Where The Living Room Used To Be

On this episode singer-songwriter, Beth Barron, and I connected outside of the Warren Folks Festival for a quick chat to talk about her path in music, how she's overcome some artistic hurdles, and we give you a little preview of what you can expect at The 8th Annual Rhode Island Folk Festival that she is a part of planning. The festival takes place at Rose Larisa Park in East Providence on Sunday, August 28th and we look forward to seeing you there!
At the end of the episode, I've included Beth's song "I'm Alive" available now wherever you stream music
// Interview recorded August 20th, 2022 on Cutler Street in Warren, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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On this special edition episode, I caught up with Jesse The Tree to talk about his new album "Pigeon Man" which is coming out Friday, August 19th on Strange Famous Records. In our conversation, we cover what it was like for him to collaborate with Mopes on this project, the inspiration behind some of the songs you'll hear, what was different about the process of recording Pigeon Man, and some of the featured artists he has on the album.Speaking of that, listen to the end because Strange Famous was kind enough to let me premiere a brand new track by Jesse The Tree entitled "Bigger Badder Wolf" that features Sage Francis!
// Interview recorded August 8th, 2022 at Central Falls Landing in Central Falls, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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For this mini-episode Chance Haki takes a deep dive into African vinyl and the influence of African music on the world. Plus, Chance shares some of his favorite places to host events and his love of a particular pizza shop (not just because of the food). Unfortunately, I couldn't get him to tell me his secret beach spot but we do reminisce on the brilliance of Benny's. 
At the end of the episode, you'll hear "I'll See You in My Dreams" from frequent Providence World Music performers Birt & Harley.
// Interview recorded June 20th, 2022 at James' house in Providence, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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On this episode, Chance Haki shares examples from his family that inspires him to persevere. Plus, you'll hear his perspective on how an organization can grow and the steps he's taking to further build Providence World Music.
At the end, you'll Steven Sogo play a song on the ikembe during his performance at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston on May 28th, 2022
// Interview recorded June 20th, 2022 at James' house in Providence, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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For this episode, I caught up with Chance Haki, the director of Providence World Music. Since starting this project a few years back Chance has done a tremendous amount of work to highlight and promote traditional and indigenous music. In our conversation, we learn more about their mission and what they want to achieve, plus the numerous shows and styles of music they promote around Rhode Island.Please visit pvdworldmusic.com to get active and support this organization.
Interlude song order:
Yacouba Diabate plays the kora at Farm Fresh, April 2022
Steven Sogo plays the inanga at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, May 2022
Mambo Pa Ti at Providence Salsa Bachata Festival, November 2019
Steven Sogo plays the umuduri at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, May 2022
// Interview recorded June 20th, 2022 at James' house in Providence, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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Drummer, vocalist, and art space owner Matt O'Brien, shares his favorite and his not-favorite things about Rhode Island.
At the end of the episode, I've included one of my favorite songs from passionplay's self-titled debut. The song is "My Odyssey" and I hope you enjoy it!
 
// Interview recorded July 4th, 2022 at Focal in Pawtucket, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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On this mini-episode, Matt O'Brien passes along some tips on his drum technique. He also discusses how his endorsement with SJC Custom Drums came about and shares his experience with regard to the therapeutic value of playing music.
And, as you'll hear Matt talk about in this episode... he likes to pull from various styles of music with the songs he writes. From listening to his catalog, I think a song that showcases this well is passionplay's song "Dreamless". I've included this track for you at the end. If you dig it, please support them by picking up their latest EP "Sinking" on Bandcamp. Enjoy!
// Interview recorded July 4th, 2022 at Focal in Pawtucket, RI// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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On this episode, I sat down with musician and co-founder of Focal, Matt O'Brien. I had a lot of fun talking with him and we covered a lot during our conversation including the interesting way he got his first drumset, the numerous bands he's played in, and what went into starting the art gallery Focal as well as what they are looking to achieve with this space.Plus, one of Matt's bands, passionplay, recently put out a phenomenal new release entitled "sinking." We discuss the recording process of this album, working with Roach Ranch Recordings, and the evolution of the band's sound.
Interlude song order:
"Blinders" by Just Flesh (from Demo 2020)
"Haunting This Empty Page" by passionplay (from self-titled)
"Who's Protected When You Serve" by Cerebral Prolapse (from Blossom) 
"Poison" by passionplay (from Sinking)
"Numb" by passionplay (from Sinking)
"Parasite" by passionplay (from Sinking)
// Interview recorded July 4th, 2022 at Focal in Pawtucket, RI// 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! ///