Where The Living Room Used To Be

Clatta Bumboo and I talk music advice on this mini-episode where he shares a story about being truly dedicated to who you are as a musician. We also discuss what being in the information age means to artists these days and the core focus on collaboration as a guiding light to creating his music.
At the end I included a clip of Clatta Bumboo & Roots Government's performance at Grant's Block in downtown Providence that PVD World Music put on back in September of 2022. The song is "My Time To Shine" (audio credit: Sharon Auger for Black River Sonics) from Clatta's Future Water EP and I hope you enjoy!
Lastly, please support Clatta Bumboo by buying any of his amazing music on Bandcamp or Apple or Amazon or stream it on your favorite digital platform! Visit linktr.ee/clattabumboo for links to all these.
// Interview recorded July 13, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I speak with reggae artist, Clatta Bumboo. In our conversation we cover what music meant for him as he was growing up in Jamaica, how Foundation Mondays at The Parlour impacted and inspired his career, and what he's looking for Rhode Islanders to do to better understand the importance of reggae music. We also get a little tip into what Clatta has on the horizon to pull our music community together.
Interlude song order:
"We Are The Chosen (Steppa Style)" with Natural Element Live at The Parlour Providence (audio credit: Steve Neves)
"Break The Chains" from his EP Catalysis - Miles Deep In The Attic
"Mother's Prayer" from his EP Future Water
// Interview recorded July 13, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Kevin Silva shares some amazing hidden gems around Rhode Island from his experience growing up here and moving around. Plus, he reminds everyone to check out The Collaborative's Warren Folks Festival on August 19th as his band The War In Kids, and many other fantastic acts will be playing.
I end this mini-episode with Senior Discount's song "Explode RI". This version is from their full-length album There Were Four Who Tried...
// Interview recorded June 1, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

On this mini-episode Kevin Silva passes along a wild story from the legendary Joe Moody, we talk about the energy and excitement that can come from exploring new sounds, and we discuss the similarities of comedy and music.
Listen until the end to hear "Travel The World" by MeandWho? from their 24 Hour PBR Diet EP as I feel it shares a little window into the early home recordings Kevin did for this project back here in Providence, Rhode Island
// Interview recorded June 1, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I chat with Kevin Silva, most recently of The War In Kids who have a new EP coming out in July. In our discussion Kevin seems to come upon what his first instrument actually was, plus we cover the start of Senior Discount and what the Providence scene was like for them during the early 2000s, and we get into the meaning behind some of his songwriting these days.
Interlude song order:
"I Hope Tomorrow Never Comes" by MeandWho? from their EP, Run Along
"Wendy's" by Senior Discount from their album, There Were Four Who Tried 
"Alice" by The War In Kids from their EP, Stay Lost
"5 Million Miles" by The War In Kids [single]
"Charlie" by The War In Kids from their EP, Stay Lost
// Interview recorded June 1, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Rafay Rashid shares his favorite drink and spot to hang... plus some insider tips on places to find beauty in the Ocean State, where he gets his pizza these days, and the events he enjoys most!
I've include a couple of my favorite tracks from Rafay's projects at the end so check out "Thing" by Lookers off their EP Mirage and "City of Love" off his solo album Kitchen Weapons
// Interview recorded May 8, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
 

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 //