Andy Frasco & the U.N. – Change of Pace

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I like to call it organize chaos with a touch of soul.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I love songwriters who can make people laugh and smile through their banter and still make them feel warm through their songs. Guys like John Craigie, Frank Sinatra, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Dr. Hook and the medicine show and the band to name a few.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Can’t Force Love.”

A) “Can’t Force Love” is a piece I wrote about finally being vulnerable with someone but understanding if the vulnerability doesn’t go both ways. That’s fine, too. They’ll be people in this laugh who will understand you…just don’t force your way to love. Let it come naturally.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think they are seeing a different side of me that they never seen before in my music. I’m normally the party guy, who’s wild and free, but to show this vulnerability in this track makes me feel more human. And that’s really all I ever wanted to do as a musician – be the most authentic self I can be.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) It’s all different but one thing I need to do is be alone for a little so I can be comfortable getting the actual first feelings out without feeling like I’m being judged. Once I build the bones to the song, I bring it over to my band to color it up. I grew up listening to folk singers and soul singers, so my songs are pretty straight to the point. It’s nice to get my bands input on the final product so we can make it the best song we can.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I like to be a part of everything. If it’s making the music, producing the music, confirming dates, reading contracts and marketing plan. I just love every inch of the music industry and I want to keep learning and learning about this ever-changing industry.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Andy Frasco performance?

A) It’s a way to stay in the moment, get people off their cell phones for a little bit, smile life and feel. If I can do that to every crowd I perform to, then I feel like I’ve done my job.

Q) What songs off your upcoming Change of Pace album are you looking forward to performing live?

A) I’m really looking forward to playing some of the softer songs. It’s going to be nice to throw a curve ball into my set to keep people thinking what were gonna do next.

Q) The album drops on Feb. 22nd! How do you plan to celebrate the release?

A) A lot of Jameson and Mushrooms.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

A) That I’m no different than anyone else. We all get sad. We all want to grow our soul and mind. I want people know that I can write songs other than “Mature as Fuck” and “Blame It On The Pussy.” I’m growing up. [laughs]

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love Berlin, I love Hong Kong, I love Fayetteville, Salt Lake City, Brooklyn, Charleston and Woodstock to name a few.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I can’t stop listening John Craigie. He’s the truth.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s easier to connect with people now. I feel half the battle being in this music industry in skimming the fat to find what you’re looking for. Marketing is 60% of the battle to get expose now a days. So, as an artist, I try to use my platform in different ways to get my point of course. This is why I started a podcast called “Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast.”

Q) Your “Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast” is such a fan favorite. What have been some of your favorite places to travel to and why?

A) I really loving doing it. And I’m so happy that my fans love it, too. I just want people to see a different side of the musicians they love. Some of my favorite interviews so far have been George Porter Jr, Vince Herman, Mike Dillon and Dave Schools to say a few. But really I love all the interviews I’ve done because it’s helping me grow into the person I want to be in this life.

Q) Who is a dream guest to have on the podcast?

A) I would say Kobe Bryant, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Michael Rapaport

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Love all you. This has been an amazing ride so far and I wouldn’t have done this without your love and support. We grind on the road and destroy our bodies for you. And I’m just thankful you appreciate all the hard work we do.