Where The Living Room Used To Be

Keith McCurdy of Vudu Sister shares his thoughts on what it's like to be a working-class musician, passes along some advice he received from his father, and tells us the beauty of open mic nights Listen to the end to hear "Under the Light of the Moon" from Vudu Sister's new album Adynata // Interview recorded March 6, 2026 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

On this episode I speak with Keith McCurdy of the band Vudu Sister. We talk about their new album Adynata and what's changed with this record. We also go all the way back to his early bands, Vudu Sister's first album Bastard Children, and what it took to write songs in Latin and ancient Greek. Make sure to check out Vudu Sister's album release show at Myrtle on March 20 and stay to the end to hear the premiere of their song "Passage of Ships" Interlude song order: "Galliard" by Vudu Sister from their album, Broken Children "Household Items" by Vudu Sister from their album, Household Items "Raven-haired Girl" by Vudu Sister from their album, Mortis Nervosa "Credite Mihi" by Vudu Sister from their album, Burnt Offerings "Lilith" by Vudu Sister from their album, Adynata "Passage of Ships" by Vudu Sister from their album, Adynata [song premiere!] // Interview recorded March 6, 2026 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //

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. Sullest debut full length album is coming out on Dec. 13th via Armageddon Label and you can pre-order the vinyl and cassette over on Bandcamp right now! Also check out the video for the first single "Dirt Mall" on YouTube which we talk a little bit about in this interview. Interlude song order: "Arson Daily" by Weak Teeth from their album, What A Plague You Are "Future Cougar" by Best Practices from their album, The EP LP "All My Shit’s at TJ’s" by Sullest from their EP, Fashionable Male "Contact High" by Sullest from their self-titled album "White Horse" by Tomb Envy from their album, Retired "Windows 9595" by Sullest from their self-titled album [song premiere] // I

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 album, Midnight Folklore. // Interview recorded October 9, 2024 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey // 

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 // 

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 al

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.com Please 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 // 

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 // 

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 mus

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 (sin

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 // 

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 recording process of many of his records included Deer Tick's latest album, "Emotional Contracts" which is out now via ATO records. Interlude song order: "Dirty Dishes" by Deer Tick from their Daytrotter Session "Goodbye, Dear Friend" by Deer Tick from their album, Black Dirt Sessions "Main Street" by Deer Tick from their album, Divine Providence "Out on My Own" by Diamond Rugs from their self-titled album "Ashamed" by Deer Tick from their live performance at Newport Blues Cafe on Jul 28, 2019 (audio credit: Chad) "Once in a Lifetime" by Deer Tick from their album, Emotional Contracts //

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 hear Senior Discount's "The Christmas Medley" which was one of Chuck's favorite music endeavors he's been a part of. // Interview recorded February 9, 2024 via Google Meet // Intro music by Cedros // Hosted by James Toomey //