Robotic Hawks deliver a sonic punch to the face

Robotic Hawks

It was in 2018 that the three-piece band Robotic Hawks came together and, in that time, they’ve taken many a stage and radio show and, in this episode, we’re going to hear all about it!

Band members Tyler Pollard (Vocals/Bass), Brian Sturk (Drums) and Shawn Doherty (Guitar) give us the whole backstory—how the band came together through a Craigslist ad and some of their favorite venues over the years. This includes some of Curtis and I’s most beloved venues, the Middle East and the Sinclair.

We talk about how the band’s style has evolved with the release of their new EP “All Business” as well as their unique style and how it’s been perceived over the years. We also go into the collaborative process behind their songwriting. Shawn, Tyler and Brian give us a look as to what’s next for Robotic Hawks and we highlight some upcoming shows.

Opening the episode is an excerpt from “High Maintenance” and closing things out is “Wishing Well,” both of which are from the new album.

Citywide Bytes: Synthpop artist Bjorn Felle takes us to “Paradise Moon”

The next guest on Citywide Bytes came to our attention with his single “Theory of Mind,” and now, he’ll be talking about some great new music he has to share.

A sound inspired by synthpop, punk, 90s techno and 16-bit videogame soundtracks, Bjorn Felle’s style is always changing and in this episode we learn about the twists and turns he’s taken since starting his musical career. 

We dive into is new album, “Paradise Moon” and learn about the new sounds he got to try out as well as some of the past sonic experiments he’s conducted.

Bjorn also shares some show stories and gives some clues as to what he’s got in the works, both in the studio and on the road.

Opening the episode is an excerpt from “Dopamine” from the album “Extreme Hazard Planet” and closing out the episode is “Welcome To Paradise Moon,” the lead track from “Paradise Moon.”

Jonathan Panetta talks mental health and music

As it says in his bio, Jonathan Panetta is “trying to heal the world with a hard rock brain and a punk rock heart.”

In this episode, we talk about how songs like “Inner Demons” deal with mental health and what he hopes people take from listening to them. Jonathan shares the creation process behind his new EP and the different avenues he goes down when it comes to sound and style.

Jonathan’s done some collaborating, particularly with friend of the show Dany Horovitz on the single “Make Use of Your Time,” which was inspired by the “Life is Strange” video game series. We talk about working with Dany, how this happened, and other artists he’s worked with. Jonathan and I do a little nerding out over the game, the amazing soundtrack and some of the takeaways from the story.

“Inner Demons” also has its own music video, and Panetta worked with Nesskaf Productions and we look at the planning process and cool visuals seen throughout.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from “Make Use of Your Time” and closing things out is the full track, “Inner Demons.”

Jade Lowder takes us to a real horror show with debut comic

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with comic creator Jade Lowder for his soon-to-be-released “It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” his first book (hopefully of many) with Lesser Known Comics. Have a read at what's in store:

“It’s a Horror Show: The Date,” is the tale of a Werewolf Punk Rocker roaming the empty desert highways of the American southwest in a vintage hot rod searching for the next gig, mayhem and a healthy dose of carnage. But what happens when this lycanthropic motor-head encounters a group of local reprobates harassing a seemingly defenseless damsel in distress and furthermore what happens when this apparent damsel is not as she first appears and is keeping some secrets of her own?

As you can see from the cover, Jade has some amazing artistic skills, and we talk about how he developed them following his classes at the Kubert School. Jade has a Kickstarter for the title which has already surpassed the goal and shares that experience.

Jade and I dive into his work with Lesser Known Comics and the chance posting that led to this partnership. We look at the changing landscape of the comics industry and how he got his start, both as a creator and a fan.

Sorry Mom talk about connecting with their fans and what's in store for 2022

Taryn and Juno of Sorry Mom, a New England-based femme queer punk band, join me to talk about the different scenes that they've connected, both in the Boston areas and others. This was best seen at a show they did at Bowery Electric, one of the last ones for 2021.

Taryn, Juno, and I look at their plans for 2022, which will include more shows and plans for new music releases. We also talk about other cities they've played in and others where they'd love to do shows.

Following this, check out “Awesome Party, Dude!” and “Hit The Back.”

Punk artists talk about their work in children's music

In this episode, Lindsey Loogie and Nemi of the band The Sewer Buddies talk about their newest releases, Butt Brains and Pizza Butt. The Sewer Buddies is a collective of various Massachusetts musicians, founded by Lindsey, that collaborate to create comedic children's punk music. We talk about the creative process and the shows that the band has played as well as what they want the kids to get out of their music.

After this, enjoy four songs from the band—Doggy Dance, Mud, Popcorn Octopus, and The Pizza Song.

 

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.

Aug. 17, 2017: Marko and the Bruisers/DOMi/Rush Nicklez

The punk/rock band Marko and the Bruisers are up first, with a new album set to be released soon. The band's been together for a little over a year, and have a lot of shows under their belt, with another planned for the CD release.

Next up, I play a pre-recorded interview with Boston-based keyboardist DOMi, who's part of the RISE music series at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum. The monthly showcase pairs established musicians with those newer to the industry. DOMi has been around the world, both learning about music and touring, and we talk about the shows that have stood out, and new music that she has in the works.

Hip-hop artist Rush Nicklez has a number of albums under his belt since he started making music 10 years ago. He's also performed at a number of venues, including the Middle East, and is working on a new album. We talk about the people he's worked with, both making music and on the art for his albums.

July 20, 2017: The Sewer Buddies/John Barrett

First up, we've got the Sewer Buddies, a punk rock band that creates a unique, educational, and funny as hell brand of kids music. They've got new songs, plus their first show schedules for the fall and a CD release.

Singer-songwriter John Barrett joins us to talk about his debut album, "Peaceful Insomnia." The music details this young artist's journey, including his dealings with Adderall, love, and more. John talks about the inspiration for his music, much of which he produces and records in his home studio.

March 10, 2016: Wreckless Wreck Chords/The Head/Film tax credits/Dry Branch Fire Squad

Max flies solo once more on this week's show, but he's far from alone. The guys from Worm and Wreckless Wreck Chords are in the studio to talk about their upcoming shows this and next month. Along with some great local talent, they've added touring band Andy Social and the Antidotes to the lineup of their April 4 show.

Jack Shaw from Atlanta-based band The Head calls in to talk about their 80-spot tour, now in progress. This great band has made a name for itself in Boston with some recent shows, and their tour will take them across the nation, including several shows at SXSW.

AJ Orsini of Good Natured Dog Productions joins me to talk about the proposal to cut the Film Tax Credits that have led to so many big-name productions to be made in Boston, which has in turn led to a lot of local filmmakers to find steady employment.
Does the credit in fact lead to long-term or steady employment for local film crews? Local legislators say no, that many of the jobs go to out of state workers. What do you think?

Ron Thomason of the band Dry Branch Fire Squad calls in to close out the show in an epic way. For the last 40 years, this amazing bluegrass quartet has played shows on a global scale, even organizing two festivals that feature dozens of bands. They recently performed at the Heritage Museum in Lexington, and Ron talks about how much the area has changed since he was last there.

Citywide Blackout, Aug. 8, 2014: Death Waltz '76 / God Hates Musicals / Mass Indie Film Festival

The Citywide crew with Death Waltz '76

Punk band Death Waltz '76 rocks the WEMF studios with a live set and the story behind their new album, "Stolen." Plus, we talk about what would happen if they became a religion.

Writer/Director Joseph Creedon calls in to chat about his new show, "God Hates Musicals," a comedy about the Westboro Baptist Church, who actually showed some support for the project.

Jason Miller, co-founder of the Mass Independent Film Festival, outlines what's on deck for the Friday and Saturday screenings, and tells us about some of his favorite films. Plus, Carlo Barbieri, one of the featured filmmakers in the festival, tells us all about his kickass horror movie, "Visitant."

And Matt Martino returns to the studio as a guest co-host!