Jon Pagano shares his favorite record store from back in the day as well as his top shop currently (you can probably guess if you know who out out the new Sullest album). We also cover the summer treat he enjoys most, a special spot here in RI, the full circle music event in his life, and Jon shouts out some tasty places to get pizza!

At the end I've included one of my favorite tracks, "Darren Fairenoughsky", from Sullest's self-titled album!!

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey /

Jon Pagano shares some stories from the Squid Amps days, as well as what the true experience of touring really is!

Listen to the end to hear Sullest performing "Robinette" live at Fete in Providence, RI on March 17, 2023

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

// Intro music by Cedros

// Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I speak with Jon Pagano where we go all the way back to his early days playing music, what it was like relearning Weak Teeth songs for their reunion show, how showing up early for rehearsal one day landed him a spot in Best Practices, as well as how his latest band Sullest came together and what their writing process is like.

Interlude song order:

// Interview recorded November 21, 2024 via Google Meet

Frankie Ranks shares some of his favorite things from his home state and home town. From his favorite record shops , to where he loves to hike... we cover a lot about The Ocean State. Did we talk about hot wieners and coffee milk? Tune in to find out.

Listen to the end to hear a great track from Boo City entitled "We'll Be Just Fine" from their mixtape, Midnight Folklore.

// Interview recorded October 9, 2024 via Google Meet

Frankie shares this thoughts on where a musician should fit within a song, how theory and technique come into the writing process, exploring new opportunities, and what movement means to him.

Listen until the end to hear a live track by Frankie Ranks & The Freeloaders recorded at The Parlour in Providence on February 17, 2018. (audio credit: Michelle Ferreira)

// Interview recorded October 9, 2024 via Google Meet

On this episode I speak with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Frankie "Ranks" Moniz. From playing saxophone in bands such as The Agents, Soulshot and Boo City... to guitar in his country project Frankie Ranks & The Freeloaders and the indie folk group High Planes, as well as running his own music education studio...we cover it all in this interview.

We get into how he joined these bands, his technique for writing, the experience he has on tour and recordings he's been a part of.

Speaking of that, Frankie's latest release is High Planes' new record "Sweet Vacancy" available on CD and lathe-cut vinyl on Bandcamp and wherever you stream music!

Interlude song order:

• "Long Time" by The Agents from their album, 401

// Interview recorded October 9, 2024 via Google Meet

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