Podcast Open Mic

I’ll let Elaine tell you about herself:

When Olivia Frances walks on stage, her infectious positive energy and powerful stage presence captures a room. After winning four distinguished awards in 2018 alone, this pop/folk artist is now working on her highly-anticipated third release. 

This Cincinnati-native continues to be recognized by Nashville Songwriter Association International (NSAI) as a “Ones to Watch” songwriter, now over a dozen times. Her songs on SoundCloud have reached over 100,000 streams, generating a loyal fanbase around the world. Her critically-acclaimed single, “Moon to My Sun” was the VOX Pop Winner in the Love Song Category at the 2018 Independent Music Awards (IMA’s) held at Lincoln Center. The IMA’s  “honor the year's most exceptional self-released & indie label projects from around the world.” She also won 1st place in the Singer-Songwriter Category in the 2018 New England Songwriting Competition. 

As an independent artist, Frances has organized several tours throughout the Midwest, South, and along the East Coast, impressing audiences from Nashville to Boston. In 2018, she was one of the few American artists selected to perform at IndieWeek Canada in Toronto, where she made her international debut.

In the midst of co-writing, practicing, and performing, Olivia is also a full-time college student in her senior year at Clark University in Worcester, MA majoring in Global Environmental Studies and minoring in Music. After graduation, she’s excited to call Nashville her permanent home. Her fans, who are affectionately referred to as “Frances Friends,” and new listeners alike, can keep up with her upcoming shows and news at www.oliviafrancesmusic.com. 

Olivia and former podcast guest Sigrid Sibley (POM52) will be playing at Lenny’s in Westbrook on Tuesday, June 4th at 7pm.

Paul Rainone started writing songs in his teens.  All he ever wanted was to write good songs.  He studied music at Berklee and spent the last decade living in random towns in random states.  He hopes to release his first album independently late 2019.  

Michael Freitag is a musician based out of Southern Maine. After studying music theory at the University of Southern Maine and playing many Zeldas, he's been combining his two loves as a hobbyist composer, creating soundtracks in his spare time for games that don't exist. He aspires to one day write music for real, actual video games, and maybe even get paid for it.

Endo Gena is an artist out of Trenton, New Jersey, with many performances and rap battles under his belt. He is the youngest of 7 children. Throughout his diverse education he often participated in performing arts classes for his fellow classmates. His music style is very unique and innovative. In the 2000's he moved from state to state looking to find the best audiences and performance venues. Even though he experienced hardship in the city, he always stayed humble and positive, looking for the greater opportunity. As a self starting young entrepreneur with a very ambitious attitude, he is making his way up. When obstacles come his way, he overcomes them, always keeping a smile on his face. His music is versatile with a new age rap style, incorporating the traditional flowing method of late 90's and 2000's songwriters and rappers. Some of his influences are Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Eminem, Big Daddy Kane, Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and a host of others. With all that he has conquered, he's determined to thrive and seek excellence!!!

Stephen Wheeler is a young, up and coming Boston based comedian quickly making a name for himself in the industry. After first performing stand up in High School, he has been consistent and passionate about his drive into the business; with performances taking him throughout the New England, and New York City areas so far in his career. His style of topical and realistic humor is what helps make him stand out, attracting audiences of all ages to not only enjoy, but also relate to. His perfectionist mindset has him striving to master his style at each and every appearance, and says he has no bigger love than the love he has for the stage.