Episode 52 Rock Queen Writers: A Panel Discussion on Writing About Musicians in Fiction, with Jessamyn Violet, Mallory Smart, Claire Hopple, Kirsti MacKenzie
Episode 52 of Rock is Lit features a dynamic panel discussion with four women authors exploring the art of writing about musicians in fiction, delving into their creative processes, challenges, and the cultural impact of their narratives.
Episode 51: Exploring Jewish Identity, The Holocaust, and the Healing Power of Music in Jason Warburg’s Novel ‘Home Was a Dream’
Episode 51 of Rock is Lit delves into Jason Warburg’s novel ‘Home Was a Dream’, exploring themes of Jewish heritage, identity, and the profound impact of the Holocaust, intertwined with the healing power of music.
Episode 50 Part 2: Exploring Real-Life Musician Disappearances with Nathan D. Duvall, Inspired by Jeff Jackson’s Novel ‘Mira Corpora’
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 Jackson’s novel ‘Mira Corpora’ (EP50 Part 1), mysteriously disappeared.
Episode 50 Part 1: Jeff Jackson on Music, Memory, and Myth in His Novel ‘Mira Corpora’
In Part 1 of Episode 50, author Jeff Jackson discusses his haunting novel ‘Mira Corpora’, intertwining themes of music, memory, and myth, offering a captivating glimpse into the creative process behind his dark and enigmatic storytelling.
Episode 49 From Sunset Strip to Supernatural: Staci Layne Wilson on The Ventures, The Manson Family, Her Famous Parents, and Her Horror Rock Books
In this episode, Staci Layne Wilson joins me to talk about her horror rock novel ‘Rhapsody in Red’; her famous parents; the documentary film she wrote, produced, and directed about her dad’s pioneering band The Ventures; growing up in Los Angeles in the ‘70s and ‘80s; working the red carpet as an entertainment reporter; the Manson Family; Jimmy Page; her pet rats; and more.
Episode 48 Oklahoma Grooves: An Inside Look at ‘Live From Medicine Park’ with Constance Squires
In this episode, Constance Squires joins me to talk about her rock novel ‘Live From Medicine Park’, the gripping tale of a documentary filmmaker and his subject, a ‘70s music icon on the comeback trail.
Episode 47 Exploring Yoko Ono's Cosmic Consciousness with Madeline Bocaro, Author of ‘In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono’
In Episode 47, Madeline Bocaro, author of ‘In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono’, delves deep into Yoko Ono’s enigmatic life and artistry, offering profound insights and captivating anecdotes in honor of Yoko’s 91st birthday on Feb 18.
Episode 46 Sonic Stardust: Journeying Through Time and Music with Kelley McNeil and Her New Novel, ‘Mayluna’
In Episode 46 of Rock is Lit, Kelley McNeil discusses her newly released novel ‘Mayluna’, delving into the intricate connections between a legendary British alternative-rock band, their iconic lead singer, and a woman whose love played a pivotal role in shaping the music of a generation.
Episode 45 Part 2 ‘Tonechaser’ Chronicles: Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His Friendship With Eddie Van Halen
In Part 2 of Episode 45, Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His 26-Year Friendship With Eddie Van Halen, Which He Chronicles in His Book ‘Tonechaser’.
Episode 45 Part 1 ‘Tonechaser’ Chronicles: Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His Friendship With Eddie Van Halen
In Part 1 of Episode 45, Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His 26-Year Friendship With Eddie Van Halen, Which He Chronicles in His Book ‘Tonechaser’.
Episode 44: Navigating the Musical Landscape of the 1960s with Frye Gaillard and His Book ‘A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s’
Join us on Rock is Lit as we explore the transformative 1960s with author Frye Gaillard and his nonfiction masterpiece ‘A Hard Rain,’ delving into the era’s tragic and hopeful narratives, cultural manifestations of change, influential figures, and the music that shaped this iconic American decade.
Bonus Episode Stairway to 80: Rock is Lit Celebrates Led Zeppelin Guitar Wizard Jimmy Page on His 80th Birthday
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!
Episode 43 Soul Music and Southern Roots: Michael Parker On His Novel ‘If You Want Me to Stay’
In this episode of Rock is Lit, Tar Heel native and acclaimed author Michael Parker takes us on a melodic journey through his soul music-infused novel, ‘If You Want Me to Stay’.
Episode 42 Capturing the Legends: Photographer Neal Preston’s Rock Odyssey
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, the stories-behind-the-story of ‘Almost Famous’, and more.
Episode 41 Beyond ‘Double Fantasy’: Laurie Kaye’s Journey to John Lennon’s Final Interview
Step into the rhythm of rock’s golden era with Laurie Kaye on Rock is Lit. Join us as she shares the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments from her life leading up to John Lennon’s last interview, all of which she chronicles in her new memoir, ‘Confessions of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Name-Dropper’.
Episode 40 Prog Tales: Inside Jason Warburg’s Novel ‘Never Break the Chain’, with The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast Guys Talkin’ Prog Rock
In Episode 40 Jason Warburg talks about his novel ‘Never Break the Chain’, and Mac B. and Action Jackson from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast talk prog rock.
Episode 39 Reckoning and Redemption: GenXCore Unveils the Punk Rock Soul of His Novel ‘California Roadkill’
In this episode of Rock is Lit, we journey into the punk-rock heart of GenXCore's novel, ‘California Roadkill’, exploring the raw and resonant narrative that unravels violence, homelessness, and addiction in the Golden State.
Episode 38: Music, Mystery, and Mountains: The Appalachian Influence in Emily Alice Katz’s Rockin’ Short Story “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow”
Step into the mystical and melodic world of the Appalachian Mountains as we embark on an exploration of North Carolina author Emily Alice Katz’s short story “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow,” which unravels the enigma of a reclusive 1970s rock musician who has vanished into the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Episode 37: Rememberin' and Rockin' to the 1980s Cult Classic Film 'Eddie and The Cruisers' with Sherry Thomas
In this episode of Rock is Lit, join me for a captivating journey back to the 1980s, as my guest Sherry Thomas and I delve into the cult classic movie ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’, starring Michael Pare, Tom Berenger, and Ellen Barkin. We share our insights on the film’s enduring legacy and the magic behind its iconic soundtrack by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band. Discover the secrets, stories, and music that made ‘Eddie and The Cruisers’ a timeless rock 'n' roll masterpiece.
Episode 36: From ‘60s Southern Rock to Nina Simone’s Soul: Peter McDade on His Rock Novel ‘Songs by Honeybird’ with Alan Light on His Bio of Nina Simone, ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’
In this episode of Rock is Lit, Peter McDade joins me to talk about his rock novel from Wampus Multimedia ‘Songs by Honeybird’, then journalist Alan Light, author of ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’, drops by to do a deep dive on Nina Simone, after whom one of Peter’s main characters is named.