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Rafay Rashid passes along some songwriting advice he got from his uncle... as well as the beauty of creating with friends and we discuss the emotions that inspire him. At the end of this mini-episode you'll hear a couple of tracks by Ravi Shavi live at The Parlour on March 5th, 2022. This was a birthday show for their drummer, Nick Iddon, and Tara Hansen that also included Viking Jesus, The Chops, and Animal Face. This was one of Nick's last shows before his passing and it has kind of become legendary night so I wanted to share it with you. (audio credit: James Lastowski) // Interview recorded May 8, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I chat with Rafay Rashid where we cover some early influences that led him to music and performance. We also cover the path Ravi Shavi has taken with regards to their lineup and releases, plus we discuss how a friendship with members of Deer Tick led to the start of their band Happiness as well as Rafay's other musical projects. Most importantly we take a deep dive into Kitchen Weapons the new solo album he's set to release on May 26th. It's a great record with a meaningful back story so I hope you enjoy the episode and pick up the vinyl via Almost Ready Records Interlude song order: "Sixes and Sevens" by Ravi Shavi from their album, Special Hazards "17" by Happiness from their album, Live "Landline" by Rafay Rashid from his album, Kitchen Weapons "Pain Palace" by Rafay Rashid from his album, Kitchen Weapons // Interview recorded May 8, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

David Lawlor, a photographer and videographer here in Rhode Island shares some of his favorite places and things in the state. Learn where he likes to shop, what his favorite drink is and how many slices of pizza he orders at a time.  Dave has also shot several photos that have been used for album artwork including Strip Mall's first ever single "Reverse The Curse" which I've included at the end of this mini-episode.  // Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

This mini-episode has photographer David Lawlor sharing where he feels you should put your focus as an artist, plus we discuss what decisions need to be made to balance life and work, and most importantly what it means to have a community around you when you're looking to create.   Last year Dave made a music video for High Planes song "Season For The Ghosts" and you'll be able to hear this track at the end or you can watch it here!   // Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

For this one I was able to catch up with live music photographer and videographer, David Lawlor! We talk about some of the artists he worked with over the years, plus we get into his process and the techniques behind how he shoots... as well as what he's looking to bring to Rhode Island as a whole. His company, Run of the Mill, will be hosting a gallery exhibit Thursday May 4th at Shark's Event Center at Central Falls Landing so please come and see some of his work and I hope you enjoy learning more about his career in the episode!! Interlude song order: "Grace" live at The Met by Sage Francis "Abandoned Places" acoustic by Lauren King // Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

Richmond rapper, BlackLiq teamed up once again with Rhode Island's Mopes to create "Choice Is A Chance"... the follow up to this duos "Time Is The Price". In our conversation we talk about how these two first connected, the technique BlackLiq uses to write with such depth and quick turnaround, and how Mopes has settled into his production over the last few years to create with more intention. Plus, if you listen to the end you'll get a tiny glimpse of what their third project together may be. Pick up "Choice Is A Chance" now at Strangefamous.com and watch for it wherever you stream music on April 14th. Plus, both Mopes and BlackLiq will be performing alongside Jesse the Tree and Sage Francis on Friday, April 21st at The Met in Pawtucket. Get your tickets now for this historic return of some Rhode Island hip hop legends!! Interlude song order: "Guilty" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Time Is The Price "Strange Famous" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance "In The Beginning" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance "Words From Black" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance "How I Did It" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance // Interview recorded April 8, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

My guest on this episode is Nova One's Roz Raskin. In our conversation we cover what their experience was like making this album especially with the hurdles the pandemic created, the urge to explore new sounds as an artist, and the amount of attention that went into each part of the production. We also discuss their custom Holcomb guitar, and the creative choices made for the album's design pieces. Create Myself is available on March 31st via Community Records and you can order it now at ilovenovaone.com and communityrecords.org Interlude song order: "Dangerous" from Nova One's album Create Myself "Crying" from Nova One's album Create Myself // Interview recorded March 20, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

Nick Ryder of Adapter Adapter shares some of his favorites places and things you'll find in the Ocean State! At the end, I've included one of my favorite tracks from his new album, Sleep Spell. The song is "Warship" and I hope you dig it as much as I do! // Interview recorded February 23, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode, Nick Ryder passes along some fundamental advice he's gathered as a musician, and he and I share some stories from the road. Listen until the end to hear a track of Adapter Adapter playing live at The Parlour back in February of 2019 (credit: Corinne Southern). The songs is "Coffin Shaker" from their album "No Comfort" and I hope you enjoy! // Interview recorded February 23, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

For this episode I got to reconnect with Nick Ryder from the band Adapter Adapter. We get much deeper into his music history this time and I have to say there were a lot of surprises to me that came out during our conversation! We discussed playing in a metal band in his youth, his learning curve with guitar, and he tells a very honest account of making Adapter Adapter's new album, Sleep Spell!!! Interlude song order: "Devoid of Faith" by Axiom from their EP, Ruins of Prosperity "Fixin' To Die" by Adapter Adapter from their Self-titled EP "RI Shakedown" by Adapter Adapter from their album, No Comfort "Sleep Spell" by Adapter Adapter from their album, Sleep Spell "Voorhees" by Adapter Adapter from their album, Sleep Spell // Interview recorded February 23, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

Sarah Greenwell shares some of her favorite things in Rhode Island, and she gives me tips on a date I should do with my wife. At the end of the episode I've included one of my favorite Greeensleeves songs, "behave", from their album attractive nuisance! // Interview recorded January 30th, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

Sarah Greenwell and I discuss one of the most salient tips she's gotten from the road, as well as the illusion of democratization in today's music industry, and we get to learn more about how one of the highlights of her life came about. Don't forget to pick up the Love You Funny split or any of the other great Gymshorts and Greeensleeves records!! At the end of the episode you'll hear a couple of live bootleg songs that were recorded on tour back in Oct of 2021. Enjoy "I'm the Jeff Gordon of Our Generation" followed by "0 Thanks Given" - If you've been digging this podcast, please do me a favor and tell a friend about it and/or leave a review wherever you're listening right now - // Interview recorded January 30th, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I got to chat with Sarah Greenwell from Gymshorts and Greeensleeves. In our conversation we cover much of her career going all the way back to the atypical piano lessons she had growing up, to her process booking Gymshorts' tours for so many years, plus we discuss the status and thought behind the 2nd Greeensleeves album that is nearly finished. Of course we also talked about how the new split she's doing with both these projects came about. "Love You Funny" officially comes out on February 17th with tapes available via Self Luv Records and 7"s from Freeman Street Records. Interlude song order: "All Nighter" by Gymshorts (from their album, Knock Knock) "Not Ordinary" by Greeensleeves (from their album, Attractive Nuisance) "Love You Funny" by Gymshorts (from their split 7"/CS with Greeensleeves) // Interview recorded January 30th, 2023 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Rapper and producer, ToadStool, has been steadily building his catalog of music over these last few years and he continues to grab attention with his unique take on hip hop. In this episode we talk about how vintage horror films helped to inspire his last few projects, the pace at which he creates his music, and some of the personal stories he gets into on Labthrashr, which comes out on January 27th. I'm also excited about this because Where The Living Room Used To Be will be releasing this album on limited edition cassette and lathe cut 5" vinyl that includes an exclusive b-side track and full album download. Visit livingroomutb.com to learn more about these releases and please pick up a copy! Interlude song order: "Sajak" from ToadStool's upcoming album Labthrashr "Please Welcome" from ToadStool's upcoming album Labthrashr "Creatore" from ToadStool's upcoming album Labthrashr // Interview recorded January 6th, 2023 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

Music journalist, Rob Duguay, joins me for a conversation about some of our favorite Rhode Island music that was released in 2022. Plus, we talk about a handful of the memorable shows we caught in the state this year and share a quick preview of some things we each have planned in the near future. Thanks to everyone that made such wonderful music in 2022!! Trust us, we could have kept going on and on. Interlude song order: "A Serious Light" by Bill Bartholomew (from Beij)  "mmm" by Minibeast (from On Ice) "R U OK" by Local Age (released as a single) "Too Bright Window" by Ted Leo (from For Coit and Killie EP) "Failure" by Tragwag (from How Nothing Works)  ToadStool live at Hill House "Nothing For It feat. Shawn Jackson" by Chachi Carvalho & Vertygo (from Legacy) // Interview recorded December 19th, 2022 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode, I talk with Ben Shaw about his new album + novella, Madeline. In our conversation, we discuss how the concept for this project came about where we really get into the album's evolution in the studio, the message he's working to convey with the story, and the important role of women in his life. Madeline comes out on December 9th and will be celebrated with a release party that evening at Machines With Magnets. Chrissy Stewart will be opening and tickets & more information are available now at benjaminshawmusic.com Interlude song order: "Hurricane" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "Madeline" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "A Better Game" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline "The Trials" by Ben Shaw from his album, Madeline // Interview recorded November 28th, 2022 at Ben's home // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

On this episode I got to speak with world-renowned saxophonist, Scott Hamilton! In our conversation we talk about his musical roots here in Rhode Island, plus his experience playing with some big acts through the years. We also touch upon a handful of the nearly 200 albums he's been apart of across his 50+ year career including his own approach to recording. Scott will be performing alongside his longtime friend and fellow legend, Duke Robillard on November 18th & 19th at Chan's in Woonsocket. And in November 20th Scott Hamilton is being inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame! This truly is one of my favorite interviews because of the history it covers and insight Scott provided... and I hope you all enjoy it Interlude song order: "Same Thing" by Bottomland Blues Band "Fruit Boots" by Hamilton-Bates Blue Flames "Still In Love With You" by Roomful of Blues Scott Hamilton Quartet  Live in Barcelona "Long Ago And Far Away" performed by Dave McKenna, Scott Hamilton, and Jake Hanna  "Blue Harlem" by Scott Hamilton featuring Duke Robillard "Pennies from Heaven" by Scott Hamilton & Duke Robillard // Interview recorded November 5th, 2022 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I was happy to finally connect with John Boles to talk about his impressive post-rock project, Align in Time! In our conversation, we discuss how he creates these elaborate instrumentals by himself, why that usually means long gaps between albums, doing some recording at Strangeways in PVD back in the day, and what people can expect from Align in Time's first show in 10 years. Plus, he teases a little more about some fun stuff he's got planned for the future! Make sure to catch Align in Time with Secret Gardens, Circus Trees, and Strip Mall at Fete on Saturday, November 12, 2022!!! Interlude song order: "Men Without Chests" from Align in Time's album, Me & My Arrow "This Is Later" from Align in Time's album, On a Spiral " I Go Too (Acoustic)" from Align in Time's acoustic EP // Interview recorded November 7th, 2022 via Instagram Live // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I have another special guest for you on this episode! Jonah Matranga from bands such as Onelinedrawing, Far, New End Original, and Gratitude, joins me for a conversation about balancing art & life as a professional musician, what matters most to him about his songwriting, and how his latest album, Tenderwild, came together. Jonah will be heading out on tour with other Iodine Recordings artists Her Head's On Fire and Joe McMahon from Smoke or Fire very soon. They have dates taking them down the east coast from Boston to Gainesville for The Fest with a stop here in Providence on Saturday, October 22nd at AS220! Enjoy the episode, and Please check out Jonah's new album as well his entire body of work at jonahmatranga.com and pick up some cool vinyl over at iodinerecords.com Interlude song order: "Got My List" by Onelinedrawing from their album Sketchy EP #2 "What I've Wanted To Say" by Far from their album, Tin Cans With Strings To You "14 - 41" by New End Original from their album, Thriller "Everyday Angels" by Onelinedrawing from their album, Tenderwild "Prayed For You" by I Is Another from their self-titled album "Tenderwild" by Onelinedrawing from their album, Tenderwild   // Interview recorded October 14th, 2022 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///

I have a very special guest for you on this episode! Joseph Grillo from bands such as Garrison, Instruction, Gay For Johnny Depp, I Hate Our Freedom, Judas Knife and now, most recently, Her Head's On Fire joins me for a conversation about his path in music, the perspective he tends to write from with regard to his lyrics, and why all his bands seem to be groups indie emo rock all-stars.   Her Head’s On Fire have a new album out now on Iodine Recordings called College Rock And Clove Cigarettes... so we spend a good amount of time delving deeper into the start of this band, their surprising practice and recording schedule, and their upcoming tour with Onelinedrawing and Joe McMahon from Smoke Or Fire.   This tour is taking them down the East Coast on their way to The Fest in Gainesville with a stop here in Rhode Island at AS220 on Saturday, October 22nd. Please mark your calendars as this is a show you will not want to miss!!! Interlude song order: "Serious Heavy Drama" by Garrison (from their EP The Bend Before The Break) Sans Sympathie" by I Hate Our Freedom (from their album This Year's Best Disaster) "Common Shame" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) "Matchsticks" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) "Rising Tide" by Her Head's On Fire (from their album College Rock And Clove Cigarettes) // Interview recorded October 6th, 2022 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // /// If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now! ///