Where The Living Room Used To Be

Ben Shaw - mental health and musicians

During my interview with Ben Shaw we took a bit of a detour and started to talk more deeply about mental health as musicians. As you'll hear, both he and I have had to work on our mental state and seek outside help. This is a very important issue in the arts community so I wanted to pull this out from our full conversation to give it more attention and reach people about this specific issue. If you're having trouble with your mental health please talk to a friend or reach out to a professional to get some help. You are not alone and trust us... it will make a difference. 
The end of this mini-episode includes Ben's song "Between The Leather And The Headlights"
// Interview recorded January 15th, 2022 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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Ben Shaw (jazz saxophonist, classical composer, singer-songwriter)

On this episode, I welcome multi-instrumentalist, Ben Shaw. Not only does Ben play several instruments he also writes and performs many different styles of music - from folk and jazz to classical and hip hop. In our conversation we cover his journey of being musician that was barely accepted into the band at his middle school to becoming a nominated composer in international classical music competitions. Along the way Ben has written several albums and accompanied artists such as Math The Band, The Dear Hunter, Mau, and Chrissy Stewart... to name a few.
 
In our conversation, we discuss the release of his new songbook for his jazz album. I'm grateful to have been a part of Ben Shaw: The Charts coming together and you can all pick up a copy starting on February 6th at The Parlour jazz jam or by visiting benjaminshawmusic.com or my website livingroomutb.com shortly after that
 
Interlude song order:
Mau - live on AS220 Sessions June 2021
"Contiguous" by Milkbread
"String Quartet no. 1- I. Aggressive" by Ben Shaw (from his album Op. 1)
"Loans On Love" by Ben Shaw
"Working Title" by Ben Shaw (from his self-titled jazz album)
"Untitled Folk Melody" by Ben Shaw (from his self-titled jazz album)
// Interview recorded January 15th, 2022 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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Sage Francis (Strange Famous Records, Epic Beard Men, Non-Prophets, AOI)

I connect with Sage Francis to talk about his label - Strange Famous Records - and releasing music over the last 25 years, what local radio stations meant for his career, how giving it all as an artist can take its toll both mentally and physically, and some of the exciting things he's working toward in the near future.  If you enjoy the episode please check out some previous interviews I've done with Strange Famous artists B. Dolan and Jesse The Tree. 
Interlude song order:
"Narcissist - Live on WRIU (1999)" by Sage Francis (from his mixtape Sick Of Waiting Tables)
"Five Hearts" by Epic Beard Men 
"Dream School feat. Sage Francis, Buck 65" by ALXNDRBRWN (from his album Glow Kid)
"Cheat Code" by Sage Francis (from his album Copper Gone)
"Broken Wings" by Sage Francis (from his album Personal Journals)
// Interview recorded December 3rd, 2021 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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RI 5 with EhShawnee

Salsa music star, EhShawnee, shares some of the places she likes to hang out and dine at in The Ocean State.  Plus, we cover some of her favorite Rhode Island events!
At the end of the episode, I've included EhShawnee's hit song "Snake" for you to hear... but also make sure to check out the hilarious video she created for the song on her YouTube channel! 
 
// Interview recorded November 8th, 2021 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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Sound Advice with EhShawnee

On the bonus episode, EhShawnee discusses how education and preparation can lead to new opportunities, plus she gives some examples of overcoming challenges with her music career. 
I also included the song "Titanic" that she did with fellow superstars, Revolución Salsera. As we discussed in the full episode, the video for this was done in the Dominican Republic during the pandemic and definitely showed some dedication to what they do! Enjoy the song and make sure to check out the video on EhShawnee's YouTube channel! 
 
// Interview recorded November 8th, 2021 via Zoom// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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EhShawnee

EhShawnee is a renowned salsa star and in our conversation, we talk about how growing up in both the Dominican Republic and Rhode Island has informed her music, the feeling of having a #1 song in her home country, how she stays motivated to create, and what it's like for her to promote during Covid times! 
Interlude song order:
"La Vida Es Muy Shula"
"Mas Mala Que Tu"
"Ana Gabriel (Medley)"
// Interview recorded November 8th, 2021 via Zoom// 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! ///
 

Adapter Adapter talks about their new album ”No Comfort”

I caught up with Nick Ryder and Christopher Roy from the heavy blues/rock duo, Adapter Adapter on Instagram Live to talk about their latest release, "No Comfort". We get into how Nick and Chris started playing together, the emotion that went into this album, recording at Galilee Productions, and how the artwork came together in a very serendipitous way!
Check out the record on their Bandcamp page now and pre-order the cool random colored vinyl they're making for this!!! 
Interlude song order:
"No Comfort" by Adapter Adapter (from their album No Comfort)
"Lizzy's Revenge" by Adapter Adapter (from their album No Comfort)
// Interview recorded November 15th, 2021 via Instagram Live// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //
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Paul Dechichio talks about Tor Johnson Records‘ 20th Anniversary

Last week I caught up with Paul Dechichio on Instagram Live to talk about Tor Johnson Records' 20th Anniversary Subscription Series. In our conversation, Paul and I discuss what goes into planning and producing a series such as this, the diversity of bands he's included, and he lets out a few secrets of what special goodies come with the subscription!
Enjoy the episode and please consider purchasing a subscription at torjohnsonrecords.com
 
Interlude song order:
"Willow II" by Tyler Daniel Bean from his album On Days Soon To Pass
"Domination Lord Of Coldharbour" by Cyttorak from their EP Simultaneous Invocation Of Apocalyptic Harbingers
Also check out my full episode with Paul to learn more about the history of Tor Johnson Records and everything else he's involved in
http://www.livingroomutb.com/e/ep-6-paul-dechichio-tor-johnson-records-best-practices-cyttorak-teeth-like-swords-alpha-owl-jesuscentric
 
// Interview recorded November 1st, 2021 via Instagram Live (sorry that the audio quality was a little bit wonky with this one)// 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! ///