Where The Living Room Used To Be

John Allmark is a prodigy musician that came to RI from his native England when he was a teenager. In our interview John talks about his experience with the jazz scene in our state, and the huge name acts he's performed with including Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Joan Rivers, The Buddy Rich Band, Natalie Cole, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra... and the list goes on!   We also talked...

William Schaff is quite the ambassador for the place he calls home. Find out some of Will's favorite spots and things around the state... and why he loves the town of Warren so much!   *This interview was recorded on October 2nd, 2019 at Fort Foreclosure in Warren, RI Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

So, William Schaff isn't really one for advice but we talked about a couple of things including how he feels perseverance is necessary for an artist, how you don't have to do what you're supposed to, and the inspiration a person such as David Lamb of Brown Bird was. You'll also notice that during our interview Will had a friend, Christine Depoto - another local artist and sign maker - stop over, w...

William Schaff is a well-known artist that has created iconic images for bands such as Okkervil River , Magnolia Electric Co. , and Godspeed You! Black Emperor . He's also worked with local Rhode Island bands Brown Bird , The Low Cards , and No Plateau  ...to name a few. In addition to being a highly recognized visual artist he has also played in some amazing bands including The Eyesores and What...

Do you know what Keith Munslow's favorite RI record store was? Find out in this edition of RI 5! Plus, a summer treat he likes year-round, the spot he enjoys most in our state, and what greasy pizza sparks childhood nostalgia for him! *This interview was recorded on September 14th, 2019 at Keith's home in Providence, RI Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

Keith passes along some insightful advice about how to position yourself as an artist, and the ebb and flow of working in a creative field. I've also included the song "I'll Manage" from the recently released Benny's The Musical soundtrack. Pick yourself up a copy of the CD at KeithMunslow.com ! It's a really fun album... especially for Rhode Islanders and those familiar with the store!!! *This in...

Keith Munslow and I talked about how he went from art school dropout to being on the board of one of the longest running art spaces in the country . We also discussed his time touring with Big Nazo , his children's music , the process of writing Benny's the Musical , and how he's been a self employed musician for over 30 years Learn more about Keith and his music HERE , and make sure to follow him...

Gregory Rourke shares some of his favorite things in Rhode Island! Learn where he used to shop for music... a treat he really enjoys... and what happens when you get the wrong pizza.   *This interview was recorded on August 7th, 2019 at Gregory's rehearsal studio in Pawtucket, RI Intro music by  Cedros Hosted by James Toomey

Gregory Rourke shares some music advice on this bonus pod where he talks about the generosity of another local musician and why you should keep moving toward your goals...yet be flexible on how you get there. Live song by Natural Element  (make sure to check them out at Foundation Mondays Reggae Night at The Parlour ) Song recorded by The Reggae Takeova   *This interview was recorded on August 7th...

Gregory Rourke is a very accomplished musician and industry professional. He began his career working alongside Randy Hein at The Living Room and is now a co-owner of The Parlour in Providence. We talk about why he got into music... plus he'll tell some stories from the clubs he's worked at, shows he's done, and what's going on with the reggae scene in Rhode Island.   Song interlude band order: Na...

Michael Graham is doing some cool things right now including curating a music festival in Pawtucket called River Bend East . We talk briefly about his time as a musician in the state, his connection to the Rhode Island Songwriters Association , and what he's got planned for this songwriters festival on September 7th. And, stick around to the end because Michael will play a new song for you! Find o...

Allysen Callery shares some of her favorite things in Rhode Island. What pizza place and drink does she prefer? Where does she shop for records? Who is her favorite local author? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this bonus episode!

This bonus episode is really special because Allysen Callery is premiering a new song of hers called "Fair Warning". It's a home recording she sent, but she actually played this for me at the end of our interview... which was the first time she performed it in front of anyone and I'm really grateful for that experience!  During our conversation Allysen talks about trusting yourself to find your ow...

Allysen Callery talks about her path to songwriting through poetry... as well as how she connected with a boutique record label in Germany, how her writing has evolved over her career, and the anticipation before a new album comes out. Please check out her website for shows, music & lyrics; and follow her on Facebook and Instagram Interlude song order: "Feathercap" "Mr. Moonlight" "Winter Island"...

Paul Dechichio tells us some of his favorite things in Rhode Island! You might be able to guess his favorite record store... but what's his favorite neighborhood, local drink and pizza? You'll also want to check out his favorite annual event in the state! Listen to the full episode with Paul to learn more about his impressive musical career, and please support the local businesses he talks about i...

Paul Dechichio shares some music advice... as well as what inspires him to run a record label. You'll hear his thoughts on where to make your purchases, and how important it is for a band to have a good live show! Also included is a live track by Twin Foxes from the Tor Johnson 15th anniversary show at AS220 . The song is "Sleeping On The Attic Floor" and you can find it on Tor Johnson Records Gir...

On this episode I get to sit with Paul Dechichio, a bit of a punk rock renaissance man here in Providence. Paul has been running Tor Johnson Records for over 17 years, has owned a record store in the city, has booked hundreds of shows, played in several recognized bands, and is a part owner of Teeth Like Swords print shop. We talk about how tor Johnson records and squid amps art collective got the...

Jenn Lombari (of Stubborn Hearts, Lucky United, For What It's Worth, and others) tells us some of her Rhode Island favorites! Find out the beer Jenn recommends, or should I say doesn't recommend 😁, and why. 

Jenn gives us her thoughts on the core of what it takes to create a scene, how being a musician is like being a politician, and how she's ready to start a fanzine!  In the full pod we talked about Jenn's high energy live shows quite a bit so I've included a live studio performance thanks to Roach Ranch Recordings of the just Stubborn Hearts song "The Connection" Watch the video of their performanc...

For this one I got to sit down with Jenn Lombari, a person that's been a staple in RI's punk scene since the mid 90s! She continues to have a very active career in music, and is a great example of being proactive and responding to hurdles. You'll hear her talk about her days starting an underground newspaper in high school, how many drummers she's played with, and the many records she's put out. P...

Chachi talks about some of his favorite Rhode Island things and people on this bonus podcast. We find out his favorite record store, drink, author, pizza, and annual event... plus a few honorable mentions!  Give him a follow on social media: @chachihiphop, @beatboxstudio401, and @cultureshock401 

Chachi shares his thoughts on how to structure your career for success, as well as what you should invest your time in. As you heard in the full pod... Chachi is quite the acclaimed artist. He's won a Cape Verde Music Award, and, as he mentioned, "In Dust Real Evolution" won a Phoenix Album of the Year! That is why I wanted to share a live recording from his performance at the Phoenix Best in Musi...

For this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Chachi Carvalho, a person that's been a huge part Rhode Island's hip hop scene for decades. We had an in depth conversation about his career from his days djing in college to his long list of albums and collaborations, his studio in Pawtucket and dozens of international performances. It was a super fun time getting to talk with him and I hope...

Sal takes you on a pizza journey in this short bonus podcast. Plus, some of his other favorites in RI Eat more pizza, drink more milk shakes, subscribe, review, and tell your friends (... please)

On this bonus podcast Sal Sauco discusses a method of how to play when jamming with others and the need to keep learning as a musician. Hopefully you've checked out the full podcast where the bluegrass jam at Wood River Inn came up quite a bit... so, I wanted to share a live track from Bill Thibodeau Band that was recently recorded there and includes bar noise and all! *live song recording: K Day