Where The Living Room Used To Be

RI 5 with Frankie "Ranks" Moniz

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

Sound Advice with Frankie "Ranks" Moniz

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

Frankie "Ranks" Moniz (The Agents, High Planes, Soulshot, Boo City)

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
"Liars and Thieves" by Soulshot
"Free Kind of Life" by Frankie Ranks & The Freeloaders from their EP, Game Changer
"Nobody Knows" by Boo City
"Undone" by High Planes from their album, Ghost Town
"Dead To Rights" by High Planes from their album, Sweet Vacancy
"Falling" by High Planes from their album, Sweet Vacancy
// Interview recorded October 9, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

Jon Hope talks "High Hopes"

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 available now wherever you stream music, on Bandcamp, and directly through him at jonhopepvd.comPlease check these projects out, support him and enjoy the episode!!!
// Interview recorded July 19, 2024 via Google Meet// Intro music by Cedros// Hosted by James Toomey // 

RI 5 with Francis Anderson

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

Sound Advice with Francis Anderson

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 // 

Francis Anderson (Franny Keeps)

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 // 

Metermaids

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 //