Welcome to the first Citywide Bytes for 2026! Joining me is Toronto-based singer-songwriter Henry Lees to talk about his new single “Smoke,” which he co-wrote and produced with Sean Thomas, a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. In this interview, Henry talks about the origin of the song, the creative process with Sean, and what he has planned for 2026. 

Closing out this interview is “Smoke,” and I hope you enjoy the funky sound.

Over the years, Citywide Blackout has featured music, books, film and comics—but how about a musical audiobook. Join us as we talk with writer Jeff Flaster for his new musical audiobook, “Following Jimmy Valentine,” out on Feb. 2.

Based on the story “A Retrieved Reformation” by O. Henry, the story blends jazz music, noir comedy and a timeless tale of redemption.

At the heart of the book is reformed jewel thief Jimmy Valentine, a man trying to start anew under the watchful eye of a jaded New Orleans detective. As he falls for Annabel Adams, his hopes of redemption collide with the weight of his past.

Flaster talks about how this story came together and the many years he worked on it. Flaster shares how he blended the story with music, and even gives a few glimpses into the amazing songs that you’ll hear. He also talks about the West End icons that are part of the cast and the way they brought the characters to life. 

Citywide Blackout is back for 2026! Hosts Max Bowen and Curtis Hughes recap the highlights of 2025 and look forward to a new year with many more stories from artists from around the world. 

Citywide Blackout episodes will return on Friday, Jan. 16, with our talk about the audiobook musical “Finding Jimmy Valentine.”

On Nov. 14, Crystal Lake Publishing released “The Night Crew 2: Bloodlust” by Brad Ricks, the sequel to “The Night Crew.” Here’s a look at what’s in store:

The Night Crew thought they'd seen it all-werewolves, vampires, and things too monstrous to name. Michael and his team are about to face something far deadlier: a supernatural killer with an insatiable thirst for blood and a plan to unleash chaos on New Orleans. This time, the enemy isn't hiding in the dark—they're walking boldly among the living, leaving a trail of corpses in their wake. 

As the Night Crew fights to stop the bloodshed, they also confront their own inner demons: haunting memories, deadly secrets, and the chilling realization that some monsters aren't born—they're made.

Brad talks about how he built on the first book to create his series and some of the elements he plans to include. He shares what challenges the Night Crew will face in the new book and the demons they’ll square off with.

We also go into how Brad came to work with Crystal Lake, as well as the story behind the chilling cover art. There’s audiobooks for all his books [with the one for “Bloodlust” soon to be released] and Brad talks about how he knows a voice actor is the one to work with.    

Can a loving relationship endure career setbacks, infidelities, and mismatched sexual desires? This is the question psychologist Bonnie Comfort addresses in her book, “Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets and Sacrifice."

In this episode, Bonnie talks about her 30-year marriage to Bob, a Hollywood screenwriter, and the various challenges they faced along the way. She also shares her message to readers and how she faced her own life in the writing process.

M.B. Courtenay joins us to talk about his soon-to-be-released thriller, “A Spy Inside the Castle” (Dec. 9, Castlemartin). The book follows “reluctant” operative Ethan Briar as he explores a secluded government estate as he tries to find a mole leaking secrets to the US’ enemies.

M.B. talks about the inspiration for this book that came about during the pandemic, as well as his writing process. He dives into the creation of Ethan Briar and how he handles a discovery that he is wholly unprepared for. M.B. also shares the creation of his own imprint, Castlemartin and gives some advice for prospective writers on releasing their own debut books.  

For this episode, I’m joined by Valerie Rachel and Greg Lawrence of the Americana/folk band Wayward Vine. They just released their debut album, “The Fall,” and we go into the songs they resonate with and plans for a second album.

We also talk band origins, the band’s name and how they pivoted to the Americana style. They’ve got some cool shows coming up, including one with an old friend of the show.

Closing out the interview is “Hannah,” one of the songs in their debut release.

The year was 1986, and, perhaps unbeknownst to them at the time, Robert Ellis Orrall and his band recorded their final album together. Nearly 40 years later, the boys are back with “Wrong Thing,” a heartfelt collection of music that involves some powerful connections.

In this episode, Robert shares what it was like to reunite with the band and be back in the studio after all these years. We go into the different songs and the stories behind them, including “Crazier,” which Robert co-wrote with the legend Taylor Swift back when she was just starting out.

Robert and the band haven’t just been recording new music. They’ve been on stage as well and he talks about that experience and their plan for some new releases in the future. Around 20 years ago, Robert started Infinity Cat Recordings, and talks about the industry and its many changes over the years.

Closing out this interview is “When I Need To Feel You,” a song that really connected with me. 

With their sophomore album, “Fool’s Gold,” the Cape Cod-based band The Fool’s Agenda shows a more refined style and sound, and in this episode, vocalist Rhiannon Raine talks about how they got there and the new elements they got to try out.

The band formed in late 2019, and Rhiannon shares what it was like to have to suddenly stop when the pandemic hit, and how they pivoted to remain present at a time when live shows and tours weren’t an option. We talk about new projects for later this year, as well as what else they have in store for 2026.

Closing out this interview is the band’s single Dumb (Take Me Out),” from the new album.

What if you could go back and do it all over again? That’s the premise of Olivia Cuartero-Briggs’ new comic, “The College Try,” out in February 2026 through Maverick, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios.

Rachel, a desperately single Chicago comedian attends her 20-year college reunion in a disastrous attempt to win back the one who got away. But, in a magical twist of fate, she is sent back to 2003 - her sophomore year of college - for one last chance to fix it all. 

Olivia, in her third appearance on the show, talks about the inspiration for the story and how her own college experiences played a role. We examine the protagonist Rachel del Rio, her flaws and how Olivia prefers to work with less-than-perfect characters.

The book takes place in 2003, and Olivia and Max dive into that era and how it felt to relive it through the pages of “The College Try.” Returning artist Roberta Ingranata brings the story to visual life and it’s her second book with Olivia, the first being “Jill and the Killers.” Olivia shares her working relationship with Roberta and what it was Ike to team up once again.