Where The Living Room Used To Be James Toomey

Deer Tick's John McCauley shares some of this favorite things about his home state. Learn where he used to & currently buys his records, the RI drink he loves so much he has a tattoo of it, the event he looks forward most to each year, and the variety of pizza he enjoys in the ocean state!
At the end of the episode, I shared my favorite version of "The Real Thing" by Deer Tick. This is from their Live In Studio promo video Dennis Ryan engineered. I love this song and this version absolutely rules!! Watch the video on YouTube HERE and buy the album, Emotional Contracts, HERE.
// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 nearly a decade. With that, at the end of the episode I shared a track from the band's album Live At Fort Adams that was recorded in 2020. The song is "Jumpstarting" and you can pick this up on vinyl at deertickmusic.com either on this live record or their studio album "Vol. 2"
// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 //