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Campfire Radio Theater – “Ties of Blood” (Parts 1 & 2)

We are thrilled to present “Ties of Blood,” a massive two-part story that has quickly become a fan favorite. In a landscape often crowded with the same old tropes, listeners have called this release “a breath of fresh air” and “one of the best stories in recent history.”

This production blends the nostalgia of classic horror with modern sound design to create a world that is both familiar and terrifying.

The Story: A Fresh Take on Vampires

“All the freaks come out before daybreak.”

The story follows Nikki Russo, a newspaper carrier in the small community of Red Hill. When a rash of abductions plagues the town, Nikki begins to suspect her mysterious nocturnal neighbor, Corey, might be hiding a sinister secret. What starts as suspicion spirals into a dangerous underworld of black market commodities and ancient bloodlines.

Listeners have praised the writing for being “a very different vampire story” that keeps you invested in the characters’ survival. The chemistry between the leads, particularly Tracy Clifton (Nikki) and Jared Rivet (Corey), anchors the horror in genuine emotion.

Production Notes: B-Movie Retro Sounds

“Ties of Blood” was a unique challenge to score. To capture the specific vibe of the story, I utilized the Novachord & Solovox virtual instruments from Cherry Audio.

These tools allowed me to create a blend of “B-Movie” retro sounds mixed with contemporary electronic touches. The goal was to evoke the feeling of a late-night creature feature while maintaining the high-fidelity tension Campfire Radio Theater is known for. As always, creator John Ballentine built a beautiful, terrifying sound-designed world for the music to inhabit.

Listener Response

This two-part event has resonated deeply with the audience. Reviews highlight the immersive nature of the production:

  • “This was one of the best stories I have heard in recent history.”
  • “In a world oversaturated with vampire stories, absolutely great job.”
  • “I love the full cast rather than a single narrator.”

Warning: Contains explicit language and graphic content.

Cast and Crew

Written, directed, and produced by John Ballentine.

Original music score by Kevin Hartnell.

The Cast:

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