Jeff Michaels talks about returning to music and charting new paths

Jeff Michaels of the Jeff Michaels Band is an old friend from our days in Boston. It’s been a while since we spoke and there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get to it!

Curtis, Max and Jeff talk all about their days in the Boston music scene and some of Jeff’s favorite venues to perform at. Jeff goes into a long break he took from music and the old friend who got him back to it. He shares some personal stories that are captured in his songs, especially “Luckiest By Far.”

While some musicians will opt for the crowdfunding, Jeff received his support from the State of Massachusetts and talks about all that he was able to do with the cash. He also goes into his relationship with fellow musician Scott Barkan and what he brings to the musical table.

Jeff shares some plans for the future, which include lots of new music, as well as his thoughts on getting back on stage. We also talk about how after 20 years, he remains relevant as a musician.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from Jeff’s single, “Lost in the Night” and closing out the show is “Luckiest By Far.”

Tyler Herwig hopes to spread a musical message of hope

Tyler Herwig

Singer-songwriter Tyler Herwig believes that if he can help even one person through his music, then that is a job well done. In this episode, he talks with us about how his wife inspired him to pursue music as a full-time career and some of his experiences along the way. 

In fact, Tyler’s most recent release is “All Yours,” a message of thanks to his wife for her many years of support as he’s made his art his new career.

In fact, he performs around 280 shows a year and talks about how he maintains such a rigorous schedule and his goals in the future. He shares a few show memories and what he views are his highlights as an artist. Tyler also shares some news of his upcoming music.

Opening the show is an excerpt from “Enough” and closing the episode is “All Yours.”

 

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-New on the music scene, Abijah Perry is making her mark

Since 2022, singer/songwriter Abijah Perry has been making some amazing music, including our personal favorite, “Love Overnight.”

In the newest episode of Citywide Bytes, she and Max talk about what got her into music, how she landed her mellow folk-infused style and how she’s defining and refining her sound. She shares how she fell in love with music and her choice to pursue it as a career.

Abijah also talks about the stories she’s sharing through her songs, future projects and the family influence that inspired her love of all things music.

Opening this episode is an excerpt from her single “Color Theory” and closing the show is the complete “Love Overnight.”

Songwriter and producer Kenny J shares stories of love and positivity in his new album

Calling Kenny J a positive individual would be a massive understatement. This South Carolina-based songwriter and producer is hoping to spread such a message through his new music, which culminates in a summer album release.

Originally slated to be our new Citywide Bytes interview, some connection issues arose and we decided “hell with it, the show must go on!”

So, we dove into the meaning behind Kenny’s upbeat outlook on life. He also shares the sad news of his wife’s passing last year and how this inspired him to write “You’re a Woman.” Kenny talks about his late wife and it becomes clear that she is a part of what makes him the person he is today.

Kenny’s not just a songwriter—he’s worked as a producer since the 1990s and we learn how he got into that industry and his current projects.

Trey Calloway brings new sounds and co-creators into “Wanted Man”

By Max Bowen

For Trey Calloway’s recent release, “Wanted Man,” his own time in love provided a lot of the inspiration. Released back in October, the song features Trey’s powerful vocals amidst a country/rock sound. In this interview, Trey talks about his own life experience, the new sound he explored, and working with Grady Saxman and Andi Renfree.


Let’s begin with the message of the song. Is there a takeaway you hope people will have?
My new song "Wanted Man" is about an outlaw type who's given up on love after several failed relationships. The guy has a reputation as a rebellious, carefree heartbreaker, until he finally finds the one woman he believes is an angel on earth who brings him love. I hope the song speaks to listeners about needing love in their lives and gives them hope of finding it, through the story of a strong, tough independent person who thinks he doesn't need that kind of love until he finds it and realizes that it's all he’s ever wanted.

Does it reflect any real-life experiences?
"Wanted Man" does reflect my own experiences as a younger musician going through several failed relationships, and then when I wasn't even looking for love I met my fiance. The song tells the rest of the story, and I'll be a married man by this time next year!

How does this fit in with your more recent releases?
This song "Wanted Man" has more of a country rock feel than many of my other recent releases which are ballads or have more traditional country roots. "Wanted Man" is my first recording with my new producer Grady Saxman at Saxman Studios in Nashville, and I think we clicked bringing this song to life with a modern country vibe but rocking it out. I recorded an entire album of songs with Saxman this year, and when the full album is released in 2024, "Wanted Man' will be the title track.

I read that you co-wrote this song with Andi Renfree. Have the two of you worked together before and what was the writing process?
Andi Renfree and I met in Nashville through a mutual friend about three years ago, and we've been writing music ever since. The number of songs we've written together is in double digits, and in fact, two songs on my upcoming "Wanted Man" album were written with Andi. She's a great person and an amazing singer-songwriter, and she and her husband, who is also a musician, have become my good friends. When Andi and I write together it's a true collaboration, and our trusting and laid back approach to sharing ideas fosters creativity so our writing generally flows easily.

I really loved the sound of this song. Did this come together easily or was it a trial-and-error process?
With Andi, "Wanted Man" came together easily. We knew we wanted to write a country rock song about a desperado with a little edge. Kicking around ideas about this, we landed on the idea of a wanted man and then the twist that being a wanted man was actually a love song. Once we came up with this hook, the rest of the song came together easily. Because Andi and I have written so much together, we're both comfortable and familiar with each other's processes and respect each other's ideas and musical ability. "Wanted Man" is the culmination of our work together in Nashville over the past few years, and I hope your listeners enjoy it!

Two comics for the price of one!

The name Scott Hoffman (AKA Babydaddy) is well known in the world of music as co-founder of the disco glam band Scissor Sisters. And now we can add “comic writer” to his resume with the release of his two series, “Nostalgia” and “Wag,” both available through Comixology Originals.

Scott and I talk about how both these series came to be. “Nostalgia” is about a reclusive rock star in a dystopian future, and you can bet Scott channeled some of his time in the music industry into this title. We also go into the sick artwork, which is some of the dreamiest, trippiest drawings I have seen.

Next is “Wag,” also in a dystopian future, but that is where the similarities end. Wag is the story of a loner in a post-apocalyptic world, who hears voices in his head. We talk about the legwork that went into creating the character and the world he lives in.

Tara Kelly talks about career changes made during the pandemic

A few months ago, I interviewed Tara Kelly to talk about her newest music video. This time, we cover a lot more ground as we look at her decision to move to Los Angeles, what it's been like, and how her music has flourished.

Tara's folk-infused style has changed a lot over the last year. We look at the new direction she's gone in during the pandemic, when shows and touring came to a halt. We also talk about her personal style and how it reflects her music.


Tara's music career is still in its early stages, and we look at her 

goals, both in the short-term and down the road.


Following this, enjoy Tara's new single “Play With Fire.”

Chris Paniccia talks fantasy books and publishing in a pandemic

BONUS—Zola speaks on courage in the face of bullying in new single


I've known Rhode Island author Christopher Paniccia for years, so it's a welcome sight to have him back on the show. A few years ago he launched a new fantasy series and we talk about the newest novel, “The Dark Kingdom.” Chris walks us through the story, which centers on a young man who learns of his family secret, one that changes his life forever.

This book was recently released, and for artists, the last year has been a hard one in which to put out their work. Chris and I look at his strategy when going to expos and book signings isn't an option.

After this interview, I've got a new single from John Powhida International Airport, “Michael 3 O'Clock.”

Following this interview, Boston's Zola and I take a deep dive into her new single, “Not Like Other Girls.” The song looks at standing up in the face of a bullying friend, and Zola shares what led this to be the theme. We also dive into her style, which blends rock, piano, and synth.

After this interview, kick back and enjoy the new song. I really dug the style and the message is a powerful one.

Jerry Hull embarks on a variety of stories and sounds with his new albums

A year and a half ago, I first interviewed England-based singer/pianist Jerry Hull. Since that time, he's been anything but idle, putting out two albums and a compilation. Jerry and I talk about the different stories he takes on in the new releases, “They're Looking for Me” and “Ordinary Man,” as well as the signature sounds of each one.

Jerry is originally from Memphis, Tenn., but moved to England 19 years ago. As he approaches this major milestone, we talk about life in the town of Hull and how he's adapted, as well as if he ever considers returning to the U.S. We also look at how he's kept his creative energy going since last March.

After this interview, enjoy three of Jerry's songs—“1969 Mexico Connection,” “Antoinette,” and “Victim of Circumstance.”

Hazel-Eyed Rose shares a personal journey of healing in her new single

In this episode, Birmingham-based pop artist Hazel-Eyed Rose talks about her recovery from psychosis, anxiety, depression, and escaping from an abusive relationship in her new single “Out In My Mind.” Hazel talks about that journey, and how she views recovery, whether it's a mark on the road or a longtime process.

Hazel shares her experience being in the recording studio for the first time and what led her to choose electronic pop as a genre, as well as what other styles she's considering. We look at the music scene where she lives and some of the places she would go to prior to the pandemic.

Following this, enjoy her debut single “Out In My Mind.” I really dug the style and her vocals are amazing.