I caught up with half of the radio duo, John Shea, and asked him a few questions about the show, his involvement in the music scene, and why he loves being an integral part of the local music community.
What are the plans
for the future?
JS: There’s always something fun and interesting happening here
at WATD, especially when it comes to local music. In addition to Almost Famous,
WATD features 2 local artist showcases each weekday – at 9:45am and again at
noon. Lisa (my Almost Famous co-host) and I are both very active in the local
music community and attend shows through out the week. As for the future, it’s
sort of a day by day process. We try to not look too far ahead because we might
miss something awesome happening right now.
2) Why do we have the
best local music scene?
JS: It’s eclectic. There’s something for all ears. And because
the music community as a whole seems to be one big family.
3) Favorite OR least
favorite/most embarrassing moment on air from your career?
JS: My favorite is probably back when Ashley Jordan, a then
teenage singer-songwriter made her radio debut on Almost Famous. She drove all
the way from Worcester with her guitar and broke a string before she finished
the first song. So Lisa put a call out on the air and thankfully several area
musicians were listening and came to her rescue. It all unfolded live on the
radio. For months after that show the live guest always pointed out that they
had brought extra strings. I think it really helped put us and Ashley on the
map.
4) If you could have
anyone on the show from the area (general New England) – famous or “almost
famous” who would it be?
JS: The next band/musician to come on the show that we haven’t
met yet.
5) Why is fostering
local music important to you?
JS: Because the commercial music scene lately just seems boring.
For usually less than $10 you can see a whole night of live music, with several
bands that are as good if not better than most major established artists. I
also love checking out area open mics because it’s a chance to see some amazing
musicians at the beginning of their careers. The open mics I attend regularly
are Luciosos in Plymouth on Mondays hosted by Boston Catalano, The Tinker’s Son
in Norwell hosted by Jackson Wetherbee and Driftwood in Plymouth hosted by Jeff
Hilliard and Mike Visconti. And finally because some of the people I’ve met
along the way have become some of my best friends.
6) Do you have any
"guilty pleasure" music? Something the world may be surprised to hear
you listen to?
JS: I do love rockin’ out to the sounds of the 80s, especially
sappy power ballads.
7) Aside from being
such a supporter of local music, do you have any other pastimes?
JS: Radio and music pretty much run most of my life. But when I
do have a chance to escape, I love hiking, camping, walking the dog and just
taking simple road trips to random places just for fun.
8) What would you
want people to know about you aside from your musical endeavors?
JS: I couldn’t dream of doing anything else!
Check out the Almost Famous Facebook page for past episode links, updates on whats going on around town, and more information on how you can be involved.
http://facebook.com/almostfamousradio
Also, you can touch base with John and Lisa through email:
Check out the Almost Famous Facebook page for past episode links, updates on whats going on around town, and more information on how you can be involved.
http://facebook.com/almostfamousradio
Also, you can touch base with John and Lisa through email:
Thank you guys for supporting local music, you rock!
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