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 mix…

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: Michel…

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…

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. High Hopes - as well as Jon's other stellar albums - are ava…

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 sing…

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 performan…

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…

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. Speaking of that, Metermaids will be performing at The Met…

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 favorite…

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. Please listen to the end because I've included a song that was a music collaboration between Eastern Medicine Singe…

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 behi…

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 …

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. In the full episode that came out last week we covered Deer Tick's experience playing Newport Folk Fes…

My guest on this episode is John McCauley from the band Deer Tick, as well as side projects Middle Brother and Diamond Rugs. In our conversation, John shares some amazing stories about his early days as a musician growing up in Providence, what the process was like for him touring during that time, and how seeing DIY shows in Olneyville as a teenag…

Chuck Staton of Senior Discount shares some of his favorite things about Rhode Island included his go-to spot to shop for records, the drink he created that he always gets at a local coffee shop (I hope they hear this and start calling it "The Staton" on their menu), why his hometown area is so special, his choices for pizza when he's on his own or…

Musician and director, Chuck Staton, shares how he's made it through some tough times while working with others in creative spaces. If you listen to the end you'll hear Senior Discount's "VBW song" as a prime example of this. Plus, he shares about how to work past self doubt and how you can best set yourself up for success. Chuck also shares a stor…

For this episode I connected with Chuck Staton of Senior Discount to talk about his long history in music and podcasting. In our interview we cover how he went from starting a band before he knew how to play guitar to performing in front of thousands of fans on some of New England's biggest stages, and all the way up to getting signed to Paper + Pl…

On this episode Aaron takes us back through a history of what Thayer Street in Providence used to be like in the early 90s, the specific way he likes a certain drink and which RI staple is a sham in his eyes, a touching generational story with his family, how often a nearby pizza place would deliver to The Living Room, and the magnificent energy a …

This episode has Aaron Jaehnig sharing a story of how a wild night at The Living Room led to a surprising experience at Union Station Brewery about 20 years later. Plus, we talk about the advice he'd give a person looking to enter the music business, especially those in a position of management. Then we cover why he diverted away from the conventio…

Aaron Jaehnig joins me on this episode for a great conversation about his experience working at The Living Room, some key lessons he learned from Randy Hien, the start of The Parlour and what it was like for him to end his time there, and some of the bands he's played in over the years. This was definitely a fun interview and one that's been in the…

I put together this mini-episode because Aaron Jaehnig, who many of you know from The Living Room, The Parlour and Union Station Brewery, is part of the endeavor to revive Wes' Rib House with new management and the addition of live music. Wes' just recently reopened so make plans to head down as they'll be serving some of the best BBQ and entertain…

This was an emotional episode as Joe Potenza takes us back to some of the places he used to buy records - including a jazz spot that was new to me. Plus, you'll learn about what was going on around him while he enjoyed his favorite local drink, the place he agrees is "dog heaven" here in Rhode Island, the two sides of his connection to pizza, and a…

On this episode Joe Potenza shares what can happen in small music scenes, his take on the true purpose of being a freelance sideman musician, and he talks about some of the people that have inspired him because of the impact they've had both on and off the stage. At the end of the episode you'll hear "Blues Burger" by John Monllos from his album Sh…

I was lucky enough to meet back up with the one and only, Joe Potenza, to talk more deeply about his impressive music career. In our conversation we go back to the start of how various instruments came into his life, the moment he became attached to bass, and who motivated him to play early on. We also cover the many styles of music he's performed …

After my interview with legendary bass player, Joe Potenza, wrapped up we actually continued our conversation sharing stories about growing up, what it means to be part of the rhythm section of a band, and how the experiences we've had as musicians have helped us in our everyday lives. Joe Potenza's band, Evening Sky, has a new album out Friday, De…

I reconnected with Clatta Bumboo to give you all a preview of his new album Make Way Rasta, which will be available on November 24th. In our conversation, we go track by track talking about the inspiration and meaning behind this impressive and important record. We cover the need for introspection, revolution, collaboration and motivation. Plus, yo…

Sean Carney and I get nostalgic about trips to the record store... plus, he covers the polar opposite places he enjoys getting a drink; why he could never really leave Rhode Island, what's good and bad about our local pizza, and his favorite place to party when welcoming in a new year! At the end, I've included one of my personal favorite tracks fr…

Sean Carney explains what the Hot Water Music method is as well as some advice he learned directly from The Living Room. He also passes along what he feels is the most important thing when playing live. Plus, you'll find out what essential item is a must for him on tour and what truly inspires him about the punk scene. As you heard in the full epis…

My guest on this episode is Sean Carney, who you may know from bands such as The Jesse Minute, This Is A Movement, the New Jersey band - The Scandals, and most recently, Structure Sounds. In our conversation we talk about his introduction to punk music, the thought process and what he puts into his songwriting, as well as his experience recording a…

My guest on this episode is Ryan Couitt of the band Dreamwell, as well as they're solo project Dwelling. In our conversation we cover Ryan's early days playing music, how their guitar sound has evolved over time, and what it's been like touring, writing, and recording with the bands they're in. Speaking of that, Dreamwell has a fantastic new album …

My guest on this episode is Mark Lambert, who happens to be the first person I ever interviewed for this podcast over 4 and a half years ago. Our focus for this conversation was on the discography of his band Sharks Come Cruisin' which spans 8 releases over 17 years, and leads all the way up to their brand new album "I Wish I Was On Gansett Bay" se…

Interdisciplinary artist, Kay Belardinelli, shares some of her favorite spots in Rhode Island, how she likes her pizza, and why you should take chances on seeing live music even if you're not familiar with the musician(s) performing. The end of the episode includes the Mariassunta song "Heavy Behind the Eyes" from their self-titled album. // Interv…

Kay Belardinelli passes along a songwriting technique she learned about 10 years ago at a music conference up in Boston. Plus, she shares her thoughts on what it means to make music your own way, and she gives probably one of the most insightful perspectives on the creative process I've ever heard. At the end of the episode I've included Mar's song…

For this episode I sat down with artist and musician, Kay Belardinelli. We discuss a lot over our lengthy chat including her early experiences with music all they way back to her first shows, the start of her band Mar, as well as the topics she's addressing with her songs. We also discuss the interesting ways she's recorded over the years, and the …

Kris Hansen of Viking Jesus reminisces about Providence back in the day, shares his travel recommendations around the city for a fun evening, gives his thoughts on the best pizza, and highlights some of his favorite annual shows in Rhode Island. At the end of the episode I included one of my favorite songs from Viking Jesus' album Before The Mutati…

This mini-episode has Kris Hansen of Viking Jesus sharing some advice for aspiring musicians, as well as a perspective music veterans should take with regard to live shows. At the end I've included a track by Kris Hansen's Left Hand Band live at The Ocean Mist (audio credit: bobk3d) from back in February of 2009. The song is "One & Seven" and I hop…

For this episode I was able to catch up with Kris Hansen where we talk about his dedication to songwriting and recording. Plus, we discuss many of the people he's played with over the years, what Dropout Night was all about, how he got into doing sound and the venues he's worked at over the years, as well as the story of how he started using the ba…

Kris Hansen shares his experience performing at The Parlour on March 5th, 2022, which ended up being the last show Nick Iddon played with Viking Jesus and also included Nick's other bands Animal Face, Ravi Shavi, as well asThe Chops (*in the episode we incorrectly stated that The Quahogs were on this bill, but they were not. I blame Nick... he play…

Clatta Bumboo gives up his "secret" spots to get music in Providence... plus he shares his favorite afternoon drink, where he enjoys walking in the Ocean State, and the vast amount of cultural resources available in our capital city! At the end of this mini-episode I included one of my favorite songs by Clatta Bumboo & Roots Government (actually, m…

Clatta Bumboo and I talk music advice on this mini-episode where he shares a story about being truly dedicated to who you are as a musician. We also discuss what being in the information age means to artists these days and the core focus on collaboration as a guiding light to creating his music. At the end I included a clip of Clatta Bumboo & Roots…

On this episode I speak with reggae artist, Clatta Bumboo. In our conversation we cover what music meant for him as he was growing up in Jamaica, how Foundation Mondays at The Parlour impacted and inspired his career, and what he's looking for Rhode Islanders to do to better understand the importance of reggae music. We also get a little tip into w…

Kevin Silva shares some amazing hidden gems around Rhode Island from his experience growing up here and moving around. Plus, he reminds everyone to check out The Collaborative's Warren Folks Festival on August 19th as his band The War In Kids, and many other fantastic acts will be playing. I end this mini-episode with Senior Discount's song "Explod…

On this mini-episode Kevin Silva passes along a wild story from the legendary Joe Moody, we talk about the energy and excitement that can come from exploring new sounds, and we discuss the similarities of comedy and music. Listen until the end to hear "Travel The World" by MeandWho? from their 24 Hour PBR Diet EP as I feel it shares a little window…

On this episode I chat with Kevin Silva, most recently of The War In Kids who have a new EP coming out in July. In our discussion Kevin seems to come upon what his first instrument actually was, plus we cover the start of Senior Discount and what the Providence scene was like for them during the early 2000s, and we get into the meaning behind some …

Rafay Rashid shares his favorite drink and spot to hang... plus some insider tips on places to find beauty in the Ocean State, where he gets his pizza these days, and the events he enjoys most! I've include a couple of my favorite tracks from Rafay's projects at the end so check out "Thing" by Lookers off their EP Mirage and "City of Love" off his …

Rafay Rashid passes along some songwriting advice he got from his uncle... as well as the beauty of creating with friends and we discuss the emotions that inspire him. At the end of this mini-episode you'll hear a couple of tracks by Ravi Shavi live at The Parlour on March 5th, 2022. This was a birthday show for their drummer, Nick Iddon, and Tara …

On this episode I chat with Rafay Rashid where we cover some early influences that led him to music and performance. We also cover the path Ravi Shavi has taken with regards to their lineup and releases, plus we discuss how a friendship with members of Deer Tick led to the start of their band Happiness as well as Rafay's other musical projects. Mos…

David Lawlor, a photographer and videographer here in Rhode Island shares some of his favorite places and things in the state. Learn where he likes to shop, what his favorite drink is and how many slices of pizza he orders at a time. Dave has also shot several photos that have been used for album artwork including Strip Mall's first ever single "Re…

This mini-episode has photographer David Lawlor sharing where he feels you should put your focus as an artist, plus we discuss what decisions need to be made to balance life and work, and most importantly what it means to have a community around you when you're looking to create. Last year Dave made a music video for High Planes song "Season For Th…

For this one I was able to catch up with live music photographer and videographer, David Lawlor! We talk about some of the artists he worked with over the years, plus we get into his process and the techniques behind how he shoots... as well as what he's looking to bring to Rhode Island as a whole. His company, Run of the Mill, will be hosting a ga…