Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK 

The Cape (comic) 

I really dug the omnibus version of “The Cape” by Joe Hill. We always associate capes with heroics, but what if the one wearing the cape was the villain? That’s the case with Eric when he realizes his childhood cape — the one he used to play superheroes with his brother as a child — actually gives him the power to fly. Does he use this gift to save lives? NOPE! He’s cruel, selfish and heartless….in other words, the perfect villain. It’s a hell of a journey and with the additional books included in the omnibus, it really fleshes out the story. 

The Hunger and the Dusk (comic) 

I’ve been working my way through Book 2 of “The Hunger and the Dusk.” The new arc picks up right after the first one ends and shows the impacts of choices made by the characters (no spoilers!). I really liked the pacing of the story and the various perspectives show. Like I said, the choices made have a lot of effects on both sides, and the story gives a clear picture of what is happening.

The art is just amazing! I’m a big fan of fantasy stories and this one hits all the marks. Fluid action, a diverse color palette and characters that really reflect who they are on the inside. I loved the designs and want to see what happens next!





RIFFS

“Smoke” (music)

“Smoke” from singer-songwriter Henry Lees was such a hit in my ears. The funky new release with a romance-themed story is instantly relatable and the sound is just a pleasure to hear. The sounds just relax you and kick you up the same time.

“Walking Around This Town” (music) 

The latest album by Bernie Barlow is a great collection of powerful, catchy folk/rock music. After hearing “Brave,” one of the tracks from the album, I decided to check out the rest and thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere it creates is one of intense lived experience through the lens of strong vocals blended with a great range of folk and rock sounds.

“Brave” is a great opener for the album, and I really dug the melodic vibe of “Don’t Wake Me Up.” The songs really have a diverse sound, some really chilled and others more rock-infused and the album gives the ears a lot to enjoy.

Ink and Riffs: Daydreams and doomsday scenarios

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

Jadelyn, “Daydream Diaries” (music)
I first heard Los Angeles-based Jadelyn’s music when she released “Throw it Back,” and was immediately hooked. When I came across her recent LP, “Daydream Diaries,” I immediately gave it a listen.

The five tracks cover a lot of ground, from “Throw it Back,” a tribute to the best times of yesterday and “Halfway Out the Door,” which touches on love lost that is made all the more painful for all the memories made.

The album title really encompasses the different tales—a musical journal remembering what came before, the things from the past we sometimes think about when something from the present reminds us.

The sound of the album is a slick pop style that shifts around from song to song. The core sound remains in the same lane, but weaves around with a mellow sound to one song and into a real foot-tapper in the next.

I really enjoyed Jadelyn’s vocals—a skillful, melodic voice that’s easy to enjoy. Looking at her discography, she’s been very active since releasing “Hard” in 2020, and her vocals have an essence of experience and passion for the music.

The Sacrificers (comic)
Imagine a world where the sun, moon, water, and more are all kept going by a pantheon of god-like beings. But these are not meant to be immortal dietitians. No, they’re meant to bond, have children, and die, leaving the next generation to take over.

Now imagine how these beings could throw off the shackles of mortality, and what—or who—it would take to make this happen, and what transpires when one supposed sacrifice says “No.”

That’s the world of “The Sacrificers,” an ongoing series from Image Comics, by New York Times-bestselling writer Rick Remender (LOW, DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) and artist Max Fiumara (Amazing Spider-Man, FOUR EYES, Lucifer).

I was immediately drawn into this comic by Fiumara’s engaging artwork. The world he creates is powerfully emotional and diverse in its design. From the different forms of the pantheon that we’re introduced to, to the many races of the world, each page has something new and interesting to offer.

But let’s not forget the imaginative story that Remender has given us. The protagonist Pigeon is broken by the world, but still determined to keep moving to protect those most precious to him. The twists and turns are organic and keep the story moving at a strong pace.

Give this one a read—you won’t be disappointed.

Burn to Shine (audiobook)
The latest chapter in the Joe Ledger series by Jonathan Maberry continues in his unique nail-biter of a writing style. I’ve been a fan since the beginning and was eagerly awaiting the new release. Here’s a look at the story that awaits:

A covert group is infiltrating the world’s most secure bio-weapons research sites. All across the country, people are acting as human ‘disease bombs’ by infecting themselves and walking into public places. And heavily-armed groups of illegal private soldiers are massing for some unknown strike.

Joe Ledger and the members of Rogue Team International, still reeling from the devastation and heartbreaking losses of their last mission, are forced into relentless action to try and save the country, if not the entire world.

Old enemies are rising and joining forces to hit Joe and his team with one devastating blow after another. What is the end game for all of this madness and terror? Outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, Joe Ledger has to find a way back from the fires of grief in order to make a stand between these enemies and millions of potential innocent lives. But Joe has allies, too. His team, the vicious fighters of Arklight, and friends who may or may not be entirely human.

I opted for the audiobook, though the physical book was also purchased, because Ray Porter is an absolute legend in the world of voice acting. He captures the complex emotions of the story, from the more lighthearted moments to when all seems lost and the darkness is closing in.

One things I’ve loved about Porter’s work is how he does the different voices, which range in tone, race, and gender. He does it all well and it’s clear he spends a lot of time crafting the real-life sound of each character. Check out the entire series, it’s an amazing listen.

Ink and Riffs: Vampires, ghosts and debut albums, oh my!

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to. Send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com. 

“Impact Winter” (Audiobook)
I came across this audiobook series one day and thought “Why the hell not?” And damn, am I glad I did.

From executive producers of The Walking Dead and Travis Beacham, the writer of Pacific Rim, this Audible Original is set in the near future and seven years since a comet hit the earth and blotted out the sun. The world is a dark, frozen landscape. And then, beastly creatures emerge and take over. Can they really be vampires?

This series includes an absolutely amazing cast, plus great music and sound effects. The voice cast is really good, and clearly experienced. They really dive into their roles and owned them right from the beginning. The music, which includes full songs from different bands, sets the scenes perfectly and the sound effects paint a very complete picture.

The story is very well-written and the twists and turns keep you hooked. I’ve finished the first two volumes and am currently on the third one now, and really looking forward to how the story ends.


“Say Something” by Ashley Elle (Music)
Ashley Elle’s first EP, released last December, came to my attention through my Blackout Collection playlist. “Conditions” was on the playlist and I decided to check out the rest of the album.

Ashley has such a great voice and it really flows through songs like “They Always Come Back” and the title track. This folk/pop artist has released a number of singles since 2021 and “Say Something” is her first album release, so I suppose it’s fair to say she’s still in the early stages of her music career. If this album is any indication, she’s got a bright future ahead of her.

This seven-track album showcases a lot of Ashley’s versatility within the genres. “Falling” has a pretty upbeat sound while “Save Us” is more mellow. “October” is one of my favorites. This has a very layered folk sound that drew me right in. That’s something I really like about this album—the music really varies song to song, and we see the range that Ashley works with.

Overall, this album has a lot to offer, and I hope there’s a lot more to come.


“Grammaton Punch” (Comic)
I’ve talked about this comic before in a previous Citywide Blackout episode, back when it was first released. Written by Miles Gunter, with art by Briane Andan, colors by Lee Loughridge and letters by Taylor Esposito, this limited series is available on ComiXology and definitely worth reading. Here’s a look at the story.

“Born on an eclipse, Van Nguyen has the ability to see ghosts that feed off the energy of unsuspecting adults. Unfortunately being "extra" makes him a target for these evil spirits but what he soon realizes is- Van can fight back.”

This series is sharp, witty and very human in its delivery. Van is a great hero, not because he’s always winning, but because he has plenty of challenges that he has difficulty overcoming. You feel a lot for the guy, especially in one part that you need to see for yourself.

The art is just brilliant, with a wide range of colors, varied and unique designs for all the characters and detailed scenes that are worth a second look. I loved all the designs for the ghosts and each one stood well on its own.

“Grammaton Punch” is a great—and often dark—ride into a world where punching ghosts in the face is just plain awesome.

Catching up on old times and new with Three at Home

Curtis and I have been friends with the Boston-based Three at Home for many years, and shared many a show together. In this episode, we take some time to catch up with the rock/pop trio to see where they’ve been and what’s in their future.

Band members Dann Russo, Mary Casiello and Kari Paisley-Flango talk about some recent shows in Boston and the Steam Kettle Festival at Hale Reservation in Westwood. Kari joined the band in 2022, and talk about how they met with Dann and Mary and their experience being part of Three at Home.

Boston has been a big part of all our lives and we take some time to go into the changes we’ve seen in the city, its role as a place for the arts, and the challenges and opportunities that it’s created for the artistic community in recent years.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from "Mama Werewolf" a Brandi Carlie cover and which the band performed at the Steam Kettle Festival, featuring Kari on lead vocals. Closing the episode is "Just Like This" an original by the band and recorded before Kari joined the band.

Citywide Bytes: Hayley Verrall shares an upbeat tale with “Peach Iced Tea”

Hayley Verrall

On our latest episode of Citywide Bytes, singer-songwriter Haley Verrall joins me to share the story behind her latest single, “Peach Iced Tea.” 

It’s an upbeat tale and a shift from some of her past work. We talk about this and some of the different sounds she’s tried out since she began releasing music.

We also talk about some her past music, including “Late Bloomer,” which was part of a past edition of the Blackout Collection.

Since college, Haley has run Singing for Smiles, performing for senior citizens. This came about from when she sang for her grandmother and we go into what she’s done over the years.

Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Late Bloomer” and closing things out is “Peach Iced Tea.”

16-year-old pop artist Sydney <3 joins the newest Citywide Bytes episode to share the backstory for her two singles, “Picture Perfect” and “Anywhere But Here.” Both songs were recently released, marking her debut as an artist.

Sydney <3 talks about what inspired her to go into music, including working with industry greats like Adam Hurstfield and Orlando Calzada. She also shares her memories of being in the recording studio for the first time. 

Her music includes both English and Korean lyrics and she shares about why this was done and what it adds to the music. And of course, I ask about the symbol after her name.

Opening the song is an excerpt from “Picture Perfect,” and “Anywhere But Here” closes out the episode.

A new project and a musical reunion for Lovina Falls

If you’ve been in the Boston music scene, the name Valerie Forgione is likely a familiar one. She made her name as the lead singer of the band Mistle Thrush, and now she’s back with a new solo project, Lovina Falls—trust me, this is one to check out.

In this episode (the first recorded in 2024), Valerie and Max talk about the origins of Lovina Falls, the name of which is family-inspired. While all the music was written, arranged and produced by Valerie, she had some help in the recording portion—from none other than her former bandmates in Mistle Thrush.

We talk about the sound of the debut album, “Calculating the Angle of Our Descent,” how it’s defined, and what we can expect from this great solo project. Valerie had been out of the music scene for a little while, and shares how it feels to be back on stage.

Opening this episode is a brief excerpt from the song “Vaulted,” and closing it is the complete “Hologram,” both of which you can find on the Lovina Falls debut album.

Jenny Stenger’s new single looks at new love and red flags

By Max Bowen

Being in love is great, isn’t it? Until things go south, that is. That’s something we’ve all gone through—a relationship starts off great and then takes a turn south and we ask ourselves, “Did I miss something?”

That’s part of the story behind Jenny Stenger’s new single, “Rose Colored Glasses,” released on Sept. 29. In this interview, Jenny shares the song’s origin, how her own love story played a part, and the message she hopes to impart.

You can find the song on numerous platform here: https://lnk.to/rosecoloredlenses


Where did the idea for “Rose Colored Lenses” come from?
I’ve always been afraid of falling in love with someone and becoming blind to red flags. I’ve spent most of my life being single, so I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted/didn’t want in a relationship, and I’ve always hoped I would stay self-aware once I got into a relationship. When I started falling in love for the first time, I was hyper-aware of everything that could go wrong. I got really scared that it was too good to be true, and there must be something I’m missing- I must be wearing rose-colored lenses.

New love is a theme of this song. Did your own experiences factor into the lyrics?
I basically use songwriting as my diary. I wrote this song in the beginning stages of my first relationship, and I was experiencing so many different feelings and needed something to do with them. One of my favorite things about songwriting is how something so personal starts to feel universal once it’s out in the world.

I read that the genre is “sad girl pop.” How would you define this?
I feel like just calling it “pop” is too broad- it’s a lot slower and sadder than typical pop music. I also feel like it fits in well with the female artists I listen to, who write a lot of sad lyrics and attract a predominantly female fanbase. Obviously, I would love for my music to reach all audiences, but I feel like that gives listeners a good idea of what they’re getting into.

I really liked the sound of the song. How did you develop this?
It started out as just a voice memo of me singing and playing piano, and my friends Brady Sossaman and Seth Wentland helped flesh it out and fill out the instrumentation. Brady wrote and recorded all the guitar parts, and Seth did the production. The strings in the bridge and the slide guitar are my favorite parts of the song, and I’m so lucky to have a team of talented friends who know exactly how to bring my vision to life.

Are these any lines which really encompass the message? 

I think the line “I don’t want to fall in love alone” encompasses the song really well. A lot of the lyrics express the idea of not feeling like you’re good enough for anyone to fall for, and that something must be wrong. I think a lot of people are afraid to admit how scary new relationships can be because they don’t want to take away from the excitement and joy, and I hope this song gets the message across that it’s okay to be both anxious and excited at the same time.

Lorenza Wildcard off to a stellar star with debut singles

With just two songs, singer-songwriter Lorenza Wildcard has captured the attention of the music world, being named an artist of the month and charting high on several stations. She joins Citywide to talk about her debut singles, “You & I” and “My Army.” Both songs come from different points in her life—the first from one of her most difficult moments and the other showcasing the strength to move forward.

We look at how she went from recording a song at home during the early days of the pandemic to meeting with a producer to get the track recorded. We talk about her early success, how this influences her as an artist and pushes her to that next level. We also look at the very different sounds of “You & I” and “My Army” and her process of experimenting with different styles.

Opening this episode is an excpert from “My Army,” and closing the interview is the full “You & I.”

Four years of music and shows with Frankie Raye

It was in 2019 that I first interviewed Florida-based singer-songwriter Frankie Raye. Since then, she’s played hundreds (yes, hundreds) of shows, debuted at The Bitter End in NYC, and gotten the chance to try out voice acting in “The Boar Knight” podcast.

In 2021 alone, Frankie booked over 300 shows and talks about her approach with a venue, especially one she’s never worked with. We go over her time at The Bitter End, a first for her as a performer and talk about some potential future Northeast shows. Frankie also shares the stories behind her recent single, “Foot in Mouth,” which is about being content with where you are in your journey, specifically in the music business.

Frankie takes us through her time with “The Boar Knight” podcast as Dr. Comet Chianina of the United Bovine Science Coalition on Episode 13, “Up, Up and Away.” We talk about getting into character and some future episodes.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from her single “Over Now” and closing out the show is “Foot in Mouth.”

From Boston to LA and back again: Stephanie James shares stories of a coast-to-coast musical journey

Stephanie James

In April of 2020, singer-songwriter Stephanie James and I discussed her (at the time) recent move from Boston to Los Angeles. Now, she’s calling Beantown home once more and there’s been a lot learned along the way.

In this episode, Stephanie and I reunite to talk about her experiences on the West Coast—the people, the places and of course, the music. She talks about some of her favorite spots to catch shows or just grab a slice of pizza. We look at the life lessons her time in LA taught her and how she’s grown as an artist.

Stephanie dives into life in Boston and the people she’s happiest to be around. Of course, she’s been playing lots of shows, including some with Sofar Sounds, and we talk about the venues she’s been a part of as well as changes to the city’s musical world. We also discuss her recent single releases, “I Could Use a Laugh” and “Just Like Me.” Both come from some tough experiences, but you may be surprised to learn just who they’re about. I know I was.

Opening the show is an excerpt from “I Could Use a Laugh” and “Just Like Me” closes out the interview. There’s lots more in store, so be sure to check out her site and socials for all the details.

A chance meeting leads to an amazing musical duo with The A.M.s

In 2019 on Piano Day, Adrian happened to tune Mariko’s piano. He asked if she wanted to play together; she said maybe. Realizing she might be able to return to her long-lost passion, music, they connected and started rehearsing with the hopes of playing out.

And then the pandemic happened.

But that didn’t stop Adrian and Mariko. They kept playing and sending ideas and soon after had a catalog of 50+ songs, which led to their first album, “Ignite the Sky.” In this episode, we talk about the origin of the A.M.s and how the experience has allowed them to grow as artists. We examine the story of “Ignite the Sky,” which chronicles Mariko’s journey of finding her birth parents during COVID, while processing the events and struggles of 2021 in quarantine. We also see how the two—despite living several hundred miles apart, have been able to play out now and again.

Following this, enjoy the single, “Ignite the Sky.” I really enjoyed this entire album, and hope that you check it out.

Ela Ozturk brings musical, cultural influences to her work

Singer-songwriter Ela Ozturk draws on a lot of inspiration for her work—from the musical side, it’s the likes of Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Adele.

From her family, her Turkish background also plays a strong role in the creation process, whether it’s the region’s signature sounds or those currently performing who call Turkey home. In this interview, Ela and I talk about how these two sides have shaped her as an artist.

Living in the Bay Area, Ela’s become pretty connected to the music scene there, and shares some of her favorite places to perform or see shows at, as well as the different artists she’s come across.

“Circle Back To Me” is about wanting the person to find a way to return into your life even though you’ve both moved on, are older, and we look at the real-life story behind the song. We talk about how she’s grown as an artist since the release of her first single, “Bad Habit,” and her plans for this year.

Following the interview, enjoy the new single, “Circle Back to Me,” and be sure to check out the rest of her music.

Jarreau Williams shares a chance encounter in his new single

Ever had a random meeting with someone that stuck with you long after it was done? Jarreau Williams has, and it was such an inspirational moment that it wound up being the subject of his new single, “Cherry.”

This high-energy dance-able song shares the story of how he was approached by a woman in the bar of a Baltimore restaurant. She was waiting for some friends, and the two struck up a conversation, but she left before he could even get her name. See, “Cherry” isn’t just the song’s title, it’s a sort of code for this interesting person.

We talk all about the story behind the song, plus working with Virginia-based producer Austin Bello, whom Jarreau collaborated last year for “All The Cards.” Jarreau has a great show lined up for the single release, and we give you all necessary details if you happen to be in the D.C. area.

Plus after we’re done, give the new track a listen—and maybe you’ll have your own memorable meetup.

Heerraa returns for a one-year catchup

It was last fall when international singer-songwriter Heerraa and I met on this show and she is back with a lot to share.

To start with, a slew of awards and honors, including the ICon Award, Female Single of the Year from ISSA, and Entertainer of the Year from the Rampage Music Awards. We look at how that influences her future work and the example she's setting for the next generation. She's also been doing work with Harvard as the Director of Communications at Harvard Extension Student Association.

Over the last year Heerraa's released a number of new singles, including “Peter Pan,” which she wrote at 15 and we talk about what inspired her to release it and if anything was changed. She also partnered with Autumn Helene for “Morning Light” and we dive into how the two meshed as artists.

Following this, enjoy “Across The Universe,” released as part of Harvard's Undergraduate Songwriters Collective latest album.

With her debut EP, Dani Teveluwe shares her life in a diversity of sounds

Dani Teveluwe

After hearing “Into The Deep,” the debut EP from Dani Teveluwe, I knew right then that she'd be a grat guest for the show, and here we are! In this interview, we talk about Dani's decision to go from primary school teacher to musician and how that change has gone. Dani shares the doubts she experienced as well as how the experience has changed her.

Along with the EP, Dani has a music video out for “Double Shot,” a song centered on a person who's hurt so badly that they wind up hurting others. The video is filmed in a school setting with a group of children, an unexpected frame for the story and Dani shares what led her to go in this direction.

And this conversation wouldn't be complete without us talking about the cover art, done by Tamara Armstrong. It's simply amazing and we go into how the two met and worked together.

Following the interview, enjoy two songs from the EP, “Double Shot,” followed by “Sweet Summer Nights.”

Bri Oglu explores the slow side of love in debut single

 Pop artist Bri Oglu's debut single “Slowly” is set to drop on Thursday, Aug. 25. The first off of her upcoming EP “Somewhere Else,” the song explores the moments following a confession of romance to a long-time friend with themes of love, potential loss, and facing the unknown.

To fine the new song on Spotify or Apple, click here.


Your new single “Slowly” is based on what happens after a confession of romance to a longtime friend. What's the reason for this theme?
“Slowly” was very much based on personal experience. I had just professed my feelings to a close friend and was in the period of (torturous) suspense before his response. I remember feeling like I was free-falling but finding a strange comfort in it because I was still living in the possibility of him feeling the same way. It was a unique blend of emotions that I hadn’t quite experienced before and it inspired me to write.

What happens to the people that the song is about?
I ended up getting exactly what I asked for in my lyrics: he responded slowly. A year later in fact. We got together, the song found its voice and he ended up producing the track written about him (and killing it). It was a wild full circle experience.

Is there a message you hope people take from listening to “Slowly”?
Yes! Take more risks. “Slowly” is ultimately about facing the anxieties that come up when we choose to brave the unknown.

Can you tell us more about the upcoming EP?
My EP “Somewhere Else” is set to be released at the end of the year. It’s a collection of 6 tracks—3 originals and 3 covers. It was co-written and produced by artist/producer Will Snyder, mixed by Ben Burget and Tim Latham, and mastered by Sterling Sound. It’s my debut as an artist.

What led you to pursue music as a career?
I was lucky in that I always knew I was a performer and that I wanted to pursue it in some capacity. I joined theatre as a kid and ended up moving to LA to act initially but ended up booking way more as a musician and went with it.

Given that you're just starting as a musician, do you plan to explore different styles or genres?
Yes, definitely. I love pop, but I also sing jazz, rock and soul. I plan on implementing elements of all three on my next project.


Artist info
Website: www.brioglu.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brioglu/

Psychiatrist Dr. Jess Wright takes on fiction writing in debut novel, and Pearl Cutten returns with some upbeat new music

Kicking off this episode, Dr. Jess Wright makes the move from renowned psychiatrist to novelist with his new book, “A Stream to Follow.” This book explores and heart and mind of Bruce Duncan, a WWII battlefield surgeon adjusting to life after the conflict's end. But for Bruce, the battle is far from over. Haunted by the soldiers he tried to save, a own near-death experiences, and lost love, Bruce has far to go.

Dr. Wright and I talk about the creation of Duncan and how his own relatives who served in WWII helped shape the story. We talk about mental health in the 1940s and how difficult it was for anyone—especially men—to talk about it. Dr. Wright also looks at his years of writing medical books and the challenges he faced when it came to penning a fiction book.

Our second interview welcomes back Pearl Cutten, who's been on the show before. She's got two new singles to share— “Change” and “Far Away.” Both are upbeat, catchy tunes, which is something we could use right now. Pearl talks about the stories behind both songs, especially “Change” and how it's focused on not being afraid to tear down what you have for something new.

These two singles also tie into Pearl's background and we look at those elements and why it was so important for her to include them.

After these interviews, enjoy the two songs, which will both be on Pearl's upcoming album, “Fragments of My Soul.” 

YAQI makes a great horror movie villain!

Welcome back! After a brief hiatus to deal with some personal issues, we return with LA-based pop artist YAQI. She's just dropped her newest single “I'm On It,” and there are some cool stories behind this song. We go into the sound of the song, her precise rapping style and how this all came together over a six-plus hour session.

A theme of the song is about focusing on your goals and not doing what others tell you, and this certainly reflects YAQI's own life. In addition to her music, she has a Master's Degree from the New York Film Academy and has been in a number of short films. She talks about her different villain roles and how it's so comfortable for her....yeah, I'm a little concerned too. We also look at her dream role and the person she'd like to work with above all others.

After this, enjoy “I'm On It.” I know I did!

Leah Hinton takes us “Away” with upbeat new single

Happy New Year and welcome to our first episode of 2022! We've got some high hopes for this year, so let's get it started off right with Leah Hinton to talk about her new single “Away.” 

This song takes Leah in some new musical directions with an upbeat, hopeful message. We dive into this and the contribution of Jodron Peace, who she's worked with in the past. Speaking of that, we look at the other artists she's worked with and what makes a truly great partnership among musicians.

Leah calls New York City home, but that wasn't always the case. She's born and raised in North Carolina and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. We talk about what each location offered her and some of her favorite places to check out shows.

Following this interview, enjoy the new single, “Away.” I really dug the vibe of the song and the message Leah shares.