Nov. 8, 2018: Laurel Ostiguy/Richard Smith/Marie Unanue/Cameron Sutphin

Author Laurel Ostiguy opens the show with a look at her new book, “Lying In Wait.” It's the continuation of her ongoing Onondoga State series. This book looks at the subject of assaults on college campuses and one young woman's attempts to investigate it. Laurel shares the planning process, how she worked on the continuation of the story, and the many characters that have come up. 

Richard Smith was on the show many years back for his last book, “Emergency Deep,” and this week he returns for his new title, “The Priceless Shaman Protocol.” This tale is a sci-fi thriller that begins with a ransom and includes cutting-edge technology way beyond what we know. Richard shares the writing process and also some of the hurdles faced by independent authors.

Marie Unanue's book looks at the topic of bullying through the eyes of two cats. Keep reading, it's a great story! “The Adventures of Phatty and Payaso” follows two felines as they take on a villainous hawk in Central Park, making friends and having a great adventure. She also has a social media campaign using the LetsAllBeKind hashtag to encourage people to do good things for one another.

Singer-songwriter Cameron Sutphin closes out the show with a look at his upcoming Winter Acoustic Tour. Currently living in Nashville, Cameron is a Connecticut native who's planning a move to New Hampshire in February. He's a full-time musician, and shares some tips on how to take music and make it the new 9-5.

Keystone Comic-Con, Part Two: Black Sands Entertainment and Dezcreepcore

Max with cosplayer Dezcreepcore

Manuel Godoy, president and author of Black Sands Entertainment, talks about the growth of the comic company, the history intertwined with the story, and how he finds the many talented people that he's worked with on the titles.

Later on, I talk to cosplayer Dexcreepcore about her latest costumes and the work that goes into them. She also goes into how one turns being a cosplayer into a full-time job and the many conventions she's appeared at.

Sept. 20, 2018: Almost Got Caught/N Lawrence Mann/Bones and Everybody Hates Thomas

NOTE: This is the final live show on WEMF Radio as host Max Bowen moves to Philadelphia. In a couple weeks, the show will transition to a podcast that will air on WEMF on Fridays at 6 p.m.

The band Almost Got Caught opens the show with a killer live set. Once that gets finished, they come into the studio to preview their upcoming shows in Lowell and at the Middle East, as well as talk about their new music.

Author N Lawrence Mann is next, and he has a new book out, "Coma Dreams." The second book in his Blue Warp series, this includes the return of Brennen Reynolds. Using his newfound—and unrefined—ability to heal, Brennen Reynolds attempts to revive Air Force Colonel Brett Stafford on the day his life support is to be terminated. Brennen is only partially successful, as the person awoken is not Colonel Stafford.
This book centers on the theme of addiction, and Mann talks about his own experience with addiction and how it factored into his book.

Closing out the program, comedian Everybody Hates Thomas talks about how he got into comedy, his popular Instagram video series and plans for some shows. Right after that, rapper Bones has some great live freestyling to show you.

Aug. 16, 2018: Kate Eppers and One Time Mountain/Ladderbird Literary Agency and Greg Adams/Sofia Lee Davis/Matt Zajac

Nina Pickell, Max, Sofia Davis, and Mark

Singer-songwriter Kate Eppers and Brian Murphy of One Time Mountain return, and they’ve got some big news to share. Kate recently released a new music video for her song, “Follow Me,” which depicts a sci-fi/fantasy story shot in this area. Kate takes us through the production process and all the work that went into it.

Brian’s band is among the nominees in the New England Music Awards for Rock Act of the Year. We talk about the year that both he and Kate have had and their goals for this year.

Beth Marshea of the Ladderbird Literary Agency joins me in the studio to talk about this business, how she launched it, and some of the clients she works with. She also offers some advice to those new to the business.
Joining us is author Greg Adams, one of Beth’s clients. Author of “One Day in Hell” and “The River Above,” he has a new novella in the works, a tale of a nightmarish amusement park set in New Hampshire.

Country artist Sofia Lee Davis is up next, with her new album, "Can't Go Back to Georgia." This recounts the last 10 years of her life, much of which she spent not making any music. She talks about the break and what got her back into writing and her time living in the south. She’s also a nominee for Best Country Act in the New England Music Awards.

Matt Zajac has been performing for the last 20 years, and shares some stories of the venues he’s performed at. He talks about how he made music his full-time job and the work that goes into it. He’s also got a new album in the works and gives some details on the release.

July 26, 2018: Badd, HK, and Money Mav/Stripe Team/Linda Marks

Max with BADD and Money Mav

I welcome back Citywide's Production Coordinator BADD, who brings with him his manager H K, a well-known name in Boston's music scene and mentor to young talent. Plus, JAMN 94.5 host Money Mav talks about his radio career and his work at one of the city's biggest stations over the last 12 years. He's also got a music career, and we outline his upcoming show at the House of Blues.

Next up is the Stripe Team, back from an adventure in LA. We hear all about that trip, and how the music scene is over there. The team shares some great new music, some of which is being played for the first time on any station.

Singer-songwriter Linda Marks helps me wrap up the show with a listen from her new album "Moments" and her upcoming CD release show at Club Passim. Linda's also well-known at house concerts in this area, and we talk about that experience and how it helps to foster a musical community.

July 19, 2018: Figment/Copperfrog Games/No Hugs/We Are Bullethead

No Hugs

Terry Dovidio of Figment, a longstanding participatory and interactive arts program, joins me to talk about the many varieties of artists that will be at this event, slated for next weekend. Later on, Be of the American Family Happily Institute enters the studio to share what her organization will be doing as part of this great arts showcase.

Michael Epstein of Copperfrog Games is back! He’s in the WEMF studio with a brand new project, The Meeple Machine. These game pieces are hand-crafted from various solid hardwoods in Vermont. They have a custom smooth, rounded shape, and are oiled and sealed with petroleum-free Botanical Polymerized Tung Oil for durability and shine. They make the good addition to any game that uses Meeples, or can be used as a personal cheerleading squad at work, or used to wage massive battles across the tabletop between different factions.

The rock/punk band No Hugs have a lot to share with our listeners, including a new single, “Your Satisfaction is Fake,” and an ongoing tour with a slew of stories. No/Hugs are currently on the third summer tour and are releasing their first single at the Vans Warped Tour on July 27, at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield.

We Are Bullethead are gearing up for their final show….and this time they mean it! They’ll be performing with the Michelle LeClair band, and we talk about the band’s career and hear some great live music.

July 12, 2018: Kim Moberg/Joe Rich/Kerr Griffin/Joe Grizzly

Kim Moberg

Singer-songwriter Kim Moberg is in the studio to talk about her recently-released debut album, “Above Ground.” She’s also an experienced show booker, and has events scheduled through 2019. She talks about the kinds of places she’s played at, including house concerts.

Joe Rich has a new EP out, “Suddenly Summer,” and we learn about the story behind this new release and the process of getting it together. Joe’s got a lot of shows happening, and jokes about the “Joe Rich Curse.” He’s also got a new Spotify channel, and we talk about some of the artists we’ve discovered through it.

Last year, singer-songwriter Kerr Griffin released a new EP, “Rust and Bone.” It’s a self-produced album, and Kerr talks about this and how he made the switch from band performer to a solo act.

The hip-hop group Joe Grizzly has a lot to share after their last appearance on the show a few years ago, including a new album, “The Future,” and shows both in Boston and beyond.

June 21, 2018: Shaded Glitch/Genie Santiago/Stories in Motion/Ryan Pinette

Max and Shaded Glitch

EDM artist Shaded Glitch is in to talk about his recent release, “Starving Artist,” and the struggle of making a career in the music industry. He also shares his musical theater background and how that’s come into play with his music.

Hip-hop/R&B artist Genie Santiago is back with her recently-released debut album, “Know Your Worth.” This EP has been in the making for awhile, and Genie talks about the response since it came out, and the process of putting it together. She also talks about the upcoming Femme Fatale show that she’ a part of, and how the role of women in entertainment has changed.

Chris Esper of the production company Stories in Motion has two new short films hitting the festival circuit and gives us the info on these new projects, a silent film which explores anxiety, and a drama on the subject of corrupt police officers. We learn about the actors and actresses he worked with, and how he balances this which his day job making videos for weddings, businesses, and musicians.

Singer-songwriter Ryan Pinette closes out the show with some live songs, one of which is a world exclusive. He’s got a lot of shows coming up and along with sharing that info, he’s played at some of the biggest venues in Boston. He also has a band, Ryan Pinette and the Baystaters, and he gives the history of the group.

June 14, 2018: American Family Happily Institute/FBGM

Max with Matt and D. of FBGM

Be, of the American Family Happily Institute, joins me to talk about the group's free kazoo distribution with Make Music Boston at Copley Square June 21. the AFHI was founded with the goal of teaching people to develop a concept called "happily," a positive outlook to combat the "saddily," or negativity that can oftentimes surround us. Be talks about the Institute's origins, the folks that make it up, and how best to maintain a positive attitude.

Matt Jatkola and D. Orxata of FBGM are hitting the road! The duo began a seven-state tour on June 12, and they share the trials and tribulations of putting something this massive together and offer some tips for those that are looking to do something similar. Matt and D. talk about the places they're looking forward to playing and their plans for traversing the many hundreds of miles.

Citywide Blackout, April 26, 2018: Mr. OohBooii

Hip-hop artist Mr. Ooh Booii returns to the studio to talk about hiz new album, "Frontos and Starburst." The artist took a new direction with this music, trying new sounds as a means of testing his limits and seeing what he's capable of. We talk about the work that went into it with fellow artist Heffner and the story behind the finished product.

April 19, 2018: Kismet/Peter E. Radall Publisher/Frank Viele

A. David Lewis and Max 

Punching Nazis used to be more than a meme. In 1944, it was a vocation. And no one put his gloved fist in the faces of more fascists than the Man of Fate, the Algerian Operative, our man in Occupied France--Kismet.
Then, he disappeared. Gone without a trace--until now. Writer A. David Lewis is in the studio to talk about this new look for the classic comic book character, how he interacts with the current era, and what has transitioned from the original story into the new one.

Publisher Deidre Randall calls in to talk about the 50-year-old Portsmouth, NH, called Peter E. Randall Publisher. We talk about the publishing industry, the sort of things writers need to know before they start sending out their manuscript, and how they go about selection the writers they work with.

Singer-songwriter Frank Viele wraps up the show with a look at his new album, "What's His Name?" which will be released next week with a CD release show at the Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, CT. Frank shares his touring stories and some words of wisdom for other musicians looking to hit the road.

April 5, 2018: Tim Carter/Bell Rey/Bugsy H/The Foxfires

Author Tim Carter

Tim Carter's newer asphalt shingle roof failed long before it should. Is your shingle roof in bad shape too? Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com, decided to ask his 51,000-plus newsletter subscribers if they had problems too. And the result is his book, "Roofing Ripoff: Why Your Asphalt Shingles are Falling Apart and What You Can Do About It." We look at the research done, what the response has been and some quick tips to help your roof last longer.

Anturazh' Bell Rey recently released his debut project titled "Catalog," a blend of Afro-Pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Bell talks about the folks he worked with to bring this album to life, as well as the stories behind the music.

Bugsy H keeps the show rolling with a look at this debut album "Genuflect," set for a release very soon. The album is the culmination of a lot of work, both in the studio and from his younger years as an artist. This album has a lot of others, including Project Pat, Keith Murray, and Nature, and we look at their contribution to the project.

Adam and Christian of the New York band The Foxfires call in to talk about two new singles the band released, both of which tackle some very serious issues, "Don't Give Up" and "Choose Love."
The latter is a campaign and message the band have been pushing for four years to move towards a more empathetic, equal, and balanced future where we see past race, gender, religion, sexuality, or political party and to fully embrace all of humanity. "Don't Give Up" is an anti-suicide song that the band have been adamant about putting out since the recent deaths of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington.

March. 8, 2018: Martin Henley/Munk Duane/Capitol Entertainment

Capitol Entertainment

Opening the show, I'm speaking to author Martin Henley for his book, "Scoundrels Who Made America Great." We've all heard of people like Benedict Arnold, one of history's greatest traitors, but as it turns out he played an integral role in preserving this nation. Henley chronicles Arnold and many other historical figures who did much more good then we may know.

Singer-songwriter Munk Duane-with special guest Nina Pickell-talks about his new single, "Another Day Another Bullet." The song was written after one of the mass shooting which have become all too common today.

The crew from Capitol Entertainment pack the studio to represent some of the great artists of the Lowell area. The group has been around for a few years and has completed roughly 60 songs, with some album releases planned for the near future.

March 1, 2018: Marcela Cruz/The Hollow/The Dirty Dottys/Berklee Popular Music Institute

The Dirty Dottys with Max and Brian

Brian Thompson of the band Drive-By Bukkake joins Max as co-host for a packed house. First up, Marcela Cruz returns to the show to tell us about the new music she's been working on for a soon-to-be-released EP. In addition, she's been hitting the road, playing shows in New York and Philadelphia. 

Author Nicole Barrell has a tale of murder and mystery to share in her new book, âThe Hollow.â When Ellen Frites sees a friend from high school in a dream, bloody and beaten, she begins a search for what has happened. But what if someone wants this to remain a secret? This is Barrell's first book, and she outlines her writing process, what led her to write this novel, and her plans for a second book.

The band The Dirty Dottys haven't been in the Citywide studio in a couple years, and we've got a lot of catching up to do. The band is nearing completion of a new album, one that they've been working on in the midst of playing shows and writing.

Closing out the first show of March is the band Jacksonville Kid, one of the participants in the upcoming Berklee Popular Music Institute's show set for Tuesday, March 6, at the Sinclair in Cambridge. This annual showcase takes Berklee students and alumnae and gives them the chance to get on the stage of some of the biggest showcases around, including Essence Festival, Lollapalooza, and Welcome to Rockville. Around 300 bands applied for a spot in this showcase.

Feb. 22, 2018: Genie Santiago/Curtis Lawson

Max and Genie

R&B artist Genie Santiago makes a big return to talk about her upcoming EP, "Know Your Worth." Genie talks about the folks who helped her through the process and in some cases kept her on point. We also talk about the positive mindset that she strives to maintain, even in the face of some negative opposition. 

Author Curtis Lawson is back with a new book, audiobooks, and a panel appearance at StokerCon! That's quite a list and we run down the new story of "Bad World 2," the narrator he chose to work with for "The Devoured," and the wisdom he'll be sharing at StokerCon.

Feb. 15, 2018: Brian McKenzie/Geoffrey Cooper/Ronin FM/ViQueen

Brian McKenzie

Singer-songwriter Brian McKenzie is up first to talk about his new album, "Bruising From the Fall." He's been doing music for years, both his solo work and in the metal band Kilgore. Both projects are seeing new developments, and we talk about how he moved from metal to folk and the number of shows both have in the works.

Author Geoffrey Cooper is up next for his new book "The Prize." It's a thriller that's focused on the surprisingly politicized world of the Nobel Prize. Two researchers looking for a new treatment for Alzheimer's Disease are both in the running for the award, and while Pam Weller has a more idealized attitude, for Eric Prescott, it's all about the accolades, and whatever needs to be done to get them. Cooper has worked in the medical research field for years, and so his experience comes to play in the writing process.

Ronin FM is a hip-hop artist with a diverse background across several different projects. Most recently, he released "Origins," and his experience is reflected in the high quality of the music. Ronin is also a highly-educated producer, and he tells us about this part of his career, what he's learned both in the classroom and outside it.

Wrapping up the show is the San-Francisco-based punk band ViQueen, whom Max pre-recorded earlier that week. The band talks about music on the West Coast, shows in Nevada, Portland, and other locations, and experience at SXSW.
 

Feb. 1, 2018: Back Seat Redemption/Boskone/Steven Hobbs

Back Seat Redemption

The band Back Seat Redemption joins Max in the studio to share songs from their forthcoming EP, recorded at New Alliance Studios. Conrad, Cozzy, and Clark talk about the number of shows this band has under its belt and more that are plannd this coming year to celebrate the EP's release.

JoAnn Cox and Erin Underwood are among the organizers of the annual Boskone book festival, which features some of the best and newest names in science fiction and fantasy. But it's far more than a book expoâBoskone has dozens of panels and presentations giving important lessons for those who want to break into the publishing industry, and insight into the minds of their favorite writers.

And speaking of writers, we end this show with Steven Hobbs, who has a new book about regeneration and new life in his book, "Retreads." How does a person born in the early 1800s adapt when they find themselves reborn in the here and now? You'll need to turn the pages of Hobbs' newest stories, a story which centers on Margaret Dearborn and her quest to find her lost love.

Jan. 25, 2018: 7 Mazes and One Time Mountain/Stereo Pleasure/Sleight of Hands Film

Max talking with Stereo Pleasure 

Opening the show, we get a road report from the bands 7 Mazes and One Time Mountain as they continue their week-long tour up and down the East Coast. 7 Mazes is based out of Germany, and we talk about their time in the U.S., the sites they've seen in New York City and Salem, and their own plans for the future regarding new releases.

Stereo Pleasure returns after their first appearance on Citywide a few months ago. This Boston-based venture is aimed at collaboration with local hip-hop and R&B talent to help bring their music to the ears of the world. They update us on their plans to launch a new web site with their music, how they meet the artists they want to work with, and how best to navigate the music world in the Spotify era.

Dave Sullivan and Johnny Berosh of Sleight of Hand Films have been hard at work producing a number of erotic and sexploitation films. They've also hit a few roadblocks when it comes to arranging screenings, and we talk about this and how even in 2018, they still have to struggle to get their work out there. We talk on the talent at Sleight of Hands, the different roles they've had, and what's in store for this year.

Jan. 18, 2018--Under Atoms/Super Slime Arena

Max and Under Atoms

The rock band Under Atoms is a longtime friend of mine from the days when I booked shows in Boston. They’re in the studio to talk about their third album release, “105 Grams.” Recorded, mixed and mastered by the legendary Brian Charles at Zippah Recording in Boston, we go over what went into making the new release, four years after their previous one.

Next up are the minds behind the new Steam game Super Slime Arena. With graphics that pay tribute to the 90’s Japanese console games, this new release [slated for Jan. 23] pits players in an all-out brawl with slugs of different kinds and different attacks. We go over the development of the game, how the industry has changed, and what’s planned once the release is done.
 

Jan. 11, 2018: Zion Rodman

Citywide kicks of 2018 with singer-songwriter Zion Rodman. Formerly of Boston, Zion moved to Chicago last August. Calling in to the WEMF studio, Zion talks about the music scene in Chicago and some of the places he's been to for shows. He's also had he chance to play out several times, and has already gotten an event of his own put together.
Zion also has a new EP out, "Did Not Wake Up Today." In order to ensure all those involved are paid, and he has the funds for promotion and distribution, Zion put together a cool pre-order campaign which runs through Jan. 20.

In addition, CB Production Coordinator BADD shares some new songs and call in a special guest, ShellzDaGod, who recently finished a new music video in New York City.