An Interview with Andy Falco

The Infamous Stringdusters

by Christopher Snyder

From the video channel of Ted Cremer 

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The Infamous Stringdusters are a band that are constantly balancing the traditional with the progressive; holding onto the past and reaching into the future.  They are celebrating the release of Laws of Gravity the way they have reacted to everything in the last several years, through relentless touring.  Our man Christopher Snyder had the chance to catch up with guitar player Andy Falco to ask him about the new album and life as a Stringduster.

LMNR: The five band members got back to your roots with producer, Billy Hume in Nashville, on “Laws Of Gravity”. How did this album come to fruition? Are there any tracks on this album that stand out to you personally?

Andy Falco: We generally start by doing preproduction sessions, which for us generally involves renting a house somewhere for a few days and showing each other songs. After a few of these sessions, we get through all the material and widdle down a list of maybe 25-30 songs down to around 15. We look for the group of songs that would make a good coherent record from start to finish. Honestly, I’m proud of all the songs on this record, trying to pick a favorite is like a parent trying to pick a favorite child.

LMNR:  You’re a multi-instrumentalist, well versed in guitar, mandolin, piano. Did you get to showcase all your talents on the new release?

Andy Falco:  We record mostly live in the studio, but there are a few very subtle piano overdubs. Sometimes a simple and understated piano part adds a little weight to a track, and can give Billy Hume some options when mixing. See if you can figure out where!

LMNR:  You guys will hit the road this week in support of the new release. For years you have been “road warriors”. It seems like every show is different and you guys keep growing musically. How do you keep the vibe and music new every night?

Andy Falco:  The first draft of the set list is drawn up by Pandolfi, and before the show we have a meeting to go over the set list. We can substitute songs, talk through any unique segues or discuss any nuances for that particular show. We try to cycle in some meaningful covers, like “For What It’s Worth” on inauguration day for example. That usually happens day of show, and we run through them during soundcheck. It’s very important to us to vary the shows and have some surprises every night.

LMNR: Your brothers are musicians as well. How does it feel to share the stage with your family?

Andy Falco:  It’s so much fun to make music with my brothers. We always have, and always will whether on a stage or in a living room!

LMNR: There are some great up and coming acts as openers this tour, that The Infamous Stringdusters have known for a number of years. Do you think we will see some collaborations during this tour?

Andy Falco:  We love the collaboration opportunities that happen when you have a support band. We always try to incorporate that in to our show, which is also another way to make each and every night unique.

LMNR: The group are always appreciative of your fanbase and are excited about bringing the music to them. What does “The Jamily” mean to you?

Andy Falco:  The Jamily is an amazing community of like minded people who share this experience together, and with us. I can’t express enough appreciation for these people, who often travel to shows, or join us for a video or audio stream on couch tour. I’m truly grateful for each and every one of them!

LMNR: Are there any musicians this year that you’re most looking forward to sharing the stage with?

Andy Falco:  Any time we get to see our fellow touring friends is always a treat. Can’t wait to see what this year will bring!!

 

Upcoming Tour Dates:

 

FEB 16 Harlow’s Sacramento, CA W/ Special Guest: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades             

FEB 17 The Fillmore  San Francisco, CA W/ Special Guest: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades 

FEB 18 Troubadour West Hollywood, CA W/ Special Guest: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades             

FEB 19 Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, CA W/ Special Guest: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades            

FEB 20 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV W/ Special Guest: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades 

FEB 22 Sheridan Opera House Telluride, CO           

FEB 23 Sheridan Opera House Telluride, CO           

FEB 24 – FEB 26 Winter Wonder Grass Steamboat Springs, CO      

FEB 24 Belly Up Aspen  Aspen, CO Evening With

MAR 15 Beachland Ballroom & Tavern Cleveland, OH W/ Special Guest: The Way Down Wanderers          

MAR 16 The Vogue Indianapolis, IN W/ Special Guest: The Way Down Wanderers             

MAR 17 Park West Chicago, IL W/ Special Guest: The Way Down Wanderers        

MAR 18 Escher Auditorium Saint Joseph, MN       

MAR 19 The Waiting Room Lounge Omaha, NE W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere         

MAR 21 Pink Garter Theatre Jackson Hole, WY W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere          

MAR 22 University of Wyoming Laramie, WY FREE SHOW              

MAR 23 Park City Live Park City, UT W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere

MAR 24 Knitting Factory Boise, ID              

MAR 25 The Wilma Missoula, MT W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere    

MAR 26 The Great Northern Whitefish, MT            

APR 2 Humbrew’s Arcata, CA        

APR 4 Domino Room Bend, OR PRESALE UNAVAILABLE  

APR 5 HiFi Music Hall Eugene, OR W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere    

APR 6 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR Support TBA          

APR 7 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR w/ The Jackalope Saints    

APR 8 Neumos Seattle, WA W/ Special Guest: The Ghost Of Paul Revere

MAY 6 Orpheum Theater New Orleans, LA Opening for Galactic  

MAY 12 -MAY 13 North Carolina Brewers & Music Festival Huntersville, NC             

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