Oct. 5, 2017: Rozy, Miko, and Machi/Ken Garlick/I am James

Opening the show, we've got Rozy of the New York-based band Rozy, Miko, and Machi. These three have a cool style that blends elements of 60s classic rock, 70s psychadelic and 90s alt-rock. We talk about the scene in New York, their recent single release, and their own production style.

Next up, author Ken Garlick shares his ghost/thriller story "Call Me Madame Alice." This is is first book, and he shares the range of characters, the extensive research he did with the real-life inspiration for his story, and the response he's gotten from the public and editor.

Singer-songwriter Sierra Cassidy is back with a brand new project, I Am James, a more pop-influenced style. She's also started a new life in Nashville, having moved there a month ago. Along with the new sound, we talk about her time playing there and plans now that she's started this new journey.

Sept. 28, 2017: Gentle Temper/Lauren Kelley/The Rationales

Max Bowen and David Mirabella 

First up on the show, we've got the folk duo of Gentle Temper, Ryan Meier and Marion Earley. From a recent open mic win, this amazing pair of musicians have a number of shows lined up. We talk about their family influences and what role they played in their musical careers. Ryan and Marion also play some great acoustic tunes.

Author Lauren Kelley is next with her children's book series, "Tuggie The Patriot Pup." Based in New England, the series chronicles some of the major events in our country's history, all through the eyes of a small dog. Lauren shares the making of the series and her plans to continue it for a full 13 books. Lauren will be a part of the upcoming Rhode Island Author Expo in December and we also talk about her experience at different conventions.

Closing out the show is David Mirabella of the band The Rationales. The ban recently released a new album, "Upstream," to rave reviews both locally and nationwide. The band has been around for a decade, and we talk about their growth both musically and as people. The Rationales have long been a part of Boston's Americana scene, and we talk about how it's changed and the many faces that make it up.

Sept. 21, 2017: Laurel Ostiguy/Toke the Closer

BADD with Toke the Closer and his team

This week, we see the debut of Citywide Blackout Street Team member Gina House, as she interviews the band The Last King. 

Plus, author Laurel Ostiguy opens our series of interviews of members of the upcoming 5th Annual Rhode Island Author Expo. Laurel's two books into her new Onondoga State series, and we talk about the different characters, how one spawned their own story, and how she's planned out the series. Laurel even treats us to an on-air reading from book.

Hip-hop author Toke the Closer has brought his entire production team with him to wrap up the show! He's been making music for years, and we talk about how he managed to craft his quick and precise style, how the music he makes has evolved, and future releases.

Blackout Bootleg: Mass Indie Film Festival

Max and special guest host Ben Chou talk to the organizer and creators who submitted works to the annual Mass Indie Film Festival.

Sept. 14, 2017: Berklee College of Music/Whoopi Sticks/Sondro Castro

Whoopi Sticks 

It was a packed house on last week's show, where I talked to Tony Brown of birnCORE, along with Berklee College of Music students Gerson Eguiguren, Kaya Miller, and Chris Allison about their recent recording session with legendary guitarist Kaki King. The students talk about their favorite songs and what it was like working with her.

Next, it's the 246th appearance of the punk bank Whoopi Sticks! OK, not that many, but not too far off, either. Max and the band give the 411 on their next shows, and play lots of great new tunes.

Hip-hop artist Sondro Castro rounds out the program with a look at his own long career, which includes working with his son. We share a few shoutouts to those working in the local scene, and Sondro spreads the message that no artist stands apart, and the need to work together.

Blackout Bootleg: Emily Mure

New York-based singer-songwriter Emily Mure chats with Max about her upcoming show at Club Passim on Sept. 20, and her latest album, "Worth."

The Blackout Bootleg Podcast-The National Reserve

Sean Walsh of the Brooklyn-based band the National Reserve talks to Max about their show at Atwoods on Sept. 14, their first full-length release, and the many cities the band has played in. Plus, there's a special giveaway at the end of the interview!

Sept. 7, 2017: Andrew LoVuolo/Kate Eppers/60 Kel/LOAgranted

Max with Kate Eppers 

Opening our first show of the fall, we've got comics creator Andrew LoVuolo, who launched the popular series "The Rift" back when he was at Salem State. The series is now in its sixth issue, and he's worked on a number of titles over the years, including Jim Savard's "Hellion" series.

Singer-songwriter Kate Eppers is back to talk about her debut album, "The Wishing Well," which has been available for a few months online. Kate talks about the recording process and the big show she has planned at Opus in Salem.

60 Kel has been releasing his new bi-lingual hip-hop tracks online for the past few months, and we look at what's been the most popular and the folks he's worked with.

Leo and Modest Behavior from LOAgranted bring things to a close with a look at their new fashion line, which they plan to expand on. They released a new album in July, and rocked the stage at a recent Sonia show.

Oct. 31, 2017: Gabriel Erkard/Audible Crayons

Max and Gabriel Erkard

Opening the show we have author Gabriel Erkard for his debut novel, "The Hidden Eternity and the Unspoken Rhyme." It's a fantasy story with past lives and reincarnation, and is the first of a seven-book series. Gabriel talks about the theme of reincarnation, the main character and his journey, and what he hopes that kids get out of it, as it's become required reading for two schools. Gabriel also gives a brief reading to share with listeners the world of his novel.

Next up are Chris and Michael from the band Audible Crayons. They'll be taking the stage for the upcoming Boston Arts Festival, and Michael shares how this came to be, his own role in organizing the performers, and the kinds of acts it's seen over the years. In addition, they'll be opening for the one and only Chuck Mosley, an artist who's had a huge influence on the band.

 

Aug. 24, 2017: Louis Apollon/Spocka Summa/Sonic Selection

Myself and Louis Apollon

First on deck, it's singer-songwriter Louis Apollon, an interview that has been months in the making. Louis has an album release show coming up on Sept. 30, plus he'll be performing at Club Passim next week. In addition to all this, we talk about his time growing up in New York and his family's influence on his music.

Hip-hop artist Spocka Summa is fresh off of his latest tour, which took him up and down the East Coast. He shares some of the tales from that trip, and gives some details on his CD release show in October at Aurora in Providence.

Sonic Selection gives a surprise interview, and what a great time I have talking to them. This hip-hop duo have been friends for years and have a great sound together. In addition to their past, we talk about their current projects, and how they work to make such amazing 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.

Aug. 10, 2017: John Barrett/Charlemont Reggae Festival/Shellz

John Barrett

Opening the show is singer-songwriter John Barrett, back with some new music and a whole lot more! He's working on an animation for his music, a play at Shrewsbury High School, and even some hip-hop tunes. John is always working on a new project, and he tells us all about them and brings some live music to the show.

Robert Bond of the Charlemont Reggae Festival calls in to talk about this great annual showcase of local reggae acts now in its 22nd year. An event like this isn't easy to put together, and Robert outlines what goes into it, and the artists that will be performing.

Hip-hop artists Shellz and BADD return to the studio to talk about new work, including an album of Shellz's that is nearing completion. Shellz talks about the recording process, the challenge of knowing when to stop, and how he does with CDs versus digital downloads.

 

Aug. 3, 2017: Genie Santiago/Some Freaks/Syph

First up, R&B artist Genie Santiago is in the studio along with Lisa Finelli of Xperience Creative to talk about her new single, "Know Your Worth," which was released just last Friday. She's also got a new album in the works, and she shares her upbringing, the influence of her father, and what it was like moving around all over the Boston area as a kid. Genie's message of valuing yourself for what you are and not letting others define it is a powerful one.

Musician and artist Walter Sickert calls in for the new movie, "Some Freaks," which opened on Friday. He scored this feature length film about three friends transitioning from high school to college, and talked about the process of working with director Ian MacAllister McDonald. Walter has done scoring work before, and shared some of the scenes that really connected with him, as well as getting to see the filming process.

Hip-hop artist Syph rounds out the program with some amazing music from his fourth mix-tape set to drop by September. Syph has been making music for the last 10 years and has three other albums under his belt, which leaves us a lot to talk about.