Boston Filmmaker Vinnie Straggas recently screened his film here at The Cut about the the 1970s and 1980s Boston music scene, “Life on The Other Planet.” After the screening, Vinnie joined in a Q and A with musicians Brad Halen and Steve Cataldo of the Nervous Eaters, along with Willie Alexander, Fred Pineau and Thomas Hauck—All live on stage at The Cut.

Sean Kelly tells us about going from high school drop out to playing at the White House. He talks about being controlled by a big label vs. the freedom of being an independent artist, his ten-minute songwriting technique, and The Samples touring as the headliners with the Dave Mathews Band as their opening act.

MUSIC:

Feel UsShaking

Little Silver Ring

Could It Be Another Change

Life On the Other Planet is a film by director Vinnie Straggas about the Boston music club scene of the late 70s and 80s, and it's going to be screened on Sunday April 26th at The Cut in Gloucester, following a live performance by the Nervous Eaters, and then followed by a live Q&A with Straggas, Willie Alexander, members of the Nervous Eaters and others. In this preview episode, Vinnie talks about making the movie and what the music and the musicians mean to him, and this historic period in Boston.

MUSIC:

At The Rat--Willie Alexander and the Boom Boom Band

When Things Go Wrong--Robin Lane and the Chartbusters

American Fun--The Stompers

Lonely Hearts--The Atlantics

Ocean in Motion--Jon Butcher

Ryan Montbleau is one of the most original singer/songwriters to come out of the North Shore, and his twenty-year career is a portrait in changing tastes, interests--and his voice. In this episode, Ryan talks about building a band, his songwriting process, and how nothing beats playing live.

This episode spotlights one of the most creative musical minds in the music business--Dave Gutter is the founding frontman of Rustic Overtones. Since the Nineties these folks have been pushing the envelope of musical styles and some famous collaborators. We talk about getting started in Portland Maine, vocal chord injuries, flying high with some music deals and embracing the DIY environment that is today's music industry.

MUSIC:

Girl Germs

Sector David Bowie

Gas On Skin

Starting as a bluegrass band from Maine, 10-OC members Will and Reid Nichols learned guitar sitting around the campfire with their dad. In this episode they go on to tell about the lessons they learned from working and recording in Nashville, and how the band earned its name.

MUSIC:

Forever Bound

Peace of My Hometown

Hurtin on Whiskey

Danielle Miraglia is one prolific songwriter--she's been writing for most of her life. But she's also a fingerpicking, blues singing star, and she has been performing around Boston and her native North Shore long enough to have a big loyal following. In this episode she talks about her writing, why trying to duplicate a favorite performers style is not the point, and her favorite venues to play at. Besides, of course, The Cut...

MUSiC:

Turtle Blues

Monster

All My Heroes Are Ghosts

One of current rock's unheralded acts, The Cold Stares brought a high-powered performance to The Cut. We talked with Chris and Brian about starting out as a guitar and bass duo, their surprise win at a talent show, bringing Bryce on as their bass player, their blues roots, and their coming up around the world tour. Catch these guys live if you ever get the chance!

MUSIC:

Election Blues

The Night Time

Nowhere to Go