Where The Living Room Used To Be

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 recording process of many of his records included Deer Tick's latest album, "Emotional Contracts" which is out now via ATO records.
Interlude song order:
"Dirty Dishes" by Deer Tick from their Daytrotter Session
"Goodbye, Dear Friend" by Deer Tick from their album, Black Dirt Sessions
"Main Street" by Deer Tick from their album, Divine Providence
"Out on My Own" by Diamond Rugs from their self-titled album
"Ashamed" by Deer Tick from their live performance at Newport Blues Cafe on Jul 28, 2019 (audio credit: Chad)
"Once in a Lifetime" by Deer Tick from their album, Emotional Contracts
// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 hear Senior Discount's "The Christmas Medley" which was one of Chuck's favorite music endeavors he's been a part of.
// Interview recorded February 9, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 //