Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives is a podcast that goes beyond the spotlight to explore the real stories behind tribute musicians and the creative forces who keep iconic music alive. Hosted by psychotherapist and music lover Karyn Rosenberg , each episode is a deep, personal conversation with tribute band artists, venue owners, photographers, and others in the music world. Together, they talk about identity, passion, and the meaningful lives people build through music — even when they’re performing someone else’s songs. Because it’s not just about the cover. It’s about the calling. It’s about finding your own voice in borrowed notes. Whether you’re a fan of tribute bands, a creative soul chasing your own sound, or someone who finds meaning in music, this show is your backstage pass.
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Episode #20
No Schism Here: Get to know the band of 46 & TOOL
Sep 17, 20261 hourS1
What does it take to recreate the music of a band known for complexity, intensity, powerful visuals, and some of the most passionate fans in rock? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives , I sit down with all four members of 46 & TOOL , a tribute to TOOL featuring Jeff Irving on vocals, Todd Gatchel on guitar, Blaine Minasian on drums, and Ray Perez on bass. We go inside the challenge of taking on music where every part matters. The band shares how they rehearse, what they listen for when learning TOOL's intricate songs, and how four individual musicians come together to recreate the sound, energy, and emotional intensity that fans expect. But a TOOL experience goes far beyond the notes. We talk about the importance of visuals and atmosphere, the emotional depth and meaning behind the lyrics, and how 46 & TOOL works to create an immersive live experience while still bringing their own chemistry and personalities to the stage. The guys also take us back to their own musical beginnings and first concert experiences, share the musicians who influenced them, and talk about the relationships and passion that keep them doing what they love. It's a fun interview with just the right amount of sarcasm and humor peppered in highlighting just how much fun they are having. 00:00 Introduction to the band and their passion for Tool 01:12 First live concert experiences of band members 04:02 Band members' musical backgrounds and influences 08:32 How the band came together and their journey 12:20 Why they chose to tribute Tool over other bands 17:01 The energy and connection during live performances 22:08 The challenges of learning and mastering Tool songs 28:20 Rehearsal process and preparing for shows 32:34 The love of music and continuous learning https://www.facebook.com/46andtoolband https://www.instagram.com/46andtoolband/
Working Men: The Work Behind the Rush Tribute Project
Sep 3, 20261h 2mS1
How do three musicians take on one of the most technically demanding catalogs in rock and make audiences feel like they're experiencing Rush live again? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives , I sit down with members of the Rush Tribute Project , a three-piece tribute dedicated to recreating the music, energy, and live concert experience of Rush. With more than two decades of Rush tribute performances behind them, including appearances at RushCon, the band brings music spanning more than 40 years of Rush's career to audiences around the world. We get into what it really takes to play this music. From individual practice and putting the incredibly complex musical pieces together to developing the chemistry required to make three musicians sound much bigger than three musicians, the band shares what happens long before they ever walk onto a stage. But recreating Rush isn't only about getting the notes right. We talk about the visual and sensory elements of a Rush concert, the instruments, sounds and details that matter to devoted fans, and what it's like performing for an audience that knows every note and isn't afraid to let you know when something isn't quite right. The guys also share stories about their earliest concert experiences, balancing careers and family with the demands of the band, life on the road, adapting to livestream performances during COVID, and where they still dream of taking the Rush Tribute Project. 00:00 Introduction to the Rush Tribute Project 02:06 How the band formed and connected 04:07 Rehearsal routines and chemistry 07:00 Memorable first concerts and influences 09:55 COVID live streams and adapting 15:07 Challenging songs and setlist rotation 20:08 Emulating Rush's visual and sensory experience 24:59 Touring life and challenges 29:53 Handling audience expectations and critique 35:01 Future goals and dream venues https://rushtributeproject.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheRushTributeProject https://www.youtube.com/@TheRushTributeProject https://www.instagram.com/rushtributeproject/
Turn It On Again: Nicholas Brydon and the Music of Genesis & Phil Collins
Aug 20, 202653 minS1
What happens when singing Phil Collins at karaoke turns into something much bigger than you ever expected? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives , I sit down with Nicholas Brydon, frontman of Turn It On Again , a Phil Collins and Genesis tribute band built around something Nicholas believes matters just as much as getting the music right: making audiences feel it. Nicholas shares his unlikely journey from karaoke singer to discovering that his voice had a striking connection to Phil Collins, eventually leading him into the Genesis tribute scene and the creation of a band that quickly began gaining momentum. But building a successful tribute band takes much more than stepping onstage. We talk about the strategy behind growing Turn It On Again , finding the right musicians, working with booking agencies, creating effective promotional content, managing the business side of the band, and balancing it all with a career and family life. We also dive into the music itself, from the different eras of Genesis and Phil Collins' solo catalog to constructing a setlist, tackling emotionally challenging songs, and creating those moments when an audience becomes part of the performance. Journey from karaoke to tribute band Importance of business structure in music Building a cohesive band and expanding lineup Creating authentic and emotional performances Marketing and promotion strategies for tribute bands Balancing music career with family life Engaging with fans and enhancing fan experience The role of social media and promo videos Future plans for band growth and expansion The importance of community and networking in music https://turnitonagaintribute.com https://www.youtube.com/@TurnItOnAgainTributeYT https://www.instagram.com/turnitonagaintribute/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554157552389
Jason Collins Tears Down the Wall: Inside Pink Floyd Tribute Band : Floyd Nation
Jul 30, 20261h 7mS1
What happens when a lifelong connection to music becomes the foundation for building something much bigger than a band? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives , I sit down with Jason Collins, bassist of Floyd Nation, a Pink Floyd tribute band that has grown from an idea into an immersive live experience bringing fans together through one of rock's most iconic catalogs. Jason takes us back to his early musical influences and shares the story of how Floyd Nation was built from the ground up, including the challenges of creating a band on a budget, finding the right musicians, and making strategic decisions that helped turn a vision into a successful touring production. But our conversation goes well beyond the business of building a tribute band. Jason talks about musicianship, relationships, networking, and the importance of creating genuine connections both onstage and off. We explore how Floyd Nation approaches everything from constructing setlists and performing full-album tributes to balancing the music audiences know and love with the band's own original creative work. Jason also shares the unforgettable experience of recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and reflects on the emotional power of live music and its ability to create community among people who may have little else in common. 00:00 Introduction to Jason Collins and Floyd Nation 01:50 Jason's early musical influences and first memories 04:02 Transition from guitar to bass and musical development 06:58 Forming Floyd Nation and initial challenges 10:03 Lessons learned from band dynamics and relationships 15:11 Building Floyd Nation during COVID-19 pandemic 20:04 Creating a community through live music and shared experiences 24:57 Strategic planning, booking, and industry connections 30:06 Touring, setlist construction, and musical choices 34:58 Recording at Abbey Road Studios and the experience 45:01 Original music vs tribute performances 50:12 The emotional and spiritual impact of music 59:57 Future plans, original music, and closing thoughts https://floydnation.live/ https://www.facebook.com/floydnationlive https://www.instagram.com/floydnationlive
Lou Maresca of Live at the Fillmore | Tribute to the Allman Brothers
Jul 16, 20261h 13mS1
What would it be like to witness the original Allman Brothers Band at the legendary Fillmore East... and spend the rest of your life keeping that music alive? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives , I sit down with Lou Maresca, founder of Live at the Fillmore , one of the country's premier tributes to the original Allman Brothers Band. Lou shares his remarkable journey from studying microbiology and working in sound engineering to building a career dedicated to preserving one of rock's most influential musical legacies. Drawing from his firsthand experiences seeing the original Allman Brothers Band perform during their legendary years, Lou reflects on what it truly means to create an authentic live music experience. We explore the evolution of tribute bands, the importance of honoring the music note for note while still connecting emotionally with audiences, and why authenticity matters now more than ever. Our conversation also dives into the changing music industry, the impact of AI on creativity, the business behind successful tribute bands, and the passion that continues to fuel Lou's commitment to keeping this timeless music alive. Whether you're an Allman Brothers fan, a musician, or simply fascinated by the people who dedicate their lives to preserving great music, Lou's story is a reminder that the most meaningful careers are often built by following your passion, embracing authenticity, and never losing sight of why you started. 00:00 Introduction to Lou Maresca and His Musical Journey 01:01 From Microbiology to Music: A Unique Path 04:00 The Technical Side of Music and Celebrity Encounters 06:45 The Transition from Accordion to Guitar 07:56 Learning from the Greats: Influences and Techniques 09:53 The Art of Tribute Bands: Authenticity vs. Innovation 14:56 The Allman Brothers Band: Personal Experiences and Memories 19:55 The Last Show at Fillmore East: A Historic Performance 24:59 The Formation of Sky Dog and Tribute Band Evolution 29:56 AI in Music: The Future of Songwriting 33:59 The Human Element vs. AI in Music 36:06 The Formation and Dynamics of a Tribute Band 38:30 Navigating Ego and Commitment in Music 41:32 The Business of Tribute Bands 45:21 The Emotional Connection to Music 53:45 Advice for Aspiring Tribute Band Musicians 01:01:15 The State of the Tribute Band Industry https://liveatthefillmoreband.com
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