Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives

What does it take to recreate the music of a band known for complexity, intensity, powerful visuals, and some of the most passionate fans in rock?In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with all four members of 46 & TOOL, a tribute to TOOL featuring Jeff Irving on vocals, Todd Gatchel on guitar, Blaine Minasian on drums, and Ray Perez on bass.We go inside the challenge of taking on music where every part matters. The band shares how they rehearse, what they listen for when learning TOOL's intricate songs, and how four individual musicians come together to recreate the sound, energy, and emotional intensity that fans expect.But a TOOL experience goes far beyond the notes. We talk about the importance of visuals and atmosphere, the emotional depth and meaning behind the lyrics, and how 46 & TOOL works to create an immersive live experience while still bringing their own chemistry and personalities to the stage.The guys also take us back to their own musical beginnings and first concert experiences, share the musicians who influenced them, and talk about the relationships and passion that keep them doing what they love. It's a fun interview with just the right amount of sarcasm and humor peppered in highlighting just how much fun they are having. 00:00Introduction to the band and their passion for Tool01:12First live concert experiences of band members04:02Band members' musical backgrounds and influences08:32How the band came together and their journey12:20Why they chose to tribute Tool over other bands17:01The energy and connection during live performances22:08The challenges of learning and mastering Tool songs28:20Rehearsal process and preparing for shows32:34The love of music and continuous learninghttps://www.facebook.com/46andtoolbandhttps://www.instagram.com/46andtoolband/

How do three musicians take on one of the most technically demanding catalogs in rock and make audiences feel like they're experiencing Rush live again?In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with members of the Rush Tribute Project, a three-piece tribute dedicated to recreating the music, energy, and live concert experience of Rush. With more than two decades of Rush tribute performances behind them, including appearances at RushCon, the band brings music spanning more than 40 years of Rush's career to audiences around the world.We get into what it really takes to play this music. From individual practice and putting the incredibly complex musical pieces together to developing the chemistry required to make three musicians sound much bigger than three musicians, the band shares what happens long before they ever walk onto a stage.But recreating Rush isn't only about getting the notes right. We talk about the visual and sensory elements of a Rush concert, the instruments, sounds and details that matter to devoted fans, and what it's like performing for an audience that knows every note and isn't afraid to let you know when something isn't quite right.The guys also share stories about their earliest concert experiences, balancing careers and family with the demands of the band, life on the road, adapting to livestream performances during COVID, and where they still dream of taking the Rush Tribute Project.00:00Introduction to the Rush Tribute Project02:06How the band formed and connected04:07Rehearsal routines and chemistry07:00Memorable first concerts and influences09:55COVID live streams and adapting15:07Challenging songs and setlist rotation20:08Emulating Rush's visual and sensory experience24:59Touring life and challenges29:53Handling audience expectations and critique35:01Future goals and dream venueshttps://rushtributeproject.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheRushTributeProjecthttps://www.youtube.com/@TheRushTributeProjecthttps://www.instagram.com/rushtributeproject/

What happens when singing Phil Collins at karaoke turns into something much bigger than you ever expected?In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with Nicholas Brydon, frontman of Turn It On Again, a Phil Collins and Genesis tribute band built around something Nicholas believes matters just as much as getting the music right: making audiences feel it.Nicholas shares his unlikely journey from karaoke singer to discovering that his voice had a striking connection to Phil Collins, eventually leading him into the Genesis tribute scene and the creation of a band that quickly began gaining momentum.But building a successful tribute band takes much more than stepping onstage. We talk about the strategy behind growing Turn It On Again, finding the right musicians, working with booking agencies, creating effective promotional content, managing the business side of the band, and balancing it all with a career and family life.We also dive into the music itself, from the different eras of Genesis and Phil Collins' solo catalog to constructing a setlist, tackling emotionally challenging songs, and creating those moments when an audience becomes part of the performance.Journey from karaoke to tribute bandImportance of business structure in musicBuilding a cohesive band and expanding lineupCreating authentic and emotional performancesMarketing and promotion strategies for tribute bandsBalancing music career with family lifeEngaging with fans and enhancing fan experienceThe role of social media and promo videosFuture plans for band growth and expansionThe importance of community and networking in musichttps://turnitonagaintribute.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@TurnItOnAgainTributeYThttps://www.instagram.com/turnitonagaintribute/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554157552389

What happens when a lifelong connection to music becomes the foundation for building something much bigger than a band?In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with Jason Collins, bassist of Floyd Nation, a Pink Floyd tribute band that has grown from an idea into an immersive live experience bringing fans together through one of rock's most iconic catalogs.Jason takes us back to his early musical influences and shares the story of how Floyd Nation was built from the ground up, including the challenges of creating a band on a budget, finding the right musicians, and making strategic decisions that helped turn a vision into a successful touring production.But our conversation goes well beyond the business of building a tribute band. Jason talks about musicianship, relationships, networking, and the importance of creating genuine connections both onstage and off. We explore how Floyd Nation approaches everything from constructing setlists and performing full-album tributes to balancing the music audiences know and love with the band's own original creative work.Jason also shares the unforgettable experience of recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and reflects on the emotional power of live music and its ability to create community among people who may have little else in common.00:00Introduction to Jason Collins and Floyd Nation01:50Jason's early musical influences and first memories04:02Transition from guitar to bass and musical development06:58Forming Floyd Nation and initial challenges10:03Lessons learned from band dynamics and relationships15:11Building Floyd Nation during COVID-19 pandemic20:04Creating a community through live music and shared experiences24:57Strategic planning, booking, and industry connections30:06Touring, setlist construction, and musical choices34:58Recording at Abbey Road Studios and the experience45:01Original music vs tribute performances50:12The emotional and spiritual impact of music59:57Future plans, original music, and closing thoughtshttps://floydnation.live/https://www.facebook.com/floydnationlivehttps://www.instagram.com/floydnationlive

What would it be like to witness the original Allman Brothers Band at the legendary Fillmore East... and spend the rest of your life keeping that music alive?In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, I sit down with Lou Maresca, founder of Live at the Fillmore, one of the country's premier tributes to the original Allman Brothers Band. Lou shares his remarkable journey from studying microbiology and working in sound engineering to building a career dedicated to preserving one of rock's most influential musical legacies.Drawing from his firsthand experiences seeing the original Allman Brothers Band perform during their legendary years, Lou reflects on what it truly means to create an authentic live music experience. We explore the evolution of tribute bands, the importance of honoring the music note for note while still connecting emotionally with audiences, and why authenticity matters now more than ever.Our conversation also dives into the changing music industry, the impact of AI on creativity, the business behind successful tribute bands, and the passion that continues to fuel Lou's commitment to keeping this timeless music alive.Whether you're an Allman Brothers fan, a musician, or simply fascinated by the people who dedicate their lives to preserving great music, Lou's story is a reminder that the most meaningful careers are often built by following your passion, embracing authenticity, and never losing sight of why you started.00:00Introduction to Lou Maresca and His Musical Journey01:01From Microbiology to Music: A Unique Path04:00The Technical Side of Music and Celebrity Encounters06:45The Transition from Accordion to Guitar07:56Learning from the Greats: Influences and Techniques09:53The Art of Tribute Bands: Authenticity vs. Innovation14:56The Allman Brothers Band: Personal Experiences and Memories19:55The Last Show at Fillmore East: A Historic Performance24:59The Formation of Sky Dog and Tribute Band Evolution29:56AI in Music: The Future of Songwriting33:59The Human Element vs. AI in Music36:06The Formation and Dynamics of a Tribute Band38:30Navigating Ego and Commitment in Music41:32The Business of Tribute Bands45:21The Emotional Connection to Music53:45Advice for Aspiring Tribute Band Musicians01:01:15The State of the Tribute Band Industryhttps://liveatthefillmoreband.com