âI really tried to create a band that I would love, if they were realââ Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six
Fiction writers have long been seduced by the anarchy, defiance, and raw power of rock ân roll, creating stories about music, the people who make it, and the characters who love it with the same intensity as the most ambitious concept albums. But until Rock is Lit first aired in September 2022, there had never been a podcast devoted to this art formâthe rock novelâand the show remains a singularity.
In each episode, host Christy Alexander Hallberg, author of the award-winning rock novel Searching for Jimmy Page (Livingston Press, 2021), interviews authors about craft and the musical inspiration behind their work, then brings in music experts, like legendary groupie Pamela Des Barres, to add real-world context to the bands or musical periods featured in the novels. Hallberg has quickly earned a reputation as a meticulous researcher and creative producer, frequently garnering compliments from guests such as Rex Weiner, author of The (Original) Adventures of Ford Fairlane: âYouâre so well versed in what I wrote and, of course, your own rock ân roll history is pretty terrific.â
The podcastâs growing roster of rock novels includes: Dana Spiottaâs National Book Award-nominated Eat the Document, works by BIPOC authors like Chris L. Terryâs Black Card, metal-centric novels like John Wrayâs Gone to the Wolves, YA LGBTQ debuts like Jessamyn Violetâs Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar, Scifi rock novels like Sarah Pinskerâs Nebula Award-winning A Song For A New Day, rock novels adapted to film like Garth Risk Hallbergâs City on Fire, and celebrity rock novels like the legendary Suzi Quatroâs The Hurricane.
Tune in to Rock is Lit and join the mounting number of Lit Listeners on their quest to find the very best rock novels.
A proud part of Pantheon Podcasts.
Watch the trailer on YouTube.
Find Christy Alexander Hallberg and Rock is Lit on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg
Hey, Lit listeners! Itâs old home week here at the podcast. Joining me are two Rock is Lit alumni who know a thing or two about chasing musical dreams and writing fiction that grooves with soul and grit: authors and musicians Peter McDade and Michael Amos Cody.
In this special episode weâre talking about their brand-new novels: Peterâs âKing Calâ and Michaelâs âStreets of Nashvilleâ. Both of these fabulous novels ask what music costs, what it gives, and who gets to be heard.
Also in the episode, weâll get to hear each author read from their books and maybe even settle the question Who makes the best frontmanâor frontwomanâin rock history?
*Trigger warning: We talk Taylor Swift in the last part of the episode. Swifties, listen with caution.
PLAYLIST:
Rock is Lit theme music
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Acoustic Guitar instrumental [Non Copyrighted] \ Guitar arrangement for song
âFunky Drummerâ by James Brown
âMy Best Friendâs Girlâ by The Cars
âDrive-Thruâ by Tenacious D
âFast Foodâ by Jesse Welles
âThe Entertainerâ by Billy Joel
âPop Singerâ by John Mellencamp
âSoulmatesâ by Michael Amos Cody
âMy Dear Friend, Mr. Heinekenâ by One Four Three/âKing Calâ soundtrack
âDrowning in Mayoâ by Lords of the Living/âKing Calâ soundtrack
âCover Me Upâ by Jason Isbell
âGame On!â by Aqours
âBlank Spaceâ by Taylor Swift
âFree Man in Parisâ by Joni Mitchell
âWatching Mary Sleepâ by King Cal/âKing Calâ soundtrack
âLandscapesâ by Michael Amos Cody
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Rock is Lit theme music
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LINKS:
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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 McDadeâs website: peterjmcdade.com
âKing Calâ soundtrack on Bandcamp
Peter McDade on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peter.j.mcdade
Peter McDade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterjmc33/
Michael Amos Codyâs website: michaelamoscody.com
Michael Amos Cody on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelamoscody/
Michael Amos Cody on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelamoscody
Michael Amos Cody on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelamoscody.bsky.social
Peter on Rock is Lit EP15 and Peter on Rock is Lit EP36
Michael on Rock is Lit
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comÂ
Rock is Lit on Instagram & Bluesky:Â @rockislitpodcast
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram and YouTube: @christyhallberg
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg
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Across the What-If Universe: Paul Levinson On His Novel âItâs Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatlesâ
What if The Beatles did reuniteâand the world was never the same?
In this special episode, Christy Alexander Hallberg welcomes acclaimed author, media scholar, and musician Paul Levinson to talk about his novel âItâs Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatlesâ, based on his award-winning short story that reimagines a very different musical timeline.
Set in 1996, the novel follows legendary New York DJ Pete Fornatale as he heads to Grand Central Terminalâonly to discover the music world has shifted in strange and unexpected ways. From speculative âwhat-ifsâ to cultural commentary, this episode explores the legacy of The Beatles through the lens of fiction, nostalgia, and imagination.
Paul also reads a captivating excerpt from the novel, giving listeners a taste of this alternate universe where the Fab Fourâs story didnât end in 1970.
Paul Levinson, Ph.D., is professor of communication and media studies at Fordham University in NYC. His nonfiction books, including âThe Soft Edgeâ, âDigital McLuhanâ, âRealspaceâ, âCellphoneâ, and âNew New Mediaâ, have been translated into fifteen languages. His science fiction novels include âThe Silk Codeâ (winner of Locus Award for Best First Science Fiction Novel of 1999), âBorrowed Tidesâ, âThe Consciousness Plagueâ, âThe Pixel Eyeâ, âThe Plot to Save Socratesâ, âUnburning Alexandriaâ, âChronicaâ, and âItâs Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatlesâ. He has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, the History Channel, and NPR.
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PLAYLIST:
Rock is Lit theme music
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
âLooking for Sunsets (In the Early Morning)ââlyrics by Paul Levinson (lead vocals), music by Ed Fox
âMurray the Kâs Back in Townââmusic and lyrics by Paul Levinson (lead vocals)
âSamanthaââmusic and lyrics by Paul Levinson (lead vocals)
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Rock is Lit theme music
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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
Paul Levinsonâs website: https://paullev.com/
Paul Levinson on YouTube and Facebook: @PaulLevinson
Paul Levinson on Instagram: @paullevins
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comÂ
Rock is Lit on Instagram & Bluesky:Â @rockislitpodcast
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram and YouTube: @christyhallberg
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elliott Murphyâs âMarty Mayâ: A Rock ânâ Roll Novel Comes to Life
In this special episode of Rock is Lit, veteran rocker and author Elliott Murphy talks about and shares an excerpt from his novel âMarty Mayâ.
Once a rising rock star in 1970s New York, virtuoso guitarist Marty May has lost it allâhis career, his marriage, and his record deal. Now, at 33, heâs alone, drowning in debt, and questioning his future. Should he return to his blues roots with his old mentor, Blind Red Rose? Set in the 1980s, when the music industry prioritized business over artistry, âMarty Mayâ is a poignant tale of talent, temptation, and staying true to oneâs beliefsâelegant and tragic, like âThe Great Gatsbyâ in the age of rock ânâ roll.
Living in Paris for 30 years as an expatriate New Yorker, Elliott Murphy remains as active as ever in music and literature. With over 35 albums to his name, he continues to tour worldwide while earning critical acclaim. His debut album, âAquashowâ (1973), launched a celebrated career that includes âLost Generationâ, âNight Lightsâ (featuring Billy Joel), and âSelling The Goldâ (featuring Bruce Springsteen). In 2016, a biopic on his career, âThe Second Act Of Elliott Murphyâ, won the Audience Award at the Dock of the Bay Film Festival.
Born into a show business family, Elliott began his career as a troubadour in Europe before securing a U.S. record deal. Alongside his music, he is a prolific author, publishing four novels, including the rock trilogy âMarty Mayâ, âTrampsâ, and âDiamonds By The Yardâ, as well as âPoetic Justiceâ. His short story âThe Lion Sleeps Tonightâ was adapted into the 2020 film âBroken Poetâ, in which he stars alongside Michael OâKeefe, Marisa Berenson, and a rare cameo appearance by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa.
In recognition of his artistic contributions, Elliott was named a Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture in 2015 and inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
For more information on Elliott Murphy, see his website and watch the 2016 biopic of his career, âThe Second Act of Elliott Murphyâ.
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PLAYLIST
Rock is Lit theme music
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
âLast of the Rock Starsâ by Elliott Murphy
âYou Never Know What Youâre In Forâ by Elliott Murphy
âWhat the Fuck is Going Onâ by Elliott Murphy
âA Touch of Kindnessâ by Elliott Murphy
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Rock is Lit theme music
Â
LINKS:Â
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
Elliott Murphyâs website: https://elliottmurphy.com/
Elliott Murphy on Facebook: @ElliottMurphy
Elliott Murphy on Instagram: @elliottmurphy
âThe Second Act of Elliott Murphyâ biopic trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAfMyaanQmc
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: www.christyalexanderhallberg.comÂ
Rock is Lit on Instagram & Bluesky:Â @rockislitpodcast
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram and YouTube: @christyhallberg
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rock ân Roll, Military Life, and Coming of Age During the Cold War: Constance Squires on Her Novel âAlong the Watchtowerâ
Author Constance Squires returns to Rock is Lit to discuss her debut novel, âAlong the Watchtowerâ, a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of military life, Cold War Germany, and rock ân roll.Â
âAlong the Watchtowerâ follows thirteen-year-old Lucinda Collins as she arrives at a U.S. military base in Grafenwoehr, West Germany, in 1983. She knows the drillâsetting up new quarters, navigating her parents' tensions, and keeping fellow Army brats at armâs length, knowing friendships wonât last. She longs for a true home, but her father is haunted by Vietnam, and her mother is growing weary of Army life. As her family fractures, Lucinda finds solace in rock ân roll and begins to forge her own path to adulthood. Set against the ever-changing backdrop of military life, âAlong the Watchtowerâ is a story of belonging, resilience, and the ghostsâboth real and rememberedâthat shape us.Â
Constance Squires teaches creative writing at the University of Central Oklahoma. In addition to âAlong the Watchtowerâ, she is the author of âLive From Medicine Parkâ and the short story collection âHit Your Brightsâ, with work published in âThe Atlanticâ, âGuernicaâ, âThe Dublin Quarterlyâ, âShenandoahâ, âIdentity Theoryâ, âThe Rolling Stone 500â, and more. Her brand-new novel, âLow April Sunâ, was published by the University of Oklahoma Press on Feb 11, 2025!
Catch Constance Squires on Episode 48 of Rock is Lit, discussing her acclaimed novel âLive From Medicine Parkâ: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/constancesquires
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PLAYLIST
Rock is Lit theme music
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Copyright Free Rock MusicââGrunge Instrumentalâ by Wayne John Bradley
âAll Along the Watchtowerâ by Bob Dylan
âPeace Frogâ by The Doors
âThe Man I Used to Beâ by Jellyfish
âHeroinâ by The Velvet Underground with Nico
âNazi Punks Fuck Offâ by Dead Kennedys
âAll Along the Watchtowerâ by Jimi Hendrix
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
Rock is Lit theme music
 Â
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 Squiresâ website: https://www.constancesquiresofficial.com/
Constance Squires on X: @ConnieSquires
Constance Squires on Instagram: @conniesquires
Constance Squires on Facebook: @ConstanceSquiresAuthorPage
Constance Squires on Rock is Lit EP48: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/constancesquires
Rock is Lit on Instagram & Bluesky:Â @rockislitpodcast
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram and YouTube: @christyhallberg
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg
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Yoko Ono at 92: Art, Activism & Legacy with Author Madeline Bocaro
In this special episode of Rock is Lit, we celebrate Yoko Onoâs 92nd birthday by honoring her profound impact on art, music, and peace activism. Returning to the podcast is Madeline Bocaro, author of In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono, to explore Yokoâs artistic vision, her unwavering commitment to peace, and the ways her influence continues to shape generations. Building on our deep dive in Episode 47, this conversation serves as both an addendum to that episode about Madelineâs book and a tribute to Yokoâs enduring legacy.
PLAYLIST
Rock is Lit theme music
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
SciFi Music for YouTube videos [No Copyright]
âDonât Worry Kyokoâ by Yoko Ono
âWinter Songâ by Yoko Ono
Sixties 60âs music (free to use)
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 Bocaroâs website: https://madelinex.com/
Madelineâs bookâs website: https://inyourmindbook.com/
Purchase a signed hard or soft cover of Madelineâs book at conceptualbooks.com: https://conceptual-books.myshopify.com/collections/all?sort_by=created-ascending
Madeline on X: @madelinex
Madeline on Instagram: @yoko.ono.in.your.mind and @madeline.bocaro
Listen to Rock is Lit EP47 featuring an in-depth interview with Madeline Bocaro: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitpodcast/madelinebocaroÂ
Rock is Lit on Instagram & Bluesky:Â @rockislitpodcast
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram and YouTube: @christyhallberg
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Punk, Art, and London Calling in the â80s: Suzanne Mattaboni On Her Debut Novel, âOnce in a Lifetimeâ
In this final episode in the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Suzanne Mattaboni discusses her debut novel, âOnce in a Lifetimeâ, and shares excerpts from the story.
Set in 1984, where punk reigns and Andy Warhol rules, 20-year-old art student Jessica longs for a life beyond her reach. Dreaming of an avant-garde study program in London, sheâs stuck waitressing and navigating drama with her boyfriend Drew, who wants to date others. Life takes a turn when she meets Whit, a magnetic guitarist, and dives into a post-punk scene full of quirky charactersâcheating waiters, mystics, a military drag queen, and a Svengali bouncerâall while grappling with the specter of AIDS. Jessica must decide if chasing her dreams is worth risking heartbreak and self-discovery.
With a smart, edgy â80s vibe, âOnce in a Lifetimeâ is a coming-of-age story exploring friendship, love, and ambition.
Suzanne Mattaboni is a former Newsday reporter and a Pushcart Prize-nominated author of women's fiction, horror, and pop culture essays. She's also a retro podcaster and a past winner of Seventeen magazineâs Art and Fiction Contest. Her work has also appeared in The Huffington Post, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Mysterious Ways, Guideposts.com, Seventeen, Child, Parents, Motherwell, Dark Dossier, Turtle, Humpty Dumptyâs, Long Island Weddings, and LA Parent. She's had pieces featured in anthologies including Pizza Parties and Poltergeist (horror stories set in the 1980s), Writes of Passage, The Little Demon Digest, and The Running Wild Anthology of Stories.
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MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
ï»żRock is Lit theme music
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
âOnce in a Lifetimeâ by the Talking Heads
âCatch Me Iâm Fallingâ by Real Life
âPurple Rainâ by Prince
âSweet Dreamsâ by The Eurythmics
âOnce in a Lifetimeâ by the Talking Heads
Rock is Lit theme music
Â
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
Suzanneâs websites: https://www.suzannemattaboni.com/ and onceinalifetimenovel.com
Suzanne on Facebook: facebook.com/suzanne.mattaboni
Suzanne on X: @suzmattaboni
Suzanne on Instagram: @suzannemattaboni80s
Suzanne on TikTok: suzannemattabonibook
âOnce in a Lifetimeâ Spotify playlist
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg
Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast
Rock is Lit on Bluesky: @rockislitpodcast.bsky.social
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus Featurette: Major LeGoullon on Guns N' Roses Bassist Duff McKaganâs Autobiography âItâs So Easy: And Other Liesâ
Weâre talking nonfiction in this bonus featurette crafted entirely by Season 4 Production Intern Major LeGoullon. Major shines a spotlight on Guns Nâ Roses bassist Duff McKaganâs 2012 autobiography, âItâs So Easy: And Other Liesâ, drawing connections to Rock is Lit Season 2, Episode 18. That earlier episode featured Melissa Ragsly discussing her short story collection, âWe Know This Will All Disappearâ, including the Guns Nâ Roses-inspired story "Mannequin," which references their song âRocket Queen.â The episode also included a deep dive into Guns Nâ Roses, especially âRocket Queen,â with Decibel Geek podcast co-host AAron Camaro. Majorâs thoughtful commentary offers a fresh perspective on music and literature and Duff McKagan.
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MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
ï»żRock is Lit theme music
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Guns Nâ Roses âRocket Queenâ
Guns Nâ Roses âMr. Brownstoneâ
Guns Nâ Roses âItâs So Easyâ
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Rock is Lit theme music
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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
Major LeGoullon on Instagram: @majorlegoullon
Melissa Ragslyâs website: https://www.melissaragsly.com/
Melissa Ragsly on Facebook: @MelissaRagsly
Melissa Ragsly on Twitter: @90sMelissa
Melissa Ragsly on Instagram: @melissaragslypersonÂ
Decibel Geek Podcast website: https://www.decibelgeek.com/
Decibel Geek on Twitter: @DecibelGeekPod
Decibel Geek on Instagram: @decibelgeek
AAron Camaro on Facebook: @AAronCamaro
AAron Camaro on Instagram: @aaron_camaro
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg
Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast
Rock is Lit on Bluesky: @rockislitpodcast.bsky.social
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Folk Clubs to Alt-Rock Festivals: Sarah Seltzer Reads From and Discusses Her Novel âThe Singer Sistersâ
In this episode of the Rock is Lit Season Four Reading Series, Sarah Seltzer joins the podcast to discuss and read an excerpt from her USA Today bestselling novel, âThe Singer Sistersâ.
Set in 1996, the novel follows alt-rocker Emma Cantor as she navigates the highs and lows of a rising music career while grappling with the legacy of her mother, Judie, a 1960s folk legend. Emmaâs journey is marked by revelations about her familyâs past, her complicated relationship with Judie, and the sacrifices women artists often make for success.
Sarah shares the musical inspiration behind her book, revealing how the rich world of folk and rock music shaped the story and its characters. She also delves into her fascination with family dynamics in artistic households and the interplay between creative ambition and personal struggles.
Sarah Seltzer is a writer in New York City, where she lives with her family, surrounded by books, records, and CDs. She is an editor at âLilith Magazineâ and has been a journalist for many publications, reporting on activism and culture, and writing essays, cultural criticism, and the occasional opinion piece. âThe Singer Sistersâ, born out of her fascination with families who put their struggles into art, was published by Flatiron Books in summer 2024.
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MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
ï»żRock is Lit theme music
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
âPossessionâ by Sarah McLachlan
âUntouchable Faceâ by Ani DiFranco
âAll I Wantâ by Joni Mitchell
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Rock is Lit theme music
Â
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 Seltzerâs website: https://sarahseltzer.wordpress.com/
Sarah Seltzer on Instagram and Twitter: @sarahmseltzer
Sarah Seltzer on Facebook: @SarahSeltzer
Sarah Seltzer on Bluesky: @sarahmseltzer.bsky.social
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg
Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast
Rock is Lit on Bluesky: @rockislitpodcast.bsky.social
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Detroit on Fire: Guest Host Andrew Smith Talks With Peter Werbe About 1967, Rock ânâ Roll, and Revolution in Peterâs Novel âSummer On Fireâ
In this special episode of Rock is Lit, host Christy Alexander Hallberg hands the mic to teacher, podcaster, and DJ Andrew Smith, who interviews his friend Peter Werbe about Peterâs debut novel, âSummer On Fireâ. Peter also reads an excerpt from the book.
Peter Werbe is a veteran of Detroitâs alternative and commercial media scene, as well as a political activist. A member of the editorial collective of âFifth Estateâ magazine, his work appears in its online archive. His radio career spanned Detroit's major rock stationsâWABX, WWWW, WRIF, and WCSXâwhere he hosted Nightcall, WRIFâs phone-in talk show and the longest-running program of its kind in U.S. radio history (1970â2016).
Peterâs novel, written during the pandemic near his 80th birthday, is a fictionalized memoir about the 1967 Detroit Rebellion and its surrounding antiwar, psychedelic rock counterculture. Set in a transformative seven weeks, âSummer On Fireâ explores the radical Detroit scene, featuring characters navigating protests, anarchism, fascist opposition, and rock and roll at the Grande Ballroom. Themes of ethical dilemmas echo todayâs societal crises. The book also captures the spirit of cultural icons like MC5, The Stooges, Wayne Kramer, and John Sinclair.
Andrew Smith, host of Teacher On The Radio, is also a professor of English and religious studies at Tennessee Tech.
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MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
ï»żRock is Lit theme music
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Late 60s Style Psychedelic Rock Track âSummer of Loveâ/License Music for Videos
MC5 âKick Out the Jamsâ
Frank Zappa âPlastic Peopleâ
Big Brother and the Holding Company âDown On Meâ
Bar-Kays âSoul Fingerâ
John Lee Hooker âThe Motor City is Burningâ
The Stooges âI Wanna Be Your Dogâ
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Rock is Lit theme music
 Â
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 Werbeâs website: https://www.peterwerbe.org/
Peter Werbe on Facebook: @PeterWerbe
Andrew Smithâs website: http://www.teacherontheradio.com/
Andrew Smith on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teacherontheradio
Andrew Smith on Facebook: @AndrewWilliamSmith
Andrew Smith on Twitter: @teacheronradio
Christy Alexander Hallbergâs 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
Punk Lit Meets Punk Rock: Author and Musician Michael T. Fournier Reads From His Novel âHidden Wheelâ and Talks Punk, Writing, and Rock Lit
In this installment of the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Michael T. Fournier shares an excerpt from his debut novel, âHidden Wheelâ (2011), and explores the musical influences behind the book, along with his experiences as a musician with the bands Dead Trend and Plaza.
About âHidden Wheelâ: 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 ageâartistic self-promotion, corporate infiltration of hipsterdomâand 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 machineâand 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, âThe Impasseâ, sharing an excerpt that promises more of his signature mix of insight and edge.
Donât 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 âThe Impasseâ (St. Rooster Books 2024). Previously, he wrote âDouble Nickels on the Dimeâ (Continuum/Bloomsbury, 2007), âHidden Wheelâ (Three Rooms Press, 2011) and âSwing Stateâ (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 extensivelyâtwice through successful crowdfunded prerelease campaigns.Â
His writing has appeared in âRazorcakeââAmerica's only non-profit punk magazineâas well as âPitchforkâ, âMcSweeney's Internet Tendencyâ, âViceâ, âElectric Literatureâ, âOxford Americanâ, âBoston Globeâ, and more.Â
Mike is the co-editor of âZiskâ, 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 Codâs #1 band.
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MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:
ï»żRock is Lit theme music
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Rites of Spring âHidden Wheelâ
Dead Trend âAge of Consentâ
Super TeamâNo Copyright music/NCS/copyright free music/music for YouTube
Plaza âFat Halfâ
Echo & The Bunnymen âThe Killing Moonâ
The Cure âPictures of Youâ
Black Flag âRise Aboveâ
[Guitar Instrumental Beat] Sad Rock [Free Use Music] Punch DeckââI Canât Stopâ
Rock is Lit theme music
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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. Fournierâs 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 Hallbergâs website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit
Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube: @ChristyHallberg
Rock is Lit on Instagram: @rockislitpodcast
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