Where The Living Room Used To Be

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: Pe...

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 albu...

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 on June 8th alongside labelmates Sage Francis, Cas One, Early Adopted, Mopes, Je...

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 en...

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 Singers and the wonderful Mary Lee Partington who recently passed. She was a special pe...

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 param...

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 Denn...

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 Festival for the first time and the ensuing post-festival concerts they did for nearl...

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 teenager influenced his stage performance to this day. We also cover the writing and record...

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 with a group, and the impact a concert series had on this life.

At the end you'll he...

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 story about an interesting feud between a couple of his famous bosses I think you'll like...

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 + Plastick Records. We also discuss the role of creating entertaining videos early on wit...

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 long-running annual DIY festival was at the beginning!

Plus, listen to the end to hea...

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 conventional path in life and the people that truly inspire him as well. In the full episod...

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 works for a bit...so I'm super happy I was able to connect with Aaron and help sh...

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 entertainment in the Providence. In our conversation you'll learn much more about what'...

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 quick history of one of the most famous music festivals in our state.

At the end of ...

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 Shadow's Dance, which includes Joe Potenza on bass. John is based out of Newport, RI a...

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 over the years, some of the big names he's joined on stage, and we go all the way up ...