Motif Magazine

Motif Magazine focuses on the vibrant arts and entertainment scene in Rhode Island and nearby regions, providing readers with alternative local news on a variety of topics. Founded in 2004 by Jim Vickers, Motif was created to highlight the incredible music, arts, and cultural events in Rhode Island that were often overlooked by mainstream media. Since December 2012, Mike Ryan has taken over the publication, aiming to enhance both online and print listings and coverage to ensure they are as thorough and inclusive as possible.

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The Changing Light of Mirah: Singer-songwriter reinforces hope at a house show in Providence

3 weeks ago | motifri.com | Sean Carlson

Mirah’s second full-length, Advisory Committee (K Records, 2002), came out during the spring of my freshman year at Boston University. While the album’s title perhaps suggested some homage to academia, the songwriting mostly revealed a study of contrasts. Spartan and robust, serious and mirthful, soft and assertive, literal and symbolic, the singer-songwriter Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn, who performs as Mirah, narrated the falling and failing of love with an earnestness and whimsy entwined.
Breaking down the Mood Machine: Liz Pelly riffs on music in the age of Spotify at Providence's Lost Bag

1 month ago | motifri.com | Sean Carlson

In “Big Mood Machine,” her 2018 essay for The Baffler, journalist Liz Pelly honed in on the role of digital music as part of “a burgeoning industry surrounding technology that alleges to mine our emotional states.” Zeroing in on Spotify and its familiar categorizations, ranging from “Chill” and “Focus/Study” to “Commute” and “Girls Night Out,” Pelly detailed how the feelings implied by personal soundtracks serve up a swell of marketing opportunities.
Laying the Groundwork: A conversation with Stephen Brodsky of Cave In

2 months ago | motifri.com | Sean Carlson

Cave In emerged from the Merrimack Valley north of Boston in the mid-1990s to become a prominent presence in New England’s D.I.Y. music scene, their blistering and emotive hardcore-inspired approach to metal finding a natural home at local shows in warehouses, basements, and community centers. They quickly went on to become a juggernaut on stages across the country and around the world.
Episode #106 - Paula Poundstone

Sep 27, 2024 | motifri.com | John Fuzek

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with humorist, author, and comedian Paula Poundstone. She has a podcast called Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. She has been featured on TV, in films and comedy specials during her 40+ year career.
Episode #105 - Jon Anderson

Sep 24, 2024 | motifri.com | John Fuzek

Welcome back to The Roots Report Podcast, presented by Motif, and hosted by John Fuzek. Today John chats with Singer-Songwriter, Jon Anderson. Jon is best known for his time with the band Yes but has produced countless projects since his time with that band. Currently Anderson is performing with the Band geeks and has just releases a new 9-song album titled True. Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks will be at the Garde Theatre in New London on Wednesday, Sept 25.
Just for Spritz and Giggles

Jun 21, 2024 | motifri.com | Madeline Jarvis

Ahhh… summer. The season of sun, sand, and sea. Many people look forward to the simple pleasures that summer affords: time to bask at the beach or in the local park, local fairs and amusement, drying off all of your sweat by starfishing in front of your AC unit. Another integral part of summer is indulging in the seasonal palette, such as ripe fruits, fresh veggies, and for those who imbibe, an ice cold adult beverage.
Queer and Homeless in PVD

Jun 13, 2024 | motifri.com | Richard Laliberte

I first met Samantha (not her real name) in late 2019, mere months before the pandemic would cause perpetual change and adaptation. At the time, a career promotion left me with some free time and a desire to give back. I had coached Little League in the summer and handed out backpacks in the autumn to Providence Public School students. Then, in November, I decided to pack brown-bag lunches, 20 to 30 at a time, to hand out to folks downtown in the evening.
Queer Jews for a Free Palestine

Jun 12, 2024 | motifri.com | Jules Zuckerberg

As the Israeli military continues to carry out its violent assault on Rafah — where over one million displaced Palestinians are sheltering — queer and trans Jews organising for a free Palestine in Providence take to the streets and speak out: There can be no Pride while the state of Israel continues its campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians with our American tax dollars. There can be no Pride without liberation for queer and trans Palestinians.
Dog Days of Summer

Jun 12, 2024 | motifri.com | Madeline Jarvis

As summer quickly approaches, excitement grows: beach and adventure weather is upon us, and the good vibes brought along with the sun are soon to be in full swing. Humans are not the only group excited for the upcoming season — dogs are just as excited, if not more. With squirrels, treats, and long walks on the horizon, dogs can’t wait to hit paws to pavement and get out and about this summer. Here are some RI dogs that can’t wait for summer!
Roots Report - Motif

Jun 12, 2024 | motifri.com | John Fuzek

Okee dokee folks… Many years ago, ok, many, many years ago we at Motif were asked to compile a playlist of songs about summer. The reason for the manys is because I have been writing for Motif for twenty years and it was in one of my earliest columns that I did this.