Citywide Blackout

Following his time with the legendary American punk band Model Citizen, ChiodoSupply has a new venture, but with the same vibe and message. In this episode, we’re going to talk about art and speaking to the state of the world, which is captured in his new single, “Homeland.” Chiodo and I also share the hard truths of the music industry, the use of artificial intelligence in making art, and give a few tips on getting your foot in the door. Wrapping up this episode is the single that got this all started, “Wandering and Wanting.” Like the episode? Then check out more of Chido at https://chiodosupply.com/.

Author Perrin Pring joins me to talk about her recently-released book, “Cash and Gravity” (Diversion Books), set in a world where everyone’s trying to get off it as quickly as possible. In this book, Chevy Cole is a female Launch Tech Marine who lives in a world where mega corporations battle each other for Earthly metals in the pursuit of one day getting humans permanently off planet. During a battle, Chevy comes across a crash site containing a super soldier, an Ace, who has the world's first mobile fusion device. Chevy knows her corporation stole it from their rival. She is forced to partner with Dolon, a phantom, a man so analogue he can use cash and navigate by paper map, to get them to a safe house, thrusting them on a low-tech, high-stakes road trip across the American West. We’re going to talk all about the worldbuilding and character creation that went into this as well as the many re-writes and how this changed the story. Perrin also talks a little shop and shares some advice for fellow debut writers. Like what you heard? Then check out www.psquaredbooks.com for more!

JUNO Award-winning blues artist Crystal Shawanda’s new album “Sing Pretty Blues,” has earned her a 2026 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year. It’s a real powerhouse of an album, with a range of music that doesn’t hold back. In this interview, Crystal talks about what it means to receive this nomination and her reaction on getting the news. We talk about her many years in music and the different paths she’s taken from a country artist to singing the blues. She shares the themes and stories behind “Sing Pretty Blues” and working with her husband Dewayne Strobel on the creation process. We also talk upcoming festivals, and get a look at what’s next. Wrapping up this episode is the single “Preaching Blues,” the strong opener to the new album. Be sure to follow Crystal on Instagram at crystalshawanda and visit https://crystalshawanda3.bandzoogle.com/home.

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Founded in 2021 by Shawn Hainsworth, SHP Comics is a blend of different styles and stories, from children’s imagination to horror set at Woodstock. Shawn joins us to introduce the company and how it came to be, as well as the different titles they’re working on. One of those is “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King,” out on April 14. Deep underground, Zicky plunges into the lair of the Rat King—a tyrant amassing an army of rodents to invade the real world. A mysterious supervillain lurks in the shadows, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance. Shawn shares the origin of Zicky and how he connected with the team of writers and artists that brought the idea to life. We also dive into how those of you with your own idea for a story can make it happen. Like what you’ve heard? Then check out https://shpcomics.com/. “Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King” is available for pre-order, and there’s a lot more to check out!