"Soundscapes" with Domenico Pontoriero and Jessica Tomlinson 7-30-26

In this episode of Soundscapes, host Domenico Pontoriero sits down with composer, keyboardist, and recording engineer Jessica Tomlinson for an inspiring conversation about creativity without boundaries. Jessica shares how being legally blind has shaped, rather than limited, her artistic process, leading her to develop unique workflows and modify her equipment to create immersive experimental music. Together, they explore the value of experimentation, the importance of embracing imperfections, the technology behind her sonic landscapes, and why kindness, curiosity, and self-forgiveness are just as essential to making music as technical skill. It's a thoughtful conversation about finding your own creative voice and turning challenges into opportunities.

About Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a composer, keyboardist, singer, and recording engineer based in the Tampa Bay area whose work blends experimental sound design, synthesizers, and boundary-pushing electronic composition. A member of the pop-rock band Rainbow Portal, Jessica also creates original experimental works from her home studio, where she enjoys building new sounds through synthesis, recording, and audio production.

Legally blind since birth, Jessica has developed innovative techniques and customized technology that allow her to work confidently as both a performer and recording engineer. Beyond her own music, she is deeply committed to accessibility and community service. She serves as an instrument instructor and band coach with Girls Rock St. Pete, teaches assistive technology to blind and visually impaired seniors, and is a proud member of Blind Pride International. Through both her music and advocacy, Jessica demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and compassion can transform obstacles into inspiration.

https://linktr.ee/the_vi_artist

About Domenico Pontoriero

Domenico Pontoriero is a St. Petersburg–based artist, composer, and radio host working across instrumental music, film, and community arts. He releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, an instrumental project with two studio albums available on all major streaming platforms and at BoyintheRain.com. An award-winning filmmaker, Domenico’s short art film has screened at more than 15 film festivals worldwide, including the SunScreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. His creative work is rooted in atmosphere, storytelling, and place—whether through sound, image, or live broadcast.

Domenico brings years of experience behind the microphone, including his time at WMNF in Tampa, where he co-hosted Made in the Dark. He currently hosts Soundscapes, airing Monday nights at 10 PM, a weekly program dedicated to immersive, locally made instrumental music. Soundscapes highlights regional composers, nurtures creative community, and supports the performing arts scene throughout the St. Petersburg area.

The show is accompanied by the Soundscapes podcast, where Domenico interviews guest co-hosts featured on the program, offering listeners a deeper look into their creative processes, influences, and artistic journeys.

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