October 15th, 2020
Journalism and radio are tough business so in this bonus episode Rob Duguay shares some practical insight into how to make strides in either of those careers. We also talk a little bit about this wonderful Rhode Island music scene in general... so tune in!
Also included is a live song by Knotty (audio credit: 9577Jessica9577) from a show at Jimmy's Saloon in Newport that Rob's company, Top 5 Fiend, booked in April of 2017. Other Rhode Island bands on this show were Viking Jesus and The Propellers.
Interview recorded August 10th, 2020 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!***
October 8th, 2020
Rob Duguay tells the story of his progression in radio & music journalism from school papers to national magazines, what his experience was like being the alternative rock director was at Rhode Island College in the early 2000s, and why he started booking shows under the name Top Five Fiend.
And, make sure to tune into the interview to hear me ask Rob a question about how to ask questions in an interview. (that's some meta shit right there if you ask me)
Interlude song order:
Interview recorded August 10th, 2020 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!***
October 1st, 2020
Some of Jhony Keys responses in this bonus episode are a little out the box... and I love it! Give a listen to find out some of his favorite things in Rhode Island and hear what I'm referring to.
Stay til the end to hear a live track by Jhony Keys Band! The recording is from Jhony's birthday fundraiser jazz jam at Ten Rocks in November of 2018.
Interview recorded August 3rd, 2020 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!***
September 24th, 2020
Jhony Keys is a man that's well versed and connected to so many styles of music. In this bonus episode he shares what being around other musicians can teach you, how getting away from your comfort zone is helpful to expand your abilities, and what it is that motivates him to continue to get better
Also included is a song that features Jhony sitting in on bass with Natural Element at The Parlour in September of 2019. Enjoy!
Interview recorded August 3rd, 2020 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!***
September 17th, 2020
Jhony Keys is an inspirational person as his grit and incredible work ethic is second to none! In our conversation we talk about why this is, his experience growing up in Haiti before he came to RI in his late teens, and how he's become a part of so many bands that span numerous genres & musical styles.
Not only is Jhony an amazing player, he's also great teacher so hit him up on Instagram or send him an email to take lessons with him!
Interlude song order:
Jhony Keys Trio live at 10 Rocks (video credit: Valencio Small)
Becky Bass & Jhony Keys Caribbean Soul (video credit: Good News Rhode Island)
The Funky Autocrats live at Murphy's Law (video credit: Orin Siliya)
Interview recorded August 3rd, 2020 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!***
September 3rd, 2020
This episode really is special because it my first band interview! I got to chat with the guys from Toad & The Stooligans about their new record -Jesus Juice - coming out later this month plus how the band came together, their song writing process, and what tracks they are most excited for you all to hear from the new release.
I'm also doing a raffle where you could WIN A CD COPY OF THEIR NEW ALBUM AND A T&S BANDANA over on my Instagram page... so head over there for more details!!!
Interlude song order:
"Statments" from Very Handsome
"Stevie Sees" from Jesus Juice
"Little Green Light" from Jesus Juice
Interview recorded August 16th, 2020 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!***
August 27th, 2020
On this bonus episode Ben Barnett talks a little about the history of his favorite record shop in Providence, tell us about a "friend" he visits when he's looking for some serenity, and breaks down the numerous pizza options we have in our state.
Includes the track "Torches" from Dropdead's forthcoming self-titled LP which is available now for digital pre-order!
Interview recorded August 1st, 2020 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!***
August 20th, 2020
Ben Barnett has so much experience in many different areas of music that it was a little hard for him to nail down a single piece of advice but he did share a common request he gets while performing, what to reasonably expect when starting a band, and some of the things he looks forward to most when playing shows.
Also included is a live recording of a piece of Dropdead's set from June 2019 at AS220 in Providence, RI (video credit: Escuela Grind)
Interview recorded August 1st, 2020 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!***
August 13th, 2020
For this episode I spoke with is Ben Barnett from the band Dropdead. He is also known for running Armageddon Label and Armageddon Shop which has locations both here in Providence and in Boston.
In our interview Ben takes us through Dropdead's discography up to the new LP that's scheduled to be released next month.
We talked about the early days and evolution of Dropdead, recording with Kurt Ballou from Converge, the re-releases Ben's been working on, and what's he's been up to in general with the label and shop.
One thing I really liked about my conversation with Ben was his recognition of the Providence scene and how playing with a variety of different bands and sharing tips with each other early on really helped move Dropdead along to the internationally-known touring band they are today
Song interlude order:
- "Wound Runs Deep" from Demo 1991
- "You Have A Voice" from Self Titled 1993
- "Justify Your Violence" from Self Titled 1998
- "Prelude" from Self Titled 2020
- "Nothing Remains" from Self Titled 2020
Interview recorded August 1st, 2020 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!***
August 6th, 2020
Spocka Summa reminisces about a record store he used to hang at, shares where he likes to explore, and tells us how he likes his pizza!
Includes a favorite track of mine "Used To Be" { how could I not pick this ;) } from his 2017 EP The Progression 001
Interview recorded June 30th, 2020 via Zoom
Intro music by Cedros
Hosted by James Toomey
