Episodes
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Clatta Bumboo (Roots Government, Black River Sonics)
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
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 //
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
RI 5 with Kevin Silva
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
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 //
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Sound Advice with Kevin Silva
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
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 //
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Kevin Silva (The War In Kids, Senior Discount, MeandWho?)
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
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 //
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
RI 5 with Rafay Rashid
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
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 //
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Sound Advice with Rafay Rashid
Tuesday May 30, 2023
Tuesday May 30, 2023
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 //
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Rafay Rashid (Ravi Shavi, Happiness, Lookers, HEVS)
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
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 //
Tuesday May 16, 2023
RI 5 with David Lawlor
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
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 //

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
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Header photo by James Lastowski
Shot during my interview with Chachi Carvalho at Beatbox Studio