Where The Living Room Used To Be

Rafay Rashid passes along some songwriting advice he got from his uncle... as well as the beauty of creating with friends and we discuss the emotions that inspire him.
At the end of this mini-episode you'll hear a couple of tracks by Ravi Shavi live at The Parlour on March 5th, 2022. This was a birthday show for their drummer, Nick Iddon, and Tara Hansen that also included Viking Jesus, The Chops, and Animal Face. This was one of Nick's last shows before his passing and it has kind of become legendary night so I wanted to share it with you. (audio credit: James Lastowski)
// Interview recorded May 8, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I chat with Rafay Rashid where we cover some early influences that led him to music and performance. We also cover the path Ravi Shavi has taken with regards to their lineup and releases, plus we discuss how a friendship with members of Deer Tick led to the start of their band Happiness as well as Rafay's other musical projects. Most importantly we take a deep dive into Kitchen Weapons the new solo album he's set to release on May 26th. It's a great record with a meaningful back story so I hope you enjoy the episode and pick up the vinyl via Almost Ready Records
Interlude song order:
"Sixes and Sevens" by Ravi Shavi from their album, Special Hazards
"17" by Happiness from their album, Live
"Landline" by Rafay Rashid from his album, Kitchen Weapons
"Pain Palace" by Rafay Rashid from his album, Kitchen Weapons
// Interview recorded May 8, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

David Lawlor, a photographer and videographer here in Rhode Island shares some of his favorite places and things in the state. Learn where he likes to shop, what his favorite drink is and how many slices of pizza he orders at a time. 
Dave has also shot several photos that have been used for album artwork including Strip Mall's first ever single "Reverse The Curse" which I've included at the end of this mini-episode. 
// Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

This mini-episode has photographer David Lawlor sharing where he feels you should put your focus as an artist, plus we discuss what decisions need to be made to balance life and work, and most importantly what it means to have a community around you when you're looking to create.
 
Last year Dave made a music video for High Planes song "Season For The Ghosts" and you'll be able to hear this track at the end or you can watch it here!
 
// Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

For this one I was able to catch up with live music photographer and videographer, David Lawlor! We talk about some of the artists he worked with over the years, plus we get into his process and the techniques behind how he shoots... as well as what he's looking to bring to Rhode Island as a whole.His company, Run of the Mill, will be hosting a gallery exhibit Thursday May 4th at Shark's Event Center at Central Falls Landing so please come and see some of his work and I hope you enjoy learning more about his career in the episode!!
Interlude song order:
"Grace" live at The Met by Sage Francis
"Abandoned Places" acoustic by Lauren King
// Interview recorded April 24, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Richmond rapper, BlackLiq teamed up once again with Rhode Island's Mopes to create "Choice Is A Chance"... the follow up to this duos "Time Is The Price". In our conversation we talk about how these two first connected, the technique BlackLiq uses to write with such depth and quick turnaround, and how Mopes has settled into his production over the last few years to create with more intention. Plus, if you listen to the end you'll get a tiny glimpse of what their third project together may be.Pick up "Choice Is A Chance" now at Strangefamous.com and watch for it wherever you stream music on April 14th.Plus, both Mopes and BlackLiq will be performing alongside Jesse the Tree and Sage Francis on Friday, April 21st at The Met in Pawtucket. Get your tickets now for this historic return of some Rhode Island hip hop legends!!
Interlude song order:
"Guilty" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Time Is The Price
"Strange Famous" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance
"In The Beginning" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance
"Words From Black" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance
"How I Did It" by BlackLiq x Mopes from their album, Choice Is A Chance
// Interview recorded April 8, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

My guest on this episode is Nova One's Roz Raskin. In our conversation we cover what their experience was like making this album especially with the hurdles the pandemic created, the urge to explore new sounds as an artist, and the amount of attention that went into each part of the production. We also discuss their custom Holcomb guitar, and the creative choices made for the album's design pieces.Create Myself is available on March 31st via Community Records and you can order it now at ilovenovaone.com and communityrecords.org
Interlude song order:
"Dangerous" from Nova One's album Create Myself
"Crying" from Nova One's album Create Myself
// Interview recorded March 20, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //

Nick Ryder of Adapter Adapter shares some of his favorites places and things you'll find in the Ocean State!
At the end, I've included one of my favorite tracks from his new album, Sleep Spell. The song is "Warship" and I hope you dig it as much as I do!
// Interview recorded February 23, 2023 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //