Francis Rodino - a born New Yorker, loves his Italian heritage. His mother, being a passionate classical music enthusiast and violin teacher, had him start cello lessons at the ripe old age of seven, studying at the Manhattan School of Music.

Francis's family re-located to Italy when he was 10 years old. He continued his musical studies at the prestigious Verdi Conservatory of Milan, acquiring his Grade 8 British Associated Board of Music Exams in Cello with Distinction.

Although classical music was at the heart of his education, popular song-writing called him from an early age. Influenced by the rock n' roll classics of the 50's, Francis picked up his Dad's old nylon stringed guitar which had been gathering dust for far too long. It was an instant, natural, and ultimately life-long bond of love.

Since moving to London in 1993, Francis has been performing regularly on the London circuit. From intimate acoustic sessions through to prime venues like the Barfly and the Clapham Grand, Francis has developed an ever increasing, and loyal fanbase. Past performances include Sound, Storm, The Halfmoon, The Rock Garden, The Barfly, The Dublin Castle, The Clapham Grand, The Hope & Anchor, and 93 Feet East, among many others.

And then came Sellaband. A pioneering new music website, Sellaband connects artists to fans, in pursuit of a $50,000 recording budget and subsequent recording and publishing deals. As of this writing only 21 artists have achived this, out of the current pool of 8000. Francis was artist number 10. A prolific songwriter with a solid portfolio, Francis is a band leader, a front-man and a story teller who's used the internet to create meaningful connections with his fans. From Myspace, Facebook, Sellaband and other online social networking sites the internet has connected Francis to a proven market, allowing his fans to finance his album. Music lovers around the world putting their money where their mouth is.

Francis Rodino has regularly performed in the Netherlands, most recently at the legendary Paradiso main stage, to a captivated full house. In June 2007, he was chosen from more than 5000 artists to play at Holland's biggest music festival, Concert at Sea in front of thousands, with Keane and Blof, one of Holland's biggest bands, among others.

Francis Rodino says of his music:

"I wanted to create a sound of my own: intense, intimate, provoking, meaningful. I write about how I feel about life, love, losses and failures, highs and lows, and broken hearts. I'm facinated about our humanity and how we act/react to one another. This album represents experiences that we all live through; trying to fit in, trying to make sense out of what may happen randomly. I try to tell stories through my music that is accessible to different people, from different walks of life."

"Circles & Squares" is the product of 8 months intense love, emotion and labour. Produced by Steve Bush (Sterophonics, Corrine Bailey Rae), recording started in January 2008 at Rockfield Studios, Wales, and continued through to July in London at Scrubs Clubhouse and Mark Angelo Studios.