Andy Frasco's World Saving Podcast - EP 35: Brandon "Taz" Niederauer

Episode Date: February 12, 2019

Andy and Chad reminisce over another boat outing. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. And on the interview hour we have guitar prodigy and Jam Cruise MVP, Taz! The boys talk Nintendo Switch, life on the road, and the sweet, sweet taste of New York tap water (best in the country). But the real question is: why does Dolav hate the Lakers so much? Happy birthday, Andy Frasco. This is Episode 35.  To keep up with the podcast, follow us on Instagram @WorldSavingPodcast For more information on Andy Frasco, tour dates, the band and the blog, go to: AndyFrasco.com The views discussed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the guests. Keep up with the inimitable, Taz at www.tazguitar.com Check out Andy's new single, "Waiting Game" on iTunes and Spotify Produced by Andy Frasco Joe Angelhow Chris Lorentz Audio mix by Chris Lorentz Featuring:   Arno Bakker Shawn Eckels Dave Schools Chad Cocuzza  Dolav Cohen

Hey, Andy. Andy Frasco. Hi, it's Dave Schools, your producer. Remember me? Anyway, I'm down in Mexico, and I'm probably never going to come back. I mean, you know, why would I? But I got your message about Love is a Waiting Game.

It's going to be premiered on your podcast. And congratulations. I'm really proud of you. I hope someday I see you again. But if not, you know, I'm down here enjoying all of the great things that Mexico has to offer. And you're probably going to put this voicemail on your podcast. So, hey, it's Dave Schools, producer of this song, and I played bass on it, too. So right here, Andy Frasco and the U.N., the world premiere of Love is a Waiting Game.

I don't wanna be lonely I don't wanna be lonely Love is a waiting game Wake up from your cell phone Breathe in the world today Wake up with a smile, you never know what the day will bring. Gonna pick up where we left off and hold you close. I wanna be the man you can tell your mama about, yeah. It's gonna be hard for you, gonna be hard for me But love is a way in game

And hate me when you're lonely But love is a way in game I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna be lonely I don't wanna be lonely Love is a waiting game I'm tired of being labeled I'm tired of feeling outcast I'm over staying quiet

To be passed up for another man's laugh I wanna pick up where we left off We were just having fun I wanna be the man that you can go home to, yeah Make coffee in the morning Love you till the evening And hold you till the sun comes up again It's gonna be hard for you, gonna be hard for me

But love is a way and game And hate me when you're lonely But love is a waiting game. I don't want to be lonely, I don't want to be lonely, love is a waiting game Well I hold you down when you're all alone When you need someone to hold, I'll be the man that you hold I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna be lonely Love is a waiting game I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna be lonely

Love is a waiting game It's gonna be hard, I don't wanna be lonely I don't wanna be lonely, love is a waiting game I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna be lonely Love is a waiting game I don't wanna be lonely, I don't wanna be lonely Love is a waiting game And we're here.

Andy Frasca's World Saving Podcast. We have a special guest. I'm going to be honest with you guys. What time is it right now? It's 4.22 in the morning. And we are trying to get this podcast out. I have Chad Cacuzza with me. We're going to open the show with Chad.

What's up, Chad from Spoofhead Tribe? We are in the middle of the ocean, Andy. We are. Dude, we've been on a fucking boat. I feel like we've been on a boat for fucking years. I mean, we have been on a boat. This is the longest consecutive times we've been on a boat throughout probably our whole lives.

I've never been on a boat this long. We're on the Rock Boat right now. We're on another festival. It's a little different than JM Cruise, but same like BaVoom, I think. It's just a different crowd. They're two different entities for sure. Yeah.

But, oh man, it's been fucking wild. And I'll be honest with you guys, we're fucking hammered. It's not smoking mirrors here, guys. But Chad, we've had, it's going to be a good show. We have Taz on the show tonight, guys. So we're going to talk about a couple of things. But like, man, I just want to be honest. I had a situation that happened to me today.

It kind of fucked my head up. It fucked my head up a lot. Like when we were in the Bahamas today. No, when we, right when we were about to play the 80s show, where we were doing the, um, we did Bon Jovi. So we got to play a show where, like, all

the bands get to pick an 80s song. So we were like, fuck it, let's go metal. Let's go Bon Jovi. Let's go fucking Death Leopard. I saw you in the zone today. I was in the zone. I was like, I wanted to bust some ass. Like, really, like, these fucking cruises are hard. Like, I work hard on these things because it's like,

you never have, you can't turn off. Because right when you get off of your, once you get out of your room, you got to be on. You got to smile. You got to like, love. You know, it's like, there's never a time to break. So, I had this moment, man. And this, I was, I'm a big fan of something corporate, Andrew McMahon.

And I had my peace with him. We're like, I finally had a conversation with him. Like, hey man, you're the guy who made me become a piano player yeah because he's like your homie from way back in the day like when you were like when i was a kid i the reason why i fucking went to drive through records yeah was because something corporate was on that label and i wanted to be a piano player and i and i didn know how to play. So I was just like, all right, cool. I'm a good marketer. I'll just be part of this industry.

So I finally got to meet the guy that I've always been around, and I told him my piece. I was like, hey, man, you know, you're the reason why I played piano, and I had this real moment with him. And it was such a genuine moment. And then the moment after that, I found out that I hooked up

with the guitar player's fucking wife when I was fucking 13 years old. And I totally did not remember it. The reason why I'm bringing this up with, Taz is 15 years old and I totally did not remember it. The reason why I'm bringing this up with Taz is 15 years old. This is what I'm dealing with at 13. I'm trying to like hook up with chicks. You know, trying to

just like learn how to fuck and shit. You know? And Taz is out here shredding and learning how to fucking be a musician at eight years old. Like, is my direction in life, like, should I feel bad that I didn't work on my craft when I was a kid like Taz was?

And I worked on it when I was closer to 20? Like, I'm having this, I was closer to 20. I'm having this crisis right now. There's no reason for regrets. Everything that you've done to this point in life makes you who you are today. So there shouldn't be any, should I have done this, should I have done that? Using Taz as a reference, he's doing what he's doing

because that's what he's supposed to be doing right now. You're doing what you're doing because that's what you're supposed to be doing right now. And back then, you were doing what you were supposed to be doing because that's what you're supposed to be doing. Taz is in public school. He didn't decide to do homeschool. This is the conversation. It's hard for me to interview someone without talking about,

okay, how did you developly get your mind here? Was it psychedelics? The kid's fucking 15. So then bringing it back to, okay, what was I like at 15? What was I at 13? And then all of a sudden having that truth bomb of maybe I was a fucking asshole at 13. You know? Yeah.

I mean, there's so many. With this reminder from just fucking three hours ago. Yeah. And I mean, you have no idea what he's been through too. Everybody has their ups and downs, dude. There's different breeds of people out there. Bruce Hampton died in front of his feet, man. That's real.

He's 15. That's real shit. That's real. You might not understand that yet. But for us, grown-ass men, that's a real fucking thing. For someone to pass a torch like that,

that's unbelievable. Yeah. Especially for him. I mean, he's, yeah, he's not to discredit him, but I mean,

he hasn't even had the amount of years to understand. I mean, I'm sure he does, but you know, you, it takes a while to really feel the kind of presence, you know, and it takes a certain amount of time to really process these things.

And, I mean, that's going to go down in his book forever. Yeah. And that's why I appreciate this kid, man. He's doing his thing. You know, like, it was a good conversation. But I want to go back to a couple things on Rockboat. Besides that situation that made me sad, we also had a good situation.

We won the fucking Super Bowl. Football. Oh my God, guys. You don't understand. I've been working. You know how, I don't know if you're my Jam Cruise fan base and you listen to this podcast.

You know, we work hard, man. I'm always in there. I'm hanging out with the people. podcast, you know, we work hard, man. I'm always in there. I'm hanging out with the people. Like, you know, we're in there. You got to put the extra in extraordinary. No, I'm in.

Like, I want to hang out with the crowd. So, like, I'm playing basketball with everyone, but the rock boat said, okay, Frasco,

you got all this energy. I want you to do a Super Bowl where we're going to have artist versus artist. And we had all of us unathletic motherfuckers, fucking chain-smoking six. Joe Namath style. Dude, Joe Namath style, fucking pounding beers, hungover,

playing these super athletic dudes. It's just like these guys, Trey Pierce. Trey is like, he's played with James Brown. And their band is phenomenal. And his band is amazing. These guys are fucking healthy, and they work out. And we had to play them. And it was, what was it at halftime?

3-16? We were losing three. They showed up. They actually had a concept of what to do a little bit. Yeah. They were talking shit too. They're like, oh, fuck Brasco. We got these guys.

We got these like, you know, counters, plays and like go this way and we'll go this way. And then all of a sudden, you know, like we come out there like the little giants, like the Sandlot team. Yeah. You know, and we're like, oh, okay, man. Well, if they're going to do that, okay, let's see if we can do that too. And, dude, I'm so proud of everybody. Dude. And I know you are too.

I can't believe it, dude. I'm honestly, like, this is our Rudy moment. We were down 3-16, guys. Honestly. Like, we got a fake safety that was fucked up. We had a couple, like, one interception. That was my fault. I got it.

But then, fucking, we came back and won at the last fucking minute. We didn't let up, dude. It was, honestly, it was my Kobe moment, fam. Honestly. It was my fucking Kobe moment And like Chad Had the fucking last catch On the fucking touchdown

My guy Clapped my hand I felt like Some sort of superstar That I've You know It's like one of those things You've never felt before

And you're like Dude I just won this The rock boat Superbowl Dude Honestly And we're On Superbowl Sunday On Superbowl Sunday And you know I just won the rock boat Super Bowl. Dude, honestly.

On Super Bowl Sunday. On Super Bowl Sunday. And we're grown-ass men. And that meant so much to us. It's the little things in life. This is what I'm trying to all bring it back to. It's the little things in life that we shouldn't let anything get you down from. No way. Keep going, dude. You're telling me. It's your mom's

fucking birthday. It is. Your mom passed away. If you listen to Chad interview on the first season, his mom passed away and Chad watched his mom pass away in your arms.

Yeah, yeah. And it's her birthday, man. Yeah, today's her birthday. Mama C in the house. Yeah, respect, Mama C. Happy birthday, man. Yeah, we love you. Yeah, we'll always celebrate this.

We're in the middle of the ocean fucking looking up at you. It's those little things, man, that we take for granted. Let's conclude this. You know, life is short. And we can always, you know, try to judge the people that we were when we were kids. But we got to realize that our cells change. Our fucking minds change. Our hearts change.

And we become better people as we get older. Yeah, man. Every day is a learning process, dude, for sure. That's why interviewing the youth, fucking Taz, and learning, damn, if I could take it back when I was 15, would I change how I was? I don't know, man. Well, I mean, I look at our newer generation,

and I finally felt old enough where I can actually say that legitimately. You see people going from one extreme to the other, man. There's all this crazy internet fucking like killer propaganda and like everybody's battling each other and shit and you see people like you meet taz and they're like totally don't pay any attention to that and they just like master their craft or like go another way and just i mean It's one extreme to the other and everybody's getting better at everything. I feel like the future is

in good hands. Vince and I talk about this all the time. I talked about this with Todd Glass too. People talk about the kids and like, oh, fuck. Our fucking youth is horrible. No. Then you look at kids like Taz. You look at kids like, these kids are. Like, no. Then you look at kids like Taz,

you look at kids like these kids are doing shit, man. And they're like just doing them because they love it. And their passion. Like, I don't believe that bullshit. I think people, when they get older, they are like,

they want to hold on to what they have. Man. It's, it's, it's, it's, it's a beautiful thing because even in extended family of mine, you see people doing amazing things, beautiful things,

and things that haven't been done before. There's so many extreme things that these kids are doing, and they blow my mind just having a conversation with them. Yeah, man, me too, man. My nephews. Wow. My Christian, my Christian and Anthony

and my cousins, like, like, damn, dude. Like, they're smart and they really care about life. You know, like, they were filled with the fucking social media world

their whole lives. And they're kind of like shooting... It's part of their lives, but they're like, okay, there's a bigger purpose. And I really feel like that younger generation is really going to help us fix what's going on right now. Naturally, with having that much knowledge on your fingertips, whether it's your cell phone or iPad or whatever technology it is, you're bound to retain more information. It's like you have a conversation with a four or five-year-old,

whereas you probably didn't maybe know some of these things until you're in our generation, that you were like 10 or 12 or something, you know? And it's just like a faster process of learning and shit. I don't know. No, I get it. I get it. Chad is fucking hammered.

He's laying down. He's having like, it's like, you know what you just remind me of? I was chillaxing, dog. You were laying down. We were having a therapy session. You know, life is about this. I did feel like I was being hypnotized for a second.

Man, it's been a good fucking run. Thanks for having me along. Man, Chad, it's been fun good fucking run thanks for having me along man Chad it's been fun having you on board it's been fun just just

you know I love you bro man it's all good you're my dog I learn a lot from you like you've had a lot of shit go on in your life

with your mom passing and your brother passing and your fucking dad passing I mean like I look up to you, man.

It's a wild ride, man. You never know what's going to happen tomorrow. You're my brothers. You never know what's going to happen tomorrow, man. Yeah. Well, talk about that. Shit, man. You have to, every opportunity, you know,

don't feel that there's a need to turn things down and, you know, live your life like there is no tomorrow. I know that's a cliche fucking saying and things, but I've switched my life around in a way of thought processes and things like that to maybe don't save everything for later and maybe just do it now. You know, who knows? Hey man, that's why we've been on boats for fucking three weeks. You convinced me to go on a sailboat. Fuck you for that. When I had cauliflower ear and the fucking,

you guys had to like blow out my blister and like, it made me a stronger person. I don't think in hindsight that you have any regrets about that awesomeness. Hell no I would never regret that. To our homie Brenton and Amanda and Nate Swift passes on Instagram. And we'll call her

I think her name is Penny or something. We'll call her Penny Lamb because she really helped us. Everybody was awesome on the boat, man. And then shout out to Jam Crew. Shout out to Rockboat. We had a great experience on Rockboat, too. Yeah, you had Annabelle on

as a co-host not too long ago, which is fucking amazing. And we got Jen from the Rockboat that's like... The same as Annabelle, but on the other side.

Yeah, she put people together and making seriously awesome relationships, man. It's so cool. We're here. Alright, should we listen to Taz's interview? Let's listen to it. And feel like how I should have focused on

music when I was eight years old and not focused on pussy. No regrets, Andy. No regrets. Everybody's doing fine. Right. All right. Enjoy Taz's interview. We'll catch you on the tail end. Next up on the interview hour,

we have Brandon Taz Niederauer. He goes by Taz. The kid is 15 years old. No disrespect to any other guitar player out there Like my guitar player Sean He's one of the best guitar players I've ever heard Really No bullshit

The kid's got it He was learning at 8 years old With the fucking Allman Brothers And playing music with Ward Haynes And Colonel Bruce He was on that show when Colonel Passed away And basically passed the torch to Taz And playing music with Ward Haynes and Colonel Bruce. Like, he was on that show when Colonel passed away and basically passed the torch to Taz.

The kid has got something. Chris, why don't you play some music from Taz while we're talking about him? But he's a good kid. He's got his head on straight. He's still in public school. He's flying the gig on Fridays. He's dedicated.

He was a Broadway star. And he's only 15. This guy's going to get laid so much. But I give him some advice about living on the road. And he gives me advice about what I should have been thinking about at 15.

Instead of what I was actually thinking about. But guys, I I was actually thinking about. But guys, I hope you enjoy the interview and I will catch you on the tail end. Enjoy Taz. You ain't gonna win Don't put me under your spell I will break out of my shell Here I'm now Stronger than I ever been You won the battle Long ago

But that's changing Alright, Taz, what's up, buddy? Hey, what's up? We got this, yup We got this Forgot to press record before We were just shooting, talking about ball You, uh, you like LeBron James

Who's your, where'd you grow up, Taz? Uh, I'm in New York New York City? Yeah Is that where you got all the Broadway stuff? Uh, well, yeah, the Broadway stuff is there Were you singing? I was singing, dancing.

You know, it was foreign topics for me, but I had to learn to do it. Okay, so what plays were you in? How old were you? I was in School of Rock the Musical from the time I was 11 to about 13 or 14. School of Rock Musical. Yeah. Okay, so you're from what, 11 to 14? Probably, yeah.

So we did like a pre-production pre-production downtown in New York City. Then we brought it to Broadway when I was 12. I was working 12-hour days. Then we brought it and we opened it. I am not homeschooled. I go to public school. My God! That's what I'm talking about.

Stay humble. The thing is, I could be homeschooled if I want to but like I have a problem waking up and saying I'm gonna do math right now like I can't I just don't have the willpower for that I can't wake up and be like alright time to do math it's like I have to be forced

cause like you know I just play guitar all day do you have to be forced to play guitar? no so maybe it's cause you just don't want to I mean yeah. I just play guitar all day. Do you have to be forced to play guitar? No. You love it? No, yeah. So maybe it's because you just don't want to fucking deal with it.

I mean, yeah. But I mean, at the same time, I do like school. I mean, I enjoy it sometimes. So public school. Like math comes easy to me. But I mean, it's just having to wake up and do schoolwork, you know. It's just something that I can't think of doing. Especially when you're like a child star, too. Yeah.

But however, I do have to wake up and do schoolwork because when I'm on Jam Cruise, it's obviously during school hours. So they send me my stuff and I'm doing it in my room. Hold on. Hold on. Go backtrack here. You're in school right now and you said, hey, I got to take a week off for Jam Cruise? Yeah.

And then my principal's super cool. He lets his teachers know and then they send me the work and I print it out on the boat and I do it and then I bring it back. It's the same thing. The majority of stuff that we're doing in the winter and in the spring and in the fall

is because of school. It's weekend stuff. You're flying on the weekends? I mean, not the flying on the weekends? Are you going to school? I mean, not the majority of the weekends I fly, but in the summer I'm flying everywhere. You love it?

Yeah, I love it, man. What do you love about it? I just love being in new places. Every place is a little bit different. What I've found is the water is different everywhere. Okay, explain this like what what do you mean like if you go like tap water like in chicago way like i don't i don't know some people out there you know it's a debate you know like is is water different every i i'm saying

like the water in new york is the best water i'm sorry it really is best tap water. 100%. You grew up in New York. Yeah. Where? City? Upper? Lower? I was born on Long Island. I've lived there. Then I moved to the city for the School of Rock the Musical thing,

which ended. I just moved back to Long Island. Oh, my God. I got so many questions. Is that a Nintendo Switch over there? Dude, we're going to play. I got a Nintendo Switch. i got so many questions is that a nintendo switch over there we're gonna play i got a switch i got mba 2k oh my god i got i got everything we're gonna we have to yeah i got i'll hook you up for sure yes oh my god this is making me feel young again because i brought the switch and my band's like oh weird no yeah i i should have brought my switch it's the best traveling thing yeah because i because Ian Neville, he plays Switch too.

Neville? Yeah, and we play sometimes. Yeah, what do you guys play? What's your game? We're still trying to hook up. But I heard he has 2K too. I got 2K19. Yeah, I have 2K19 as well. You good at it on the Switch?

I'm pretty good. You're a squad. My squad? You mean my build? Yeah? I'm pretty good. Who's your squad? My squad? You mean my build? Yeah. I'm a pure sharpshooter. Oh, so you got all the shots. I'm a 92 overall.

Really? Yeah. Oh, so you're my player's 92 sharpshooter straight to you? Yeah. I mean, but I'm more- Like Durant? Yeah. But I'm more into the Fortnite right now.

Oh, yeah. I love Fortnite. When you're at the age, you do it. Do it all. Play all the games. That's the thing is like people, I see like hate comments sometimes and they're like

yelling at my dad like, who lets their kid do this? Like, you know, he's supposed to be balanced. Like, people don't understand. Like, I still go to school. Like, I hang out with my friends all the time.

Yeah. And I'm always playing video games too. Yeah. Like, I'm always on my computer doing stuff. Are you playing guitar? Yeah, I'm playing guitar. It's like,

I mean, travel kids do it like on travel teams like it's the same thing and I mean I'm loving every minute of it so like I wouldn't want life any other way

oh my god this is so exciting what about the girls? are girls coming after you now that you're a guitar player? I mean I'm in the high school like I'm a sophomore in high school so like high school parties are cool

okay I wanna know about this when did you start playing what is the first musical memory memory my first musical memory is pounding on the couch as hard as I could

and trying to play drumming trying to on pots of bands to an Allman Brothers CD. Really? Because they were my first musical influence. They're my dad's favorite band. They're my favorite band because of him.

He used to like play stuff in the house all the time. The Allman Brothers. Did your dad play guitar? No. See, there's a funny thing. Nobody in my family has played guitar since my, or any instrument since my great my great aunt something like her great great aunt i don't know something like that my dad's great aunt so yeah

my great great aunt like played like piano or something but the thing is like what's funny is she didn't read music she she had a really good ear so she just like picked it up listening to recordings and i'm the same way like I'm not really good at reading music. I think it's better to like, well, I don't think it's better. But for me, it's I get more successful at learning things quicker if I could just listen to them on YouTube and just transcribe them on the spot. So like that, I mean, that's a connection. So were you just listening to songs on the internet?

Yeah, trying to play along to them. And like I was in a music program and all my friends were the same way. We'd just listen to the recordings on our iPods when those were things. So how old were you during this part of your life? Well, I started playing guitar when I was eight or nine. So you've been playing guitar for six years? Yeah, it's been a crazy long ride. Well, short ride, but it's been, I mean,

it's just past pace. It's fun. Yeah. And you're just starting. Yeah. This is what's driving me bananas because there's the potential you have. The funny thing is like, I never imagined like when I first picked it up, like, I'd be like going to all these places.

Like, I've been, like, now I can say that, like, I've been around the world because, like, I just went to Tokyo. I never thought I was like going to all these places. Like I've been like, now I can say that like I've been around the world. Cause like I just went to Tokyo. I never thought I was ever going to go to Tokyo, but an opportunity. Last week. Yeah. It's,

it's amazing. What do you like about it? The sushi. Yeah. The sushi. How cheap is it? It is amazing. I went to the fish market.

That's where I stayed. It was, yeah, it was amazing. Smelled horrible, but the fish, oh my God. Did you go to Nintendoville? Yes, I did. How cool is stayed. It was amazing. Smelled horrible. But the fish, oh my god. Did you go to Nintendoville? Yes, I did. How cool is that? It's crazy. And one other

thing is I saw people Mario karting on the streets. Dude, I wanted to do that. I want to do that so bad. They'll invite you back to Tokyo. When we're back, that's a must. Tell me about your relationship with your dad. You guys are really close?

I mean, my whole family. Yeah, I travel the majority with my dad. Have you done a trip by yourself yet? I haven't. Well, I did half a trip by myself because my dad had a business trip. And my band was playing in Chicago or near it on the outskirts. And he had to go back early. Who backs you up?

Well, I have my guitar teacher, Matt Godfrey, an amazing guitar player. He plays in my band. And some of his older band members from different bands play with us. And right now, we're a four-piece with me and this killer bass player named Matt Fox and this killer drummer named Kendall Lentz.

We also play with a keyboardist named Mark Reckler and this amazing American Idol singer named Elise Sestone. Have you seen any songs? I,

I've, as I've been writing music, I have, I have been, you know, just thinking I need to be able to convey these stories too.

Because every, everything that I've been like, like lyrics especially, like I've, they're all like personal life experiences or things that I've thought about or maybe my friend's life experience. Like reflecting on that.

What do you think about right now? Like not right now, this minute, but like there's a theme of what's been going on in your head last year. This year? Yeah, what do you want to write about? That I want to write about? Well, I mean,

it's, you know, high school drama. Sometimes it'll be about that. I mean, there's drama. What kind of drama? I mean, there's this, no, yeah. I mean, sometimes it's girls. Sometimes it's, you know, just,

and sometimes it's not drama. Sometimes it's just like, you know, I want to be it's girls. Sometimes it's, you know, just... And sometimes it's not drama. Sometimes it's just like, you know, I want to be on the stage. You know, I just want to be playing music right now. That's one of my songs. Really? There's... I mean, there's other times where people have been trying to, like, use me and all that stuff. Use you for what?

You just... Like, you know, like... So, I'll say it. And this has been going on since I was in middle school. Since people discovered that, you know, I could play guitar. Like, I used to get bullied a lot in elementary school and the very beginning of middle school. People beat you up?

Not necessarily that, but just left me out, pushed me around or something like that. Not necessarily beat me. It never went that far, but people would tease me. Because I was a small kid, so what was I going to do back? But then as soon as people started seeing it I went on the Ellen show as an 11 year old which was I mean I'm so grateful for that

that was crazy and I went on Jam Cruise as an 11 year old Jam Cruise 12 which was crazy for me like taking a nap at 8 o'clock to wake up at 2 and play with George Porter which was crazy so when I went back to school,

people were trying to like be my friends, you know, like for, for what we would call like clout, like, yeah, freak ass friends. And I'd be,

and it's still going on. I'm like, no, like I still have my friend group that I've had since I was in like kindergarten. And like, I'm staying, staying with those people.

Cause like when I'm with them, you know, guitar is a totally different world. You know, I'm just a regular kid and that's what I want to keep. The more famous you get, no new friends. Yeah. You really care just a regular kid and that's what I want to keep the more famous you get no new friends yeah

you really care about them yeah I gotta separate I gotta know how to I mean my mom's been like I have a really good relationship with my mom

and my brother and they always make sure that like my friends are real friends yeah not some like leeches yeah

cause you're at that point you're young that's the perfect word to describe it yeah like leeches like

I mean they will and I mean, they will. And I mean, they have. And I've always made sure that I'm very selective with my friends. Yeah, don't let everyone into your circle. Yeah. That's important. Yeah.

This is like the time for you to mold into them. Yeah. And I mean, every artist on this cruise has had an experience with that. I'm sure. But we've all had it when we were 20s. Yeah. You're having it when you're 15 years old, buddy. You know that?

It's crazy. I mean, it's been a hell of a ride. It really has. What's the craziest moment you think you ever, like what's the best, like you maybe just woke up from like your daydream and you're on stage with somebody. What was,

are there any moments that you're like, this is the best moment of my life? There's one moment where I was like, whoa. And I played 420 Fest in Atlanta. And there were two moments there. There was one where I was playing with my band. They give you a good time slot? My band, yeah.

Super good time slot. Like 5 or 6 o'clock in front of like 10,000 people. And I was like what the hell is happening to me? The minute I got out, I was like what the hell is happening to me right now? And I was just on this euphoric stage and it was like crazy. And I just remember being like, holy shit.

And then the next day, I got up with Tedeschi Trucks who I've always loved. Big inspiration. Yeah, Derek Trucks is a big inspiration to me. And that was another amazing time. Have you talked to Derek? He was a childhood star, too.

Yeah. I mean, he gets where I'm at. What does he say to you about it? What advice does he give you? It's with him and all the people, especially Colonel Bruce Hampton, who also brought him out. We're going to talk about that. Yes. It's always like stay humble the people, especially Colonel Bruce Hampton, who also brought him out. It's always, you know, stay. Yes.

It's always like stay humble and, you know, stay grounded. Yeah. And I mean, he did that. And I mean, look at where he is. So I'm just I'm very lucky because I have so many like examples to follow, you know, like. Like, yeah, Krasnow too. I mean, all these people who are, you know, young in the scene the scene like Derek Trucks there's even Joe Bonamassa like I can look

at videos of them and like see where they were like where their headspace was like what they were doing in interviews and I mean

I could just make sure that I'm in the right place on the most right path as possible and I was listening to this other interview with this other child star

who? her name is Jojo Siwa like she's like a super like a Nickelodeon star and like they were talking about with this other child star. Who? Her name is Jojo Siwa. She's like a super, like a Nickelodeon star. And they were talking about how all the child stars of the past, like your Britney Spears

or like your Miley Cyrus, they went through this crazy phase. And she was saying she doesn't want to go through that. And I'm listening to that. I was like, I do not want to go through like a crazy phase. Do you see there's some moments like do you go through that. But I, and I'm not listening to that. I was like, I do not want to go through like a crazy phase.

Do you see there's some moments like, do you go through, did you learn to meditate? Do you meditate? I, I make sure, my meditation is,

you know, sitting on the couch. Video games. Well, video games too. But I mean, just playing my guitar, you know,

my best friend, it'll listen to whatever I say. So. Is that really, do you really consider your guitar your best friend? I mean, yeah.

Like, it's, my guitar will literally like do whatever I ask it. It's really a home to me. What's the strangest thing you ever asked your guitar to do? Moment on stage, something? I don't know. I used to put my guitar behind my back a lot,

but I haven't been doing that. I haven't done that in years. I haven't really done anything super strange haven't done that in years but I mean I haven't really done anything super strange you don't need to anymore you're so talented oh wait

oh I I did something like I was doing this Jimi Hendrix tribute at Wolf Trap in Vienna Virginia and

I like I as soon as I did this I was like like mid mid like slow motion I was like no because, mid, like, it was slow motion.

I was like, no. Because I, like, threw it kind of-ish. You threw it like- I, like, dropped it on the ground, and I was like, please don't break. And it didn't. Thank God. Don't even worry about that. You'll get free guitars here soon, dude.

No, but, like, it was- You're the rock star. I was like, please don't break. And it didn't. Thank God. Is that your baby? It was one of my babies. It was a Les Paul.

So. What was, who was your first baby that you felt so comfortable with? My first like real baby was this Les Paul studio that I got, which are pictures of it. First jam cruise that I was on. My dad bought it for me for like my 10th or 11th birthday. One of those. First jam cruise. You're like, pop's like, I's like, I'm buying you the Porsche.

The Les Paul, the classic. The Les of the classic. That's so rad. I mean, it wasn't the most expensive Les Paul, but I just remember having the most fun on it.

So who found you? Who found me? What was it? Was it School Rock? Or was it like, how'd you get into the jam scene? Because the jam scene and Broadway scene are very different. The jam scene, they're very different.

But I mean, the Broadway scene, like how I was discovered into the jam scene had nothing really to do with Broadway. It was, well, there was multiple people. There was this guy, the initial, initial guy. Like I was doing the School of Rock type program. Like the School of Rocks that you'll see all around where I play with kids. My dad put me in one of those.

This guy named Bill McNally, who was my music director, saw me and was like pushing me like to the media and everything. And then also like Butch Trucks also and O.T.O. Burbage really took a liking to me because I went to one of their camps and they I mean they've been so amazing in my career and especially in startup and this man named Sidney Smith who was also at that camp who brought me down to New Orleans you know like brought me around to bars

so you got to hang out in New Orleans so young yeah I did which was crazy what's the craziest thing you saw in New Orleans just Bourbon Street. I heard that it used to be what Frenchman Street is now. Yeah. And it's like just seeing people walking around with their grenades or whatever they're called. Everybody's just crazy.

I can imagine what it's like in Mardi Gras. It's just crazy. You ever done Jazz Fest yet? I have. Oh, my God. I do it every year. Every year? To be honest. Yeah, I's just crazy. You ever done Jazz Fest yet? I have. Oh, my God. I do it every year. Every year? To be honest.

Yeah, I do it every year. On the big stage? I mean, I've played the big stage, but I've really been doing the night stuff. The late night stuff? The late night stuff, yeah. Tad. You're a rock star.

I mean, I'm 15 now. It's unbelievable. You're an adult. I'm trying to be more mature like stay up more which is cool but

what time what's your bedtime normally my bedtime what I mean during the week when you're at school during the week

I'm at school my dad says you must be in your bed at at like 11 o'clock yeah so I go in my bed at 11 o'clock

and I'm on my phone for two hours but I still get up so you can't play video games after 11 no cause they're not in my room like I don't have a TV in my bed at 11 o'clock and I'm on my phone for two hours but I still get up so you can't play video games after 11 no because they're not in my room I don't have a TV in my room or anything like that so I'm just on my phone

it is a good thing I don't need it I don't really watch that much TV unless it's sports I'm always on YouTube watching either guitar videos or like watching Dave Chappelle's show just trying to laugh he's so funny man what do you like about Dave Chappelle show. The best. Like just trying to laugh. That's what I like. He's so funny, man.

What do you like about Dave Chappelle? Just tells it like it is. Yeah, straight up. Yeah, or even like all the SNL guys. Like they're hilarious. Yeah. So SNL, do you like, do you want to be a front man? Does that inspire you to like start talking

with the crowd a little bit? No, I mean SNL, it's just like I'm sitting on the couch and I'm like, you know, I just want to laugh right now. I can always count, I can click on anything, SNL, and it will make me laugh. Is that important to you? Yeah, it is.

Staying happy? Really, yeah. Because, I mean, as a 15-year-old, like, we can talk about the Colonel Bruce stuff, but, like, I've been through a lot. And, I mean, it's important to always, you know, have a source of joy. And SNL is pretty funny, so. Yeah. I mean, I could always count on that to, like have a source of joy. And SNL is pretty funny.

So, I mean, I could always count on that to like make me happy. What else makes you happy besides guitar? I mean, just like, yeah, family. I mean, I'm super close to my family, but I mean, just friends too. Always having, I mean, there's a lot of things like I'm on a sports team too. You're on a sports team? Yeah. What do you play?

I play basketball. Yes. So you're shooting basketball forward too on that team? I'm a point guard on that team. I'm a point guard on that team. Are you the same age as Lomelo? I'm not. Lomelo's a senior. I've been watching his stuff though. He's playing good.

I think he should have stayed in high school. I really don't. I don't think he should have stayed in high school. Because it's't. I don't think he should have stayed in high school. Why? Because, I mean, it's good to get that experience. And you could say that, but they were not good like that last year that he was there where he left. But now he's in Spire Academy,

which is like the best basketball school like in the country. Yeah. Or something like that, I heard. And like he's killing it there. Yeah. So he's going to get into college. He's going to get drafted.

You think he'll go to UCLA no definitely not no cause and it's because it's but that was fair like he he shoplifted in China like what do you expect them to like let you back on the team like no he was gonna get like suspended for

a year so where do you think he's gonna go LiAngelo or LaMelo LaMelo's going to Kentucky LaMelo's done LiAngelo he's going to go? LiAngelo or Lamello? Lamello's going to Kentucky. No, Lamello's done. LiAngelo. LiAngelo, he's in the junior basketball, whatever his dad made, but he's got to go to the G League.

He's got to go to the G League. You think so? What about Lamello? Lamello, he's going to Kentucky or Duke and he's going to get drafted. Really? 100%. You think so?

He's so good. He's so good. Like Zion good? No, he's not Zion good Duke and he's going to get drafted. Really? 100%. You think so? 100%. He's so good. He's so good. Like Zion good? No, he's not Zion good, but he's good. And guess what? Knicks are tanking right now, which means we're going to get Zion. I knew you guys were optimistic. No.

It is halftime at the Andy Fresco interview hour. He's talking shit about the game. He's got a weird fucking name. It's Sports with Dolove. Hello, everybody, and welcome to Dolove Sportscast. This week, we're going to be talking some NBA trade deadline. Now I know we've got a minor on the show today and I told Andy that I'd keep it

PG, but sorry man. Fuck you! Motherfucker! Fuck you Lakers! Fuck the Lakers! That's right bitch! You didn't get Anthony Davis, the big deal! We want Anthony Davis, the brown! He's coming! And the Pelicans said fuck you! Great troll in your ass.

We're just going to fuck these guys. That's right, Andy. No one wants to see the Lakers kicking ass. None of these GMs, none of these owners. They fucking hate the Lakers. You know why? Because y'all suck all the dicks. Sorry, kid.

Ah, LeBron. I told you. I told you. I fucking told you. You fucking suck. Ten days ago, when Anthony Davis came out, Clutch Sports, LeBron James, all these motherfuckers, Rich Ball, fuck that. Because no one likes you, Andy. It's Sports with Dola.

Fuck that shit. Wee-wee. But we're not going to get Zion get Zion Cleveland's gonna get the first pick But if you get second You got the other guy from Duke If we get second We got R.G. Barrett Killer

Or the other guy I'm a diehard Knicks fan I'm a diehard Lakers fan But I'm also You guys beat us Yeah I know Last week I'm a diehard Knicks fan

But I'm also A diehard 76ers fan And Low key what Ben Simmons and Bede Ben Simmons and Bede? Ben Simmons and Bede. I like both teams. Do you like Iverson?

I do like Iverson. But, I mean, Knicks hold a special place because I just watch them suffer and suffer. And if we get Zion, it's like LeBron James to the cast. Or to the Lakers because we were horrible

before we got LeBron. Yeah, and now you guys are like going. Still horrible. Yeah. I know. Yeah. Because he's like, you know, injured his groin, you know. I don't know. He's 34.

He's an older man. He's never had any injuries. Hey, he's going to be like a Tom Brady. He's going to go to like 45 and just kill it. That's true. Tom Brady's winning the Super Bowl, by the way. You think so? Yes.

You're calling it. I don't care what all these Saints fans say. Drew B's. Yeah. Don't let these New Orleaners push you around. There's so many on this boat. You're calling it. I don't care what all these Saints fans say. Drew B's. Yeah, don't let these New Orleaners push you around. There's so many on this boat and they all like... That's Sunday. You're going to watch the playoffs? Oh yeah, I'll be watching and I feel so bad

but like there's just no way. I think that the new guy on the Rams. What's his name? Goff? Yeah, Jared Goff is going to beat them and then Tom Brady's just going to demolish them. It'll be L.A. Rams versus New England Patriots. But it doesn't matter

because if the Chiefs beat the Patriots, the Chiefs are going to win. So Carl Denson will be happy because I saw him wearing Kansas City shorts the other day. But Ivan Neville will not be happy because he was wearing a Saints jersey. Let's talk about that.

Do you see anything in the game of basketball that you use for your guitar play? Just the team. Like as a point guard. Like, yeah. I mean, as the point guard, you're a facilitator. And it's really a team game. As much as people like to say, you know, ISO game, like it's one-on-one. It's really, you can't be by yourself and win a game.

It's like, it's the same thing in a gym. Like it's one-on-one. It's really, you can't be by yourself and win a game. It's like, it's the same thing in a jam. Like everybody has to listen to each other. Everybody has to be constantly have their eyes open unless they're like soloing, which is like, you could be like in your own space and like everybody's around you and you could be in your bubble,

but you really have to be aware. And I feel like that's helped me with what was the most aware. Like you felt like the whole band, when you played with this group of people, who was it? Like, oh my God, I hear everyone's brass. I hear the connection. Any bands?

Any bands that I've sat in. With my band, it's that way because if I give a wicked evil eye with my guitarist in the band who's also co-MD, we both give like wicked evil eyes so everybody's got their eyes open we always make sure i probably start listening to no but like i mean i was just every bad really every band that i sat in with is like for the most part it's just

been like super aware yeah like they're all super good musicians they're really excited to play with you buddy you're the second coming it's exciting it's very exciting like you know the whole bruce situation yeah it's crazy it is it is crazy the people who don't know you know it's like you guys they all did a benefit it was basically tell me how long did you know bruce for i know bruce since this I know Bruce since... This is crazy. Tell me. Okay? So I met... I met... I think I met Ivan Neville and I met Bruce on Jam Cruise 12. Five years ago.

Yes. And... You're 10 years old. Yeah. And Bruce met me at like a... They were doing like a... When they were still doing like the camps on here,

like the music camps. Yeah. And he was like... He met me and he said, you're my guitar player now i was like okay i don't know who this guy is but i mean then he was like yo you're pisces march 16th i was like uh did you do some investigating like what what's going on here like because that's my birthday yeah he does says does. Says it's my birthday. Boom. And I heard he's done that to like everybody. So like, I was freaked out. But then I learned like,

after like meeting him and like really sitting down with him at like Giacomo's, which is that amazing restaurant in New Orleans. Like he's just such a great guy. And then I got to play with him on so many gigs

and it was just the most fun time ever. And then I'm so thankful for him. Like he's introduced me to so many gigs and it was just the most fun time ever and then I'm so thankful for him like he he's introduced me to so many folks like he's he's just been really instrumental

in my career and then of course the night where he died it was crazy yeah he basically yeah he was on

like he passed the torch to each other I mean he literally landed on me like he was on my leg and it was it was crazy as he died yeah it was crazy like and I'll never the torch to each other. I mean, he literally landed on me. Like, he was on my leg. And it was crazy.

As he died. Yeah, it was crazy. And I'll never get this side of my head for my life. Like, they took him. There was a Major League Baseball player there who was, like, backstage in the wing. And, like, he knew CPR or something or one of the things that they do.

And, like, they took his shirt off and they just started pumping. Everybody just started pumping. Everybody just started pumping and it was, everybody was crying. It was it was a lot to take in. They closed the curtain. Yeah, they closed the curtain and like yeah, I had to get my. Once they knew because he does that shtick where he's like, he lays down on the floor. Yeah.

Everybody was laughing but then I was the first to be like like I was looking like to my right and my left. I was like, guys, like I don't know about this. You felt it? I felt it after like two seconds. And it was funny. It's not like the video is like passes. Yeah, it was crazy.

I will never watch a video. I cannot press play on that. Don't watch it. But I won't. And like all those videos have been removed from YouTube anyway. Do you feel haunted by that? No, I don't feel haunted. What do you feel about it?

Well, I feel, I What do you feel about it? Well I feel I'm obviously really sad about it. Depressed. But like at the same time if he wrote it down

that's how he would want to go. Yeah. He wouldn't want to be like in a hospital. Like no. He wouldn't want it that way. And it's I had to learn that myself.

I had to think about it. Yeah. And like the funny thing I mean sorry the amazing thing is I had to go to myself. I had to think about it. And like the funny thing, I mean, sorry, the amazing thing is I had to go to work the next day

because I had to fly back and go do a School of Rock show. And my dad was like, you're not doing the show tonight. We need to go home. You need to like get your rest. Like we'll help you. And I was like,

dad, like I know my friends are going to be there. They probably already know about it. They're going to help me. And as soon as I went back, like they were all, you know my friends are going to be there. They probably already know about it. They're going to help me. And as soon as I went back, they were all giving me hugs, giving me candy, all this stuff, just hugging me, asking about it. What kind of candy? They gave me, I think it was chocolate or something.

They were all, all 14 of them were just like, oh my God, we need to help him. They were all, and like my extended family but really all those school of rock people like i was deep into like crying on the whole plane ride there and like they finally like i got there and i just felt like they were just they're just the best like i would never have gotten through that without them that's what going back to like know who your true friends are. Exactly. They're all

13 of them are just I'll remember them forever for that. They don't know. They don't know how big of an influence they were on me that night. But like they got me to like go on stage and like get it together.

Like get my stuff together and like go on. It's hard to do that. It's hard to mourn man the passing of a loved one right before you're about to go on or the next day you're about to go on it's hard, it's really hard

but I mean they got me through it I haven't yet but I will you should man good cleanse, how long did it take you to mourn this, are you still mourning? I'm not necessarily mourning but i miss him a lot yeah and i'm everybody was on that stage and pretty much everybody who ever knew who he was yeah everybody in the audience misses him a lot but it took me a lot it took me about like day schools the guy who produced my record yeah he yes he was did that

those guys ever give you some motivation after that? What'd they say to you? They're just, you know, it's all hugs. And, you know, they're always there for me. And the widespread panic guys, too. The best. And the Saski Trucks guys and all of them, you know, they were just always there. Because you were there, dude.

Yeah, I mean, it was crazy. You were touching him while he was passing. Yeah, he connected all of us, if you like. We're all family now. Well, everyone has, like you said, you're not alone with that. Everyone has their Bruce story. Yeah, everybody has, all the guys from Phish, everybody. I just love that he said, you're 10 years old.

You're chilling now. You're probably playing video games. And she's like, that's my guitar player. Yeah, he literally said that. And I did countless gigs with him. I don't even know how many. Who the F is this guy? I was just scared.

I was a really shy 10 year old. Like, which compared to now, I wasn't scared of anything. It was just in my genetics. Like, I was just shy. Just a shy kid. Introvert, which is totally the opposite of now. What got you out of your bubble? My dad being like, yo, go talk to Butch Trucks.

Go talk to LTL. Go talk to Derek in the signing line. Go talk to these people. And I was like, no, dad. I'm scared. No. As an eight-year-old. No, I just want to go.

And then he made me go and talk to them. I realized these people are nice. That's just it. I always make sure that I'm super nice to my fans because this is another story. I used to be in the signing line after the Allman Brothers shows or after a Santana show.

Always there and all those people, like Carl Santana, Derek Trucks. Warren Haynes. You know. And Greg Allman. Especially. And Butch Trucks. And Oteel. Like.

They. They're always so nice. Like. Always made sure to like sign people's things. And. Like I used to go. Like I'd see like an Aerosmith show or something. And it would be totally the opposite.

And I was like. I want to be like those guys. Like the. Like the people that. You know. I want to be like the humble. Like I want to make a fan's day like i mean that's why i'm always super nice to fans and yeah well it's not even about being nice you're just being who you are yeah like i don't want to be i don't want to put on like a rock star persona like i don't need to do that

well i mean like don't you like you see people who do that and it's like and i'm like come on bro like but think about if your mentors weren't bruce hampton and weren't uh you know yeah all these guys who are humble yeah and i'd be like yo let's get the shades on maybe a suit like you know or it would be like yo let's put a fan on stage to like blow my hair back like it'd be something like that you'd be like uh oh god like birdman like the birdman of uh it was all tatted yeah oh my god yeah oh yeah birdman from the heat yeah yeah yeah peacocking everybody yeah just like yeah i'd probably have a couple tattoos by now i'm 15 you know just like a neck i like i'd like yeah i'd say like dad bring a couple of

people in here get some group let's go here give some group dad give me some groupies oh man but so ever since like are you gonna put out a record we're in the studio right now who's producing I am my god I'm trying

it's a new thing of course so you're producing where are you recording it Long Island City. Cool. So when Broadway came, you auditioned for that. I auditioned for Broadway. Yeah. So what was the audition like?

So I did my first audition. Well, actually, funny story. I guess it was meant to be because I couldn't make the actual open call audition And they called and wanted me to audition So I auditioned First time Then after I auditioned the first time They were like alright we want you to come back for a second one

Do a different song Because I played Dead or Alive for them and sang it And then after that I went and did another audition And after that with some acting and then I went back and they were like

we want you to dance and I was like what the hell I can't dance but I just went there and I'm like Taz does not dance but my dad is best for this

because he's like just make sure you're in the front and just do what they tell you to do doesn't matter if you're good they just want to see like if you can pick up directions and I was like oh that's what they're trying to front and just do what they tell you to do. Doesn't matter if you're good. They just want to see like if you can pick up directions. And I was like, oh, that's what they're trying to do.

And that's what they did. Oh, so you thought they wanted you to tap dance. Like I thought they wanted me to like, you know, like do a split. Like I was like, I'm not the, I'm about the least, most flexible person in this world.

But I mean, I tried to do, I did it as best as I could. I was sweating like drenched after that. And then I went to a final audition where they like paired all the guitar players up with different bass players, different drummers, different keyboardists, did all this for like four hours

and then found a group, which I was in, thankfully. And I mean, which made it even more like intimidating was Angelo Webber was there, who turned out to be the nicest guy, but, like, he... Who was? Andrew Lloyd? Andrew Lloyd Webber, yeah. The guy who writes, like, Phantom of the Opera music and stuff? Yeah, he wrote Phantom of the Opera, like, Cats,

all these amazing musicals. What did he say to you? And, like, he didn't... I don't think I met him that day, but, like, afterwards, like, when I met him, like, he's another guy who's just so nice. And, like, but I was just intimidated. Like, I tried to act it off, but I was super intimidated. And I went in there, and it was, I thought I did a really good job, and it translated.

Yeah, and you got the gig. And, yeah, I got the gig. Was the money good, or is this, like, normal money? You're 50. I mean, I got it, like, obviously, like, I was on Broadway, so I had to get a salary. But the thing that I thought was cool was you had to get, you could not fail school and be on Broadway. It's a rule.

That's cool. You have to be doing, you have to get a minimum of this grade. I don't know what it was. I was always good in school, so I never had to worry about that. But you always had to get a minimum grade to be on Broadway. Most of these kids on Broadway, are they homeschooling?

Most of them are. And then you went to go public school. Yeah, I didn't want to leave public school. No, it's not my kind of thing. No. Like I said,

I can't wake up and do math. What do you love about public school? Do you love the camaraderie you have with your friends? Yeah, I like the friends. I like having a schedule. You're going to do math right now.

You're going to do this. Like, I couldn't make that by myself. Well, maybe that's why you're a musician, because when you start touring full time. Yeah, you got to, you know, lobby call, let's go right now. I'm always the first one in the car. So what's the plan after high school? You're going to hit it hard, go on the road?

Well, I have a couple options. I could, you know, I could go on the road, like take a gap year and go to college. I could also just go to college and just do college. I could go to music college. I could go on the road like take a gap year and go to college I could also just go to college and just do college I could go to music college I could hit the road

yeah I could do a million things so what is the dream right now say like a if you had a dream I'd love to play all around the world like I mean play you know for as many people as possible

you want to write a hit single you just want to play guitar yeah all that I mean I want people to want to listen to my music. That's all I want. I just want to be able to make a career out of this. I want people to feel happy and go to my music and listen to it and feel something inside them

or maybe connect with it or maybe not. But I want people to, you know, enjoy listening to it. I hate to break it to you, but you're already making a career out of it, bud. It's crazy. It's awesome. Like you're flying around on the weekends. Everyone else is playing on, you know,

you know, making out in the movie theaters at their local places. You're out getting it going. Respect your dad. Yeah, the one thing that my dad and my mom and my brother know is I'm getting real-world experience. I'm getting to immerse myself in different cultures because I'm playing sometimes overseas

or in a different country today. I was touring around Belize. You liked it? Yeah, it was cool. or, you know, like in a different country like today. So, like I was torn around Belize. Like, you like it? Yeah, it was cool. And I mean, I drank out of a coconut.

Yeah. Which was totally weird because the guy who did it like took it out of a cooler and literally took the biggest machete I've ever seen in my life

and just cut it in half. Just gave it to me and just drink it. And I did. And it was good. It was great. Yeah. And then like I finished it and then he was like, yo, I can to me. I was like, drink it. And I did. And it was good. It was great. Yeah. And then I finished it.

And then he was like, yo, I can cut that up. And you can eat it. You're like, yeah. Yeah. I want to eat it. I mean, it's just cool to be immersed in different cultures. Isn't traveling the best part about being a musician? Yeah.

Just challenging my palate. What's the craziest thing you've eaten on this road? Like in Japan Did you eat any sea urchin or anything? No I did not and I never will I've been a picky eater forever My drummer We were on a

Rock Legends cruise last year And he ate escargot And I was like nah bro I don't know what it was but it looked Like a snail and it was Something like that and I was something like that. And I was like, nah, bro. Like, you do you, bro.

Like, I'm not going to eat that. How old are these guys in your band? Two of them are in their 30s, like early to mid-30s, and then one of them is like 20, 26. Yeah, we're all young, you know. We're all cool. We're all loving life. Okay, I got a question for you.

All right, you're the point guard. I'm the point guard. You have four other players. These have to be, you have to pick your team. But who, in musicians, so you're shooting guard. Oh my God, yes. Has to be. Yes, this is a great question.

Okay, so. This is a great question. Let's start with the backbone. We're talking about. Who's your center? Center, okay. Who's your center? This is a great question. This is a great question. Let's start with the backbone. Who's your center? Center, okay? Who's your center? This is your band, though. This is my band?

So, like, who would it be? Who would be? Center is George Porter, and it's George Porter because he's just such a backbone. Like, you just listen, and you're just like, uh, yeah. And then my power forward would probably be Nikki Glassby because she's like, she can give you a little bit of flashiness, you know? And then I

I'm looking for a keyboard player for my small forward. Why do you think the keyboard player is a small forward? Because he's playing clav or putting stuff under the bass. Always consistent.

He can be with the rhythm section, which is like your center and your power forward. But he can also be with your lead section, which is your guitar. Who would your keyboard player be then? I don't know. Probably. John Modeski. Oh my God. Awesome.

Yeah. Just like, he's kind of like the Clay Thompson. Oh yeah. He's just laid low, but he'll put 45 on you. Yeah. And then my, my shooting guard.

Who's going to be. Is another guitar player. Yeah, of course. Who? To play rhythm and lead. And it would have to be Danny Mayer. Yeah? Why?

Because he's just so good at rhythm. Yeah? It's crazy. He's just so good. He's amazing, man. He's so good. It's crazy. What do you love about his playing?

He's just so… Everything is melodic. Like his chord playing is just… Everything has a story to it. I don't know how to describe it other than that. But he's just amazing. It's crazy. Like I was watching Star Kitchen.

Like online. And I was just… There's this new band and… He was just killing it. Brownie and stuff. Yeah, he was just killing it. Did you watch them? I didn't. And I was just, there's this new band and I mean, he was just killing it. Brownie and stuff. Yeah, he was just killing it. Did you watch them?

I didn't, but I will. They played last night and I mean, I was coming down with a little stomach ache. So, from like too much sugar

from all the pina coladas I was having. You gotta stop eating candy from these fans. Yeah. Make sure you eat the right candy. Some of this candy is not real candy.

Some of this candy is not real candy. It's not real candy. So be careful there, Tex. I will be careful. Okay, let's talk about sixth man, though. Every good team needs a sixth man.

Sixth man. So a guy who is versatile. Versatile, can play any position. Any position. My sixth man. That's a good question. Because this guy's important. For a championship team.

This guy, yes. Sixth man. Look at Iguodala. Because you need a guy. I mean, he wasn't a six man though. He won six man. When he won MVP. He was not a six man.

You think he was starting? He was starting. How do you know that? No, he was starting because I watched. So when did... He was starting. When Kevin Durant became a small forward, he became the six man.

And won six man of the year, I think. I don't know. But he should every year. Because he's so good because he's so good. He's so good. And he's old. Yeah, but I mean... Who's your Iggy? My Iggy?

Guy who can kind of do everything. That is so hard. I got to go with the guy who can just play everything. Yeah. But there's so many of them. Oh my God. I can't decide.

I'm literally trying to think. Think about it. Don't worry about it. You got your five. No, I gotta... It's like... Plays a little keys, a little guitar. Does some backups. I think Chris Royal.

Who's that? He's a sax player who can play wicked keys. Yeah. And he's just so good. But if it wasn't him, it would probably be Mono Neon because he's just so good, man. He's giving you that versatility, that step back. He's giving you that, you know, he's the best.

If Mono Neon would be the best dribbler in the NBA because he could just play everything on his base. He can literally just throw up behind his back. He can do those flashy passes. I feel like he'd do that. Who'd coach this team, dead or alive? You got any guy?

Mentor. It doesn't have to be a mentor. I'd say Colonel Bruce would be the coach. Yeah. And then assistant coach would be Eddie Kramer, who was the sound engineer for Jimi Hendrix, who I got to meet. What was he about?

He's just experimenting, you know? They were some of the first people to put reverse guitar on a pop single, which Jimi Hendrix's pop back then. Yeah, for sure. And then they were doing all these overdubs, which is unheard of in pop music back then, which is now rock. But yeah, I don't know who would be the GM.

There's so many. There's so many. There's so much to dive into. Dude, you got to play basketball with us tomorrow. Tomorrow, I can't. Or whatever day, all week. We're playing every day from 11 to 1. I will be in Cozumel tomorrow, but the next day I'm not. I want to give you day. All week. We're playing every day from 11 to 1. I will be in

Cozumel tomorrow, but the next day I'm not. I want to give you something. Hold on. Because you can't do any of the extracurricular activities and you don't drink or anything because you're too young. Yeah, I'm not doing any of that. Take my switch. Yo.

Play with it for the week. Oh my god. Have fun with it You need to get something to do Yo I got school work to do Do your school work I'll come with you Bring it to your room

Taz thanks for being on the show Thanks so much for having me I can do this for hours You're a good guy We should do this I can't wait to watch your career. I'm honored to know you. I'm fucking pumped

that you're a basketball fan. If I have any advice for you, always wear condoms. Don't let these girls take advantage of you. My dad is already... Always have 10 condoms in your pocket. Even if you feel trashy,

then just put them in your guitar case. Just, you know, don't get your mind right and stay off all the drugs and you're going to have the best career. You're going to have such a successful career. Thanks, man. Yeah, I will be back on this podcast soon. Until next time, buddy.

Thanks for being on the show, brother. Thanks so much. Appreciate it. I want to see that jump shot. Yes. All right. Now, a message from the UN. Until next time buddy Thanks for being on the show brother Thanks so much Appreciate it I want to see that jump shot Yes Alright Now A message from the UN 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 34

34 35 34 35 36 36 37 38

38 39 39 40 41 41 41 41 41 42 42 43 43 43 43 44 43 44 44 44 44 45 45 46 46 46 46 46 47 46 47 47 One day when you're looking back You were young, man, you were sad When you're young, you'll get sad When you're young, you'll get sad You'll get high Young girl done me bad, so I went and did her own Bobby! Young girl done me bad so I went and did her own Young girl she done me bad so I went and did her own And I got high, Lord I got high

You got a bone to pick with me, and I wish you'd let me be Oh, one day when you're looking back You were young and man, you were sad When you're young, you get sad When you're young you get sad You get high

You get high You get high And there you have it. Thank you, Taz, for being on the show. Thank you, Chatty. I literally just got in to Kansas City. I walked into my house. Do you hear this? Listen to this.

Not a fucking sound. It's nice. I've been on the road working and just talking. It's nice to have some peace and quiet and stuff and kind of recharge. But man, Rock Bud was fun. I got fucking shook down by the fucking police for having like crumbs of weed on the bottom of my bag. No, Jamie, it wasn't nugs.

It was literally crumbs. They're like, you got any money? How much money you got on you? I'm like, I don't know. He's like, I could take you to an ATM. This is the police officer So he shook me down for 500 bucks I gave him 500 bucks

Then he gave me a receipt That said thank you and have a nice day Fuck that But sorry I'm pissed I'm just broke I paid my taxes and shit And I had to pay that My fucking phone bill Was like $790.

God damn. But anyway, it's just money. I had a great time. I had a great experience on both boats. I got three weeks off in Kansas City, so I might be doing opening segs by myself for the next two episodes. And then we start our CD release tour.

I hope you enjoyed our single, Waiting Game we just put up there. Thanks, Dave, for producing that one. I love recording with Dave. Dave's the shit. He teaches me a lot about myself. We're going to hopefully, when I get it in April,

I'm coming to San Francisco. We're going to connect with him again And what not But yeah CD My album comes out February 22nd guys New record change of pace Really proud of this one I already put out

Three singles now the whole record comes out This month which I'm really excited for We start our CD release tour We're going to Minneapolis, Omaha, Chicago, St. Louis, Madison, Cleveland, Philly, all these. You got to check it out. Come on out. Grab tickets.

We're selling a shit ton of tickets. I couldn't believe it. I mean, I can believe it. We're working hard, but this is tight. Never sold these many pre-sales. So grab pre-sale tickets. It's going to be a good tour. We got Wild Adriotic on the run.

My boys, my sweet angel childs from upstate New York. They're doing the whole tour. I never had a band open for us a whole tour. So it's going to be kooky. We're going to have a lot of sit-in fun, a lot of weird shit we're going to have a lot of sit-in fun. A lot of weird shit we're going to roll into. But yes,

life's short. You never know. I remember blinking eye, I was 15. Shit. Life goes by so fucking fast. You got to appreciate those thoughts when you were 15 seeing how you grow. Life's all about growing, trying to keep developing that mind to stop thinking you're in a fucking prison because we're not.

of that prison. If we feel like we're trapped, then we're trapped. But really, it's just a fucking illusion. I could walk out this door right now. I realize that on my car. We control this. There's going to be bumps and road bumps, but we could get through this. Life is not as hard as we try to make it, I think. I think we overthink it. That's what's fucked up about free will or free mind or whatever. Too many thoughts. You don't know which thought to go with and lead with. Don't worry. We're in this

together. Love each other. Have fun on this adventure. Shit, I was on jam cruises. I was on a rock boat jamming with all my homies. George Porter fucking Jr., dog. Crazy. Sitting in with us.

Steve Kimox, Dan Moore. Just dope. Sister Hazel asking us to fucking do our show with theirs. Like, it's just, that's what life's all about. Getting together. Finding out what our strengths and weaknesses are and let them ride. Be vulnerable, guys.

That's it. Enough of my preaching. Sign up to the podcast. Follow us. I love it. We're getting such good reaction. We're getting more and more fans every week. And I appreciate you guys so fucking much.

People came out all tour. Hey, Frasco, love the fucking podcast. Thanks guys. Love you guys. We're working out the kinks. Got a new producer. Joe is kicking ass. It's all working out, you know? So take care of yourselves. I'm here for you every week. Unless, unless like, I don't know, something happens or something. I'll take a week off. But like three times a month, you're hearing from me. Until,

I guess you get sick of hearing from me. You could always unsubscribe, but don't. Sign up, buy the new record. You know, it's so great to meet all these people and interview them.

We got some awesome stuff coming. We got Ivan Neville next week. We got Umphreys McGee the week after that. We're getting some good acts. We are getting some good acts. I just got announced to Mountain Jam

Festival. Awesome. Can't wait to see all my Upstaters. And then I got Levitate Music Fest, which is cool. I'm really excited about that. I'm on a bunch of shit. Really big, big shit.

And it's cool. It's freaking me out a little bit. I got to step up my game again. I'm looking for a sound guy. If anybody knows a sound guy. Yeah. I think I'm finally at that point where I need a sound guy. So if you know a sound finally at that point where I need a sound guy.

So if you know a sound guy that's good, that can hang, that can keep it pro, but also good hang and likes to get weird, come join the Frasco band. But guys, that's it. I love you.

Yeah. Happy Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is coming up. Get some good fucking in. Make some love. Get your girl or go on a date and just eat dinner and fuck. You know? So enjoy yourselves.

Be safe. Wear condoms. Told Taz that. Wear condoms. Don't get any accidental babies on a fucking Valentine's Day. It's already a hallmark holiday. You might as well not have a child

and not be like cliche and shit. So, once again, love ya. I'm gonna go hang out with pigeons in St. Louis. I'm gonna go. It's gonna be fun. I'm excited. But be safe. Love ya. Arno, take us out with your sweet ass. It's going to be fun. I'm excited. But be safe. Love you.

Arno, take us out with your sweet ass voice and that sweet butt talks of yours. All right, guys. Love you. Well, thank you for listening to episode 35 of Andy Fresco's World Saving Podcast, produced by Andy Fresco, Joe Angelhow, and Chris Lawrence. Please subscribe and rate this show on iTunes and Spotify so we can make this a worldwide phenomenon.

For info on the show, please head to our Instagram at frescoandyeddy. For more info on the blog and tour dates, head to andyfresco.com. For more information on our guest Brandon Taz Niederauer please head to tazguitar.com That is T-A-Z guitar tazguitar.com Check out Andy's new single Waiting Game

wherever you can find streamed music. This week's special guests are Dave Schools, Dolof Cohen and Arno Bakker. We all just returned from a three-week run, including two cruises, plenty of sun,

crazy people, supporters, fans, ego-polishing remarks, swimsuits and bikinis, pools and jacuzzis. And to keep it brief, I do need to spend some time with my lady friend here at home,

here and now. Oh, and the kids, of course. See you next week.