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: Pet Bee) . The song is "Had I Known" and I hope you enjoy it!
// Interview recorded July 2, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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
"Cross Through" by Franny Keeps from untitled album
"Skinny Thing" by Franny Keeps from untitled album
// Interview recorded July 2, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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, Jesse The Tree, and Storm Davis. Make sure you're in the room for this as there's some special stuff happening that evening. I will see you there!
Interlude song order:
"Blackout Baby" from their EP, Smash Smash Bang
"Get Down" from their album, Rooftop Shake
"House On Fire" from their album, We Brought Knives
"Quiet On The Set feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky
"All The Smoke feat. Sage Francis" from their album, A Line In The Sky
// Interview recorded May 29, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 person and I hope you all enjoy this rehearsal recording (audio credit: Raymond Watson).
// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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.The album they made with Yonatan Gat simply under the name Medicine Singers is a masterpiece! I absolutely recommend you give this a listen and pick it up to support them. It was definitely a lot of fun learning a bit about how this record was made here in RI and what went into during our conversation.
Interlude song order:
Eastern Medicine Singers live at the Prospect Terrace 80th Anniversary Celebration on June 18, 2019
"Sunrise (Rumble)" by Medicine Singers from their self-titled album
"Honor Song" by Medicine Singers, Lee Ranaldo & Yonatan Gat (single)
"Nannateeah" by Cu Dubg with Eastern Medicine Singers from their album Warpipe
"Daybreak" by Medicine Singers from their self-titled album
// Interview recorded April 25, 2024 at Black Eagle Productions// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 nearly a decade. With that, at the end of the episode I shared a track from the band's album Live At Fort Adams that was recorded in 2020. The song is "Jumpstarting" and you can pick this up on vinyl at deertickmusic.com either on this live record or their studio album "Vol. 2"
// Interview recorded March 11, 2024 at John's home// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey //