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Musician and director, Chuck Staton, shares how he's made it through some tough times while working with others in creative spaces. If you listen to the end you'll hear Senior Discount's "VBW song" as a prime example of this. Plus, he shares about how to work past self doubt and how you can best set yourself up for success. Chuck also shares a story about an interesting feud between a couple of his famous bosses I think you'll like to check out 🤔 // Interview recorded February 9, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

For this episode I connected with Chuck Staton of Senior Discount to talk about his long history in music and podcasting. In our interview we cover how he went from starting a band before he knew how to play guitar to performing in front of thousands of fans on some of New England's biggest stages, and all the way up to getting signed to Paper + Plastick Records. We also discuss the role of creating entertaining videos early on with his bandmates and other unique ways they worked to promote the band. Chuck continues to do a lot with video working with some of the biggest names in comedy and film. He's also a co-host of the Funbearable podcast, which is presenting their Winter Funderland special at The Comedy Connection in East Providence on Sunday, February 25th. Tickets are available now at funbearablepod.com and you'll learn more about all this in our conversation. Interlude song order: "And That's Goodbye..." from Senior Discount's album And That's Goodbye... "Nothing's Left" from Senior Discount's album The Best Revenge "Afterlife (Acoustic)" from Senior Discount's album The Best Revenge "Casey's Song (Acoustic)" from Senior Discount's album And That's Goodbye... // Interview recorded February 9, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

On this episode Aaron takes us back through a history of what Thayer Street in Providence used to be like in the early 90s, the specific way he likes a certain drink and which RI staple is a sham in his eyes, a touching generational story with his family, how often a nearby pizza place would deliver to The Living Room, and the magnificent energy a long-running annual DIY festival was at the beginning! Plus, listen to the end to hear his band, Hillbilly Graham Crackers, play "Lord Have Mercy" (audio credit: Joseph Carvalho) during From The Living Room To The Parlour: 40 Years of Local Music, which took place on April 18 + 19, 2015 at The Parlour Providence! // Interview recorded January 8, 2024 at Wes' Rib House (sorry for some of the heater background noise... I didn't realize that would bleed through)// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

This episode has Aaron Jaehnig sharing a story of how a wild night at The Living Room led to a surprising experience at Union Station Brewery about 20 years later. Plus, we talk about the advice he'd give a person looking to enter the music business, especially those in a position of management. Then we cover why he diverted away from the conventional path in life and the people that truly inspire him as well.In the full episode, Aaron talked about his connection to and appreciation of the band Six Finger Satellite, so please listen to the end as you'll hear their song "Another Landslide" which was actually recorded live at The Living Room back on December 5th, 1998 // Interview recorded January 8, 2024 at Wes' Rib House (sorry for some of the heater background noise... I didn't realize that would bleed through)// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

Aaron Jaehnig joins me on this episode for a great conversation about his experience working at The Living Room, some key lessons he learned from Randy Hien, the start of The Parlour and what it was like for him to end his time there, and some of the bands he's played in over the years.This was definitely a fun interview and one that's been in the works for a bit...so I'm super happy I was able to connect with Aaron and help share the news of his latest venture at Wes' Rib House as well! Interlude song order: "Border Crossing" by B. Dolan from his album Fallen House, Sunken City "Thinkin' About Drinkin'" by Girl Haggard from their album Country and Eastern "Sydney" (featuring Roz Raskin) by Northern Lands from their album He Took A Dive // Interview recorded January 8, 2024 at Wes' Rib House (sorry for some of the heater background noise... I didn't realize that would bleed through)// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

I put together this mini-episode because Aaron Jaehnig, who many of you know from The Living Room, The Parlour and Union Station Brewery, is part of the endeavor to revive Wes' Rib House with new management and the addition of live music. Wes' just recently reopened so make plans to head down as they'll be serving some of the best BBQ and entertainment in the Providence.In our conversation you'll learn much more about what's gone into this transformation and how things are evolving. Plus, listen to the end because I included the song "Providence and Bourbon" from Aaron's former band Girl Haggard as it just seemed to be the perfect song for this episode. And watch for the full episode with Aaron very soon where we'll cover his long history in music! // Interview recorded January 8, 2024 at Wes' Rib House (sorry for some of the heater background noise... I didn't realize that would bleed through)// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

This was an emotional episode as Joe Potenza takes us back to some of the places he used to buy records - including a jazz spot that was new to me. Plus, you'll learn about what was going on around him while he enjoyed his favorite local drink, the place he agrees is "dog heaven" here in Rhode Island, the two sides of his connection to pizza, and a quick history of one of the most famous music festivals in our state. At the end of the episode you'll hear "Can't Find My Way Home" by Evening Sky from their album, Guest Stars, which features Michelle Mybelle Hill.  // Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

On this episode Joe Potenza shares what can happen in small music scenes, his take on the true purpose of being a freelance sideman musician, and he talks about some of the people that have inspired him because of the impact they've had both on and off the stage.  At the end of the episode you'll hear "Blues Burger" by John Monllos from his album Shadow's Dance, which includes Joe Potenza on bass. John is based out of Newport, RI and I included this song as it's a good example of Joe (and others) not being phased by some of the geographic cliques that keep peers apart. // Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //     

I was lucky enough to meet back up with the one and only, Joe Potenza, to talk more deeply about his impressive music career. In our conversation we go back to the start of how various instruments came into his life, the moment he became attached to bass, and who motivated him to play early on. We also cover the many styles of music he's performed over the years, some of the big names he's joined on stage, and we go all the way up to the connection he has with his current band, Evening Sky.Speaking of that, this jazz/roots quartet just released another installment of their "Plus One:" series. This one features singer Eden Casteel, and in our interview you'll learn a lot more about the thought behind how this band writes together and with others. Interlude song order: "Driving To Essex" by Dean Marcellana "On This Morning" by Mary Ann Rossoni from her album, Timber & Nails "Down the Stairs" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Ben Shaw "You Must Believe in Spring" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Eden Casteel "Sea of Heartbreak" by Evening Sky from their album, Plus One: Eden Casteel // Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

After my interview with legendary bass player, Joe Potenza, wrapped up we actually continued our conversation sharing stories about growing up, what it means to be part of the rhythm section of a band, and how the experiences we've had as musicians have helped us in our everyday lives.  Joe Potenza's band, Evening Sky, has a new album out Friday, December 1st. This features vocalist, Eden Casteel, and is the next installment in the band's +1 series. At the end of the episode you'll hear a single off of this entitled "Big Log", which is a reworking of the classic Robert Plant song! Pick up the album in the highest resolution audio via Native DSD, or over on their Bandcamp page when it's released! As I was editing the full interview (which will be available very soon!), I realized this segment could act as a good intro to that full conversation and shout out his band's exciting new record. I hope you agree and enjoy! // Interview recorded November 27, 2023 at Joe's house// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

I reconnected with Clatta Bumboo to give you all a preview of his new album Make Way Rasta, which will be available on November 24th.In our conversation, we go track by track talking about the inspiration and meaning behind this impressive and important record. We cover the need for introspection, revolution, collaboration and motivation. Plus, you'll get to learn about all that went into its making and the studios he worked with both here in Rhode Island and in Jamaica.If you want to find out more about Clatta's music history, check out our interview from earlier this summer and support him by heading to clattabumboo.com Interlude song clips from the album Make Way Rasta  "Make Way Rasta" "The Sound" "Calling To The People" "Give I Strength" "Be Strong" "Digital Dystopia" "Where Is Home" "Live Up Now" "Got What I Want" "Good Vibration" "Angel Of The Night" "Digital Dystopia (Dub Style)" - full song premiere // Interview recorded November 7, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Sean Carney and I get nostalgic about trips to the record store... plus, he covers the polar opposite places he enjoys getting a drink; why he could never really leave Rhode Island, what's good and bad about our local pizza, and his favorite place to party when welcoming in a new year! At the end, I've included one of my personal favorite tracks from Structure Sounds new album Light Up Your Sorrow. The track is "Andrea" and you can also check out the video that Sean directed and co-edited.  // Interview recorded October 17, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //