Where The Living Room Used To Be

I was able to catch up with Jon Hope to talk about his latest album, High Hopes. This came out earlier this year and we have an in-depth track-by-track discussion about everything that went into the making of these songs, as well as the overall message he's looking to share with everyone.

// Interview recorded July 19, 2024 via Google Meet

Francis Anderson shares some of their favorite things in Rhode Island including an interesting collection... in an interesting place, where they enjoy supporting local businesses, pizza and drink spots, and where they've found great connection in the Ocean State!

Listen until the end to hear one of my favorite songs by Franny Keeps, which is a single that was released in April 2023 entitled "A bientôt et tant pis"

// Interview recorded July 2, 2024 via Google Meet

Francis Anderson passes along an intense rhythm practice technique, as well as how they've walked through counter-productive advice, their songwriting practice and how they've reached over 850 songs in their portfolio. Plus, Francis shares an impressive take connecting music from around the world!

At the end of the episode I've included a performance by Franny Keeps live at Doomed Records in Cranston, Rhode Island (audio credit: Pet Bee) . The song is "Had I Known" and I hope you enjoy it!

// Interview recorded July 2, 2024 via Google Meet

On this episode I have a chat with Francis Anderson who performs under the name Franny Keeps. They have a stellar new record coming out on August 2nd, that after I got to check it out is seriously in the running for "album of the year" for me.

In our conversation we talked about the long process it was to put this piece together, the deep emotional weight behind their songs, and the humble and admirable goal they have for this album.

Mark your calendars as well for August 28th because that is the record release show at Myrtle with Maddie Cardoza, Pet Bee, and Ike Dee. Profits from the vinyl sales as well as a portion of proceeds from a signature drink that night will go to The Network/La Red, a non-profit that works to end partner abuse in the lgbtq+ communities. 

Interlude song order:

• "Alone With Your Goals" by Franny Keeps from untitled album

// Interview recorded July 2, 2024 via Google Meet

The rap duo, Metermaids, are not from Rhode Island but they do have a strong connection to the state. On this episode I chat with Sentence and Swell about the origin of their group, the variation of sounds they achieve from album to album, and how they linked up with Strange Famous Records.

Interlude song order:

• "Blackout Baby" from their EP, Smash Smash Bang

// Interview recorded May 29, 2024 via Google Meet

Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson shares some of his favorite things in Rhode Island... from the places he enjoys most, the restaurants he's fond of, and the events that are dear to him in the Ocean State. Black Eagle also shared a story of the incredible character he has as a performer and as a person! 

At the end of the episode I share one of my favorites off of Medicine Singer's self-titled album. The song is "Sunset" and I hope you enjoy it!! Please support them by picking up the album on vinyl, cd, and digital download

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions

On this episode Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson shares how blues music helped build his confidence. We also talked about what simply being good to people can lead to, as well as some of the lessons that were instilled in him early in life.

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions

My guest on this episode is Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson from Eastern Medicine Singers. It's an honor and privilege to talk with him as we cover some of the differences in sounds of Native American music across North, South, East and West. We also cover how his group evolved into blending both traditional and experimental music, the true emotion behind what they create, and how the core of why they started this project is still paramount so many years later.

Interlude song order:

• Eastern Medicine Singers live at the Prospect Terrace 80th Anniversary Celebration on June 18, 2019

// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions

Deer Tick's John McCauley shares some of this favorite things about his home state. Learn where he used to & currently buys his records, the RI drink he loves so much he has a tattoo of it, the event he looks forward most to each year, and the variety of pizza he enjoys in the ocean state!

At the end of the episode, I shared my favorite version of "The Real Thing" by Deer Tick. This is from their Live In Studio promo video Dennis Ryan engineered. I love this song and this version absolutely rules!! Watch the video on YouTube HERE and buy the album, Emotional Contracts, HERE.

// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home

On this episode John McCauley talks about his approach to recording, as well as his thoughts on what kind of person you have to be to be a touring musician. You'll also hear the authors that inspire some of John's writing...which may surprise you.

// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home