Where The Living Room Used To Be

In the bonus episode Spocka Summa and I talk about the path creativity can take, he shares a couple words on a lesson his grandfather passed down to him, and we get into the first time he performed in the crowd.   As you've been hearing throughout our interview Spocka is well known for his live show so I wanted to share a song from his performance at RevivialFest in 2018 (video credit: Lisa Gourley). The song is "001" from The Progression EP.    Please tell a friend about this show, and it would be super rad if subscribed and left a rating or review wherever you are listening right now   Interview recorded June 30th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

Spocka Summa is an incredible rapper, artist, gallery owner, show producer and so much more! In our interview we get into all this including his thoughts on mixtape culture, what he puts into his live shows, the concept behind No Robots, and an exclusive announcement of where he's talking the project next!!! We had our conversation prior to the launch of Public's fundraising campaign so we didn't get into that with too much detail. You can support this wonderful space by visiting publicshopandgallery.com to learn more and donate to their "This Ain't Free" campaign which will help cover overdue bills, fund projects in the fall & winter, and assist in securing a new space next spring. And... don't forget to support Spocka directly by picking up some merch + music at spockasumma.com/shop (you check out my "Anti-Robot Club" special segment to get more insight into Spocka's designs and concepts too) Interlude song order: "Alone (prod. by Blake)" from LIVE WIRE 3000 VOLTZ mixtape "No Robots (prod. by Last Child

B. Dolan shares his favorite PVD record shop... that he didn't want to tell you... but he does anyway, as well as some evening treats he had growing up and where he likes to spend time in the State of Rhode Island. This bonus episode includes a favorite song of mine off his album, Kill The Wolf, entitled "Memory of Bombs" which features our friend Roz Raskin. As with almost all of B's lyrics this song is powerful and poignant.  Interview recorded May 29th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey  ***If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now!***

B. Dolan shares what I believe is a very insightful piece of advice that he learned from Sage Francis that relates to perspective and success. He talks about what he thinks true self reliance can mean for an artist. Also included is his song "Which Side Are You On?" which is an important track that has become a bit of an anthem for B. Dolan. As you listen to this song, remember that the mixtape it came out on (as well as the song "Film The Police") - House of Bees Vol. 2 - was released over 8 years ago Interview recorded May 29th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey  ***If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now!***

B. Dolan and I dove into a lot of things during our interview... from how he got into rap music, to his creative and recording process, his activism work, the band he was in that he described as "hip hop + Fort Thunder", the start of Epic Beard Men with Sage Francis, and all the way up to what he's doing now to stay afloat and connected with his fans during this time that he can't tour.  Interlude song order:"Young Americans (feat. Sole)" by B. Dolan"Safety Theater" by B. Dolan"Jailbreak (feat. Aesop Rock, Buck 65, and Dave Lamb)" by B. Dolan"Five Hearts" by Epic Beard Men"Isolated score from the movie 'VAULT (2019)'" by B. Dolan"Pistol Dave (feat. Slug of Atmosphere)" by Epic Beard Men   Interview recorded May 29th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey  ***If you enjoy the episode please leave a rating or review wherever you're listening right now!***

Spocka Summa is an artist not only known for his engaging live shows but also for his thought-provoking imagery and merchandise! In this special bonus segment he talks about the quickly expanding line of cohesive and well-designed gear he has coming out (printed locally in Pawtucket at Classsick Custom) and an announcement about the "Anti-Robot Club". If you have the means... show Spocka some support and pick up some merch at spockasumma.com/shop Episode also includes the track Titan off of his 2019 EP "The Greeen" Interview recorded June 25th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

Give a listen to find the pattern with some of Armand Aromin's favorite things in Rhode Island! The end of this bonus episode has a favorite song of mine from The Vox Hunters latest record -Fresh From The Board: Music From The Ocean State Songster, Volume 1 - which is a ballad entitled "The Single Sailor". Interview recorded May 16th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

In this bonus episode Armand Aromin shares some words of encouragement... what can happen at pub sings... and the merits of making something your own.  The end of the episode includes a live performance by The Vox Hunters at The Music Mansion in 2017 (video credit: The Music Mansion) The song is "Bristol March" originally composed by Oliver Shaw. For those not familiar with Oliver - he composed dozens and dozens songs during his career which began in the early 1800s and was recognized by some as the very first American-born music star in the United States. In 2012, Oliver Shaw was inducted into the inaugural class of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.  Interview recorded May 16th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

Multi-instrumentalist Armand Aromin and I cover many things during our conversation such as what I would consider is a unique inspiration to start playing music... his path to becoming a violin maker... and the approach he and his partner, Ben, take to playing traditional folk music! Interlude song order:"The Fairy Reel" by The Ivy Leaf"The Cucanandy" by The Ivy Leaf"Fresh From The Board" by The Vox Hunters"Cardinal" by Mountainess"Little Rhode Island" by The Vox Hunters Interview recorded May 16th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

I recently had the opportunity to speak with acclaimed rapper and activist B. Dolan about his song "Film the Police" originally released in 2011. In this segment we talk about political art and how protest songs can help be a tool to unite and activate the public. He also shares some personal insight into what's currently happening in Minnesota. *Watch for the full interview with B. Dolan about his career and more in a few weeks.  Interview recorded May 29th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

Jesse Ramos and I cover summertime frosty treats, where he'd like to retire, and what activity aggravates him most in life (in a good way)! It was honestly super hard to pick a favorite song of mine to include on this bonus episode but I decided to go with "by my side (featuring Sly Quixote)" from Jesse The Tree's latest album 'space tomatoes'. The album is amazing front-to-back, but I chose this one as it's a perfect example of Jesse's style of singing in his music. I hope you love it as much as I do!  Interview recorded April 18th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

***PICK UP JESSE THE TREE'S LATEST ALBUM "SPACE TOMATOES" ON LIMITED EDITION CASSETTE at bit.ly/WTLRUTBmerch *** Jesse Ramos shares the attitude toward live shows that he learned from touring with Jared Paul, his thoughts on why you don't have to be hurtful to be an expressive artist, and how he draws upon the human condition in his music. This bonus episode includes the track "Slow" from the record Asthma that Jesse The Tree & Slitty Wrists released together in 2019. Interview recorded April 18th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey 

On this episode I chat with Jesse Ramos... who you more likely know by the name Jesse The Tree. Jesse and I talk about his start writing rhymes back in high school, drawing influences from both 90s hip hop as well as the folk scene for some of his music, and how his new record "space tomatoes" got its name. Jesse also shares an awesome story that happened during one of his video shoots and we discuss some of his collaborations with rappers such as Lewis Morris and Slitty Wrists! Interlude song order: "shOes" (produced by Mkour) by Jesse The TreeTree Ppl. live at Sessions with Bafustago April 2019 (video credit: SOSICO.)"clarity" (prod. by Lewis M.) by Jesse The Tree"Michael Buffer" (feat. Lewis M.) by Jesse The Tree   Interview recorded April 18th, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey  

On this bonus episode I learn what is likely to be my next favorite drink, and that... in addition to both being badasses... Roz Raskin and Chachi Carvalho have very similar pizza choices! Also included is a song I've been really digging off the new NOVA ONE album called "close encounter" which is actually a remake of a song originally released by their earlier band, Roz and The Rice Cakes. Interview recorded April 1st, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey  

Roz Raskin shares the power of positive reinforcement, how a diversity of voices are moving to the forefront in music, and some of what they were feeling while writing their new record "lovable". Includes an in-studio performance at WBRU by Roz and The Rice Cakes of their song "Castle" that was recorded in 2014. (video credit: WBRU Providence) Interview recorded April 1st, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Roz Raskin is known for their work in bands such as The Rice Cakes and Nova One. In our conversation we talk about the start of these bands, learning piano at an early age and what they've done to develop their voice, the importance of building a solid local following as a musician, and their approach to songwriting. We also cover the experience of recording at Big Nice Studio and winning the WBRU Rock Hunt! Interlude song order: "Zabudabudee" by Roz and the Rice Cakes"Your Girl" by NOVA ONE"Do You" by Roz and the Rice Cakes"violet dreams" by NOVA ONE Interview recorded April 1st, 2020 via ZoomIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Rich Lupo and I talk about some things from back in the day, what originally being from Massachusetts means for pizza preference, and a certain place in Rhode Island that means a lot to him. I've included a live track recorded at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in 1999 by one of my favorite bands, Gruvis Malt. I can talk more about it someday, but in short, they're the first RI band I came down to see and still to this day - 20+ years later - they are still impressive to me! (video credit: Gavin Castleton) Interview recorded March 3rd, 2020 at The Met in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Rich Lupo discusses the reason why he runs his clubs the way he does, how he's stayed in business for so long, and why he continues on. Includes a live version of "Ashamed" by Deer Tick at their curated multi-artist showcase Dudesmash Too* held on September 14th, 2013 outside in the courtyard of The Met in Pawtucket, RI. (video credit: B West) *Also on this show were other RI locals The Low Anthem, Ravi Shavi, Last Good Tooth, and more Interview recorded March 3rd, 2020 at The Met in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Rich Lupo is a legendary club owner here in Providence for nearly 45 years. In our interview we cover why he got into the business, some of his favorite bands and personal memories over the last few decades, and even how Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel got its name! Interlude songs: "Welcome To Lupo's" by Roomful of Blues (from their album: Live At Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, Providence, RI 17-19 April 1986)The Wild Turkey Band live at the last show of Lupo's first location (July 25th, 1988; video credit: bobdtv)The Silks live at The Met (April 2017; video credit: Mayte Antelo-Ovando)  Recorded March 3rd, 2020 at The Met in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey

Jesús shares where he likes to practice and his favorite spot to grab a drink in Rhode Island. Includes a favorite track of mine by Grupo Sazón from their 2 song demo! Recorded January 30th, 2020 at Blackstone Valley Visitor Center in PawtucketIntro music by CedrosHosted by James Toomey