Episodes
7 days ago
Joe Potenza: Post-Interview Stories
7 days ago
7 days ago
After my interview with legendary bass player, Joe Potenza, wrapped up we actually continued our conversation sharing stories about growing up, what it means to be part of the rhythm section of a band, and how the experiences we've had as musicians have helped us in our everyday lives.
Joe Potenza's band, Evening Sky, has a new album out Friday, December 1st. This features vocalist, Eden Casteel, and is the next installment in the band's +1 series. At the end of the episode you'll hear a single off of this entitled "Big Log", which is a reworking of the classic Robert Plant song! Pick up the album in the highest resolution audio via Native DSD, or over on their Bandcamp page when it's released!
As I was editing the full interview (which will be available very soon!), I realized this segment could act as a good intro to that full conversation and shout out his band's exciting new record. I hope you agree and enjoy!
// Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Clatta Bumboo talks ”Make Way Rasta” (album preview and song premiere)
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
I reconnected with Clatta Bumboo to give you all a preview of his new album Make Way Rasta, which will be available on November 24th.In our conversation, we go track by track talking about the inspiration and meaning behind this impressive and important record. We cover the need for introspection, revolution, collaboration and motivation. Plus, you'll get to learn about all that went into its making and the studios he worked with both here in Rhode Island and in Jamaica.If you want to find out more about Clatta's music history, check out our interview from earlier this summer and support him by heading to clattabumboo.com
Interlude song clips from the album Make Way Rasta
"Make Way Rasta"
"The Sound"
"Calling To The People"
"Give I Strength"
"Be Strong"
"Digital Dystopia"
"Where Is Home"
"Live Up Now"
"Got What I Want"
"Good Vibration"
"Angel Of The Night"
"Digital Dystopia (Dub Style)" - full song premiere
// Interview recorded November 7, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
RI 5 with Sean Carney
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Sean Carney and I get nostalgic about trips to the record store... plus, he covers the polar opposite places he enjoys getting a drink; why he could never really leave Rhode Island, what's good and bad about our local pizza, and his favorite place to party when welcoming in a new year!
At the end, I've included one of my personal favorite tracks from Structure Sounds new album Light Up Your Sorrow. The track is "Andrea" and you can also check out the video that Sean directed and co-edited.
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Sound Advice with Sean Carney
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Sean Carney explains what the Hot Water Music method is as well as some advice he learned directly from The Living Room. He also passes along what he feels is the most important thing when playing live. Plus, you'll find out what essential item is a must for him on tour and what truly inspires him about the punk scene.
As you heard in the full episode, Sean talked quite a bit about his commute to play in The Scandals and how it helped inspire his song "34th & 8th". What I have for you at the end of this episode is Structure Sounds take on it followed by the earlier version which can be found on Sean's solo ep as I thought it would be interesting to share the evolution of a song. Enjoy!
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Sean Carney (Structure Sounds, The Scandals, This Is A Movement, The Jesse Minute)
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
My guest on this episode is Sean Carney, who you may know from bands such as The Jesse Minute, This Is A Movement, the New Jersey band - The Scandals, and most recently, Structure Sounds. In our conversation we talk about his introduction to punk music, the thought process and what he puts into his songwriting, as well as his experience recording at different studiosStructure Sounds just released their debut album, Light Up Your Sorrow, via Wiretap Records. You can pick it up a cassette or the vinyl, as well as some cool bundle packages, over on their Bandcamp page now
Interlude song order:
"No Telling" by The Jesse Minute from their album, DO or DIE
"Sleep Well" by This is a Movement from their EP, The Destruction of Yourself and the World Around You
"Birthmarks" by The Scandals from their EP, Lucky Seven
"Floating Beacons" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
"New Horizons" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
"Break Me" by Structure Sounds from their album, Light Up Your Sorrow
// Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Ryan Couitt (Dreamwell, Dwelling, Sentry)
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
My guest on this episode is Ryan Couitt of the band Dreamwell, as well as they're solo project Dwelling. In our conversation we cover Ryan's early days playing music, how their guitar sound has evolved over time, and what it's been like touring, writing, and recording with the bands they're in. Speaking of that, Dreamwell has a fantastic new album called "In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You" that is set to come out on October 20th and we take a deep dive into everything that went into the making of this record. I highly, highly, highly recommend you check this out. Pre-orders are up now on Dreamwell's Bandcamp page or at prostheticrecords.com
Interlude song order:
"Harbinger" by Sentry from their EP, This Too Shall Pass
"Blossom" by Dreamwell from their album, The Distance Grows Fonder
"Painting Myself a Darker Day" by Dreamwell from their album, Modern Grotesque
"Blighttown Type Beat" by Dreamwell from their album, In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You
"Obelisk of Hands" by Dreamwell from their album, In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You
"All Towers Drawn in the Equatorial Room" by Dreamwell from their album, In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You
// Interview recorded October 2, 2023 at Central Falls Landing// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Mark Lambert talks Sharks Come Cruisin’s discography
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
My guest on this episode is Mark Lambert, who happens to be the first person I ever interviewed for this podcast over 4 and a half years ago. Our focus for this conversation was on the discography of his band Sharks Come Cruisin' which spans 8 releases over 17 years, and leads all the way up to their brand new album "I Wish I Was On Gansett Bay" set to come out on October 20th but you can actually pre-order it now over at sharkscomecruisin.com We cover a lot on this one, from the places the band has recorded to the inventive and unique packaging they've done with many of the releases.
Interlude Song Order:
"Randy Dandy-O" from Live at Jake's
"Cape Cod Girls" from Four Years Before The Mast
"The Bonnie Ship The Diamond" from Providence Piers Sessions
"Four Years Before The Mast" from A Past We Forget That We Need To Know
"Eliza Lee" from When I Get Home From Across the Sea
"Mingulay Boat Song" from Hardtack EP
"Three Score and Ten" from Kettle Jane
"The Leaving of Liverpool" from When I Get Home From Across the Sea
"Charts" from I Wish I Was On Ganestt Bay
"Paddy and The Whale" from I Wish I Was On Ganestt Bay (SONG PREMIERE!!!)
// Interview recorded September 25, 2023 at Mark's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
RI 5 with Kay Belardinelli
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Interdisciplinary artist, Kay Belardinelli, shares some of her favorite spots in Rhode Island, how she likes her pizza, and why you should take chances on seeing live music even if you're not familiar with the musician(s) performing.
The end of the episode includes the Mariassunta song "Heavy Behind the Eyes" from their self-titled album.
// Interview recorded August 12, 2023 at Kay's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

A podcast about Rhode Island's music scene
Hey everyone, it's James!
As a touring musician and board member of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame I knew there were stories of our state's rich musical history that many (including myself) may not know.
I started this podcast to shine light on these incredible performers from a diverse selection of genres; and learn about their careers - how they got their start, where they played shows, and the other bands and musicians that performed along beside them - in hopes of archiving RI's dynamic music scene and showcasing the artists representing our country's smallest state.
Hosted by James Toomey
Est. March 2019
FIND IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST APP
Header photo by James Lastowski
Shot during my interview with Chachi Carvalho at Beatbox Studio