Big Broadway Energy with Stephen Riordan: A Conversation with Domenico Pontoriero of “Soundscapes”
Season 2, Episode 1350, Nov 10, 10:57 PM
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🎭 Big Broadway Energy with Stephen Riordan & Guest Domenico Pontoriero
In this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan steps away from the bright lights of the stage to explore another form of artistry — music that heals, centers, and restores. His guest is Domenico Pontoriero, composer and fellow RadioStPete.com / Sunshine 96.7 FM host of Soundscapes, the Monday night 10 PM show devoted to instrumental and ambient music.
Together, Stephen and Domenico dive into the creative process, the power of calm, and how instrumental music can express emotions that words cannot. Domenico, who releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, discusses his journey from a child with a Casio keyboard to a composer and filmmaker whose work has earned international recognition. He opens up about his upcoming vinyl album release, the challenge of writing for unconventional instruments like the handpan, and his drive to keep pushing artistic boundaries.
The two also explore how art connects communities, with Domenico sharing how St. Petersburg’s creative spirit inspired his award-winning short film Becoming — a five-minute, all-local collaboration celebrating queer art, movement, and identity.
As the conversation deepens, they touch on everything from the emotional resonance of film composers like Hans Zimmer, Max Richter, and Trent Reznor, to the challenges of creating peace in an always-on world. Domenico ends the episode with a moving reflection on what art means to him — not just as expression, but as a form of understanding oneself and sharing that honesty with others.
Key Moments:
🎧 00:04 – Introduction: Stephen’s mission to spotlight Tampa Bay creatives
🎹 05:10 – The story behind Soundscapes: “The show people turn down to”
🧘♂️ 12:40 – Finding calm, creativity, and the art of slowing down
🎼 21:00 – Domenico’s creative process and the making of his upcoming album
🎥 33:20 – His short film Becoming and the power of community collaboration
💬 45:10 – What “art” truly means to him — expression beyond words
Where to Listen:
In this episode of Big Broadway Energy, host Stephen Riordan steps away from the bright lights of the stage to explore another form of artistry — music that heals, centers, and restores. His guest is Domenico Pontoriero, composer and fellow RadioStPete.com / Sunshine 96.7 FM host of Soundscapes, the Monday night 10 PM show devoted to instrumental and ambient music.
Together, Stephen and Domenico dive into the creative process, the power of calm, and how instrumental music can express emotions that words cannot. Domenico, who releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, discusses his journey from a child with a Casio keyboard to a composer and filmmaker whose work has earned international recognition. He opens up about his upcoming vinyl album release, the challenge of writing for unconventional instruments like the handpan, and his drive to keep pushing artistic boundaries.
The two also explore how art connects communities, with Domenico sharing how St. Petersburg’s creative spirit inspired his award-winning short film Becoming — a five-minute, all-local collaboration celebrating queer art, movement, and identity.
As the conversation deepens, they touch on everything from the emotional resonance of film composers like Hans Zimmer, Max Richter, and Trent Reznor, to the challenges of creating peace in an always-on world. Domenico ends the episode with a moving reflection on what art means to him — not just as expression, but as a form of understanding oneself and sharing that honesty with others.
Key Moments:
🎧 00:04 – Introduction: Stephen’s mission to spotlight Tampa Bay creatives
🎹 05:10 – The story behind Soundscapes: “The show people turn down to”
🧘♂️ 12:40 – Finding calm, creativity, and the art of slowing down
🎼 21:00 – Domenico’s creative process and the making of his upcoming album
🎥 33:20 – His short film Becoming and the power of community collaboration
💬 45:10 – What “art” truly means to him — expression beyond words
Where to Listen:
-
Soundscapes airs Mondays at 10 PM on RadioStPete.com / Sunshine 96.7 FM
- Domenico’s music as Boy in the Rain is available on Spotify and Apple Music
Follow & Connect:
📧 Want to be a guest? Email bigbroadwayenergy@gmail.com
🎙️ Host: Stephen Riordan
🎶 Guest: Domenico Pontoriero (Boy in the Rain)
Sign-off:
“Be kind. Be curious. Keep creating.” 💫
📧 Want to be a guest? Email bigbroadwayenergy@gmail.com
🎙️ Host: Stephen Riordan
🎶 Guest: Domenico Pontoriero (Boy in the Rain)
Sign-off:
“Be kind. Be curious. Keep creating.” 💫