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

“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Right of Spring” (comic)
This sequel to the 2024 release of this truly addictive title continues the story of Samantha Strong, everyone's favorite brown bear who runs the town hardware store. Just one thing: Samantha’s s serial killer with dozens of bodies buried in the woods, and no one’s safe—even the residents of the town of Woodbrook, where she calls home.
When the sister of one of Samantha’s victims comes to Woodbrook seeking answers, Samantha is only too happy to help….wait, what? Well, this one’s going to be interesting, and I tore through the issues to get to the absolute mind-blowing ending.
Check out more about the series at https://tinyurl.com/4jsrna4y.







“Making it So: A Memoir” (book)
I’ve been loving Patrick Stewart’s autobiography. “Making it So” covers his entire life, beginning with his childhood in the small town of Mirfield, England. I’m at the part where Stewart discovers his love of acting and we begin to see the direction his life is taking.
The book is really amazing. He holds nothing back, giving the reader such detail that it effortlessly paints the picture. He speaks to the good and the bad, such as the difficult home life caused by his father, and how it impacted him years later. Being a fan of Stewart’s work since “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” I was very happy to get this book for my birthday and cannot wait to see what’s on the next page.
You can find this book at your favorite book retailer.

RIFFS

“War Child” (music)
Pop-rock artist Mick Rochford’s “War Child” brings us the story of loss of children in wars. This is a powerful and heartfelt story with a message we should all hear. “You didn’t know my name, but you kill me all the same” is such a strong line, one of many that you find in this single.
Follow Mick on Instagram at rochfordmick.

“Primadonna” (music)
“Primadonna,” by Donna Dafi really drew me in and kept me listening with its strong, eclectic pop sounds. Dafi draws on her German, Nigerian and Albanian roots, and I got a sense of power throughout the song. The music has the kind of energy and passion that can’t be ignored.
Learn more about Donna’s music by following her on Instagram at donnadafi.

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.

Citywide Bytes-Mark Femino talks 30 years of music

In our most recent episode of the live show Citywide Bytes, I’m joined by Mark Femino, and if you’re in the Boston music scene, that’s a name you likely know. 

Mark’s been a professional musician, performer, and teacher for nearly 30 years and actively toured in the mid-90s with the jam band, Blind Man’s Sun.

Today, Mark is a seasoned musician and, in this interview, we talk all about the path he took to get here, including the recent release of his single, “Damn Girl,” a really interesting take on a breakup song. 

Mark also has a new acoustic album called “These Are The Moments,” and he shares some of the stories he’s captured in these eight songs. We also get a couple live songs!

Following this interview is the new single, “Damn Girl,” in its entirety.

Citywide Bytes— Andrew Yampolskyi of Homeless Radio talks musical tributes

The lesson here is to make the call…the worse thing they’ll say is no.

Years ago, Andrew Yampolskyi took that chance when he reached out to Sunset Alliance of California, and in 2021, his band Homeless Radio released their debut EP, “The Truth.”

In our March 30 Citywide Bytes show, Andrew joins Max to talk about how this Ukranian rock band formed in 2016, making a name for themselves locally and growing over the years.

The band faced adversity in 2022 during the Russian invasion, dispersing its members across Ukraine and Andrew shares how they continued to make music, releasing two singles, “About You” and “Submarine,” the latter of which was a tribute to a novel of the same name.

Closing out this episode is the band’s recent release, “Submarine.”

Citywide Bytes—Jack Flint of The Sea Gods talks debut singles and band meetings

The Sea Gods have gotten off to a great start with their debut singles, “Are You Here Now” and “Tell Me,” and they’ve got a lot more in the works. 

In this recording of our March 9 Citywide Bytes episode, band founder Jack Flint tells us how he, Marty Taylor and Carl Donoghue met and what led to the band’s founding. Each band member brings a lot of experience with other projects, and we go into how the past work may influence the current.

Jack and I talk about the stories behind the two singles. “Are You Here Now” has a message of living in the moment, not regretting the past or fretting the future. 

“Tell Me” came from a very challenging part of Jack’s life and we talk about how the hard times inspire the best music.

Closing out this episode is “Are You Here Now.”

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.

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.”

Music Review-Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

Lower County Outlaw, 12 tracks

https://kmwkb.com

One thing that I’ve come to expect with Kristian Montgomery’s work is that every song’s got a story to tell—and the newest album does not disappoint. With Kristian’s music there’s a depth not always seen. He doesn’t care about being the “cool kid” in the room, just a man with a tale to tell. His style is something that’s good at connecting with people.

“Lower County Outlaw” has been a blast to listen to, and Kristian’s voice is a big part of that. His powerful, seasoned vocals could fill an empty room to burst. It’s the sound of a man who’s been there, done that and wants to tell you what happened. And trust me, he holds nothing back. In “Annie Pay Your Band,” he delivers some visceral criticism to another musician for a slew of wrongs.

I really loved the vibe of “Gypsy Girl.” With this song, Kristian shifts gears a little into a higher tempo and a little more rock, spinning a tale of a truly unique woman. “Lost in Memphis” really kicks things up and shows some of Kristian’s versatility as a vocalist

At the end of the day, “Lower County Outland” is a great collection of sounds and stories. Kristian’s voice is a powerhouse and fits perfectly with the accompanying strong country sound. This is a guy to see live if the chance arrives in your area.

Plastic Angels talk about life in Nashville, favorite stages and new tunes

I’ve known the duo of Plastic Angels (Bethany and Jeff Lawson) for years and when I heard they moved to Nashville, a catch-up interview was always on my mind. Well, here we are! Bethany and Jeff talk about what prompted the move and those early days, especially as COVID set in. We look how things were in Nashville during the pandemic and the work to keep the legendary music scene on track. Compared to where I live in Massachusetts, it’s a very different experience.

Everyone knows Nashville is a haven for the best of the best of the music world and I hear about the big names they’ve encountered in the most random situations (one story involves onion rings). We look at the influence of being among such greats and if it’s had an impact on who they are and what they do.

Since Plastic Angels became Nashville residents they’ve been very active, both on stage and off. I ask about live shows and some of their favorite places—trust me, it’s a nearly endless list of options. We hear about the recent releases, “I Want Me” and “Living Proof” and the stories behind them plus their plans for the future.

Wrapping things up is “I Want Me,” a truly powerful song. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get my bags packed, ‘cause Nashville is calling.

New sound, new album from Dany Horovitz

It was just one year ago that I first interviewed singer-songwriter Dany Horovitz and it was such a blast I figured “Let’s do it again!”

So here we are, recording one year exactly from the date the last interview dropped and so much has happened. Earlier this year he released a new EP, “The Candle is Worth the Game,” and since then he’s dropped the singles “Don’t Look to Me” and “Sorry From the Road,” both of which will be on his next album, “Phanerorhyme,” named in part for mind-altering drugs. Yeah, you can bet I ask what that’s all about.

Along with the new album, Dany and I spend some time talking about the new sounds and instrumentation he’s explored while recording the new tracks. We go into the folks he’s worked with, what they’ve brought to the table and the amazing music that’s come from it. His debut album “Free Times” was released a little over a year ago and we talk about how he’s grown as an artist.

Afterward, kick back and enjoy “Sorry From the Road” and “It’s No Use Trying to Change Me.” If you’ve heard some of his earlier work, you’re gonna like the new paths he walks with these.

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.”

Dan Franklin takes us through the terrifying world of “The Eater of Gods”

BONUS TRACK: Nice Vice and I talk 90s music and his arrival as an artist


It's a blend of rock music and horror stories in this episode. Up first, author Dan Franklin and I do a deep dive into his debut book, “The Eater of Gods.” Here's a quick synopsis for those curious:

Nothing really dies if it’s remembered, his wife had told him.

In the dying village of Al Tarfuk, lost among the war-stained dunes of eastern Libya, professor Norman Haas learns the location of the tomb that had been his wife’s pursuit. The final resting place of Kiya, the lost queen of Akhenaten, whose history had been etched from the stone analogues of history for her heresies against the long absent pantheon of Egyptian gods.

He never expected to discover that the tomb was the final resting place for more than the dead. And as his team of researchers find themselves trapped inside the ancient tomb, Norman realizes all too soon that his wife was right—

Nothing really dies if it’s remembered…But some things are best forgotten.


Dan talks all about the real-life story behind this book, and how the editing process helped him as a writer. We swap tales about meeting legends in the writing world and ways to boost your skills in both telling tales and spreading the word. Dan takes us through the worldbuilding he did, the endless research, and how he made the characters who they are.


After that, Nice Vice and I talk about his new single “No Ends,” which looks at being in your 20s and the personal strife of having to figure that out. We talk about the bands of the 90s that helped shape his sound, and where he's going with his debut EP, “First Dose.” At the end of the show, be sure to give the new single a listen, I can promise you won't regret it.

Kristian Montgomery talks touring, the Boston Music Scene, and new releases

This one has been a long time coming. I've been a fan of Kristian Montgomery and The Winterkill Band for awhile now, and in this episode we get to hash things out for his newest album, “Prince of Poverty.” It's one of three recorded during the pandemic and this fall he'll release “A Heaven for Heretics."

Kristian has been a part of the Boston Music Scene for some time and talks about the way he fits in (and sometimes doesn't). He talks about the challenge in getting noticed in the U.S. while at the same time he's become well known in Europe. He's also done shows over there and shares some tales about the audiences and what they're like.

We also do a deep dive into his newest album, “Prince of Poverty,” released earlier this year. The album touches on a lot of different subjects—from judgement over the past to America and how he views it.

After this, enjoy two songs from the new album, “American Fire” and “A Warm Grave.”

Kristian Montgomery shares stories and souls in new album

"Price of Poverty," the 2021 release from the Massachusetts-based  Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band is an authentic, honest take on the world and the lives that comprise it. The vibe I get is that we’re presented with these tales and takes and we’re left to make of it what we will. If we like it, cool, and if we don’t, that’s fine too. The band has a story to share and share it they will. 

There’s a lot of stories told in this album, but there’s a few that stuck to me. “A Warm Grave” tells the story of a grandfather, the times spent together and memories made. This one got to me, because it reminds me a lot of my own grandfather, 95 years old and still kicking. I learned a lot from him when it came to working for a living and valuing family over things.

“Soul For Soul” shows that we all have a past, with one side bringing up the other’s. It’s easy to relate to, because we’ve all faced judgment for our past. As one line goes, “I’ll match you soul for soul.” That one really sticks with me.

“American Fire” is an unflinching look at the US as it is today. The song talks about us losing our will, our voices stilled, as the folks in charge sell out the country to the highest bidder. If this isn’t a cautionary tale about our need to stand up and take ownership of the ground we walk on, show me what is.

When it comes to the sound of the album, I like the wandering feel. “They’ll Remember My Name” kicks things off with an avalanche of sound, and following it, “Tired of Being Tired” is a more mellow, walking-pace kind of song. I think it matches life pretty well—one minute things are chaos and the next, it’s chill.

Overall, “Prince of Poverty” is a solid and strong mix of music that shares a lot. Either you like it or you don’t. It’s a story that this band will tell. It’s on you to decide where you want to go with it.

For more information on Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band, visit kmwkb.com.

Matt Jatkola talks about tying music into his health journey

Boston singer-songwriter Matt Jatkola returns to talk about his newest singles—“When Tomorrow Comes” and “Japanese Butterfly.” Both were written at different stages of Matt's battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. “When Tomorrow Comes” was written shortly after he received the diagnosis in early 2020, and “Japanese Butterfly” was penned as his treatment was nearing its end. Matt's been cancer-free for nearly a year now.

We talk about Matt's mindset when he began writing the songs and why he wanted to share the story through his music. Matt shares his feelings when he was diagnosed and how it feels to have a clean bill of health. We also look at Matt's interest in professional wrestling and how it helped him to get through both his treatment and the pandemic itself.

Keep listening after this interview, because I've got both songs for your listening enjoyment. They have very different sounds, both of which I really liked.

Ariel Bellvalaire talks music video stunts and life in Los Angeles

BONUS—Anushka Jag blends sounds of old-world India and modern electronic in “Hurricane”


Many musicians have a “to do list” for their music video, and in the case of Ariel Bellvalaire, it's playing guitar on the back of a motorcycle. In the video for her single “Elastic,” Ariel got to live this goal and a lot more. We talk about what went into making this video happen as well as the story behind it.

Ariel also shares her musical journey from Windsor, Connecticut, to Los Angeles and her time exploring the city's music scene. She's well known for her stage performances and talks about how she learned her acrobatic skills.

After this, Anushka Jag and I look at the music video for her song “Hurricane.” The song has a great sound, blending Indian music with electronic styles.

After Ariel's interview, enjoy her song “Elastic,” and at the end, I've got Anushka's single “Hurricane.”

Charlotte Young talks debuting her music amidst the pandemic

UK-based country artist Charlotte Young kicked off her music career in early 2020, just as live music came to a halt worldwide. Her debut album “Blown Away” has gotten a great response, and on May 4, “Coffee and Conversations” will be released. We talk about how she got her start in music and what it was like to launch at a time when social media was the only promotional tool available.

Charlotte and I talk about her style, which ranges from chill folk-infused tunes to pure rock goodness. She shares stories from her early days playing cover songs and what led her to release her own music. Her most recent single, “On The Loose,” was made with fellow UK artist Georgia Nevada, and Charlotte talks about what it was like working with her.

Following this, enjoy “Whiplash,” Charlotte's debut single.

Amiena brings a new style and presence with “Halo”

BONUS—Payson Lewis talks about toxic relationships in new single

LA-based artist Amiena is no stranger to the world of music, having released albums since 2017. But her latest work, “Halo,” kicks off a Version 2.0 of sorts, with a new style, approach, and vision. She and I talk about the new challenges she's taken on and some of the things she's learned in the process.

“Halo” takes on the theme of hypocrisy, which she's dealt with personally and professionally. We also look at other topics she hopes to work with in the future. Amiena shares what led her to this change in her music and some future goals.

 

And in a bonus interview, singer-songwriter Payson Lewis has a single being released on March 26 called “In Your Heart.” The song takes on the toxic relationships that many of us have dealt with, and we look at the real-life story the inspired it.

Stephanie Mathias returns with new music, videos, and artist collaborations

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Mathias is back with a lot of great news to share. She was last on the show in May 2020, as the pandemic was becoming a long-term situation. In that time she has remained very busy with new music, including “Hero Side” released last October and “Blue Diamond Light,” available on all streaming platforms on March 26.

Stephanie and I talk about her work over the last 10 months, including the influences for the two songs and how real life played a role. She has a music video out for “Hero Side” and we talk about Jarreau Williams, the artist she worked with and her plans for the production.

We also look at other artists she'll be working with in the future, including a cool podcast that she's become a part of.

Following this interview, enjoy “Hero Side,” followed by “Blue Diamond Light.”

Arielle Perez talks about life and loss in debut EP, plus Natalie Joly shares tales behind new music video

In this episode, I talk with Ontario-based musician Arielle Perez, who recently released her debut EP, “Fourteen.” This five-track album looks at the themes of bullying, loss of a loved one, and finding your way through life, and we talk about how real life inspired her music. Her songs all have music videos to go with them, and she walks us through the planning process and the folks that she worked with.

Arielle is also a model, having been on the cover of CAN Kids Magazine in 2020 and we look at the role that modeling plays in her life and the common ground between it and music.

After this, enjoy two tracks from her EP, “Find the Way” followed by “Without You.”




But wait, there's more! Wakefield-based artist Natalie Joly joins me for a new segment, where we check in with past guests to see what's new in their world. Natalie just finished a new single, “Yours To Stay,” and the music video, which she filmed in an abandoned mansion. Following the interview, kick back and enjoy the new tune, which will be available on all streaming services on Feb. 26.