Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives

Karyn Rosenberg
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

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.

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Born to Run, Meant to Play: Paul Gold & The Boss Project

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Paul Gold, founder and frontman of The Boss Project; The premier Bruce Springsteen tribute band dedicated to capturing the energy, storytelling, and spirit of The Boss through live performance. Paul shares his personal musical journey and the path that led him to create The Boss Project, exploring the passion, chemistry, and commitment required to honor one of rock’s most iconic artists. The conversation dives into the emotional power of Springsteen’s music, the dynamics of building a tribute band, and the deep connection between performers and audiences.This episode is about more than tribute music. It’s about passion, connection, storytelling, and the shared experiences that keep Bruce Springsteen’s music alive for audiences today. Whether you’re a lifelong Springsteen fan, a musician, or someone who loves hearing the stories behind live music, this conversation offers an authentic look at the people carrying these songs forward. Introduction to The Boss Project Paul's Musical Journey The Birth of The Boss Project Building a Tribute Band The Band Dynamics and Members Life on the Road and Band Relationships Traveling Together and Band Adventures Traveling with the Band Advice for Aspiring Musicians The Importance of Chemistry in Music Engaging the Audience Memorable Concert Experiences Balancing Music and Business Dream Venues and Future Aspirations https://www.thebossprojectband.com https://www.facebook.com/bossproject https://www.instagram.com/thebossproject/ https://www.youtube.com/@thebossproject

    1hr 3min

  2. 7 MAY

    The Spirit of Radio: A conversation with Afterimage on Honoring The Music of Rush

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, Karyn Rosenberg sits down with members of Afterimage: a Rush tribute band dedicated to honoring the music, precision, and spirit of one of progressive rock’s most legendary bands. Joined by founder and bassist Vic Montello, guitarist Hernando “Chato” Vazquez, and drummer Mark Ellis, the conversation explores their individual musical journeys, the evolution from Vic’s earlier Rush tribute band cRush into Afterimage, and what it takes to bring Rush’s complex music to life on stage. Together, they discuss the chemistry and trust required to perform this catalog, the influence Rush has had on their lives as musicians and people, and the passion that continues to drive them to keep this music alive for audiences today. The conversation also touches on the excitement and emotion surrounding Rush’s return to touring with drummer Anika Nilles stepping into an almost impossible role following the legacy of Neil Peart. The band shares their thoughts as musicians and lifelong fans on what it means to witness this new chapter in Rush history with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. 00:00Introduction to After Image: A Rush Tribute Band 02:00Victor's Musical Journey: From Beatles to Rush 11:05Hernando's Path: From Flamenco to Rock 14:25Mark's Drumming Origins and Influences 18:57Mark's Experience with Yngwie Malmsteen 20:12The Band's Dynamic and Member Introductions 27:12The Importance of Fun in Music 33:11The Legacy of Rush and Its Impact on Fans 34:36Anticipation for the Upcoming Rush Show 37:00Thoughts on Anika as the New Drummer 39:31Nostalgia and Legacy of Rush 40:32The Future of Rush and New Music 45:21Dream Venues and Aspirations 48:05First Concert Experiences 51:13Post-Show Rituals and Reflections 53:43Connecting with Fans and Social Media Presence https://www.afterimageband.com https://www.facebook.com/Afterimagerush/

    58 min

  3. 23 APR

    More than A Feeling: Dean Summers guitarist and leader of Boston, Styx, Foreigner and Toto Tribute Bands

    Join Karyn for an inspiring conversation with Dean Summers, a seasoned musician and entrepreneur, as he shares his journey from childhood guitar passion to leading tribute bands like Smokin' Renegade: a tribute to Boston and Styx, Forever Foreigner, plus his new Tribute Band "Rosanna" : a tribute to Toto. Discover how he balances music, business, and family, and how pandemic innovations led to his remote collaborations and new musical projects. 00:00Introduction to Dean Summers 01:12The Early Years: Musical Beginnings 04:46Evolution of Musical Style 07:38Balancing Family and Music Career 10:49The Battle of the Bands Experience 13:45Forming Virgin Vinyl and Moving to Florida 17:34The Impact of COVID-19 on Music 20:50Creating Dean Summers and Friends 27:07Building a Community Through Music 29:09Joining Tribute Bands and New Opportunities 31:18The Challenge of Mastering Tribute Band Material 36:47Expanding the Tribute Band Repertoire 41:43Concert Experiences and Musical Influences 46:15Balancing Life, Music, and Family 52:10Personal Growth and Gratitude https://www.facebook.com/SMOKINaTributetoBOSTON https://smokinrenegade.com/home https://www.youtube.com/@deansummersfriendsremotemu4270 https://youtu.be/gvJwuzpkrmY?si=rtLjwY1UR-LOoo3w

    56 min

  4. 9 APR

    Where the Music Lives: Mike Goodwin & Crazy Uncle Mike’s

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Mike Goodwin, owner of Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton, FL; a venue that has become a home for live music in South Florida. Mike shares his journey from working in the restaurant and bar industry to creating a space that blends craft beer, great food, and live music seven nights a week. He talks about being a keg party enthusiast to curating a community-focused live music venue.. What began as a vision to offer something different has grown into a vibrant hub for musicians, tribute bands, and music lovers alike. Discover how he creates diverse music experiences, supports local artists, and builds a vibrant community hub that celebrates authenticity and creativity. This conversation explores what it takes to build and sustain a live music venue, the responsibility of creating a stage for artists, and the role spaces like this play in fostering connection and community. 00:00Introduction to Crazy Uncle Mike's 03:11The Origins of Crazy Uncle Mike 05:54Building a Unique Venue Experience 09:01Community Engagement and Live Music During COVID 11:51Innovations in Live Streaming and Artist Support 15:11The Art of Booking Talent 23:58Behind the Scenes of Running a Live Music Venue 27:07Personal Insights and Date Nights 30:52Musical Preferences and Inspirations 32:03Unforgettable Moments in Business 33:44Community Impact and Engagement 36:09Transforming a Venue's Image 39:20Creating Memorable Experiences 42:03Handling Customer Expectations 44:10Unexpected Encounters and Identity 47:50Crafting Unique Beers and Experiences 49:24The Art of Live Streaming and Promotion 51:59The Essence of Crazy Uncle Mike's https://crazyunclemikes.com https://www.instagram.com/crazyunclemikes/ https://www.facebook.com/crazyunclemikes https://www.youtube.com/c/crazyunclemikes

    54 min

  5. 26 MAR

    The Music Never Stops: Rich Friedman of Crazy Fingers on the Grateful Dead

    In this engaging conversation, Karyn Rosenberg interviews Rich Friedman of Crazy Fingers, a prominent Grateful Dead tribute band. They explore the origins of the band, Rich's musical journey, and the dynamics of being part of a long-standing musical community. Rich shares personal anecdotes about his experiences on the road, the impact of the Grateful Dead on his identity, and the challenges of keeping the music alive. The discussion also touches on themes of loss, legacy, and the importance of community in the music scene. https://www.instagram.com/crazyfingerssoflo https://www.facebook.com/crazyfingersband https://www.crazyfingers.net/

    51 min

  6. 12 MAR

    Across the Universe: From Lisbon to Liverpool: A Conversation with The Peakles, A Beatles Tribute Band from Portugal

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg interviews members of The Peakles, a Beatles tribute band from Portugal. They discuss their unique approach to performing Beatles music, their individual musical journeys, and the dynamics of being in a band. The conversation explores the impact of The Beatles on their music, the challenges of selecting a setlist, and their aspirations for future performances including participating in Beatles on the Beach in Boca Raton, FL. The band members share personal anecdotes about their experiences on stage and the joy of connecting with audiences. Chapters 00:00Introduction to The Peacals 05:00The Band's Origins and Members 11:07Musical Journeys and Influences 19:54The Beatles' Impact on Music 29:58Life on Stage and Audience Interaction 42:06Setlist Selection and Performance Dynamics 49:56Future Aspirations and Dream Venues 56:00Personal Music Preferences and Closing Thoughts https://www.facebook.com/ThePeakles.TheBeatlesTribute/ https://www.instagram.com/peakles/

    59 min

  7. 26 FEB

    Come Together: Daniel Hartwell & the Story of Beatles on the Beach

    In this episode of "Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives" host Karyn Rosenberg speaks with Daniel Hartwell, the creator of Beatles on the Beach, about his journey in festival production, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the importance of community and positivity in the music industry. Daniel shares his unique vision for the festival, which goes beyond just music to create a vibrant experience for attendees, and discusses the impact of The Beatles on culture. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring promoters and emphasizes the significance of setting goals and pushing through challenges. https://beatlesonthebeach.com

    58 min

  8. 12 FEB

    Closer to the Heart: Honoring Rush with Billy Alexander of YYNOT

    🎧 Episode 4 In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Billy Alexander — songwriter, producer, and guitarist of the Rush tribute band YYNOT — for a thoughtful conversation about influence, evolution, and what it really means to carry a musical legacy forward. Billy shares how his passion for music began at a young age, shaped early on by bands like Kiss and Rush. What started as admiration eventually became identity, guiding him not only into tribute performance, but into writing and producing original music of his own. Together, Karyn and Billy explore the emotional and technical demands of playing Rush live, the importance of authenticity on stage, and why YYNOT is committed to performing without backing tracks. They talk about camaraderie within the band, the creative flow behind songwriting, and how balancing music with real life keeps everything grounded. Billy also reflects on his upcoming single, “Enemy,” a song that explores themes of human connection and understanding, and offers encouragement to aspiring musicians navigating their own path. This conversation honors Rush’s legacy through a Rush tribute band YYNOT while celebrating the ongoing journey of creating music that feels both borrowed and deeply personal. https://www.instagram.com/b1gtralexander/ https://www.instagram.com/yynotband/ https://www.billyalexander.net https://www.facebook.com/billyalexandermusic https://www.facebook.com/YYNOTBAND

    1 hr

  9. 29 JAN

    Can’t Stop: The Art of Playing Red Hot Chili Peppers Live

    What does it really take to bring the raw, chaotic, funk-driven energy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to life on stage? In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Cameron Dergham, founder and guitarist of The Chili Poppers, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band and Remake Yourself, an Incubus tribute band. Cameron is known for delivering faithful, high-energy performances that capture the spirit of RHCP and Incubus. Cameron shares how his passion for the Chili Peppers evolved from admiration to embodiment — and what it means to honor a band whose music is equal parts chaos, precision, vulnerability, and fire. He also talks about his other project as the lead singer of an Incubus Tribute band, and how he balances his gigs and work/family life. Together, they explore identity, musicianship, stage presence, and the deeper meaning behind paying tribute while still living an authentic creative life. This episode is about funk, intention, and the art of showing up fully — night after night — for the music that changed everything. https://www.instagram.com/thechilipoppers/ https://www.facebook.com/TheChiliPoppers https://www.instagram.com/remakeyourselftribute

    59 min

  10. 17 JAN

    The Pretender? Never. Harley Mitchell Is the Real Deal

    🎧 Episode 2 – The Pretender? Never. Harley Mitchell Is the Real Deal In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with multi-instrumentalist, content creator, and all-around powerhouse Harley Mitchell. From the Foo Fighters tribute band Foo Fight to her original releases “Here I Am” and “Spin,” Harley brings a fierce sense of authenticity to everything she does — whether she’s on bass, behind a drum kit, rapping with bOunce, or connecting with her 40K+ TikTok followers. In this conversation, Harley opens up about: How she found her creative voice through tribute and original musicWhat it means to “borrow notes” but stay rooted in her truthThe challenges and joys of being a woman in multiple music spacesAnd the deeper identity work that comes with being both a performer and a creatorFrom high-energy shows to introspective songwriting, Harley is a reminder that honoring others' music doesn't mean losing your own story — and in her case, it’s only made hers louder. 🔗 Follow Harley Mitchell https://harleymitchell.com 🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@harleymitchellofficial?lang=en Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harleymitchell/?hl=en YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarleyMitchell Facebook https://www.facebook.com/harley.mitchell.16/ Foo Fight: Foo Fighters Tribute Band https://www.facebook.com/tributefoofighters/

    1 hr

  11. 17 JAN

    The Night Billy Joel Showed Up

    🎧 Episode 1 – The Night Billy Joel Showed Up: A Conversation with Tony Monaco of Turnstiles In this debut episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Tony Monaco — pianist, singer, and frontman of Turnstiles, a South Florida-based Billy Joel tribute band. Tony shares how his musical path began with a childhood love for guitar, evolved through jazz and original touring bands, and ultimately led to his deep connection with Billy Joel’s music. And then… something extraordinary happened. At a recent Turnstiles performance in Wellington, Billy Joel himself showed up. Tony reflects on that once-in-a-lifetime moment, how it felt to play for the Piano Man, and how his own identity as a tribute musician has been shaped by years of passion, purpose, and authenticity on and off the stage. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to bring someone else’s music to life — and still stay true to yourself — this conversation is for you. To connect with Tony Monaco and Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel https://turnstilestributeband.com/about-us https://www.facebook.com/thebillyjoeltribute

    1hr 1min

  12. TRAILER

    Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives Trailer

    🎧 Trailer – Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives Hosted by Karyn Rosenberg, LCSW In this trailer, get a feel for what Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives is all about. Psychotherapist and music lover Karyn Rosenberg takes you behind the scenes with tribute band musicians, photographers, venue owners, and other creatives keeping the music alive. But this isn’t just about performances — it’s about meaning, identity, and the real lives behind the sound. If you've ever connected deeply with a song, seen yourself in someone else's story, or felt the pull of purpose in unexpected places — this podcast is for you. Follow @KarynLCSW on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes clips.

    2 min

Trailer

About

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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