Independent music from the emerging Boston and New England music scene
The Almost Famous on 95.9 WATD is a phenomenal podcast hosted by John Shea, who shines a spotlight on rising artists and provides them with a wonderful platform to share their music and stories. As someone who has been listening to this podcast for about a year now, I can confidently say that every single episode is worth listening to.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is how John Shea brings attention to local artists and the Boston music scene in a unique way. The podcast not only allows listeners to hear the tunes of local artists but also provides insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes in an artist's life and what made them who they are today. It's a fantastic tool for staying up-to-date with the Boston music scene and discovering new talent.
Another great aspect of The Almost Famous is John Shea himself. He is from the same hometown as me, so I learned about this podcast through him, and I am so grateful that he shared it with me. His passion for music and the Boston music scene truly shines through in every episode. He is an extremely welcoming and supportive host, both to the musicians being featured on the show and to his listeners. His presence puts guests at ease, allowing them to share their songs and behind-the-scenes stories in a comfortable environment.
While there are many positives about this podcast, one potential downside could be that it focuses solely on the Boston music scene. This may limit its appeal to listeners outside of the Boston area who are not familiar with or interested in local artists from this region. However, if you enjoy supporting local music or simply have an appreciation for discovering new talent, then The Almost Famous on 95.9 WATD is still worth a listen.
In conclusion, The Almost Famous on 95.9 WATD is an absolute favorite podcast of mine. It offers a unique platform for emerging artists while providing listeners with incredible music and inspiring stories. John Shea's passion and dedication to the Boston music scene are evident in each episode, making this podcast a must-listen for music lovers and fans of local talent. If you're looking for a podcast that celebrates rising artists and exposes hidden gems in the local music scene, then The Almost Famous is the one for you.
Cape Cod singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vanna Pacella performs on the WATD Tiny Stage with her trio. Learn more at VannaPacella.com.
This week The Tiny Stage is on-location from The Audacity Music Festival. Audacity was founded and produced by Thunderbolt Productions and held at Town River Landing in Bridgewater on Saturday, May 9. Featured acts/interviews include Gracie Grace and All The Good Boys, Nate Ramos, Laroy Streat, Total Strangers, Highwater Haulers, and Never Gonna Make It. Audacity was also held to raise awareness of The Fire For Effect foundation in Bridgewater whose mission is to honor and empower veterans, first responders, and their families by providing essential resources, support, and community-building initiatives that foster resilience, restore hope, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Learn more at https://www.ffefinc.org.
Wareham singer-songwriter Grace Morrison is back on the Tiny Stage promoting her album Saltwater Country. She's also performing at The Spire Center in Plymouth with Sam Robbins on Thursday, May 7th. Learn more at GraceMorrison.com.
Boston area singer-songwriter Luke Curran performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his EP "Hymns". Learn more at https://lukecurranmusic.com.
The 2nd Annual Paws And Listen took place on Saturday, April 25 at The Guild in Pawtucket RI and raised money for Vintage Pet Rescue. The event was organized by New England Music Award winning artist Frank Viele and featured 12 singer-songwriters from the New England area. In this radio-podcast with additional bonus content, WATD was able to catch up with many of them including: Allison Rose, Steve Allain, Julie Rhodes, Me Like Many, Lainey Dionne, Beth Killian, Bryan Titus, and Marc Douglas Berardo!! Learn more about Vintage Pet Rescue at https://www.vintagepetrescue.org.
Singer Songwriter Sioo performs on the WATD Tiny Stage. Learn more at https://sioo.co.
This week it's all about Rock Out The Stigma with Aldous Collins, Hitch, and Lainey Dionne perform on the Tiny Stage. Rock Out The Stigma is a benefit show happening at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke for Mental Health Awareness and to raise money for The Plymouth Bay Clubhouse. Marc Roberge of O.A.R. is headlining the night along with Aldous Collins, Hitch of 3rd Left, and Lainey Dionne. Learn more at https://www.soundcheck-studios.com/shows/marc-roberge-of-o-a-r-with-aldous-collins-hitch-set-in-stone-a-fundraiser-for-plymouth-bay-house-30-apr.
Boston-area singer-songwriter Carlin Tripp, joined by Billy Thompson, performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his latest project "Dead Reckoning". Learn more at https://carlintrippmusic.com.
Rhode Island singer-songwriter Kara McKee performs on the 95.9 WATD Tiny Stage to promote her debut album Love and Guts - learn more at https://karamckeemusic.com.
New England born and now Nashville based singer-songwriter Amanda McCarthy performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her latest album "Looking For The Light". Learn more at https://www.amandamccarthy.com.
South Shore singer-songwriter Donny Hayes promotes his new singles on the WATD Almost Famous Tiny Stage with special guest Meghan Donofrio. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/donnyhayesmusic.
The Search is New England's newest talent showcase. Based in Rhode Island, their mission is to build community around arts such as music, dancing, comedy, and more. Learn more at www.TheSearchRI.com. This segment features interviews and music from Ed Brady (founder), Lainey Dionne, Love Marry Kill, Alexa Picillo, Teevio, Auto Flows, and Hawk in the Nest. (Recorded off air on 95.9 WATD)
Boston singer-songwriter Mark Erelli is on the WATD Tiny Stage this week to promote his latest album "Spring Green". Learn more at https://www.markerelli.com.
Rhode Island singer-songwriter Olivia Dolphin performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her EP "All The Time We Spent". Learn more at https://www.oliviadolphinmusic.com.
Cape Cod singer-songwriter Kim Moberg performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her new album "All That Really Matters". Learn more at https://www.kimmobergmusic.com.
South Shore singer-songwriter John Taglieri is on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his latest run of singles including his latest called "Fly". Learn more at https://johntaglieri.com.
Maine singer songwriter Izzy Ivy performs on the WATD Tiny Stage. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/izzyivy_music.
South Shore singer-songwriter Matt Koelsch performs on the Tiny Stage to talk about his recent partnership with film director Anthony Knasas on a Sun Studios Creative project called "The Anger". Matt Koelsch Music - https://www.mattkoelschmusic.com/ Anthony Knasas/Sun Studios Creative - https://gosunstudios.com The Anger (full film) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se8lxC7iat4
South Shore singer-songwriter Kate Loraine performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to recap 2025 and talk about big projects coming in 2026. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/kateloraainee.
Boston singer-songwriter Eva Ricci performs on the WATD Tiny Stage. Learn more at https://evaricci.com.
Singer-songwriter Delilah Brao is on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her latest EP "lately i don't feel right" which is available on all streaming platforms. Learn more at https://delilahbrao.com.
The PickPockets from the South Shore help kickoff 2026 on the WATD Tiny Stage. Find more information at https://thepickpocketsband.com.
Interview highlights and in-studio performances from: Bebe Stockwell, Better Fires, Briana White, Copilot, The Far Out, Hans Williams, Jake Swamp and the Pine, Jillian Dawn, Julia Hutchinson, Lily Fitts, Nate Perry and Ragged Company, Other Brother Darryl, Renee Levesque, Vanna Pacella, and Will Dailey.
Local sounds of the holiday season from local bands and musicians from The South Shore, Boston, and New England. Full podcast audio: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/y7yva4fy4jcqywrf/AlmostChristmas2025_12232025.mp3
Singer-songwriter Evelynroze performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her album "Trials of the Flame". Learn more at https://evelynroze.com.
Boston singer-songwriter Jen Kearney is on the WATD Tiny Stage this week to promote her latest album "Gas Station Poet". Learn more at https://jenkearney.com.
The Local Waves perform on the WATD and promote their debut single - Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/the_local_waves.
Boston/South Shore band Overserved Again perform on the WATD Stage and talk about their latest projects. Check them out live at Brighton Music Hall on January 17. Learn more at www.overservedagain.com.
South Shore born and now Nashville based singer-songwriter Julia Hutchinson performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her debut EP Here We Are Again. Learn more at https://juliahutchinsonofficial.com.
Nominees for the 2025 Boston Music Awards are featured. Vote now until November 17 at www.BostonMusicAwards.com. 95.9 WATD is also nominated for two awards this year - Best Podcast for Almost Famous on 95.9 WATD and John Shea for best radio DJ. Featured Artists include: Copilot, Bebe Stockwell, Couch, Other Brother Darryl, Lily Fitts, Lainey Dionne, Tiny Habits, ToriTori, Twisted Pine, Senseless Optimism, Megan From Work, Coral Moons, The Elovaters, Clario, The Far Out, Divine Sweater, Renee Levesque, Ward Hayden and the Outliers, Lady Pills, Will Dailey, Ava Valianti, Bermuda Search Party, Jake Swamp and the Pine, Kier Burns and the Kettle Burners, Mallcops, Tall Heights, Nate Perry and Ragged Company, and more! Radio Broadcast Audio: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xiu6d8y52dx5p5b6/2025BostonMusicAwards11042025.mp3
PLEASE NOTE: Because of copyright reasons off-air broadcast audio for this podcast is linked here: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/8r6a4xfigpeqzh62/2025AlmostHalloween10282025.mp3 Almost Halloween 2025 - Featuring spooky tracks from New England musicians including: Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys, Mark Erelli, Grace Morrison, Charlotte Sands, Jay Psaros, Lainey Dionne, Cara Lately, Fil Pacino, The Running Mates, Ashley Jordan, Ringer Soundtrack, Lily Fitts, The Ghouls, Nico Rivers, Christa Gniadek, Briana White, Amplifier Heads, Vanna Paella, Hayley Reardon, John Taglieri, Wyn Doran, Charlie Farren, Izzy Ivy, Jessye Desilva, Gracie Grace and All The Good Boys, Mini Yellow Witches, and more.
Singer-Songwriter and longtime Boston radio personality Candy O'Terry is on the WATD Tiny Stage to talk about her upcoming album and current singles. Learn more at www.CandyOTerry.com.
Boston singer-songwriter Nate Ramos performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to talk about his latest releases and promote a show with The Pickpockets at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke on Friday, October 17. Learn more at https://www.nateramosmusic.com.
Nominees for the 2025 New England Music Awards are featured. Voting is open until the end of Friday, October 10. Check out www.NEMusicAwards.com for more information.
Drew Zieff of Jake Swamp and the Pine performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his latest projects. Learn more at https://www.jakeswamp.com.
Boston folk-rock band Noble Dust performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to talk about their upcoming album and their current projects. Learn more at https://nobledustmusic.com.
Brian Scully of Dalton & The Sheriffs joins the WATD Tiny Stage, along with his sons Tommy and Charlie, for a special family appearance. They chat about the band's latest singles and share the excitement surrounding their upcoming show at Leader Bank Pavilion. Discover more about Dalton & The Sheriffs at: daltonandthesheriffs.com.
South Shore musician Matt York performs on the WATD Tiny Stage and talks about his latest projects including a new book! Learn more at https://www.mattyorkmusic.com.
Cape Cod singer-songwriter Carly Tefft is on the WATD Tiny Stage to talk about her current single "My Kind of Blue" and update us on her latest projects. Learn more at https://www.instagram.com/carlytefft
New on 95.9 WATD it's The Almost Famous Tiny Stage Rewind. Every Sunday at 8:00pm, WATD digs into the archives to bring you past and present Tiny Stage interviews—including some classics that originally aired long before podcasts were even part of the show. This week, don't miss South Shore's own Grammy Award–winning songwriter Lori McKenna, captured in November 2014 as she introduced her brand-new album Numbered Doors. You'll hear early performances of songs that went on to become massive hits for some of today's biggest artists. And don't miss new interviews on the Almost Famous Tiny Stage heard each Tuesday from 8-10PM on 95.9 WATD and 959WATD.com.
Adam Tiro from The Freight talks about their debut LP called Tales of Maybe and how it was specifically mixed and mastered for a vinyl release. Visit https://www.thefreightband.com for more information.
Multi-award winning South Shore singer-songwriter-composer Munk Duane performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his album Fearless Moral Inventory. Learn more at https://www.munkduane.com.
Cape Cod/Boston singer-songwriter Renée Levesque performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her album "All The Kids" and talk about an upcoming tour this fall! Learn more at https://reneelevesquemusic.com.
Massachusetts born and now Rhode Island based singer-songwriter Tori Costa performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her latest singles and talk about her upcoming album. Learn more at https://www.toricosta.co.
South Shore singer-songwriter-producer Billy Thompson performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote his debut full-length album "Johatsu". Learn more at https://www.billytmusic.com.
South Shore born and now Nashville based singer-songwriter Kristen Merlin stops by the WATD Almost Famous TIny Stage to promote her new single "Last Time Last" and talk about her latest projects. Learn more at https://www.kristenmerlin.com.
Another Levitate Music and Arts Festival is in the books and as always they featured many incredible local acts this year!! 95.9 WATD was on-location all weekend and had a chance to chat with some of this year's local lineup including: Aldous Collins, Lily Fitts, Nate Ramos, Ripe, Samantha McKaige, Hans Willians, and Nate Ramos. Stay updated with Levitate events at https://levitatemusicfestival.com.
Boston singer-songwriters Halley Elwell and Samantha Farrell tag team on the WATD Almost Famous Tiny Stage. Halley has a new album and podcast called Spontaneous Mutation. Learn more at - https://www.halswellmusic.com. And more about Samantha at https://www.samanthafarrell.com/.
Cape Cod singer-songwriter-keyboardist Vanna Pacella performs on the WATD Tiny Stage to promote her upcoming debut album "Listen". Learn more at www.vannapacella.com.
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