Sister Shalom’s journey through faith and music

For Dallas-based artist Sister Shalom, music began at a young age and has taken many turns along the way. Likewise, her life as a person of faith has seen some changes and in this interview, she shares both aspects of her life.

Sister Shalom began her ministry as an independent artist in 2020 and since then has releases some singles and the EP “Genesis” earlier this year. She talks about her style and the other types of music she explore growing up. We go into her time away from the Word of God and what brought her back, as well as sharing her faith through her music.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Sister Shalom has called Dallas, Texas, home since 2018. She talks about some of the venues she’s been to and tackles the question: Is this her home now?

Opening this show is an excerpt from her song, “Clean Heart,” and closing the episode is the complete “Don’t Let the Devil Ride.”

A bit of the city and the country in this novel double-header

Interested in a gripping murder mystery with all kinds of cool twists? How about a story of a family home with a web of secrets? Either way, this episode has you covered!

Up first is Priscilla Paton to talk about her new book, “When the House Burns,” third in the Twin Cities Mystery series. A murder case with a commentary on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, this book brings us back to Detectives Erik Jansson and Deb Metzger as they search for the killer of an adulterous real estate agent. Priscilla and I look at where the series is now and why she decided to set amidst the backdrop of current events. We also talk about the detectives, their relationship and how its evolved throughout the series.

Following this is Julia Brewer Daily for her new book, “The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch.” The story focuses on Emma Rosales, heiress of the largest ranch in Texas—The Thorn. Running the ranch is something Emma could handle with her eyes closed…if The Thorn were any ordinary property. Julia and I look at the real-life inspiration among the ranches of Texas, how her upbringing leant itself to the writing process and the secret of The Thorn.

Hanna Barakat shares stories about the music scenes in Boston and Austin

My first episode of 2021 features Austin-based rocker Hanna Barakat talking about her debut album “Siren,” which encompasses 10 years worth of music. We talk about the production process and the different sounds that the album showcases.

Hanna is originally from Texas but spent some time in my old stomping grounds of Boston as a student of Berklee College of Music. She shares the story of how this came to be and some of the unique lessons she learned while in the city. Ironically, much of her band also went to Berklee, though they wouldn't meet until after that time.

Like many other artists, Hanna has seen her career suffer during the pandemic, and talks about some of her plans for 2021, which will include some new music.

Following this, I've got two tracks from the album, “In the Night,” followed by “Siren.”

Jan. 27, 2019: 19 Miles Per Hour/Sonya Jevette/Ultrafeedy

19 Miles Per Hour

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Citywide Blackout, your podcast home for the best in music, movies, and more.

This week, it's all about the movies, as I chat with the New Hampshire-based foursome 19 Miles Per Hour. They recently released a new album and have had a great 2018 of shows, with more planned for the new year.

Sonya Jevette

Next we traipse down to Texas to speak with singer-songwriter Sonya Jevette. She too has had a lot happen, and we speak on her production company, how you get your own day, and new music for 2019.

Ultrafeedy

The journey continues to Brisbane, Australia, and I have the chance to talk to Reuben Aptroot of the band Ultrafeedy. Australia's got a great music scene, and Reuben takes me on a stroll through some of the venues and up and coming bands, and shares some of the band's latest news, including a new single and recent tour.