It's a double dose of Boston music with Linda Marks and Daniel Promotes

Linda Marks

As the title says, it's dual Boston artists in this episode. Kicking things off is singer-songwriter Linda Marks, who has a brand new album out called “Monuments of Love.” Inspired by and written during the pandemic, the album touches on a lot of the last year, from the health risks we were all faced with to separation anxiety to lost moments with loved ones.

Linda and I talk about how she stayed creative during this difficult time, even hosting a regular livestream music series. We also look at how she completed two other albums, “The Piano” and “Songs at the Heart of Life” during COVID. Linda also has a big triple album release show planned for Aug. 1 at The Burren in Somerville.

After Linda's interview, enjoy one of the tracks for the new album, “Prayers,” written for a musician friend who battled a hellish case of COVID but is now on the mend and singing once more.

Following this, I'm back with Daniel Promotes, and we also find ourselves chatting about the last 15 months and what it's been like for him. Daniel's also been hard at work joining Ambitious Writerz, and it looks like there's going to be touring in the near future. We look at the Boston rap scene and how it weather the pandemic, focusing on some artists who really made their mark with new releases during this time.

Matt Jatkola talks about tying music into his health journey

Boston singer-songwriter Matt Jatkola returns to talk about his newest singles—“When Tomorrow Comes” and “Japanese Butterfly.” Both were written at different stages of Matt's battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. “When Tomorrow Comes” was written shortly after he received the diagnosis in early 2020, and “Japanese Butterfly” was penned as his treatment was nearing its end. Matt's been cancer-free for nearly a year now.

We talk about Matt's mindset when he began writing the songs and why he wanted to share the story through his music. Matt shares his feelings when he was diagnosed and how it feels to have a clean bill of health. We also look at Matt's interest in professional wrestling and how it helped him to get through both his treatment and the pandemic itself.

Keep listening after this interview, because I've got both songs for your listening enjoyment. They have very different sounds, both of which I really liked.

Dan Nicklin talks studio ownership, live music, and mental health

Boston's Dan Nicklin and I dive deep into the history and amazing work being done by Henley Row Studios. Nicklin founded this years ago and in that time it's undergone a lot of growth. Nicklin talks about the studio's creation and some of the artists he's worked with. The studio has released a number of great songs under The Henley Row All-Stars, which features a revolving cast of musicians.

Nicklin's a member of the band OldJack and they've got a new single out called “Take a Picture.” The song has a strong message about social media and mental health, which Dan outlines as well as past works that have a similar theme. It's an issue that many are dealing with from the pandemic and we need to keep in touch and offer a friendly ear when needed.

Live music has begun to return and Dan and I talk about comfort zones and how people feel about being back in crowded venues after more than a year in COVID. OldJack has some shows scheduled and we talk about how it feels to be back on stage.

Following this, enjoy the new single, “Take a Picture.”

Boston artist recognizes friends and influences in new album

In this episode, I'm live with Boston-based musician Matt Jatkola for his new album, “Never Fixed.” The album is a collection of covers and remixes featuring artists such as Teagan and Sara, Cyndi Lauper, The Bee Gees, and Soft Pyramids. He talks about the different roles that the artists played, whether it was contributing to his own style or being a valued friend he's had over the years. 

After the interview, enjoy two songs from the album, “I Was A Fool (Tegan & Sara Remix)” followed by “Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper Instrumental Cover).”

Three At Home talk about their live Friday shows and monthly releases

Joining me from their deck, Dann Russo and Mary Casiello of Three At Home talk about their new project, "playlist. #notarecord," which has been released one song at a time since June. Since the pandemic put a halt to live performances, they've run weekly livestreams called SpotiFriday, which has featured dozens of covers as well as some of their work. We even get into their origin, which has a few different versions.

After the interview, enjoy two songs from the new project, “Fill It Up,” followed by “We Were There.”

All Legends Incorporated talk about their new album and upcoming book

The husband and wife rap duo All Legends Incorporated Gang just released their new album, “Undefeated,” and the stories contained in these tracks speak to a lot of personal experiences, such as “Haterz,” where the two show that to all those that doubted to talked down to them, they have never given up. They also share their times behind the mics and how they came to make music together and the many talented people they've had the chance to work with.

Following this, enjoy three of their songs, “Haterz,” followed by “Gang Shit,” and “Holy Sin.”

Boston-based duo take it to the next level

In recording of an Instagram Live broadcast, Jermaine Kelly and Lando Savage of the Boston-based lvl3rd [pronounced Level Third] talk about the Boston music scene in the pandemic and what they originally had planned that has since been canceled. We also talk about how the two met and their favorite places to play in Boston. They've got a new single out called “Milkshake” as well as a music video, and we take a look at some of their future plans.

Following this, enjoy the new single, “Milkshake.”

Pearl Cutten wants everyone to know that they are beautiful

I welcome back Denmark-based artist Pearl Cutten to talk about her new single, “You Are Beautiful,” part of her forthcoming project “Fragments of My Soul.” Pearl also has a music video for the single in the works, and we do a deep dive into what fans can expect. Pearl talks about what has filled her time during the pandemic and some of her goals for 2021.

After the song, sit back and enjoy “You Are Beautiful.”

Boston bands release benefit compilation to help venues

Boston's music venues have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic and it's unclear when local shows will return. To help the venues, David HD of the band Circus Battalion helped create “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” a 30-song compilation album to benefit the Midway Cafe, O'Brien's Pub, Once, and The Jungle.

He and bandmate Mike McMahon join me to talk about the impact to the local scene and their thoughts on some of the long-term effects. Circus Battalion also has a new album out called “Scumming Attractions,” dedicated to The Great Scott, which recently announced that it would not be reopening.

Following this, I've got “So Far So Good,” from Carissa Johnson, on “Quarantine Age Wasteland,” followed by “Blackout” from Scumming Attractions.

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.”

Music video premier-Marco Bonvicini

I'm very happy to share the new music video for "Tell Me Your Lies " by Marco Bonvicini. It's a great high quality production that goes perfectly with this stellar music.

Pearls and Sunflowers

Opening this episode is Pearl Cutten, a Denmark-based soul artist who recently released a new single, “The Pain in You,” a story of the reality of being in an abusive relationship but with a message that self-love is ultimately the answer. We talk a lot about the concept of self-love and how she's incorporated it into her life. After this interview, enjoy the new tune.

Next up is Boston's own Genie Santiago. This stellar R&B artist was first on the show in 2017 and has been a regular since then. We talk all about her latest single “Spirit Party” and the music video that accompanies it. She talks about balancing her life between work, music, and making time for herself. The show closes out with “Spirit Party.”

Unique pop-punk and revolutionary rock

In this episode, Melbourne, Australia-based pop-punk artist Hated Names shares his debut single, “Anthem for the Atheist.” Naturally, religion and taking on this subject comes up, but we also learn about his origin as a musician, work as a producer, and the music scene in Australia. Following this interview, enjoy this great musical debut. 

Lyric Dubee, of Ontario, has accomplished a lot by age 21—five albums, international tours, and much more. He tells us all about his journey to making music a full-time job, some interesting tour stories, and what he has in planned for 2020. After this, enjoy Lyric's tune, “Soundscape City.”

Separate Charm show what's best about the Nashville scene

The country duo Separate Charm [Melissa Ramski & Lizzie Miller ] have been on my mind a lot since I first heard their new single, “Me Time.” We talk about the origins of this great tune and the response from radio and podast hosts and their plans for more music. Melissa and Lizzie are from the Nashville area and give us an in-depth look on life in the city and some of their favorite venues.

Following this, enjoy their single, “Me Time,” which they describe as a sassy tune, and that's very accurate.

The Cast Irons talk about their new EP and gear fandom

Boston-based The Cast Irons and I nerd out on audio gear and they consider the possibility of grave robbing their band members for their best stuff....no, seriously, we do that. But that's just the passion that this foursome brings to the table, and you can hear it in their new EP, “The Longest Night.” We also talk about some of the places they've played at and some upcoming shows later this fall.

After that, enjoy these two songs from the EP—“Good Haunting” and “Breathe”

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.”

Review Roundup, Edition 3

Web Series 
Or So The Story Goes—Knock Knock

When the crew from OSTSG got in touch with me to check out their new series, I knew I had to do it! The story centers on a home invasion horror, based on the classic tale “Jack and the Beanstalk.” This is the company's hallmark—taking old-school children's stories and bringing them to life in a brand new, chilling way. The production value for this is great, from the cinematography to the music and the sound. You can tell that a talented crew is working behind the scenes. The cast is just as skilled, bringing a great story to life that had me hooked from the beginning.

Music 
The Low Cards—Pilgrims Wake
Following a year's worth of shows and practice, The Low Cards has released a new album with an epic opening track, memorable lyrics, and the kind of sound rock lovers should take notice of. “Pilgrims Wake” spans a wide range of styles, though most with a strong rock backbone. “Pal” is a more jaunty tune, while “Wolves” gives a slower, more folky sound. “Kingdom” is this writer's favorite, starting off strong and pulsing throughout.

Jason Fichera—For You
This new single has great production quality, with a strong emotional presence throughout. It tells the tale of what one would do for the one they value most, and I can tell Jason's been there before. This adds a lot of credibility to the song. The instrumentation is very catchy and I enjoyed listening to this a number of times for this review.


Books
World War Z, by Max Brooks
I've read this one three times, and it's not to imagine why. The book, written by the author of the Zombie Survival Guide, takes place 10 years after the end of World War Z, a global zombie pandemic that came within a hair's breadth of extinguishing the human race.
The author is collecting data on how the plague started, the fight against it, and how many aspects of the human race across the globe have adapted to the new world, all as part of a postwar report. There's something new to catch each time, and Brooks really draws the reader in with each chapter, from a survivor of the legendary Battle Of Yonkers to one of the few to escape China's infestation.


Comics 
The Authority
This particular part of the long-running Authority series centers on the group taking over the United States after seeing that the current political system is both badly corrupt and not getting anything done. Raise you hand if you agree!
The trade—which spans 12 issues—is brilliantly written, with brutal, no-nonsense dialogue that eschews some of the more common tropes of comics. The good guys aren't really all that good—none are vying for the title of Boy Scout, I can tell you that—but they are on our side, so it definitely puts things in a different perspective. You don't need to read the rest of the series to follow this one, which is another point in its favor.

Boston singer-songwriter shares her gig stories, plus an in-depth 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.

July 24, 2019: Sabrina Fallah/Donna Figurski/Thieves & Lovers

 Ontario-based musician Sabrina Fallah talks about the music scene in Canada and some of her favorite festivals and venues she enjoys performing at. She was recently signed by Dance Plant Records and talks about how they met and the benefits of working with them. She's also got a new compilation CD out and walks us through the many stories she has within her music. 

Author Donna O'Donnell Figurski unexpectedly found herself in the role of caregiver for her husband David when he suffered from a traumatic brain injury and never fully recovered. Her book, "Prisoners Without Bars" tells the story of her journey as a caregiver and she holds nothing back in her retelling of David's injury and work through rehabilitation.

Closing out the show, I chat with Brandon Stoner of the band Thieves & Lovers. He shines the lights on some of the venues they've played at, both in the Pittsburgh area where they're based and on other shows they've done on the East Coast. Brandon brings his marketing background to bear on the band's promotion and gives his take on what works.

Playlist (In order of airing)

Sabrina Fallah—All or Nothing

Sabrina Fallah—Hurt

Sonoride—Life 101

Thieves & Lovers—Always Winter

Thieves & Lovers—Underneath