PODCAST · fiction
Rock Is Lit
by Christy Alexander Hallberg
“I really tried to create a band that I would love, if they were real”— Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six Fiction writers have long been seduced by the anarchy, defiance, and raw power of rock ‘n 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 form—the rock novel—and 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, t
Episodes
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Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest Spotlight: General Submission Winner Cynthia Swanson Reads Her Winning Story, “A Possibility Nonetheless”
In this episode of Rock is Lit, Cynthia Swanson, winner of the second Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest in the General Submission category, reads her winning story, “A Possibility Nonetheless.” MUSIC IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: Rock is Lit theme music Sixties 60’s music...
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Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest Spotlight: Undergraduate Student Submissions Winner Mavis Wolff Reads Her Winning Story, “Yes, Please”
Congratulations to the winner of the second Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest in the Undergraduate Student Submissions category, Mavis Wolff! Listen to Mavis read her winning story, “Yes, Please,” in this episode. Mavis Wolff is a Corporate Social Purpose Intern with Volunteer...
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Kim Gottlieb-Walker’s Journey from Rock & Film Photography to Fiction Teaser
In this special Rock is Lit episode—available exclusively on YouTube—legendary rock and film photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker joins Christy to talk about her novel, ‘Lenswoman in Love’, a love story steeped in the sights and sounds of the 1960s and 1970s music and film scenes. Kim shares...
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Backstage Pass: Peter McDade & Michael Amos Cody on Rock, Fiction, and Frontmen
Hey, Lit listeners! It’s 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 we’re…
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Across the What-If Universe: Paul Levinson On His Novel ‘It’s Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles’
What if The Beatles did reunite—and 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 ‘It’s Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles’, based on his award-winning…
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Elliott Murphy’s ‘Marty May’: A Rock ‘n’ 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 ‘Marty May’. Once a rising rock star in 1970s New York, virtuoso guitarist Marty May has lost it all—his career, his marriage, and his record deal. Now, at 33, he’s...
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Rock ‘n Roll, Military Life, and Coming of Age During the Cold War: Constance Squires on Her Novel ‘Along the Watchtower’
Author Constance Squires returns to Rock is Lit to discuss her debut novel, ‘Along the Watchtower’, a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of military life, Cold War Germany, and rock ‘n roll. ‘Along the Watchtower’ follows thirteen-year-old Lucinda Collins as she arrives at a…
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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 Ono’s 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 Yoko’s artistic vision, her…
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Punk, Art, and London Calling in the ‘80s: Suzanne Mattaboni On Her Debut Novel, ‘Once in a Lifetime’
In this final episode in the Rock is Lit Season 4 Reading Series, Suzanne Mattaboni discusses her debut novel, ‘Once in a Lifetime’, 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.…
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Bonus Featurette: Major LeGoullon on Guns N' Roses Bassist Duff McKagan’s Autobiography ‘It’s So Easy: And Other Lies’
We’re talking nonfiction in this bonus featurette crafted entirely by Season 4 Production Intern Major LeGoullon. Major shines a spotlight on Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s 2012 autobiography, ‘It’s So Easy: And Other Lies’, drawing connections to Rock is Lit Season 2, Episode 18. That...
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From Folk Clubs to Alt-Rock Festivals: Sarah Seltzer Reads From and Discusses Her Novel ‘The Singer Sisters’
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, ‘The Singer Sisters’. Set in 1996, the novel follows alt-rocker Emma Cantor as she navigates the highs and lows of a rising music...
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Detroit on Fire: Guest Host Andrew Smith Talks With Peter Werbe About 1967, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Revolution in Peter’s Novel ‘Summer On Fire’
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 Peter’s debut novel, ‘Summer On Fire’. Peter also reads an excerpt from the book. Peter Werbe is a veteran of Detroit’s...
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Punk Lit Meets Punk Rock: Author and Musician Michael T. Fournier Reads From His Novel ‘Hidden Wheel’ 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, ‘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…
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Chasing Music Dreams in the New Wave Era: Eric Jay Sonnenschein Discusses and Reads From His Novel ‘Rocked and Rolled’
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...
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Exploring Love, Art, Asheville, and Arcade Fire: Thomas Calder Discusses and Reads From His Novel ‘The Wind Under the Door’
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…
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It Ain’t Only Rock ‘n’ Roll: Sarah Tomlinson Talks the Rolling Stones, Anita Pallenberg, and Reads From Her Novel, ‘The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers’
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...
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When Pop Music Meets the Occult: O.F. Cieri Discusses and Reads From Her Novel ‘Backmask’
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...
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Murder, Music, and Mystery in LA: Philip Cohen Reads from His Novel ‘Conflict in the City’
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...
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Cassettes, Secrets, and Small-Town Mysteries: Matthew Fiander Reads from His Novel, ‘Ringing in Your Ears’
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...
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Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest Spotlight: General Submission Winner Mark Baumgartner Reads His Story “Last Chance for a Slow Dance”
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…
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Bill Hallberg Rock ‘n’ Roll Short Story Contest Spotlight: Undergrad Student Senami Kugblenu Reads Her Winning Story, “Goat and Pearls”
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,...
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Sex, Music, Groupies, and Cults: Karen Green Discusses and Reads an Excerpt from Her Novel, ‘Yellow Birds’
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...
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Exploring the 27 Club with a Sci-Fi Spin: Staci Layne Wilson Reads Her Short Story About Amy Winehouse, Featured in the Anthology ‘28’
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…
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Music, Theft, and Heartbreak: Brendan Gillen Reads from His Novel ‘Static’
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…
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Rock, Roll, and Mobsters: Stephen Shaiken Talks About and Reads From His Rock Novel ‘Queensborough Rock’
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...
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Mysteries and Music: Christy Alexander Hallberg on ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’
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...
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The Stalker and the Rocker: Kat Hausler Reads From Her Novel ‘What I Know About July’
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....
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A Blast From the ‘80s: Brieanna Wilkoff Talks Bon Jovi and Reads From Her Novel ‘I’ll Be There For You’
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...
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Inside ‘The Death of Rock and Roll’: A Reading with Author Ryan Hyatt
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...
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Inside ‘Rain Gray Town’: A Reading with Author Robert Greenfield
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…
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Garth Risk Hallberg on the Power of Music in His New Novel, ‘The Second Coming’
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...
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Scott Michaels on the Murder of 'Rebel Without a Cause' Actor Sal Mineo
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…
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Kim Wright On Her Novel ‘Last Ride to Graceland’ with Stephanie Myers and Cador Jones On Elvis’s Alleged “Lovechildren"
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...
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Rock Queen Writers: A Panel Discussion on Writing About Musicians in Fiction, with Jessamyn Violet, Mallory Smart, Claire Hopple, Kirsti MacKenzie
*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…
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Exploring Jewish Identity, The Holocaust, and the Healing Power of Music in Jason Warburg’s Novel ‘Home Was a Dream’
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...
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Episode 50 Part 2: Exploring Real-Life Musician Disappearances with Nathan D. Duvall, Inspired by Jeff Jackson’s Novel ‘Mira Corpora’
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...
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Episode 50 Part 1: Jeff Jackson on Music, Memory, and Myth in His Novel ‘Mira Corpora’
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...
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From Sunset Strip to Supernatural: Staci Layne Wilson on The Ventures, The Manson Family, Her Famous Parents, and Her Horror Rock Books
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…
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Exploring Yoko Ono's Cosmic Consciousness with Madeline Bocaro, Author of ‘In Your Mind: The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono’
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...
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Sonic Stardust: Journeying Through Time and Music with Kelley McNeil and Her New Novel, ‘Mayluna’
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…
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‘Tonechaser’ Chronicles Part 2: Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His Friendship With Eddie Van Halen
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...
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‘Tonechaser’ Chronicles Part 1: Music Journalist Steve Rosen Talks About His Friendship With Eddie Van Halen
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 –...
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Navigating the Musical Landscape of the 1960s with Frye Gaillard and His Book ‘A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s’
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...
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Stairway to 80: Rock is Lit Celebrates Led Zeppelin Guitar Wizard Jimmy Page On His 80th Birthday
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,...
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Soul Music and Southern Roots: Michael Parker On His Novel ‘If You Want Me to Stay’
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…
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Capturing the Legends: Photographer Neal Preston's Rock Odyssey
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...
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Beyond ‘Double Fantasy’: Laurie Kaye’s Journey to John Lennon’s Last Interview
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...
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Prog Tales: Inside Jason Warburg’s Novel ‘Never Break the Chain’, with The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast Guys Talkin’ Prog Rock
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...
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Reckoning and Redemption: GenXCore Unveils the Punk Rock Soul of His Novel ‘California Roadkill’
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...
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Music, Mystery & Mountains: The Appalachian Influence in Emily Alice Katz’s Rockin’ Short Story “A Wayfarer at Devil’s Elbow”
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“I really tried to create a band that I would love, if they were real”— Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six
Fiction writers have long been seduced by the anarchy, defiance, and raw power of rock ‘n 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 form—the rock novel—and 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, t
HOSTED BY
Christy Alexander Hallberg
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rock Is Lit have?
Rock Is Lit currently has 104 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rock Is Lit about?
“I really tried to create a band that I would love, if they were real”— Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six Fiction writers have long been seduced by the anarchy, defiance, and raw power of rock ‘n roll, creating stories about music, the people who make it, and the characters who...
How often does Rock Is Lit release new episodes?
Rock Is Lit publishes regularly with 104 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Rock Is Lit?
You can listen to Rock Is Lit on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rock Is Lit?
Rock Is Lit is created and hosted by Christy Alexander Hallberg.
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