In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Michael T. Fournier shares an excerpt from his debut novel, ‘Hidden Wheel’ (2011), and explores the musical influences behind the book, along with his experiences as a musician with the bands Dead Trend and Plaza. About ‘Hidden Wheel’: When an art scene takes root in a pop-up colony called Freedom Springs, micro-visionary Ben Wilfork promotes the giant, autobiographical 600 square foot canvases of former chess prodigy and high end dominatrix Rhonda Barrett using his Hidden Wheel as a bridge to the future before pre-Datastrophe history completes itself. It's a book about the scams of the modern age—artistic self-promotion, corporate infiltration of hipsterdom—and it's hilarious. At the same time this is a philosophical literary work that dissects hipsterdom to get at the core of what it's all about. A must-read for art fans, punk fans, anyone who wants to know how the truly original ideas can get subsumed by the corporate machine—and how to save them. Told in an intriguing intersecting point of view style, this is a powerful short novel by an emerging talent. Bonus Content: Michael also offers an exclusive glimpse into his forthcoming novel, ‘The Impasse’, sharing an excerpt that promises more of his signature mix of insight and edge. Don’t miss this exciting episode as we dive into the intersection of art, music, and literature with one of the most original writers on the scene. Bio: Michael T. Fournier is the author of the forthcoming novel ‘The Impasse’ (St. Rooster Books 2024). Previously, he wrote ‘Double Nickels on the Dime’ (Continuum/Bloomsbury, 2007), ‘Hidden Wheel’ (Three Rooms Press, 2011) and ‘Swing State’ (Three Rooms Press, 2014). He graduated from the University of Maine's MA program, where he won the Steven Grady Award for fiction. Fournier has toured the United States extensively—twice through successful crowdfunded prerelease campaigns.  His writing has appeared in ‘Razorcake’—America's only non-profit punk magazine—as well as ‘Pitchfork’, ‘McSweeney's Internet Tendency’, ‘Vice’, ‘Electric Literature’, ‘Oxford American’, ‘Boston Globe’, and more.  Mike is the co-editor of ‘Zisk’, the baseball zine for people who hate baseball zines. He's the drummer and main songwriter for Dead Trend, and plays bass in Plaza, Cape Cod’s #1 band.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rites of Spring “Hidden Wheel” Dead Trend “Age of Consent” Super Team—No Copyright music/NCS/copyright free music/music for YouTube Plaza “Fat Half” Echo & The Bunnymen “The Killing Moon” The Cure “Pictures of You” Black Flag “Rise Above” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Michael T. Fournier’s website: https://www.michaeltfournier.org/ Michael T. Fournier on Instagram: @xfournierx Michael T. Fournier on Facebook: @MichaelT.Fournier St. Rooster Books website: https://stroosterbooks.bigcartel.com/ Three Rooms Press website: https://threeroomspress.com/ Bloomsbury Books website: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/ Dead Trend on Bandcamp: https://deadtrend.bandcamp.com/ Plaza on Bandcamp: https://plazacapecod.bandcamp.com/album/adult-panic Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Eric Jay Sonnenschein discusses and reads from his novel ‘Rocked and Rolled’, a story set in New York’s ’70s and ’80s New Wave scene that follows a young writer-turned-musician navigating the cutthroat music industry while balancing ambition with creative integrity. ‘Rocked and Rolled’ conveys the perpetual human struggle to express, invent, and reinvent oneself amid scarce opportunities, annihilating competition and a recording industry that raises barriers at every turn to make artists fail. Eric Jay Sonnenschein is a novelist, essayist, poet, journalist and blogger living in New York. He has published five novels: ‘Rocked and Rolled’ (2024), ‘Ad Nomad’ (2012), ‘Mad Nomad’ (2015), ‘Spontaneous Revolution: The Lost Savior and the Bottomless Pit’ (2022), and ‘Spontaneous Revolution 2: The Hall of Phenomena and The Dark Parade’ (2023); four volumes of essays, ‘Making Up For Lost Time’ (2011), ‘All Over the Place: Essays from A to Z’ (2013), ‘Sartre in the Subway’ (2017), and ‘Self Helpless’ (2021); as well as a collection of poetry, ‘The Lost Poem and Others Like it’ (2011). His fifth novel, ‘Rocked and Rolled’, was published August 6, 2024. In addition, Eric Jay Sonnenschein has published more than 50 articles on a variety of topics, including politics and culture in a variety of newspapers and magazines. Since June 2014, he has posted more than 230 essays on politics, fine arts and culture on LinkedIn Pulse.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Jump Into the Fire” by Harry Nilsson “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division (No Copyright Music) Upbeat Indie Rock [Rock Music] by MokkaMusic/Drive “In the City” by The Jam [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Eric Jay Sonnenschein’s website: https://www.ericjaysonnenschein.com/ Eric Jay Sonnenschein on Facebook: @EricJaySonnenschein Eric Jay Sonnenschein on X: @ejsonnenschein Eric Jay Sonnenschein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjaysonnenschein/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Season 4 episode of the Rock is Lit Reading Series, author Thomas Calder takes us into the heart of his poignant novel, ‘The Wind Under the Door’. Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Asheville and the majestic North Carolina mountains, the story follows Ford Carson as he navigates love, family, and artistic reinvention. At forty, Ford has forged a new life as a visual artist in the mountains of North Carolina. A chance meeting with Grace Burnett leads to a burgeoning love affair. But the romance is complicated by Grace’s estranged husband and the unexpected arrival of Ford’s own estranged son. Asheville’s cultural and physical landscapes shape the narrative, with the music of Arcade Fire as an emotional and thematic thread woven throughout the story. Tune in to hear an excerpt from this beautifully nuanced story and gain insight into the creation of a book that, as author Wiley Cash says, “is a love letter to our reckless hopeful moments and dangerous impulses.” Thomas Calder earned his MFA in creative writing from the University of Houston. His work has appeared in ‘Gulf Coast’, ‘Miracle Monocle’, ‘The Collagist’, and elsewhere. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and dog. ‘The Wind Under the Door’ is his debut novel.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Arcade Fire “Rococo” Arcade Fire “The Suburbs” Arcade Fire “Reflektor” Arcade Fire “Empty Room” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS:  Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Thomas Calder’s website: https://www.thomas-calder.com/ Thomas Calder’s playlist for ‘The Wind the Door’: https://www.thomas-calder.com/new-page-3 Thomas Calder on Facebook: @ThomasCalder Thomas Calder on Instagram: @t.calder Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Sarah Tomlinson discusses the inspiration for and reads from her debut novel, ‘The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers’. ‘The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers’ synopsis: Anke Berben is ready to tell all. A legendary model and style icon, she reveled in headline-grabbing romances with not one but three members of the hugely influential rock band the Midnight Ramblers. The band members were as famous for their backstage drama as for their music, and Anke is the only one who fully understands the tangled relationships, betrayals, and suspicions that have added to the Ramblers’ enduring appeal and mystique. That is most evident in the mystery around Anke’s role in the death of Mal, the band’s founder and Anke’s husband, in 1969. When Mari Hawthorn accepts the job to work with Anke on her memoir, she is dead set on getting to the truth of Mal’s death. She has always been deft at navigating the fatal charms of celebrities, having grown up with a narcissistic, alcoholic father. As she ingratiates herself into the world of the band, she grows enchanted, against her better judgment, by these legendary rock stars. She knows she can’t get pulled in too deep, otherwise she’ll compromise her objectivity—and her integrity. Filled with all of the glamour and attitude of rock and roll, ‘The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers’ is a bighearted page-turner that will appeal to fans of ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ and ‘Almost Famous’. Sarah Tomlinson, a former music journalist, has been a ghostwriter since 2008, penning more than 20 books, including five ’New York Times’ bestsellers. In 2015, she published the father-daughter memoir, ’Good Girl’ (Gallery Books). She wrote ’The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers’, her first novel, in-between assignments for a who’s who of celebrity clients.   Check out Christy’s interview with Svetlana Zill and Alexis Bloom, the directors of the documentary ‘Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmqtedDBbl4   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Midnight Rambler” – Rolling Stones “You Got the Silver” – Rolling Stones “Salt of the Earth” – Rolling Stones [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Sarah Tomlinson’s website: https://sarahtomlinson.com/ Sarah Tomlinson on Instagram and Twitter: @duchessofrock Sarah Tomlinson on Facebook: @SarahTomlinson Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, O.F. Cieri reads an excerpt from her novel ‘Backmask’ and discusses the inspiration behind the story and the music that shaped it. Inspired by pop music history and written in the style of ‘60s horror pulp, ‘Backmask’ is the fake history of a conspiracy theory surrounding the Satanic agenda to control children’s minds. Nicholas Hush, 1960s record producer, has a vision for the future of pop music. After a series of prophetic dreams, he wants to combine occult imagery with upcoming trends to create a new, groundbreaking look. His secretary, Valerie Chill, is tasked with finding consultants and funding while he crafts the perfect album. Quickly their project becomes entangled in other, larger machinations, and two teenage pop acts become responsible for international intrigue, brainwashing, and an occult massacre. Taking inspiration from the lives of Joe Meek, Phil Spector, and Timothy Leary, ‘Backmask’ is a speculative look at how hidden messages got into pop music. O.F. Cieri is a self-taught writer based out of NYC. She has been published in ‘Ligeia Magazine’ and ‘Misery Tourism’. In 2013 she won first place in BMCC's Poetry Competition. In 2016 she won an Honorable Mention in LaborArts Make Work Visible Competition. Her nonfiction has been carried by ‘Hyperallergic’ and the ‘Invisible Oranges’. In February of 2023 she published her second book, ‘Lockdown Laureate’, with Castaigne Publishing. Her third book, ‘Backmask’, was published by Malarkey in June of 2023.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” The Moontrekkers – “Night of the Vampire” Bauhaus – “She’s In Parties” The Cramps “The Goo Goo Mack” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 O.F. Cieri’s website: https://ofcieri.com/ O.F. Cieri on Facebook: @OFCieri O.F. Cieri on Instagram: @Ossuary O.F. Cieri on Twitter: @ossvary Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Philip Cohen joins the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series to share a few chapters of his novel ‘Conflict in the City’. Mixing and blending the genres of detective noir and music, ‘Conflict in the City’ takes place in greater Los Angeles, home to both classic and modern fictional LA detectives like Raymond Chandler’s Phillip Marlowe and Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch, and music legends like the Doors, Van Halen, and The Mamas and The Papas. It’s in this world that we find Johnny “Whoops” Watson and Billy Bates, young guitarists/singers and their band, Conflict, playing clubs in modern LA, where the days of rock’s zenith and ascendance in the 1960s and 1970s has faded, but the hopes and dreams of aspiring musicians haven’t. Conflict is struggling and chaos ensues when someone linked closely to the band is killed. Billy and Johnny become swept up in the mystery, ill-prepared as they are to confront it. Philip M. Cohen was born in New York City and moved to Los Angeles as a young man. A musician since his pre-teens, he began writing songs and playing with bands in his teens and had a near-encounter with fame with his band The Heaters. He then became a music attorney to pay the bills, but continued to write, perform, and record music. Presently, Phil still consults on legal and business matters but spends most of his time writing and playing music, composing, recording, and performing with his two bands, Dogs and Bones and The Silver Heaters, consisting of former members of The Heaters. ‘Conflict in the City’ is his first published novel and ‘Conflict in the Club’, the second. They are both part of an on-going series dubbed “The Conflict Stories.”   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” The Doors “Light My Fire” The Mamas and The Papas “California Dreamin’ ” The Doors “Riders On the Storm” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Philip Cohen on Facebook: @PhilCohen Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Matthew Fiander joins the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series to discuss and read from his debut novel, ‘Ringing in Your Ears’. Set in a Boston suburb during the early ‘90s, the story follows Louise “Blue” Cleary as she navigates the emotional aftermath of her sister Christine’s mysterious death. Already struggling to fit in as a girl barred from playing baseball and an umpire facing hostility from local parents, Blue’s grief sends her on a journey to uncover truths about her sister—and herself. With Christine’s cassette tapes as clues, Blue’s search reveals buried secrets about her family and the dark underbelly of their seemingly idyllic town. Matthew Fiander’s fiction has appeared in ‘Story Magazine’, ‘Mid-American Review’, ‘Zone 3’, ‘Willow Springs’, ‘The Massachusetts Review’, ‘Southern Indiana Review’, ‘South Carolina Review’, ‘Reckon Review’, and elsewhere. He has also written for ‘The New York Times’, PopMatters, and other outlets. His debut novel, ‘Ringing in Your Ears’, was published by Main Street Rag. Fiander currently lives and works in North Carolina.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Buffalo Tom “Taillights Fade” Pearl Jam “Once” Nirvana “All Apologies” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Matthew Fiander on Facebook: @MatthewFiander Matthew Fiander on Twitter: @mattfiander Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations to the winner of the first Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest in the general submissions category, Mark Baumgartner! Listen to Mark read his winning story, “Last Chance for a Slow Dance,” in this episode. Mark D. Baumgartner’s fiction has been published in many literary journals, including ‘The Southern Review’, ‘Confrontation’, ‘Best of Ohio Anthology’, ‘Bellingham Review’, ‘Silk Road’, ‘Yemassee’, ‘Wisconsin Review’, ‘Phoebe’, and ‘Tampa Review’, among others. His story, “The Great Siwash Shoe War,” won the 2014 ‘Fugue’ prize in short fiction. His writing has twice been nominated for inclusion in the Pushcart prize anthology. His story collection, ‘Last Chance for a Slow Dance: Stories’, is forthcoming from JackLeg Press in 2026. He teaches creative writing and American literature at East Tennessee State U.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Fascination Street” by The Cure “Last Chance For a Slow Dance” by Fugazi “Remember Tomorrow” by Iron Maiden [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Mark Baumgartner on Facebook: @MarkBaumgartner Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congratulations to the winner of the first Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest in the undergraduate college student category, Senami Kugblenu! Listen to Senami read her winning story, “Goat and Pearls,” in this episode. Senami Kugblenu is a Nigerian-American writer, Johnston scholar, and Honors student at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is majoring in English & Comparative Literature and French and minoring in Information Systems. Her main interest is in fiction writing, but she has also explored copywriting as a copy staffer at ‘The Daily Tar Heel’, technical writing, and print and publishing. Her writing has been published in Cornell University's ‘Rainy Day’. She is treasurer of Earthtones at UNC, a multimedia art collective of POC creatives. Senami worked as a Student Assistant in the Microforms and Government Documents department at Davis Library until leaving this position to spend a semester abroad in Montpellier, France. MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Doom Style Industrial Metal—Torn Flesh//Royalty Free No Copyright Background Music Royalty Free Heavy Metal Instrumental – Game Over Pointless Tool Imitation—Alternative Metal—Royalty Free Music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Senami Kugblenu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senami-kugblenu/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Karen Green discusses and reads an excerpt from her novel, ‘Yellow Birds’. ‘Yellow Birds’ synopsis: Set in a time just before the digital revolution, Kait is a young woman searching for identity and community. A group of outcasts called the Yellow Birds take her town to town on what they refer to as the Open Road Tour. One night, when Kait is feeling kinship with this group of Birds, a man sits beside her who alters her fragile plans for the foreseeable future. Filled with sex, drugs, music, and cults, readers won’t be able to get enough of the groupie lifestyle entangled within a bohemian love story. Karen Green is a writer and editor in southwestern Ontario. Her essays, poetry, and fiction pieces have appeared in The Globe and Mail, CBC, Today’s Parent, Room Magazine, Harlequin, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Bustle, and The Rumpus. She is also the author of two young readers books and is the lyricist for several children’s pop songs.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” The Grateful Dead “Shakedown Street” The Grateful Dead “Box of Rain” The Grateful Dead “Truckin’ ” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Karen Green on Instagram: @karengreen_author Karen Green on Twitter: @karengreeners Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Staci Layne Wilson reads her short story “I Don’t Wanna Go to Remus,” featured in the anthology ‘28’. The collection imagines an alternate reality where members of the infamous 27 Club, such as Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, and Amy Winehouse, live beyond their tragic ends. In Wilson’s story, Amy—a talented but troubled musician known for her refusal to seek help—faces a surreal twist. After a life of chaotic partying comes to an abrupt halt, Amy finds herself in an otherworldly rehab facility . . . on another planet. The narrative explores what might have happened if Amy had given rehabilitation a chance, adding a science fiction spin to her legacy. Staci Layne Wilson is an award-winning filmmaker (‘The Ventures: Stars on Guitars’, ‘Cabaret of the Dead’, ‘Psycho Therapy’) and an Amazon #1 bestselling author (‘So L.A. - A Hollywood Memoir’, ‘City of Devils’, ‘Sex Death Rock N Roll’). She wrote, produced and hosted three entertainment talk shows online: ‘This Week In Movies’, ‘Inside Horror’, and ‘Dread Central Live’. She has been featured on the BBC, Bravo, Reelz, MTV, CNN (and many more) as a film historian and author. She’s the daughter of Don Wilson (The Ventures) and Nancy “Buni” Bacon (pin-up model, author, actress). Staci is also the host of the podcast Rock ‘N’ Roll Nightmares.   Catch Staci on Episode 49 of Rock is Lit, where we talk about the fourth novel in her Immortal Confessions vampire series, ‘Rhapsody in Red’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/stacilaynewilson   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Amy Winehouse “Valerie” Amy Winehouse “Rehab” Amy Winehouse “Back to Black” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Staci Layne Wilson’s website: https://www.stacilaynewilson.com/ Rock ‘N’ Roll Nightmares website: https://rock-n-roll-nightmares.com/ Staci on Twitter: staciwilson Staci on Instagram: @stacilaynewilson Staci’s YouTube channel: @stacilayne Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Brendan Gillen reads from his debut novel, ‘Static’, and offers insight into the story’s themes, characters, and music. The novel follows Paul, a struggling musician in New York City who resorts to theft—of objects, opportunities, and even voices—just to survive and fuel his creative ambitions. As Paul battles heartbreak, band tensions, and family crises, he becomes desperate to hold his life together and make music that matters. ‘Static’ paints a vivid picture of a young artist navigating the challenges of modern life, set against the backdrop of the ever-changing music industry. Brendan Gillen is an Emmy-winning writer living in Brooklyn. His fiction has twice been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and appears in ‘Wigleaf’, ‘Taco Bell Quarterly’, ‘New Delta Review’, ‘HAD’, ‘X-R-A-Y’, ‘South Carolina Review’, and elsewhere. His debut chapbook, “I've Given This a Lot of Thought,” is available now via Bottlecap Press. His first novel, ‘Static’, was published by Vine Leaves Press (July ‘24). As a partner and writer/director at Boomshot, Brendan has developed content for ESPN, FanDuel, Condé Nast, Fox Sports, BBC, the U.S. Open, Resy, Anheuser-Busch and others. Before joining Boomshot, he developed his creative and storytelling capabilities at ESPN, producing original content for the FIFA World Cup, the NBA on ESPN, Sunday Night Baseball, Grantland, Monday Night Football, and more. His work has received attention in the ‘New York Times’, Mashable, the ‘Washington Post’, USA Today’s “For the Win,” SportsIllustrated.com, the ‘Huffington Post’, and People.com, among others. He earned a Sports Emmy for his work on the campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on ESPN.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Midnight in a Perfect World” by DJ Shadow “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star “Undenied” by Portishead [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Brendan Gillen’s website: https://www.bgillen.com/ Brendan Gillen on Facebook: @Brendan Gillen Brendan Gillen on Instagram: @beegillen Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rock is Lit, Stephen Shaiken delves into the inspiration behind his rock novel, ‘Queensborough Rock’, sharing how the music, culture, and grit of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s shaped the story. The bulk of the episode features a captivating reading from the novel, immersing listeners in a time when the music industry was as tough and unpredictable as the city itself. Stephen Shaiken was born and raised in New York City. He spent over three decades as a criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco. Before he became a lawyer, he earned an MA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. These days he splits his time between Bangkok, Thailand and Tampa, Florida. Stephen writes short stories in several genres, some of which can be read on his blog, http://www.stephenshaiken.com/. He has written three novels that he describes as “exotic noir thrillers” in the NJA Series, featuring American expat lawyer Glenn Murray Cohen: ‘Bangkok Shadows’, ‘Bangkok Whispers’, and ‘Bangkok Blues’, all available on Amazon as an E book or in paperback. A fourth book in the series is forthcoming. Stephen released ‘Queensborough Rock’ in November 2022. Its genre is historical fiction, but the soul is rock ‘n’ roll. The story is set in 1971. Young Jack Bernstein is a struggling rock ‘n’ roll manager in New York City. Instead of a fancy office in Manhattan, a flashy car and backstage passes, he operates out of a basement apartment in working-class Queens, driving a cranky eight-year-old Volvo as he trolls third-string venues for hidden talent. Jack finances a demo tape for his top talent by borrowing from a loan shark and pawning a friend’s guitar. When the tape fails to land a deal, Jack’s last hope is an offer from a friendly Queens mobster. New York City in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s comes alive with all its intensity.    MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Stephen Shaiken’s website: https://stephenshaiken.com/ Stephen Shaiken on Facebook: @StephenShaiken Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, host Christy Alexander Hallberg celebrates the third birthday of her novel, ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’. She delves into the evocative imagery and central characters that drive the novel, while reflecting on the three previous Rock is Lit episodes centered on Led Zeppelin and ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’. Join Christy as she revisits the poignant journey of Luna Kane, an 18-year-old on a quest to uncover her deceased mother’s secrets. Set in the winter of 1988, ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’ follows Luna from her family’s farm in eastern North Carolina to England to search for the enigmatic guitarist of Led Zeppelin, the man her mother, Claudia, hinted may be her father. Tune in for an immersive experience as Christy shares the first two chapters of the audiobook, brought to life by the talented narrator Melissa Connell.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin “Four Sticks” by Led Zeppelin “Over the Hills and Far Away” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit Season 1 EP on ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/christyalexanderhallberg/margaretbauer/randallmartoccia/lizawieland/dannygoldberg Rock is Lit Season 2 EP on ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/searchingforjimmypageaudiobook Rock is Lit Season 3 EP featuring photographer Neal Preston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvNwNXH8jTE&t=10s Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Kat Hausler reads an excerpt from her novel ‘What I Know About July’ and discusses its creation. The novel centers around indie rocker Simon Kemper, fresh out of rehab and riding the wave of moderate success with his band in Berlin. But lurking in the background is his stalker, a mysterious figure present at every show, sending unsettling postcards to his label and acting as though she owns him. When she suddenly vanishes during one of his performances, Simon becomes the prime suspect. What begins as an attempt to clear his name spirals into a deeper psychological journey, as Simon questions whether her obsession could have truly ended—or if it has merely become entangled in the lives of those closest to him: his bandmates, a new romantic interest, an embittered ex, and the person he thought he had left behind. Narcissistic and insecure, Simon's struggle to become a better person is central to this haunting story. Originally from Virginia, Kat Hausler is a graduate of New York University and holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she was the recipient of a Baumeister Fellowship. She is the author of ‘Retrograde’ and ‘What I Know About July’, as well as many shorter pieces. Her work has appeared in ‘Hawaii Pacific Review’, ‘34th Parallel’, ‘Inkspill Magazine’, ‘The Sunlight Press’, ‘The Dalloway’, ‘Rozlyn Press’, ‘Porridge Magazine’, ‘LitReactor’, ‘BlazeVOX’, ‘failbetter’, and’ The Airgonaut’, among others. She lives in Berlin and is also a translator.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” [Free] Indie Rock x Alternative Type Beat—“Borderline” [Free] Lana del Rey Type Beat/“Tell Me You Love Me”/Indie Rock Type Beat (Free) Acoustic Guitar Type Beat—“Need You” [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop”  Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Kat Hausler’s website: https://www.kathausler.com/ Kat Hausler on Facebook: @KatHausler Kat Hausler on Instagram: @kat_hausler Kat Hausler on Twitter: @Kat_Fiction Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Brieanna Wilkoff shares how ‘80s music, especially Bon Jovi, influenced her novel, ‘I’ll Be There For You’ and reads an excerpt. ‘I’ll Be There For You’ follows high school student Rae Ballester, who loves movie musicals and—thanks to her dad—’80s rock. Since he died a year ago, his favorite music helps keep his memory alive. Struggling to move on, Rae keeps her head down and earbuds in, but shunning the world has cost her even her closest friendships, leaving her the “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” When Rae meets Mac, a boy with a charming smile who thinks any problem can be solved with a show tune, she cautiously welcomes their easy banter. With his humor, enthusiasm, and well-curated Broadway playlists, Mac slowly edges his way into her heart, but when he proves “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Rae thinks about withdrawing to the comfort of hair metal and the silver screen. Should Rae retreat from the world to protect her already broken heart, or will her involvement in the school’s theater program and the random acts of kindness she and others have started performing give her “Something to Believe In?” ‘I’ll Be There for You’ delves into the personal journey of healing old wounds, making new friends, and how to build a future with pieces of the past and present. Brieanna Wilkoff believes wholeheartedly in the power of kindness, the importance of theatre, and the awesomeness of '80s rock. She married her husband onstage at the oldest surviving theatre in central Ohio, and their first dance was to Bon Jovi's "Thank You for Loving Me." ‘I'll Be There for You’ is Brieanna's debut young adult novel. It was inspired by her family's commitment to kindness, including performing 100 kind acts in a single day. Brieanna lives in Westerville, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, and dog.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “I’ll Be There For You” by Bon Jovi “Never Say Goodbye” by Bon Jovi “Brokenpromiseland” by Bon Jovi [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Brieanna Wilkoff’s website: https://brieannawilkoff.com/ Brieanna Wilkoff on Twitter: @BrieannaWilkoff Brieanna Wilkoff on Facebook: @BrieannaStoutWilkoff Brieanna Wilkoff on Instagram: @brieanna_wilkoff Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Ryan Hyatt reads the first chapter of his novel ‘The Death of Rock and Roll’ and gives some background on the creation of the story. ‘The Death of Rock and Roll’ follows talented guitarist Darrell Breedlove, who is caught in the crosshairs of jealous psychopath Jake McKenzie, forcing Darrell to reconcile his past in order to embrace a promising future. Ryan Hyatt tells stories about your future. He is a former news reporter, current educator, and author of the Terrafide sci-fi series. He edits the satirical sci-fi news site, The La-La Lander, as well as Not Your Father's Bedtime Stories, kids’ lit he creates with his daughter, author Sage Hyatt. Find him at the beach and his stories across the internet.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Swamp Blues Rock Tarantino Country Rock by Infraction [No Copyright Music]/Texas Swamp Blues Rock Tarantino Country Rock by Infraction [No Copyright Music]/Texas [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Ryan Hyatt on Facebook: @RyanHyatt Ryan Hyatt on Twitter/X and Instagram: @ucalthisreality Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rock is Lit, prolific author Robert Greenfield delves into his rock novel ‘Rain Gray Town’, offering listeners an unforgettable journey through the rise and fall of a fictional rock band set against the backdrop of London and Los Angeles. Told through the voice of a band member, the story captures the chaotic world of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll at a time when music was life itself. Greenfield reads an excerpt from the novel, reflecting on the inspiration behind the characters who lived fast, burned bright, and sometimes didn’t survive the whirlwind. A former Associate Editor of the London bureau of ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine, Robert Greenfield is the critically acclaimed author of several classic rock books, among them ‘S.T.P.: A Journey Through America with the Rolling Stones’, as well as the definitive biographies of Timothy Leary and Ahmet Ertegun. With Bill Graham, he is the co-author of ‘Bill Graham Presents: My Life Inside Rock and Out’, which won the ASCAP- Deems Taylor Award. An award-winning novelist, playwright, and screenwriter, his short fiction has appeared in ‘GQ’, ‘Esquire’, and ‘Playboy’ magazines. He lives in California.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Eight Miles High” by The Byrds “Dear Mr. Fantasy” by Traffic “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better” by The Byrds “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Robert Greenfield’s interviews, articles, and reviews on Rock’s Backpages: https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Writer/robert-greenfield Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Garth Risk Hallberg introduces us to his latest novel, ‘The Second Coming’, reading a powerful excerpt and shedding light on the book's evolution. He shares insights into how music, especially the music of Prince, is woven into the narrative and why it plays such a pivotal role. Set in the spring of 2011, ‘The Second Coming’ follows thirteen-year-old Jolie Aspern, who narrowly escapes a subway accident after trying to retrieve her phone. Her estranged father, Ethan—an ex-convict and recovering addict living in California—learns of the incident and believes something deeper is at play. Convinced that only he can save her, Ethan returns to New York.  The novel explores the fraught journey of father and daughter, both separately and together, from Manhattan during the Great Recession to a beach on Maryland's Eastern Shore. As their paths intertwine, Jolie encounters a mysterious stranger, while Ethan is pulled back into the life of Jolie’s mother—his first love. Catch Garth on Season 2 EP28 of Rock is Lit, where we discuss his 2015 novel, ‘City on Fire’, which had just been made into an Apple TV+ series: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/garthriskhallberg   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Sexuality” by Prince “Purple Rain” by Prince “When Doves Cry” by Prince [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Garth Risk Hallberg info: https://www.garthriskhallbergbooks.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well this is it, Lit Listeners: the Season 3 finale. Wyatt, the Rock is Lit mascot, and I are thrilled to have you with us as we wrap up another incredible season. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to this semester’s amazing interns, Production Intern Cador Jones and Social Media Intern Jenna Rudolph, for their outstanding work. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, Cador and Jenna. To celebrate the end of Season 3 and gear up for an exciting Season 4 coming this fall, we're launching the Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest. This contest honors the legacy of Bill Hallberg—author, East Carolina University English professor, and my late husband—who had a deep passion for both literature and music. Submissions are due August 1, 2024, and we'll be selecting winners in two categories: undergraduate college students and general submissions. The winners will be announced in the Season 4 premiere episode and invited to read from their stories on a future Season 4 episode. For more information and submission guidelines, email me at [email protected]. Now, on with the show. If you’re fascinated by true crime, classic Hollywood, and the darker tales of Tinsel Town, you’re in for a treat. In this episode, we dive deep into the murder of ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ actor Sal Mineo, with Scott Michaels as our guide. Scott Michaels is a renowned expert on celebrity deaths, including the infamous Manson Murders of 1969, and a former tour guide for LA’s Dearly Departed Tours. Dubbed by the ‘LA Times’ as the man who "knows where the bodies are buried," Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to our discussion. He even consulted for Quentin Tarantino on ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ a film that revisits the Manson Family murders. Scott first joined me in Season 2 to discuss the Manson Murders in a bonus episode inspired by Episode 6, which featured Zachary Lazar’s rock novel, ‘Sway’, a story that includes members of the Manson Family in a fictional setting. I’m thrilled to welcome Scott back to the podcast to explore another Hollywood tragedy: the murder of Sal Mineo. Feel free to listen to the audio-only version of this episode here, but I encourage you to watch the YouTube video, which includes photos and audio clips of Sal Mineo.   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350   Scott Michaels on Rock is Lit talking about the Manson Murders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzpLvUN0_2E&t=103s Scott Michaels’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DearlyDepartedTours Scott Michaels on Facebook: @ScottMichaels  Scott Michaels on Instagram: @iamscottmichaels  Scott Michaels on Twitter: @ImScottMichaels    Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first segment of Episode 53, we're exploring the heart of the South with a literary journey that’s as soulful as it is adventurous. Joining us is the award-winning author Kim Wright, whose novel ‘Last Ride to Graceland’ takes us on a road trip filled with mystery, music, and the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. In ‘Last Ride to Graceland’, blues musician Cory Beth Ainsworth is barely scraping by after her mother’s death when she discovers a priceless piece of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia hidden away in a shed out back of the family’s coastal South Carolina home: the car Elvis Presley drove the day he died. A backup singer for the King, Cory’s mother, Laura “Honey” Berry, was at Graceland that fateful day in August 1977. She quickly returned home to Beaufort and married her high school sweetheart. Yearning to uncover the secrets of her mother’s past—and possibly her own identity—Cory decides to drive the car back to Memphis and turn it over to Elvis’s estate, retracing the exact route her mother took thirty-seven years earlier. As she winds her way through the sprawling deep south, the burning question in Cory’s mind—is Elvis Presley my father?—takes a backseat to the truth she learns about her complicated mother. Kim and I delve into the inspiration behind ‘Last Ride to Graceland’ and the fascinating journey of research and discovery that brought the book to life.  In the final segment of the episode, Stephanie Myers of Songfacts Podcast and Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes joins Rock is Lit Season 3 Production Intern Cador Jones and me for a chat about some of the real-life folks who have claimed to be Elvis’s “lovechildren.” Catch Stephanie Myers talking about actual kidnapping plots against Elvis in Season 1 Episode 3 of Rock is Lit. Catch Cador Jones talking about rock stars who have gone missing in Season 3 Episode 50 Part 2. PLAYLIST “Promised Land” by Elvis Presley Closing Vamp from Elvis Presley’s 1970s concerts Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Royalty-free rockabilly music Elvis Presley Fan Reactions 1950s/”Blue Suede Shoes” “That’s All Right” by Elvis Presley “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley “Kentucky Rain” by Elvis Presley “Graceland” by Paul Simon “Poor Boy” by Elvis Presley Clip from Elvis press conference, June 9, 1972, New York Hilton “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley “Game On!” by Aqours “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley “Love Me” by Elvis Presley “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley “Always On My Mind” by Elvis Presley “Moody Blue” by Elvis Presley, Elvis: “Thank you very much”, Closing Vamp from Elvis Presley’s 1970s concerts/“Elvis has left the building”   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Kim Wright’s website: http://www.kimwright.org/ Kim Wright on Twitter: @Kim_Wright_W Kim Wright on Instagram: @kimwiley55 Stephanie Myers on Facebook: @StephanieRenee Songfacts Podcast website: https://www.songfacts.com/blog/podcast Cador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadorade Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Listen to the audio-only episode here, or watch the video version on YouTube, which may make putting voices with faces easier since there are five people in the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkCdyH7Y_YM *The audio-only episode was taken directly from the video without further editing. I’m so excited about this special episode of Rock is Lit. It’s a first for the podcast, actually: a panel discussion, with four amazing women rock novelists, hailing from Canada to Chicago to LA and back to my neck of the woods here in Asheville, NC.  Kirsti MacKenzie, Mallory Smart, Claire Hopple, and Rock is Lit veteran Jessamyn Violet are joining me to talk about our experiences and thoughts about writing fiction about musicians. Jessamyn Violet is a writer and musician out of Venice Beach, CA. Her debut novel, ‘Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar’, was published in April 2023 by Three Rooms Press. Short fiction can be found in ‘Ploughshares’, ‘Lit Angeles’, ‘805 Art + Lit Journal’, and more. She is also the drummer for the psych rock band Movie Club.  Mallory Smart is a Chicago-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Maudlin House. Some people even call her ‘The Only Living Girl in Chicago’. Mallory is the host of the podcast Textual Healing, where she dives into the fusion of literature and music, and co-hosts That Horrorcast with Dmitry Samarov where they get lost in the weird world of horror films. Her latest book, ‘I Keep My Visions To Myself’, just came out from With an X Books.    Kirsti MacKenzie is the author of ‘Better to Beg’, as well as editor in chief of ‘Major 7th Magazine’. Her work has been published in ‘HAD’, ‘Rejection Letters’, ‘trampset’, ‘Autofocus’, ‘Maudlin House’, ‘Identity Theory’, and elsewhere.   Claire Hopple is the author of six books and the fiction editor at XRAY. Her stories have appeared in ‘Wigleaf’, ‘Vol. 1 Brooklyn’, ‘Forever Mag’, and others. She grew up in the woods of Pennsylvania and currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her next book, ‘Take it Personally’, is forthcoming from Stalking Horse Press in February 2025.    Each of these four talented authors brings a unique perspective to the conversation. From the creative sparks that ignite our own work to the cultural impacts of rock novels in general, we'll navigate the winding paths of character development and uncovering the challenges of breathing life into fictional musicians while honoring the essence of their real-life counterparts. We'll delve into the stigmas surrounding rock novels, dissecting perceptions and stereotypes to reveal the nuanced portrayals crafted by these talented authors. And of course, no discussion on writing fiction about musicians would be complete without reflecting on current trends and the evolution of the genre, including the explosive success of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s rock novel ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. So, tune in and turn up the volume as Rock is Lit takes you on a journey through the pages of rock literature, where every word is a chord and every story a kickass concert. LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350   Rock is Lit Episode 26, Jessamyn Violet: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jessamynvioletwithlinalecaro Jessamyn Violet’s website: https://jessamynviolet.com/bio Jessamyn Violet on Instagram and Twitter: @jessamynviolet Movie Club’s website: https://www.movieclubtheband.com/about Kirsti MacKenzie on Twitter: @KeersteeMack Mallory Smart’s website: https://mallorysmart.com/ Mallory Smart on Twitter and Instagram: @malsmart Claire Hopple’s website: https://clairehopple.wordpress.com/bio/ Claire Hopple on Twitter and Instagram: @clairehopple   Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 51, Jason Warburg delves into the intricacies of his new novel, the third in his Tim Green series, ‘Home Was a Dream’, where themes of Jewish heritage, identity, and the haunting legacy of the Holocaust intertwine with the healing power of music. Jason shares insights into his personal connection to Jewish culture and history, revealing how these influences shaped the characters’ journeys in the novel. Through the lens of characters grappling with their Jewish identity, Jason explores the profound repercussions of the Holocaust on a generation haunted by loss and trauma. Against this backdrop, music emerges as a potent force, offering solace and connection amidst the turmoil. Through an engaging discussion, Jason illuminates the ways in which music serves as a conduit for healing and understanding, weaving together the threads of personal and collective memory in a tale that resonates with emotional depth and resonance. PLAYLIST No Copyright Music/Classic Rock Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Oh Very Young” by Cat Stevens “Wiegala” by Ilse Weber “Ich wandre durch Theresienstadt Wiegala” by Ilse Weber Gorecki Symphony “Night Moves” by Bob Seger “Make Me Smile” by Chicago “Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell “Games People Play” by The Spinners “Your Song” by Elton John No Copyright Music/Classic Rock Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit Episode 33, Jason Warburg ‘Believe in Me’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jasonwarburg Rock is Lit Episode 40, Jason Warburg ‘Never Break the Chain’: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jasonwarburganduglyamericanwerewolfinlondonrockpodcast Jason Warburg’s website: https://www.jasonwarburg.com/ Jason Warburg on Twitter: @JasonWarburg Jason Warburg on Instagram: @jason_warburg Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 50, we delved into the mesmerizing world of author Jeff Jackson and his acclaimed novel ‘Mira Corpora’, in which enigmatic underground rockstar Kin Mersey mysteriously disappears. Now, in Episode 50 Part 2, Nathan D. Duvall (host of the Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM) and this semester’s Rock is Lit intern, Cador Jones, join me to talk about actual musicians who, like the rockstar in Jeff’s novel, vanished without a trace, including Richey Edwards, Jim Sullivan, Connie Converse, Christina “Licorice” McKechnie, and more. PLAYLIST “Lithuania” by Julian Calendar Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Avant-Garde Sound Collage/Experimental Electronica/Royalty Free Background Music (8-mindemo Mix) “This Road” by Julian Calendar “4st 7lb” by Manic Street Preachers “How Sad, How Lovely” by Connie Converse “U.F.O.” by Jim Sullivan “I Know You” by The Incredible String Band, with Christina “Licorice” McKechnie “When the Music’s Over” by The Doors “Jerome” by Jim Sullivan Julian Calendar Medley: “Stolen Eyes,” “King Blank” Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit Episode 1 featuring Jeff Jackson (‘Destroy All Monsters’) with Nathan D. Duvall: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jeffjackson-nathandduvall Jeff Jackson’s website: http://deathofliterature.com/ Jeff Jackson on Instagram: @deathofliterature Jeff Jackson on Twitter: @DeathofLit Julian Calendar on Bandcamp: https://juliancalendar.bandcamp.com/ Trailer for ‘Mira Corpora’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTakZdScwY Nathan D. Duvall’s website: http://nathandduvall.com/ Nathan D. Duvall’s Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM: https://ashevillefm.org/show/lucid/ Nathan D. Duvall on Instagram: @nathandduvall Cador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadorade Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of Episode 50, we delve into the mesmerizing world of author Jeff Jackson and his acclaimed novel ‘Mira Corpora’. Join us as we explore the intersection of music and literature, unraveling the enigmatic narrative of the book. From the mysterious disappearance of underground rockstar Kin Mersey to the surreal journey of the runaway teenage protagonist, we uncover the depths of this dark and compelling tale. Jeff shares his creative process, artistic influences, and the thematic underpinnings of his work. Get ready for a captivating discussion of music, memory, and myth as we examine the haunting landscapes of ‘Mira Corpora’. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear songs by Jeff’s band, Julian Calendar, all of which you can download from Bandcamp. Check the episode playlist below. In Episode 50 Part 2, Nathan D. Duvall and this semester’s Rock is Lit intern, Cador Jones, join me to talk about actual musicians who, like the rockstar in Jeff’s novel, mysteriously disappeared. PLAYLIST—ALL SONG BY JULIAN CALENDAR UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED “In Your Love” Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Blue Boys” (Rock is Lit mix) “The Deep End” “Men Are Canceled” “No Kingdom” “Back Door Man” “The Drowned Boy” “Property is Theft” “Game On!” by Aqours Julian Calendar Medley: “Language Lessons,” “Stolen Eyes,” “King Blank” Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit Episode 1 featuring Jeff Jackson (‘Destroy All Monsters’) with Nathan D. Duvall: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jeffjackson-nathandduvall Jeff Jackson’s website: http://deathofliterature.com/ Jeff Jackson on Instagram: @deathofliterature Jeff Jackson on Twitter: @DeathofLit Julian Calendar on Bandcamp: https://juliancalendar.bandcamp.com/ Trailer for ‘Mira Corpora’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upTakZdScwY Nathan D. Duvall’s website: http://nathandduvall.com/ Nathan D. Duvall’s Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM: https://ashevillefm.org/show/lucid/ Nathan D. Duvall on Instagram: @nathandduvall Cador Jones on Instagram: @bluecadorade Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It may not be Halloween, but we’re getting our spooky grove on in this episode. Staci Layne Wilson joins me to talk about the fourth novel in her Immortal Confessions vampire series, ‘Rhapsody in Red’. ‘Variety’ labels Staci’s work as “MTV's Headbangers Ball meets Tales from the Crypt” and calls it “...perfect entertainment for anyone who's ever played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ backward to hear the mumbled phrase ‘Here's to my sweet Satan’.” We’ll also talk about Staci’s upbringing in 1970s and ‘80s Hollywood as the daughter of music legend Don Wilson of The Ventures and pinup model, actress, and author Nancy Bacon, and more, including Staci’s wicked cool podcast and book series, Rock 'N' Roll Nightmares, working the red carpet as an entertainment reporter, the Manson Family, her pet rats, and more. PLAYLIST “Frankenstein” by the Edgar Winter Group Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Halloween Ambience Horror Sounds Scary Creepy Screams Terrified SFX Monster Haunted House Horror “Vampire Blues” by Neil Young “Witch For a Night” by Sugar Pie DeSanto “Dead Babies” by Alice Cooper “Black Cats & Witch Hats” by Molly Starlite & the Sputniks “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield “Whole Lotta Love” by The Ventures “Wildfire” by Michael Martin Murphey & the Rio Grande Band “Welcome to My Nightmare” by Alice Cooper “Game On!” by Aqours “Season of the Witch” by Donovan “Hawaii Five-O” by The Ventures Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Staci Layne Wilson’s website: https://www.stacilaynewilson.com/ Rock ‘N’ Roll Nightmares website: https://rock-n-roll-nightmares.com/ Staci on Twitter: staciwilson Staci on Instagram: @stacilaynewilson Staci’s YouTube channel: @stacilayne Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I’m joined by Constance Squires, author of the 2017 rock novel ‘Live From Medicine Park’. The story follows Ray Wheeler, who arrives in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, with the goal of filming a documentary about the comeback of Lena Wells, a singer whose career got derailed by a bad late-night TV appearance in the 1980s. Ray, known for his philosophy of non-involvement with his subjects, finds himself drawn into Lena's world as he begins to probe into her past. As Ray delves deeper into Lena’s story, he uncovers secrets surrounding her band mate Cyril and Lena’s son, Gram. Meanwhile, Gram’s wife, Jettie, a talented musician herself, struggles to pursue her passion for music in the face of familial disapproval. The novel delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the search for authenticity. In addition to ‘Live From Medicine Park’, Constance Squires is the author of the forthcoming novel ‘Low April Sun’ from University of Oklahoma Press. She’s also the author of the 2012 Oklahoma Book Award-winning novel ‘Along the Watchtower’ and the short story collection ‘Hit Your Brights’. Her short fiction has received multiple Pushcart-Prize nominations and other awards and appeared in many prestigious journals, such as the ‘Atlantic’, ‘Guernica’, ‘The Dublin Quarterly’, ‘Shenandoah’, and ‘The Rolling Stone 500’. She wrote the screenplay for the short film ‘Grave Misgivings’ has published nonfiction in the ‘Village Voice’, the ‘New York Times’, ‘Salon’, ‘World Literature Today’, and been featured on NPR’s ‘Snap Judgment’. She holds a Ph.D. in English and is currently a professor of Creative Writing at the University of Central Oklahoma. ‘Live From Medicine Park’ was a 2018 Oklahoma Book Award finalist. Rock is Lit alumnus Jeff Jackson included the novel in his ‘Electric Lit’ article, “7 Candidates for the Great American Rock and Roll Novel.” I’m thrilled to have the chance to talk to her about this must-read for music fans. PLAYLIST Americana Instrumental Music/No Copyright Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Americana Instrumental Music/No Copyright “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” by Bob Dylan “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by The Hollies “Geronimo” by Moonshine Bandits, featuring Domangue “Choctaw Bingo” by James McMurty “Hey Hey, My My” by Neil Young “Rock & Roll to My Country Soul” by Jenny Tolman “Mystery Train” by Elvis Presley “Game On!” by Aqours “Hot Burrito #1” by The Flying Burrito Brothers (with Gram Parsons) “If You Really Want To Be My Friend” by the Rolling Stones Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Constance Squires’ website: https://www.constancesquiresofficial.com/ Constance Squires on Twitter: @ConnieSquires Constance Squires on Instagram: @conniesquires Constance Squires on Facebook: @ConstanceSquiresAuthorPage Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.com Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we embark on a journey through the extraordinary life and artistry of Yoko Ono, as we celebrate her 91st birthday on February 18th. And who better to guide us through the mesmerizing layers of Yoko’s universe than author and Yoko aficionado, Madeline Bocaro. In her groundbreaking book, ‘In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono’, Madeline unravels the enigmatic tapestry of Yoko’s life from her formative years in Japan to her iconic partnership with John Lennon and beyond. Get ready to be transported into the cosmic consciousness of a true visionary. This episode marks the third installment of our John Lennon/Yoko Ono series. You can catch my interview with Laurie Kaye about her new memoir, ‘Confessions of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview’, wherever you stream your podcasts. My interview with May Pang about her documentary ‘The Lost Weekend: A Love Story’, which details her 18-month love affair with John Lennon in the mid-70s, is available exclusively on my YouTube channel. Find links below. These three episodes focus on nonfiction works about John and Yoko, but in the spirit of Rock is Lit’s claim to fame as the first and only podcast devoted to rock fiction, I encourage you to check out some of the novels that feature them in some capacity, such as ‘Saint John Lennon’ by Daniel Hartwell, ‘The John Lennon Affair’ by Robert S. Levinson, and ‘John Lennon and the Mercy Street Café’ by William Hammett. You can also read my short story about John and Yoko, “Shadow of Shiva,” which was published in ‘Solidago Literary Journal’ in 2017, on my website. PLAYLIST—ALL SONGS BY YOKO ONO UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED Synthetic Deep (Minimal, Synth, Avant-garde, Abstract Background Music For Video Royalty-free Audio Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Avant-garde music for all occasions/Hesus Micco “Waiting for the D Train” (Before and after reading) “Why” “Talking to the Universe” “Death of Samantha” “Paper Shoes” “Yes, I’m a Witch” “Hey Yoko Ono” by Xberg Baboons “It’s Time for Action” Experimental Avant garde Music—Marcus Palt Rock is Lit theme music LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Madeline Bocaro’s website: https://madelinex.com/ Madeline’s book’s website: https://inyourmindbook.com/ Purchase a signed hard or soft cover of Madeline’s book at conceptualbooks.com: https://conceptual-books.myshopify.com/collections/all?sort_by=created-ascending Madeline on Twitter: @madelinex Madeline on Instagram: @yoko.ono.in.your.mind and @madeline.bocaro Listen to Rock is Lit EP41 featuring Laurie Kaye, author of ‘Confessions of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview’, wherever you stream podcasts or use the link: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/lauriekaye Watch “Revealing John Lennon’s Lost Weekend: A Conversation with May Pang about Her Documentary” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAvoFbFNerM Read Christy Alexander Hallberg’s short story on John and Yoko, “Shadow of Shiva” on her website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/otherpublications Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m thrilled to welcome author Kelley McNeil to the podcast. Join us as we explore her latest novel, ‘Mayluna’, released in various formats today, February 1. Kelley takes us on a journey into the world of a fictional 1990s British alternative-rock band, their iconic lead singer, and a woman whose love played a pivotal role in shaping the music of a generation. Discover the intricacies of fate, regret, and the enduring power of love in the context of music. Special thanks to AAron Camaro, from Decibel Geek podcast, for lending his voice to the episode. AAron reads the synopsis of ‘Mayluna’ at the beginning and, of course, that’s AAron booming “Rock Is Lit!” in every episode.   MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Dark ambient instrumental rock copyright free Royalty free filler music Rock is Lit theme music [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve (Before and after reading) “Forever Young” by Lily Kershaw “Crazy” by Aerosmith “Black Star” by Radiohead “The Scientist” by Coldplay “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran “Game On!” by Aqours “Scotch on the Rocks” by Neil Diamond “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Kelley McNeil’s website: https://www.kelleymcneil.com/ Kelley McNeil on Instagram: @kelleylmcneil Kelley McNeil/‘Mayluna’ on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/141236438 ‘Mayluna’ Playlist in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3SsUuHerKv7kuyfGhivxfD?si=OtvRgBlxQ3a9fmNnksxM3g&pi=u-l9ywZhHqSg2s&nd=1&dlsi=7cba03f109a1434f Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for joining me for Part 2 of my in-depth interview with music journalist Steve Rosen on his decades-long friendship with Eddie Van Halen, which culminated in Steve’s 2022 book, ‘Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen’. The third edition of the book is coming soon, but you can preorder your copy now at tonechaserbook.com.  For more information on Steve Rosen and the Van Halen Fiction Challenge I offered all you Lit Listeners who, like me, are jonesing to get your hands on some novels or short stories or graphic novels featuring the band, check out Part 1 of Episode 45, or email me at [email protected]. I can’t wait to see what you come up with, and if I wind up devoting an episode to Van Halen fiction that you suggested, I’ll give you a shout out in the episode.  Back to Steve Rosen: In Part 1, Steve and I talked about the genesis of his friendship with Eddie Van Halen, Eddie’s background as a kid immigrating from the Netherlands to America and his devotion to and respect for his father and brother, the idolatry Eddie’s fans feel for him, and the seeds that eventually sprouted into Steve’s book ‘Tonechaser’. In Part 2, get ready to learn more about Steve’s complicated relationship with Eddie, including the dark turn it took in the early 2000s and how Eddie’s 2020 death still haunts Steve. You’ll also hear about Eddie’s marriage to Valerie Bertinelli and his love for their son, Wolfgang. Finally, Steve shares juicy stories about his journalistic career beyond his work with Van Halen, such as his tumultuous experience interviewing John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin in 1977.    PLAYLIST: Bensound “Happy Rock”—Royalty Free Music Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” 1970s Instrumental Rock Music, Royalty Free “Mean Street” by Van Halen Clip from Eddie Van Halen talking about Wolfgang in 1994/Professor Gill’s Guitar Gear Galaxy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icq_-0Iz608 “Distance” by Wolfgang Van Halen/Mammoth “Where Have All the Good Times Gone” by Van Halen “Your Time is Gonna Come” by Led Zeppelin “Heartbreaker” by Led Zeppelin “Jump” by Van Halen Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Steve Rosen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviews Steve Rosen on Instagram: @steve.rosen.guitar.picks Steve Rosen on Twitter: @Goodwriter Steve Rosen’s website: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Part 1 of Episode 45, featuring Steve Rosen. Steve is a highly respected music journalist and author of more than 1,000 articles and seven books, delving into the lives of iconic figures like Jeff Beck, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Black Sabbath.  His latest endeavor, ‘Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen’, was published in 2022. The book offers an intimate perspective on the guitar virtuoso and Steve’s friendship with him from 1977 to 2003.  In the introduction to the book, Steve writes, “What you will read here is not a biography, a history, or an exacting chronology. You won’t find discussions about tapping, taping, or touring. There are no in-depth analyses of album releases or his profound and absolute rewriting of the entire canon of electric guitar playing. . . . Rather think of this as a memory journal, a chronicle filled with observations, illuminations, and interpretations and what the hell does that mean? It means telling you about what I saw—the observing—shedding some first-hand light on what I was seeing—the illuminating—and trying to explain and decipher what I was witnessing—the interpreting” (XVII). Join us for the first part of my in-depth interview with Steve, then listen to Part 2.   PLAYLIST: Bensound “Happy Rock”—Royalty Free Music Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” 1970s Instrumental Rock Music, Royalty Free Joe Satriana ‘Tonechaser’ endorsement from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dQrEX25rwfU “Eruption” by Van Halen “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen “Runnin’ With the Devil” by Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” by Van Halen 1970s Instrumental Rock Music, Royalty Free Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Steve Rosen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SteveRosenInterviews Steve Rosen on Instagram: @steve.rosen.guitar.picks Steve Rosen on Twitter: @Goodwriter Steve Rosen’s website: https://www.tonechaserbook.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of Rock is Lit, the podcast where we dive into the powerful intersection of rock music, literature, and pop culture. Today, we’re stepping outside the realm of fiction as we embark on a fascinating journey into the 1960s with acclaimed author Frye Gaillard and his nonfiction book ‘A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s’, which captures the heartbeat of an era, an era that has inspired so many of the rock novels featured on the podcast. In Frye’s extraordinary book he not only delves into the tragic and hopeful narratives of civil rights, black power, women’s liberation, and the Vietnam War but also unveils the cultural manifestations of change. From the Brothers Kennedy to Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan, and everything in between, ‘A Hard Rain’ introduces us to the influential figures who shaped this iconic American decade. Listen to Episode 14, featuring Michael Amos Cody’s novel ‘Gabriel’s Songbook, with special guests Frye Gaillard and Peter Cooper: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/michaelamoscodyandfryegaillardandpetercooper Listen to my bonus uncut interview with Frye Gaillard and Peter Cooper: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/podcast-vault-feed/petercoopertribute Or watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGYwFdmrt8c&list=PLMlm_N-Z1yVrwPKpSnVZnH_twxo78eW8A&index=38   PLAYLIST Royalty-free 60s 70s psychedelic rock n roll music and visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGVRph0Dj1c&t=3s Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Royalty-free 60s 70s psychedelic rock n roll music and visuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGVRph0Dj1c&t=3s “We Shall Overcome” by Pete Seeger “Chain Gang” by Sam Cooke “Abilene” by George Hamilton, IV “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” by Bob Dylan “Only the Lonely” by Roy Orbison “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke “Different Drum” by The Stone Poneys (with Linda Ronstadt) “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival “Mississippi Goddamn” by Nina Simone “Abraham, Martin, and John” by Dion “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles “The Star Spangled Banner” by Jimi Hendrix (Live at Woodstock 1969) “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Frye Gaillard’s website: https://fryegaillardauthor.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, Lit Listeners. Rock is Lit is turning up the volume for a very special episode celebrating the 80th birthday of one of the greatest guitarists in rock ‘n roll history, Jimmy Page! Join us in a musical journey as we revisit some of the finest moments from our Zep-related past episodes, featuring Led Zeppelin historian and super fan as well as the Zep fan magazine 'Tight But Loose' founder and editor, Dave Lewis. We've also got the inside scoop from Led Zeppelin's former PR maestro and Vice President of Swan Song Records, Danny Goldberg; and the one and only Jim McCarty, The Yardbirds drummer and Jimmy's former bandmate. For me, Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin have been more than just musical influences—they've been the soundtrack to my life and the inspiration behind my 2021 novel, 'Searching for Jimmy Page.' As a writer, their impact on my creative journey is immeasurable. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the man and the band that have woven their way into the fabric of my existence. So, buckle up as we delve into the archives, sharing anecdotes and stories that define the magic of Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. Afterward, I encourage you to check out the full episodes featuring Dave Lewis, Danny Goldberg, and Jim McCarty. There are so many more Zeppelin tales they tell in those long-form interviews. And if you’re interested in learning more about my novel, ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’, tool on over to my website. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X1B_hQSVt0&t=1s Links: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rock is Lit EP7, featuring Danny Goldberg: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/christyalexanderhallberg/margaretbauer/randallmartoccia/lizawieland/dannygoldberg Rock is Lit EP20, featuring Dave Lewis: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/searchingforjimmypageaudiobook Rock is Lit EP27, first interview with Jim McCarty: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jimmccarty Rock is Lit Bonus EP, featuring Jim McCarty: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/podcast-vault-feed/jimmccartyandbreathofthewind Rock is Lit EP42, featuring Neal Preston: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/nealpreston Tight But Loose website: http://www.tightbutloose.co.uk/ Danny Goldberg’s website: https://www.dannygoldberg.com/ Danny Goldberg on Twitter: @DannyGoldberg67 Jim McCarty’s website: https://www.jamesmccarty.com/ Video of Jim McCarty’s new single, “Breath of the Wind,” produced by Christy Alexander Hallberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2uiBE63p8o Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a soulful episode of Rock is Lit. If you’ve got a hankering for that sweet soul music—the kind that echoes with the sounds of Otis Redding, Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, and Aretha Franklin—then you’re in for a treat. My fellow Tar Heel native Michael Parker is here to talk about his novel ‘If You Want Me to Stay’, a story in which 14-year-old narrator Joel Dunn, Jr., takes us on a poignant odyssey. Joel, Jr., shares the heartfelt tale of salvaging his family in the aftermath of his mother’s departure and his father’s unraveling sanity. From the rural landscapes of eastern North Carolina to the coastal vistas, Joel and his little brother Tank embark on a journey guided by junk food and the soulful melodies their daddy taught them to love. Michael Parker is the author of three collections of short stories and seven other novels, including his most recent, 2022’s ‘I Am the Light of This World’. He is a three-time winner of the O. Henry Award for short fiction and winner of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Award. Michael has taught for almost 30 years in the MFA program at UNC-G. Catch Michael on Season 1 Episode 11 of Rock is Lit, when he joined me to discuss ‘I Am the Light of This World’.   MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: R&B/Soul Music Funky Bass Royalty Free Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” R&B/Soul Music Funky Bass Royalty Free “(Do the) Push and Pull (Part 1)” by Rufus Thomas “Gone to Carolina” by Shooter Jennings “If You Want Me to Stay” by Sly & The Family Stone “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell and The Drells “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay” by Otis Redding “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers “Call Me (Come Back Home)” by Al Green Hollerin Contest Festival in Spivey’s Corner, CBS 17: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC7-Nuf2MYQ “Love Train” by The O’Jays Rock is Lit theme music     LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Michael Parker’s website: https://www.michaelfparker.com/ Michael Parker on Instagram: @texheel22 Michael Parker on Season 1 Episode 11 of Rock is Lit: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/michaelparkerandjeffplace Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, Lit Listeners, prepare for an epic journey into the heart of rock history with a living legend behind the lens—Neal Preston. In this exclusive Rock is Lit episode, we step into Neal’s unparalleled career spanning five decades. We talk about his background in NY and how he developed a love of music and photography, his unique style and philosophy as a photojournalist, his experiences working with Led Zeppelin in the hedonistic 1970s, his 50-year friendship with Cameron Crowe, and the stories-behind-the-story of ‘Almost Famous’. Also, get ready for a deep dive into Neal’s iconic photograph of Jimmy Page at Kezar Stadium in 1973, which plays a major role in my rock novel, ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’. And, of course, Neal shares captivating tales from his 2017 book, ‘Exhilarated and Exhausted’. *You can also view this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvNwNXH8jTE ALL MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IS ROYALTY-FREE FROM YOUTUBE  LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Neal Preston’s website: https://www.prestonpictures.com/ Neal Preston on Instagram: @nealprestonphoto Neal Preston on Facebook: @NealPrestonPhotography Neal’s digital Led Zeppelin book, ‘Led Zeppelin: Sound and Fury’ on Apple iBookstore: https://books.apple.com/us/book/led-zeppelin-sound-and-fury/id624738803 Danny Goldberg on Season 1 Episode 7 of Rock is Lit: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/christyalexanderhallberg/margaretbauer/randallmartoccia/lizawieland/dannygoldberg Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rock is Lit, we’re deviating from the world of fiction to explore the riveting reality of rock ‘n’ roll. Laurie Kaye is here to talk about her brand-new memoir, ‘Confessions of a Rock 'N' Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview’. Get ready for exclusive behind-the-scenes tales, intimate encounters with rock royalty, and a symphony of stories that will transport you back to the golden age of rock. FYI: We may be talking nonfiction in this episode, but, in the spirit of Rock is Lit’s claim to fame as the first and only podcast devoted to rock fiction, I encourage you to check out some of the novels that feature John Lennon in some capacity, such as ‘Saint John Lennon’ by Daniel Hartwell, ‘The John Lennon Affair’ by Robert S. Levinson, and ‘John Lennon and the Mercy Street Café’ by William Hammett. You can read my short story about John and Yoko, “Shadow of Shiva,” which was published in ‘Solidago Literary Journal’ in 2017, on my website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/otherpublications. Listen to my interview with John Lennon’s lover during his 18-month separation from Yoko in the mid-1970s, May Pang, about her new documentary on her time with John, ‘The Lost Weekend: A Love Story’, on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAvoFbFNerM&t=945s   MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: “Love” by John Lennon, Instrumental Cover Clip from RKO interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono Clip from the ‘Today’ show about John Lennon’s murder, featuring Laurie Kaye, Dec 9, 1980 Clip from RKO interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono Clip from Plutopia News Network interview with Laurie Kaye Free John Lennon “Imagine” Cover, No Copyright Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” John Lennon “Free As a Bird” Instrumental Cover John Lennon “#9 Dream” Clip from The Beatles Live at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles 08/28/1966: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5pV-sgapPg John Lennon “Out the Blue” George Harrison “Blow Away” Paul McCartney and Wings “Silly Love Songs” John Lennon “Watching the Wheels” Yoko Ono “Kiss Kiss Kiss” John Lennon “Mind Games” John Lennon “(Just Like) Starting Over” Clip from the ‘Today’ show about John Lennon’s murder, featuring Laurie Kaye, Dec 9, 1980 The Beatles “In My Life” John Lennon “Woman” John Lennon “Beautiful Boy” Yoko Ono “Hard Times Are Over” George Harrison “All Those Years Ago” Clip from RKO interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono Rock is Lit theme music—royalty free background music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 ‘Today’ show, Dec 9, 1980, about John Lennon’s murder, with Laurie Kaye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zrcbfSUOZI RKO uncut interview with John and Yoko, Dec 8, 1980: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsu-GihhQIY Laurie Kaye’s website: https://www.confessionsofarocknrollnamedropper.com/ Laurie Kaye on Facebook: @LaurieKaye Laurie Kaye on Instagram: @rocknrollnamedropper Laurie Kaye on Twitter: @LaurieJoKaye My interview with May Pang about her new documentary, ‘The Lost Weekend: A Love Story’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAvoFbFNerM&t=945s Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the intricate layers of Jason Warburg’s novel ‘Never Break the Chain’ in Episode 40 of Rock is Lit. Protagonist Tim Green’s quest through the vibrant LA rock scene, unraveling the history of the fictional prog rock band Empire, reveals a tale of family ties and self-discovery.  Stay tuned for the final segment of the episode as Mac B. The Wolf and Action Jackson from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast dissect the novel’s prog rock influences, adding a dynamic twist to the discussion.    MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Emerson, Lake & Palmer "Fanfare for the Common Man" Progressive Rock Mix by Prog Rock Doc—Volume 21 Clips from the following: How to Create Prog Rock—Ingredients & Recipes (@QJamTracks), Prog Rock Meme (@ILOGICmoments), Prog Rock: A Beginner’s Guide (@TheProgCorner), and British TV Documentary Top Ten Progressive Rock 3—Jethro Tull, Moody Blues (@RemyTena) Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel 3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . GO! With Voice (@RainbowTimers) [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Progressive Rock Mix by Prog Rock Doc—Volume 21 Fleetwood Mac “The Chain” Jethro Tull “Witch’s Promise”—before and after Jason Warburg’s reading Clip from Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift at VMA 2009 Big Big Train “Last Train” Van Halen “You Really Got Me” The Kinks “You Really Got Me” Pink Floyd “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” Progressive Rock Mix by Prog Rock Doc—Volume 21 King Crimson “The Court of the Crimson King” Genesis “Dancing with the Moonlight Knight” from ‘Selling England By the Pound’ Rush “Tom Sawyer” Clip from Dean Discovers Prog Rock/The Venture Bros./Adult Swim Yes from “The Ancient/Giants Under the Sun”—side three of ‘Tales from Topographic Oceans’ Rock is Lit theme music   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Jason Warburg’s website: https://www.jasonwarburg.com/never-break-chain/ Jason Warburg on Instagram: @jason_warburg Jason Warburg on Twitter: @JasonWarburg Jason Warburg on Rock is Lit, Episode 33: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/jasonwarburg Mac B. & Action Jackson from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast on Rock is Lit, Episode 5: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/uglyamericanwerewolf Me talking about ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’ on The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast, Episode 67: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pXqTKEJa71tScnLP4CW0G The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast on Twitter: @ugly_werewolf The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast on Instagram: @uglyamericanwerewolfinlondon The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast on YouTube: @UAWILPodcast Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Rock is Lit we dive deep into the visceral and tumultuous world of author GenXCore’s debut novel, ‘California Roadkill’. Explore the harrowing journey of three societal outliers as they navigate the shadows of violence, homelessness, and the haunting residue of addiction. From the gritty streets of Los Angeles to the soothing breezes of coastal California, the novel is an odyssey of self-discovery set against the backdrop of the Golden State. GenXCore and I delve into the multifaceted layers of the narrative, touching on the struggles of an adjunct teacher, whose face bears the scars of a student’s rebellion against a bad grade, and two of his former punk rock bandmates, one of whom is battling addiction and destitution, the other of whom thinks he’s found the cure to craving and compulsion. The intertwining of punk rock music and culture amplifies the story's intensity, offering a powerful soundtrack that resonates with the characters’ experiences and the broader societal commentary within the novel.    MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Clip from ‘A History Lesson: Punk Rock in Los Angeles in 1984’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii63ztDheF8&t=522s Clip from ‘What’s Up America: LA Punk Documentary 1980: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01VInkUxmIw&t=14s Punk Rock Instrumental Background Music: 1 Hour High-Energy Playlist Vol 2 Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Punk Rock Instrumental Background Music: 1 Hour High-Energy Playlist Vol 2 Kenny Hoopla “Hollywood Sucks” The Rolling Stones “Gimme Shelter” The Stray Cats “Stray Cat Strut” Punk Rock Instrumental Background Music: 1 Hour High-Energy Playlist Vol 2 Punk Rock Instrumental Background Music: 1 Hour High-Energy Playlist Vol 2 X “Los Angeles” The Germs “Land of Treason” Clip from Lost Angeles homelessness up 9% in the county, 10% in the city, count finds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py65MJC8VR4&t=13s The Cramps “Goo Goo Muck” The Who “Won’t Get Fooled Again” Clip from live Sex Pistols show: “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” Sex Pistols “Holidays in the Sun” Rock is Lit theme music—royalty free background music     LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 GenXCore’s website: https://genxcore.com/ GenXCore on Twitter: @GenXCore0 GenXCore on Instagram: @genxcore Rock is Lit EP4, Featuring Janet Fitch’s punk rock novel ‘Paint It Black’, with guests Nicole Panter and Pleasant Gehman: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/janetfitchandpleasantgehmanandnicolepanter Rock is Lit Vault with Pleasant Gehman: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/podcast-vault-feed/pleasantgehman-bonus-content-46jek Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we’re straying from the rock novels camp to talk about a single short story, entitled “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow,” written by North Carolina author, Pushcart Prize nominee, and musician Emily Alice Katz. The story, which appears in the new online issue of ‘North Carolina Literary Review’ was a finalist in the 2022 Doris Betts Fiction Prize, an annual competition sponsored by the North Carolina Writers’ Network, with winning entries and some finalists published in ‘NCLR’. Full disclosure: I serve as Senior Associate Editor of the journal. You can find a link in the show notes to the new issue of ‘NCLR’, where you can read Emily’s story and all the other amazing stories, essays, and poetry in the issue. Emily Alice Katz’s short fiction has appeared in such literary journals as ‘North Carolina Literary Review,’ ‘Salamander’, ‘Jelly Bucket’, ‘Meridian’, ‘South Carolina Review’, and ‘storySouth’. Her short story collection, ‘The Book of Nut and Other Stories’, was designated a finalist for the 2019 Eludia Award. And her short story “Little Hen” is included in the 2022 anthology ‘Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women from “Lilith Magazine”.’ She has a PhD in modern Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Her book, 'Bringing Zion Home: Israel in American Jewish Culture, 1948-1967', was published in 2015. “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow” follows a young music journalist in her quest to locate and interview an obscure 1970s experimental rock musician from the mountains of North Carolina, Nyssa Adcock, who has fallen off the musical map and become a recluse and a bit of a rock ‘n roll mystery. Fans of this period in music history and Appalachian literature and lore will be enchanted by the story, an excerpt from which Emily reads at the beginning of the episode, and our discussion. You’ll also hear an abundance of Appalachian music as well as Emily’s own music. See the playlist below.  Special thanks to Tim Randall and Hub Respess for providing the voices of music critics in the opening.   MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Horror Ambience Royalty Free Music "Witch by the Sea" by Darren Curtis Jack White “Great High Mountain” from Cold Mountain Soundtrack Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—“I Can’t Stop” Appalachian steel guitar folk blues royalty free production music (before and after reading) “Devil’s Courthouse” by Jim Vancleve Clip from ‘Signs Cures Witchery’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwaUcSRsQPQ&t=134s Roger Sprung & His Progressive Bluegrassers “Mississippi Sawyer” Royalty free ‘60s ‘70s psychedelic rock n roll music Manifesto Klezmer Band (featuring Emily Alice Katz) “Mayn shtam redt” Manifesto Klezmer Band (featuring Emily Alice Katz) “Ikh bin geven amol a yingling” Here & Elsewhere (featuring Emily Alice Katz and Dan McClure) “The One You Never Knew” Rock is Lit theme music—royalty free background music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 ‘North Carolina Literary Review’ (read Emily’s story “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow” in the fall online issue): https://nclr.ecu.edu/issues/nclr-fall-online-2023/ Emily Alice Katz’s website: https://emilyalicekatz.com/ Emily Alice Katz on Instagram: @emkatz Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, my friend Sherry Thomas and I are talking ‘Eddie and the Cruisers’, the 1983 cult classic film about a fictional early 1960s rock ‘n roll band on the rise that virtually disappeared from the airwaves after their lead singer, Eddie Wilson, supposedly died in a car wreck following a dispute over the band’s experimental second album, which was never released. Almost 20 years pass, and Eddie and the Cruisers are back on the charts, thanks to a renewed interest in ‘60s pop culture and music, and a journalist decides to go on a mission to find out what really happened to Eddie and the unreleased album. Enjoy Sherry’s and my conversation about our experience with the film—first as teenagers when the movie debuted, then again recently, as adults—and our lasting love affair with not only the movie but also the soundtrack by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band. I should warn listeners that there will be spoilers in this episode. MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ 1984 HBO Promo Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—"I Can’t Stop” Dark ambient instrumental rock copyright-free music “On the Dark Side” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack Clip from ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’—the caesura scene “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors “On the Dark Side” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Tender Years” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Betty Lou’s Got a New Pair of Shoes” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Wild Summer Nights” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Down on My Knees” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Season in Hell” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack “Season in Hell” from the ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ soundtrack    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Sherry Thomas on Stationhead: https://www.stationhead.com/analogsmile?utm_source=default&utm_campaign=share_station&utm_medium=share&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXT08t0SsuSSzJzM%2FLSE1M0UvOz9V3CYl0NjctK3RxSQIA6dD1tycAAAA%3D&_branch_match_id=1116656580217513496 Sherry Thomas on Twitter: @sherryt1970 Sherry Thomas on Instagram: @readcoffeerepeat Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re starting Season 3 with a bang.  Peter McDade is here to talk about his novel ‘Songs by Honeybird’, a story that features a fictional integrated rock band from 1960s Macon, Georgia, that fell off the musical map after a fire killed the lead singer and guitarist and also . . . possibly, the band’s African American drummer. To put it more succinctly, ‘Songs by Honeybird’ is about a band, a romantic break-up, a Ph.D candidate in History’s research, secrets, fathers, racism, Atlanta, the sixties and the repercussions the South still feels from that period, and . . . a talking dog. In the last segment of the episode Alan Light joins me to talk about musician, civil rights activist, and my fellow native-North Carolinian Nina Simone. The reason I’ve roped Alan into popping in is because one of the two main characters in ‘Songs by Honeybird’, the piano-playing Nina, is named after the legendary artist. Alan is a rock critic, journalist, former editor-in-chief of ‘Spin’ and ‘Vibe’ magazines, a former senior writer at ‘Rolling Stone’, and author of the book ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’, a biography of Nina Simone inspired by the Academy Award-nominated Netflix documentary of the same title. You won’t want to miss our convo. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, @ChristyHallberg, to catch the upcoming YouTube-only full interview with Alan Light about Nina Simone.   MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Clip from 'Hell's Kitchen': "It's coming right now, baby" Rock is Lit theme music Clip from Season 3 Announcement/’Duck Tales’/Disney Channel [Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch Deck—"I Can’t Stop” Southern Rock Royalty-Free Music “Keeping Secrets” by Christine McVie “The Grad Student Shuffle” by Chris Fleming “Gardenia” from ‘The Weight of Sound’ soundtrack “Waiting Here” from ‘Songs by Honeybird’ soundtrack “Heavy Heavy Hands” from ‘Songs by Honeybird’ soundtrack “Losing Control” from ‘Songs by Honeybird’ soundtrack “Feeling Good” (Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse) performed by Nina Simone “The Puppy Song” by Harry Nilsson “Karma Police” by Radiohead        “Game On!” by Aqours “What’s Your Name” by Lynyrd Skynyrd “I Put a Spell on You” (Jay Hawkins) performed by Nina Simone Jazz music royalty free background café music [Jazz no copyright]—Creative Commons Music “Little Liza Jane” (Huey P. Smith, John Imbragulio) performed by Nina Simone at the Newport Jazz Festival, 1960 “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” by Nina Simone “Stars” (Janis Ian) performed by Nina Simone “I Shall Be Released” (Bob Dylan) performed by Nina Simone “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” (Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado) performed by Nina Simone Jazz music royalty free background café music [Jazz no copyright]—Creative Commons Music Swamp Blues Rock Music Rock is Lit theme music—royalty free background music    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451  Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Peter McDade’s website: www.peterjmcdade.com Peter McDade on Twitter: @PeterJMcDade Peter McDade on Instagram: @peterjmc33 ‘The Weight of Sound’ soundtrack on Bandcamp: https://wampusretrospectives.bandcamp.com/album/the-weight-of-sound-original-soundtrack ‘Songs by Honeybird’ soundtrack on Bandcamp: https://wampusretrospectives.bandcamp.com/album/songs-by-honeybird-original-soundtrack Peter McDade on Season 1 EP15 of Rock is Lit (talking about his novel ‘The Weight of Sound’): https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/petermcdade Alan Light on Aevitas Creative page: https://www.aevitascreative.com/client/alan-light Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever had an interest in the paranormal, spirituality in general, or wondered if there’s life after death, if our consciousness does not end when our bodies do; if you’ve ever lost someone dear to you, felt the weight of grief, ached to connect with that person again and asked yourself . . . is there a chance—any chance at all—that I could reconnect with my loved one: What would you do to find out? How open would you be to embarking on a quest for the bigger picture? Yardbirds drummer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jim McCarty made such a quest and wrote about it in his 2021 book ‘She Walks in Beauty’, a fascinating account of his endearing and enduring relationship with his beloved late wife, Lizzie, and his lifelong interest in the paranormal. He continues those themes in his brand new song, “Breath of the Wind,” from The Yardbirds’ UK label, Demon Music. Join us for a candid, poignant discussion about the personal and spiritual dimensions of Jim’s life and his relationship with Lizzie—before and after her death of cancer in 2020. I also invite you to listen to my first interview with Jim wherever you get your podcasts or watch the video version on YouTube (links below). In that interview, we explore his upbringing and musical development and his incredible musical career, including his tenure with The Yardbirds and beyond.    EPISODE PLAYLIST: All songs by Jim McCarty “Mountain Song”—played on episode intro and all transitions except where “Breath of the Wind” is referenced “Breath of the Wind”—played on two transitions, in the outro, and a longer clip near the middle of the episode “Walking in the Wild Land” “Changing Times” “Soft in a Hard Place” “Charmed”    LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Jim McCarty’s website: http://www.jamesmccarty.com/ Jim McCarty’s new song “Breath of the Wind”: https://jimmcarty.lnk.to/wind?fbclid=IwAR0WiPW3STBvLZ_GInH8MadOwEaRFao9MU0OcOYyumlrqX2QtIA61u6ql2s Jim’s 2018 album ‘Walking in the Wild Land’ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Ic5T5ATtPPT4M4BxryUYi Jim’s 2018 album ‘Walking in the Wild Land’ on Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/jim-mccarty/walking-in-the-wild-land/ALl3KgfJZ4ltgbw *Purchase Jim’s books and albums at his website *All of Jim’s social media links can be found on his website Listen to my first interview with Jim on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngxA8cH3_t4&t=211s Listen to my first interview with Jim on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yardbirds-drummer-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/id1642987350?i=1000611052496 Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com  Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bonus episode is an addendum to Episode 6 on Zachary Lazar’s rock novel ‘Sway’, a story that brings together the early Rolling Stones, members of the Manson Family, and avant-garde filmmaker and occultist Kenneth Anger. In the last segment of that episode, Zeena Schreck shares her memories of her godfather Kenneth Anger and gives her insight into some of his work. This bonus episode features Zeena’s segment in isolation. Zeena Schreck (formerly LaVey) is an artist, musician, and Tibetan Buddhist yogini, as well as former High Priestess of the Church of Satan (founded by her late father Anton LaVey). Topics Zeena and I cover in this bonus episode include how her father made Kenneth Anger her godfather; her personal and working relationship with Kenneth; his interest in Aleister Crowley; the making of and background on some of his iconic films, especially the 1969 film ‘Invocation of My Demon Brother’ (a movie that figures large in Zachary Lazar’s novel ‘Sway’); Kenneth’s relationship with Anita Pallenberg and her influence on the Rolling Stones; Bobby Beausoleil; how Kenneth’s work influenced MTV and music videos; and more. MUSIC PLAYED IN THIS EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Avant-Garde Sound Collage/Experimental Electronica/Royalty Free Background Music (8-mindemo Mix) Zeena Schreck – ‘Transcend’ - 02 “Parting Clouds” Zeena Schreck – ‘Transcend’ - 03 “Gone Beyond” Zeena Schreck – ‘Transcend’ - 01 “Ascent” — last two songs before podcast theme music LINKS For news of Zeena's current public activities and releases, subscribe to the e-newsletter at https://www.zeenaschreck.com/subscribe.html Zeena’s website: www.ZeenaSchreck.com Zeena on Bandcamp: https://zeenaschreck.bandcamp.com/releases Zeena, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeenaschreck_art/ Zeena, YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ZeenaSchreckOfficial Zeena, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZEENA.Official.ZeenaSchreck Episode 6 of Rock is Lit featuring Zachary Lazar, Tony Sokol, Zeena Schreck: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/zacharylazar/tonysokol/zeenaschreck Bonus Episode of Rock is Lit featuring Scott Michaels on the Manson Murders on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzpLvUN0_2E Bonus Episode of Rock is Lit featuring Scott Michaels on the Manson Murders audio-only podcast: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/scottmichaels Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg, Instagram/Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Link to Christy Alexander Hallberg’s essay on the Manson Family, “Shifting Phantasmagoria”: http://storysouth.com/stories/shifting-phantasmagoria/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, this is it: the Season 2 finale! What could be better than having a great novelist AND musician as my last guest for the summer. Enter Franz Nicolay. Franz is here to talk about his rock novel ‘Someone Should Pay For Your Pain’, a story that follows singer-songwriter Rudy, his conflicted relationship with a successful former protégé named Ryan, and Rudy’s young niece, Lily, who wants to travel with him and whose surprise appearance forces a reckoning with himself and his past. ‘Buzzfeed’ named it one of its “42 Great Books To Read” for spring 2021, stating, “Starting at the midlife crisis of an early-aughts indie rock never-was, Franz Nicolay delivers a tight-fisted gut punch of a novel, weaving a road-weary world with a lyricist's skill for evocation, emotion, and economy. . . . A knockout fiction debut from a longtime troubadour.”  In addition to records under his own name, Franz Nicolay was a member of cabaret-punk orchestra World Inferno Friendship Society and is still a member of The Hold Steady, which ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine called “one of the all-time great New York bands.” Franz has also recorded or performed with dozens of other acts. His first book, the nonfiction ‘The Humorless Ladies of Border Control’, was named a “Season’s Best Travel Book” by ‘The New York Times’. His second book, the novel ‘Someone Should Pay For Your Pain’, was named one of ‘Rolling Stone’s “Best Music Books of 2021.” His writing has appeared in ‘The New York Times’, ‘Slate’, ‘The Paris Review Daily’, ‘The Kenyon Review Online’, ‘Ploughshares’, the ‘Los Angeles Review of Books’, ‘Threepenny Review’, and elsewhere. He has taught at UC–Berkeley and is currently a faculty member in music and written arts at Bard College and in Columbia University’s MFA fiction program.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Punk Rock Instrumental No Copyright “Always Something In My Blindspot Waiting” by Vic Ruggiero “Sideways Skull” by The Hold Steady “Perdido” by The Hold Steady Clip from the beginning of documentary on World Inferno Friendship Society “This Is Not a Pipe” by Franz Nicolay “So You Want to be a Rock and Roll Star” by Patti Smith “Gainesville Rock City” by Less than Jake “Someone Will Pay” by Justin Townes Earle “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” by Against Me! “Good Day” by The Dresden Dolls “When You Get to Asheville” by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell “New River, Spring For Me” by Franz Nicolay     LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Franz Nicolay’s website: https://franznicolay.com/ Franz Nicolay on Twitter, Instagram: @FranzNicolay The Hold Steady’s website: https://theholdsteady.net/ The World Inferno Friendship Society’s website: https://www.worldinferno.com/ Documentary on World Inferno Friendship Society (Infernite version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iADNLE7H5qE Book trailer for Salman Rushdie’s novel ‘Luka and the Fire of Life’ (Franz is in the trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1IpnC4bImo Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we’re going back in time to talk about Ford Fairlane, a character created by Rex Weiner for a series of stories published in the late ‘70s in the now-defunct ‘New York Rocker’ and a second series published in the early ‘80s in the ‘LA Weekly’. The 1990 movie ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’ starring Andrew Dice Clay is loosely based on the character Rex created. It wasn’t until 2018 that the New York and LA stories were finally published in their entirety in book form, entitled ‘The (Original) Adventures of Ford Fairlane’, and I’m jazzed that I get to chat with Rex about his book.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: From ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’ movie trailer Royalty-free 1970s instrumental rock music “Angel of the Morning” by Merrilee Rush “Mighty Six Ninety” by Tex Mex Rex (aka Rex Weiner) “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones “Magneto and Titanium Man” by Paul McCartney & Wings “In My Life” by The Beatles “That’s Why God Made the Movies” by Paul Simon From ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’ movie trailer “Rock ‘N’ Roll Junkie” by Motley Crue From ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’ movie trailer “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran “Don’t You Fade Away” by Screaming Sirens “Rumble” by Link Ray “What We Do is Secret” by The Germs   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Rex Weiner’s website: https://rexweiner.com/ Rex Weiner on Twitter: @RexWeiner and @FordFairlanePI Rex Weiner on Instagram: @RexWeiner Rex Weiner on Facebook: @TheOriginalAdventuresofFordFairlane Tex Mex Rex Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xNSCzJJAdsGLr1v58B2h5 Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jason Warburg joins me to talk about his rock novel ‘Believe in Me’, a story in which young political operative Tim Green finds himself in the orbit of a super famous rock ‘n roll band. Jason and I talk about his experience working in politics and as a music journalist, the relationship between politics and music, Jason’s family background and the loss of his parents and stepfather and how that impacted him as a person and as a writer, and more.   MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: No copyright indie rock background music “It Gets Easier” by Jason Isbell “I Don’t Wanna Know About It” by Uncle Green Barack Obama is a rockstar/clip from ‘Family Guy’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcRaq4ape_Y “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows “Heroes” by David Bowie “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens “Candlestick Park” by Andy White “Roundabout” by Yes “Heavy Heavy Hands” by Honeybird   LINKS:  Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Jason Warburg’s website: https://www.jasonwarburg.com/ Jason on Twitter: @JasonWarburg Jason on Instagram: @jasonburg3 Wampus Multimedia website: https://wampus.com/ Richard Fulco episode of Rock is Lit Peter McDade episode of Rock is Lit Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Arzate is in the cyber house to talk about his short novel ‘Music Is Over’, published by Malarkey Books in 2022. Malarkey describes ‘Music Is Over’ as “a picaresque surreal horror novel” that “imagines the lost years of musician Juntaro Yamanouchi [of the Japanese Noise band The Gerogerigegege]. It is weird, bizarre, violent, and surprisingly sweet.” If you’re into Japanese Noise, trains that lead to nowhere, industrial wasteland cities filled with strange doctors, mysterious foreigners, psychotic policemen, and unfriendly residents, this is the book and episode for you. If you don’t know much about this kind of music, not to worry. In the last segment of the episode, David Novak, author of the award-winning book ‘Japanoise: Music at the Edge of Circulation’, drops by to talk with me about it.   MEDIA AND MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Noise—Royalty Free Sample Pack “Da Da Da” by Trio “Roygbiv” by Boards of Canada “Smell the Medicine” by Melt-Banana Excerpt from the “Talking About Noise Music” episode of Oliver Kemp’s YouTube show ‘Deep Cuts’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXgI082zbtM From the 1989 album by The Gerogerigegege, ‘Showa’ From the 2001 album by The Gerogerigegege, ‘Saturdaynight Big Cock Salaryman’ From the 1988 album by The Gerogerigegege, ‘Sexual Behavior in the Human Male’ From the 1999 album by Boredoms, ‘Vision Creation Newsun’ From the 1996 album by Merzbow, ‘Pulse Demon’ From the 1989 album by Boredoms, ‘Soul Discharge’ From the 1989 album by Boredoms, ‘Soul Discharge’ Hanatarash—live at Bears, Osaka, Japan   LINKS:  Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Trio banned video of “Da Da Da”: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x43dxly Ben Arzate on Twitter: @BenArz13 Ben Arzate’s blog: https://dripdropdripdropdripdrop.blogspot.com/ Purchase a paperback copy of Ben’s novel ‘Music is Over’: https://malarkeybooks.com/music-is-over Purchase the ebook of Ben’s novel: https://godless.com/products/music-is-over-by-ben-arzate?_pos=1&_sid=9c00e6f1d&_ss=r Ben’s work on Substack: https://benarzate.substack.com/ Read David Novak’s book ‘Japanoise: Music at the Edge of Circulation’ for free and find out more about him: https://www.japanoise.com// Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your jam is Bluegrass music, revolutionaries, political rants, and the Wild West of the Internet (otherwise known as the Deep Web), you’re gonna love this episode. Daniel Torday is here to talk about his novel ‘Boomer1’, a story that follows Bluegrass musician, underemployed millennial, and now PhD in English, Mark Brumfeld, who channels his desperation by posting a series of online video monologues that critique Baby Boomers and their powerful hold on the job market. When the videos go viral, Mark loses control of what he began—with consequences that ensnare him in a matter of national security. Later, mandolin player for the Bluegrass band Unspoken Tradition and music marketing director for Crossroads Studios near Asheville, North Carolina, Ty Gilpin joins me to give a crash course on Bluegrass.   MEDIA AND MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:  “Old Rotten Ribbons” by Ty Gilpin (from his solo album ‘Crooked Hollows’) “Christine’s Tune” by The Flying Burrito Brothers “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs “Internet” by Post Malone “John Brown’s Body” by Pete Seeger  “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys “Mule Skinner Blues” by Bill Monroe “Mountain Dew” by The Stanley Brothers “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” by Soggy Bottom Boys “Pretty Polly” by Ralph Stanley “Uncle John’s Band” by The Grateful Dead “Dust in a Baggie” by Billy Strings “Dooley” by The Dillards/The Darling Family on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ “The Old Swinging Bridge” by Unspoken Tradition (Ty Gilpin’s band)   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Daniel Torday’s website: http://www.danieltorday.com/ Daniel Torday on Twitter: @DanielTorday Daniel Torday on Instagram: @dtorday  Walls of Time Podcast website: https://wallsoftimepodcast.podbean.com/ Unspoken Tradition’s website: https://unspokentradition.com/ Unspoken Tradition on Instagram: @unspokentraditionbluegrass Unspoken Tradition on Facebook: @unspokentradition Ty Gilpin on Instagram: @tygilpinavl Ty Gilpin on Facebook: @TyGilpin  Crossroads Studios: https://crossroadsrecordingstudios.com/ ‘Crooked Hollows’ by Ty Gilpin on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/am/album/crooked-hollows/548623407 Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode (which is really an addendum to Season 1 Episode 6, featuring Zachary Lazar’s rock novel ‘Sway’, a story that brings together the early Rolling Stones, the films of avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger, and members of the Manson Family in a fictional setting) Scott Michaels joins me to talk about Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders and what it was like working with Quentin Tarantino on his film ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Scott Michaels is Hollywood’s original authority on celebrity deaths, including the Manson Murders, and a former tour guide for LA’s now-defunct Dearly Departed Tours. Quentin Tarantino hired Scott to be a consultant on ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, which reimagines the murders of Sharon Tate, Voytek Frykowski, Jay Sebring, and Abigail Folger at the hands of the Manson Family in early August 1969. This past April, Scott gave me a once-in-a-lifetime, one-on-one, all-day tour of major Manson Family points of interest in Los Angeles and the surrounding area, which we talk about in this bonus episode. We also talk about common misconceptions about the murders, Scott’s experience working with Quentin Tarantino on ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, Scott’s favorite nonfiction books about the murders, people related to the case he’s known, and little-known tidbits about the murders, like what book Abigail Folger was reading when she was killed. So, cue up The Beatles’ ‘White Album’, slip into your favorite retro threads, kick back and join Scott Michaels and me as we time travel back to 1969 Southern California to revisit the true crime that brought an end to the free lovin’ groovy ‘60s. Afterward, I invite you to check out Season 1 Episode 6 to hear my conversation with Zachary Lazar about his novel ‘Sway’ and Tony Sokol’s thoughts on the Stones and the occult and Zeena Schreck’s memories of her godfather Kenneth Anger. *Listen to the episode, then watch the condensed video version of my interview with Scott Michaels. This version includes photos and videos I shot during my Manson Murders tour with Scott in April 2023.   MEDIA AND MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Clip: Tate Murder CBS 1969 Newscast “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles “Cry Baby Cry” by The Beatles “Money (That’s What I Want)” by The Beatles “Blackbird” by The Beatles “Good Thing” by Paul Revere & The Raiders “Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon” by The Mamas & The Papas Clip: ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’—“I’m the devil and I’m here to do the devil’s business” “Sexy Sadie” by The Beatles “Revolution” by The Beatles “Hush” by Deep Purple Clip: ABC news crew finds bloody clothes 1969 “Treat Her Right” by Roy Head & The Traits   LINKS: Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Goodpods: https://goodpods.com/podcasts/rock-is-lit-212451 Leave a rating and comment for Rock is Lit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rock-is-lit/id1642987350 Scott Michaels’ documentary on the Manson Murders, ‘The Six Degrees of Helter Skelter’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZELGmN_4hc&t=3461s Scott Michaels’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DearlyDepartedTours Scott Michaels on Facebook: @ScottMichaels  Scott Michaels on Instagram: @iamscottmichaels  Scott Michaels on Twitter: @ImScottMichaels  David Oman’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidoman  Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/ Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg Season 1 Episode 6 of Rock is Lit: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/zacharylazar/tonysokol/zeenaschreck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices