On her 18th birthday, Sandy Netburn marked the occasion with the release of her 14-track debut album, “Issues.” Soon after, she released the music video for the single “I’ve Got Issues,” she also directed. And that’s just the beginning!

Sandy joined us to talk all about the different themes she takes on in “Issues,” including politics and what it means to be human. She shared the creative process of the album, being in the recording studio for the first time, and what she has planned for the next project.

In addition to her music, Sandy is also a ventriloquist and podcast host. She dives into the origins of these aspects of her creative work and what motivates her to keep going.

Closing out this interview is the single, “I’ve Got Issues,” and we hope you give the rest of the album a listen or three.

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

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

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

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

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

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