Where The Living Room Used To Be

On this episode John McCauley talks about his approach to recording, as well as his thoughts on what kind of person you have to be to be a touring musician. You'll also hear the authors that inspire some of John's writing...which may surprise you. In the full episode that came out last week we covered Deer Tick's experience playing Newport Folk Festival for the first time and the ensuing post-festival concerts they did for nearl...

My guest on this episode is John McCauley from the band Deer Tick, as well as side projects Middle Brother and Diamond Rugs. In our conversation, John shares some amazing stories about his early days as a musician growing up in Providence, what the process was like for him touring during that time, and how seeing DIY shows in Olneyville as a teenager influenced his stage performance to this day. We also cover the writing and record...

Chuck Staton of Senior Discount shares some of his favorite things about Rhode Island included his go-to spot to shop for records, the drink he created that he always gets at a local coffee shop (I hope they hear this and start calling it "The Staton" on their menu), why his hometown area is so special, his choices for pizza when he's on his own or with a group, and the impact a concert series had on this life.

At the end you'll he...

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...

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 wit...

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 hea...

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 episod...

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 sh...

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'...

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 ...

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 a...

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 ...

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...

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 wi...

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...

Sean Carney explains what the Hot Water Music method is as well as some advice he learned directly from The Living Room. He also passes along what he feels is the most important thing when playing live. Plus, you'll find out what essential item is a must for him on tour and what truly inspires him about the punk scene.

As you heard in the full episode, Sean talked quite a bit about his commute to play in The Scandals and how it hel...

My guest on this episode is Sean Carney, who you may know from bands such as The Jesse Minute, This Is A Movement, the New Jersey band - The Scandals, and most recently, Structure Sounds. In our conversation we talk about his introduction to punk music, the thought process and what he puts into his songwriting, as well as his experience recording at different studios Structure Sounds just released their debut album, Light Up You...

My guest on this episode is Ryan Couitt of the band Dreamwell, as well as they're solo project Dwelling. In our conversation we cover Ryan's early days playing music, how their guitar sound has evolved over time, and what it's been like touring, writing, and recording with the bands they're in. Speaking of that, Dreamwell has a fantastic new album called "In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You" that is set to come out on October...

My guest on this episode is Mark Lambert, who happens to be the first person I ever interviewed for this podcast over 4 and a half years ago. Our focus for this conversation was on the discography of his band Sharks Come Cruisin' which spans 8 releases over 17 years, and leads all the way up to their brand new album "I Wish I Was On Gansett Bay" set to come out on October 20th but you can actually pre-order it now over at sharkscom...