looking to expand beyond their normal show area can learn a lot from this segment.

Joe G from the New England Music Awards helps us close out the show. Now in its fifth year, this event showcases the best of the area in every genre imaginable. Joe gives us a preview of what to expect at this year's NEMA show, and what goes into putting it together.

Dec. 17, 2015: EBASS/Duchess and the Royal Court/Michael Dutton

Hailey from EBASS and Nick and Zach from In This River with Max and Matt

This week, we welcome Hailey Magee from Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters [EBASS] for a special one-hour interview. We'll be talking about the other options for artists to get themselves seen in an era when so many venues are closing.
After that, we talk Nick Ingrisani & Zach Cohen of In This River. They've got a debut album coming out, and we'll have live music just for you!

Our fans in Salem won't want to miss our interview of the night with singer-songwriter Melissa Cote, better known as Duchess and the Royal Court. She's been playing in the city for some time, and she's eager to spread her wings and see what else awaits her.

Author Michael Dutton is on next to talk about his "Christmaville" book series.
"In a town nestled between magic and miracle, snuggled between dream and deja vu, Mary Jane Higgins embarks on a series of perilous journeys, determined to resolve the riddle of Christmasville."
He's got two down and one to go!