Where The Living Room Used To Be – Details, episodes & analysis

Jon Pagano shares his favorite record store from back in the day as well as his top shop currently (you can probably guess if you know who out out the new Sullest album). We also cover the summer treat he enjoys most, a special spot here in RI, the full circle music event in his life, and Jon shouts out some tasty places to get pizza!

At the end I've included one of my favorite tracks, "Darren Fairenoughsky", from Sullest's self-titled album!!

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey /

Jon Pagano shares some stories from the Squid Amps days, as well as what the true experience of touring really is!

Listen to the end to hear Sullest performing "Robinette" live at Fete in Providence, RI on March 17, 2023

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey //

The rap duo, Metermaids, are not from Rhode Island but they do have a strong connection to the state. On this episode I chat with Sentence and Swell about the origin of their group, the variation of sounds they achieve from album to album, and how they linked up with Strange Famous Records. Speaking of that, Metermaids will be performing at The Met on June 8th alongside labelmates Sage Francis, Cas One, Early Adopted, Mopes, Jesse The Tree, and Storm Davis. Make sure you're in the room for this as there's some special stuff happening that evening. I will see you there!

Interlude song order:

• "Blackout Baby" from their EP, Smash Smash Bang
• "Get Down" from their album, Rooftop Shake
• "House On Fire" from their album, We Brought Knives
• "Quiet On The Set feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky
• "All The Smoke feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky

// Interview recorded May 29, 2024 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 //

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This is a unique episode as it's a bit of a reunion of the band Cedros that I was a part of about 10 years ago. On Friday, November 5th, Where The Living Room Used To Be is releasing the album we made back in 2011 - entitled The Red Knight - that never actually came out on limited-edition lathe-cut vinyl 7", cassette with exclusive bonus tracks, and digital download. Caleb, Phil, and I got together to talk about our experiences in the band, working with Daryl Rabidoux to make this album, and some of the memorable shows we played during our time as a band.

Interlude song order:

• "Roche Limit" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)
• "Lost Sleep" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)
• "Remedy" by Cedros (from The Red Knight)

If you dig some of the songs clips you hear please consider picking up the record at livingroomutb.bandcamp.com. Thanks! 

// Interview recorded October 28th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Emcee and entrepreneur, Joe Bruce, talks about early music discovery, shouts out a fantastic independent business that made the choice to do what's right for their community, shares a little about what it was like growing up where he did, his personal show goals of where he'd like to perform, and calls out some of the practices that can happen when shows are booked in RI. 

I've also included one of my favorite tracks off of Joe's latest album Serpent. The song is "Workshop" and has features by Troy Reign and Ren Thomas!

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Joe Bruce shares some advice about how to shift your perspective to unburden yourself as an artist... as well as what it takes to connect that missing link to move to the next level.

For quite a few years now Chachi Carvalho has been curating an art & music festival called Culture Shock. Joe has performed at this event a couple of times including last year which pivoted to an online stream. The show was really cool so I wanted to share his performance of "Wish" with you and invite you to check out the entire program.

Also, follow Culture Shock 401 on Instagram as there might be some exciting news coming soon. Enjoy! 

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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On this episode, I speak with rapper and entrepreneur Joe Bruce. We get into his new album Serpent, the relationship he has with his producers (such as ClarkWork and Larry Ohh), what he's doing to shine a light on Rhode Island's hip hop scene, and how a serendipitous rideshare was the catalyst to get him back into music

Interlude song order:

• "Soul" by Joe Bruce & Clarkwork from their album The Ruff Mixes (2017 - 2020) 
• "On The Low" by Joe Bruce & Larry Ohh from their album Clementine
• "Story of Jacob" by Joe Bruce & Clarkwork from their album The Ruff Mixes (2017 - 2020)
• "Shine (feat Mz Marrowz)" by Joe Bruce from his album Serpent

// Interview recorded October 11th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Bluegrass singer and guitarist, Alex MacLeod, shares some of the finds on Wickenden Street in Providence that he holds dear, how he fuels up for a long fishing trip (hint: "Cumbys" is involved), a spot in Central Falls that he must visit whenever in the area, and how one of his favorite RI events is one he's actually never been to.

Included at the end is the song "Stagger Lee" from Rock Hearts album Starry Southern Nights.

// Interview recorded September 9th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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Alex MacLeod passes along some of the wisest advice I've heard about how to connect with an audience and truly be a pro musician. He also gives some tips on how to learn and advance your bluegrass talents.

Also, as you heard in the full episode, Alex had the opportunity to play in one of the most well-known New England bluegrass bands of all time, Northern Lights. And to me... it's just such a wonderful thing that he got to be a part of representing Rhode Island in that way. After being a band for 35 years Northern Lights played their last show on March 13th, 2010. At the end of this mini-episode I've included a song from that evening - "Lonesome Road" (audio credit: steveide59) that featured Alex on rhythm guitar and vocals. I hope you enjoy it!

// Interview recorded September 9th, 2021 via Zoom // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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