Musician ANDY FRASCO Discusses New Music, Social Media, Inspirations and More!

Posted On 01 Mar 2019

Andy Frasco describes himself as a “professional traveler, so-so musician, and optimistically barefooted Lakers enthusiast.” He forgot to mention “humble.” Because, rarely does a “so-so” musician travel the world, bringing audiences to their feet with a unique brand of funkified rock.

Frasco, in fact, is a first-class musician. And, along with his band, the U.N., he has toured the U.S., China, and Europe, and performed at a number of popular festivals. Their live show has been described as “one of the most entertaining and fun performances on the road today.” Their latest single is called “Cant Force Love.”

“‘Can’t Force Love’ is about patience,” shares Frasco. “It seems when we’re lonely, or desperate, we try to ignore the warning signs when we’re looking for companionship. “Can’t Force Love” tries to explain that it’s ok to take your time when you’re falling in love.”

Andy Frasco & the U.N.’s full album, Change of Pace, officially dropped on February 22. In December 2018, the band released the album’s telling title track, “Change of Pace.” “Change of Pace is a song about finding your balance in life,” shares Frasco. “If you feel like your life is swinging too far to one side of the spectrum, it’s okay to take a step back every now and then to try something new.” Frasco dropped “Change of Pace” via his popular podcast, Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast. Frasco uses the platform to share his experiences traveling the world, while interviewing other musicians, like Portugal. The Man, Chicano Batman, Dave Schools and select comedians like Todd Glass.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Andy Frasco & the U.N. consists of Frasco (lead vocals, piano), Andee Avila (drums), Shawn Eckels (Guitar), Ernie Chang (Saxophone), and Chris Lorentz (Bass). Their sound has been described as “rock fueled by reckless abandonment and a disregard for the rules.” To date, Andy Frasco & the U.N. has released a few studio albums including Half a Man (2014), and Happy Bastards (2016).

Last year, they released their first live album (CD and DVD) entitled “Songs From The Road” which was recorded in August 2016 at the Tucher Blues and Jazz Festival in Bamberg, Germany. Since their inception, Andy Frasco & the U.N. have wowed audiences at Electric Forest, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park, Zwarte Cross Festival, Jam Cruise, Rock Boat and Mountain Jam. In 2014, the band was selected by Live for Live Music as the top performance pick at Electric Forest Festival.

Catch Andy Frasco & the U.N. on TOUR!

2019 DATES:

3/1/19: The Bootleg at Atomic Cowboy – St. Louis, MO +

3/2/19: Martyrs’ – Chicago, IL +

3/3/19: Gravely Brewing Co. – Louisville, KY

3/6/19: High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI +

3/7/19: Otus Supply – Parliament Room – Ferndale, MI +

3/8/19: The Mousetrap – Indianapolis, IN +

3/9/19: Beachland Tavern – Cleveland, OH +

3/10/19: Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY +

3/13/19: Rex Theater – Pittsburgh, PA +

3/14/19: Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA

3/15/19: Pearl Street Warehouse – Washington, DC

3/16/19: Martin’s Downtown – Roanoke, VA

3/20/19: Nectar’s – Burlington, VT

3/21/19: ONCE Ballroom – Somerville, MA +

3/22/19: Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY +

3/23/19: Bearsville Theater – Woodstock, NY +

4/4/19: Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA

4/5/19: The Chapel – San Francisco, CA

4/10/19: The Sunset Tavern – Seattle, WA

4/11/19: Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR

4/12/19: Whiskey Jacques – Ketchum, ID

4/13/19: Sun Valley Resort – Sun Valley, ID

4/14/19: The Olympic – Boise, ID

4/17/19: Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO

4/18/19: Hodi’s Half Note – Fory Collins, CO

4/19/19: Crow’s Feet Apres Ski Series – Bend, OR

4/20/19: Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO

5/24 – 5/26/19: Summer Camp Music Festival – Chillicothe, IL

7/25 – 7/28/19 – The Peach Music Festival – Scranton, PA

* supporting Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe

+ with special guest Wild Adriatic

CONNECT With Andy Frasco Here:

Learn more about Andy Frasco in the following All Access interview:

Now that 2019 has started, what musical goals do you have for yourself and your music this new year? Did you make any new year’s resolutions?

Just trying to give the best and most heartfelt performances I can everyday. Life is about living in the moment and if I can stay present more, and stay off my phone, then I feel that’s a solid New Years resolution for 2019… Oh ya, probably drinking less would help.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what could you see yourself doing?

Music has always been so important to me. I remember the exact moment I wanted to be musician… I was at a Damian Rice concert when I was 19. I had never seen someone captivate that many people in a room with just a song and a guitar. I walked out of that concert thinking, “I’m not going to stop doing this until I can do what Damian did to that group of people in that room”. 12 years later I still haven’t stopped. I love the music industry. If I wasn’t a musician, I’d probably be an agent or manager.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

Having musicians I look up to watching our show on the side of the stage with their guitars ready to jam with my band when I point at them. This is why we play, so we can connect spiritually with everyone in the room. The welcoming challenge to it all is keeping everyone present, plus being present yourself, so we don’t drive this musical caravan into auto pilot.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live now?

I grew up in LA.. I love it, I really do. But my music wasn’t influenced by that culture…it just wasn’t for me. I had to go down to Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Louisiana to really find the music I came to love and appreciate.

What was the inspiration for your newest single “Can’t Force Love”? How does it compare to anything else that you have released?

“Can’t Force Love” is basically a song about myself. I’ve been stuck trying to give so much love to everyone else that I forgot about the happiness I need to find inside of me. It’s the most honest I’ve ever been with myself. It was tough to write but I’m extremely proud of it.

What does it feel like to be releasing your upcoming album, “Change of Pace” soon? What was it like recording this collection?

“Change Of Pace” is a new chapter for me. I wrote this collection of songs not worrying about my live show, but how I was feeling in the present. It helped my lyrics and it helped me make the art I wanted to make for myself for once. I’ve watched myself grow through this process recording with people I look up to so much, like Dave Schools, Ben Ellman and Caleb Hawley. It’s really one of the first times I shut up and listened to everything these legends had to say.

How has your current tour been going? What have been some favorite venues and crowds so far? Where are you excited to play at next?

Tour has been great. We’ve been doing 250+ shows a year now for the last 12 years. I can’t really remember what my favorite venues or crowds are because they are all so different and unique. But one of the most heartfelt relationships I have with my fans is when I go on the Jam Cruise or Rock Boat.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

It’s extremely hard to keep up but with this day & age you kind of have to. It’s 40% of your job I feel. We all live in this state of FOMO ever since we attached the phone to our hands. I’m trying to change that with my fans so I started a podcast called Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast. I talk to my fans once a week – let them know how I’m feeling, and then interview somebody in the music scene. I’m trying to show people that we aren’t any different than the people listening to the music. I really love doing this podcast.

Where can fans see you perform next?

I’m on the road forever… I have a feeling we are playing near y’all eventually down the line lol

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

Traditional Adult Bar Mitzvah where a crazy Uncle spiked the punch with LSD.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?

Probably drums… hopefully people will hear me so I can get the fuck off that island lol

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

Anything Wes Anderson… literally anything.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I want people to feel comfortable with themselves after listening to my music. We’re all the same, it’s just how we feel about ourselves that changes our perspectives on others. If I can get people out of their heads and into the moment, then I’ve done my job in my eyes.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

Stay off your phones and live in the moment

About the Author

Leah Brungardt joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music.

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