The world's most active Phish tribute, Runaway Gin, has certainly proved they are worthy of that title in 2022. Over the past year, they have welcomed two new band members in Tim Khayat (bass) and Sean Bing (drums). One might think that could slow a band down by a step or two, but the Gin train hasn't missed a beat. Their Winter, Spring, and Summer tours have taken them from Jacksonville (FL) to New York City (NY) and just about everywhere in between.
Taking on the title of an official "tribute act" isn't a decision to take lightly. If you know anything about Phish, their wildly expansive catalog, the incredibly detailed compositions, and their focus on unique improvisation during every show, you know Runaway Gin has their hands full. Recreating what Trey, Mike, Page, and Fishman create on stage is a tall task (to say the least), yet Andy Greenberg and his bandmates continue to prove that they're more than up for the challenge.
It wasn't long ago that Jennifer Reiser (keyboards) joined the band full time, and just as the group finding their new groove, they're introducing a brand new rhythm section. As Greenberg details in our conversation below, it's been an absolutely beautiful transition with Khayat and Bing in the mix. Just as the musical journey of Phish, Runaway Gin continues to evolve and push boundaries at every corner.
Check out thew full interview with Andy below, and make sure to take note of RG's upcoming Fall Tour dates below. If you're anywhere near the Carolinas, you can still catch their Summer Tour closer at Bowstring Brewyard in Raleigh, NC on Thursday, July 28th. Whether you've seen a Gin show in the past or not, there are all kinds of exciting elements brewing as the band looks ahead to the second half of 2022!
You just reached the one year mark with the latest lineup of Runaway Gin. Tell me about how this year has gone? What have you taken away from this time with the lineup additions?
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Andy: It's been a really good year! We have very patiently and organically developed into a much more cohesive unit. Every run, and even show now, we seem to turn a corner in our musical conversation. We have focused on different aspects of the project methodically - from setlist composition, segues, improvisational strategies, interpersonal communication, existential aspects of the experience, band bonding, travel strategies, to great band dining experiences.
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We really have come a remarkably long way very quickly. I credit this to all of our collective experiences up to this point; converging and combining and us all being very open to communication of all kinds. I have been building bands since I was a teenager, and every time it seems to get a little bit easier. Organization and timing are so very important to all of this.
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I have learned a lot about my bandmates during this last year, which I really cherish and love, and I've also learned a lot about music from every member. I have also learned a lot about myself. Specifically about building boundaries, patience, being present and letting go. I have faced many challenges and certainly handled some better than others, but I am committed to learning from every aspect of the experience.
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With such a specific, complex catalog of songs with significant improvisational sections, what has the process been like when bringing in a new band member and getting them fully acquainted?
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Andy: It isn't easy, but also it isn't hard! If you can figure out the key points and how to communicate them clearly and succinctly, your work pretty much all gets done for you. Each person learns music differently, and each person learns to develop improv differently.
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The basic element is figure out how they learn; their speed and readiness in regards to each facet of the catalog. Figure out what someone likes and give them more of that. Figure out their strengths and showcase them. Figure out their weaknesses and address them methodically and rationally, while also hiding them.
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Each member has been vastly different to bring in based on their musical background. I try and establish a give and take where no one feels like they are being ordered around but rather feels like they are being heard and responded to in kind. It's a very delicate middle ground to find but it seems to be where the magic occurs.
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You've just released a lengthy fall tour which will take you to 14 different cities. What can the RG fan base expect from you guys at these upcoming shows?
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Andy: We've got the new 'Makisupa Police, Man' concept in, which we will take material by the Police and Sting and basically twist it, mash it, jam it, and explore it in the context of a Phish show. Not all shows will have the concept, but most of them, starting on September 24th at the Charleston Pour House, will.
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Keep in mind we will still be playing primary Phish material, and we don't know exactly what the setlists will look like. We will build it organically, like we have strived to so far in this configuration. I have a feeling we're going to be finding lots of interesting and novel spaces and challenging ourselves more than ever to be creative in the moment.
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The Phish catalog is obviously ever evolving, with no shortage of new material surfacing each year. How often is the band adding new tunes to the catalog? What does this process look like for RG?
Andy: Phish is an extremely prolific band. They have constantly challenged themselves and each other from the beginning. We strive to do that too. For me, it's part of the tribute. Phish seems to add about 2-3 albums worth of material each year these days, and it is a lot to keep up even as a fan. As a band, we are not even attempting to keep up by adding songs as quickly as possible.
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For us, we are trying to honor the spirit behind Phish but not follow directly behind them because we are not them. We have different strengths, weaknesses, and tastes so it doesn't really make sense to try to copy theirs over our own. In terms of adding songs, we are constantly working on new material. We just added 3 new songs last weekend: 'Foam', 'Knuckle Bone Broth Avenue', and 'Meat'.
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We added another one too but we haven't actually played it live yet so I won't mention what it is. Each new song we add is adding a new dimension to our band.A new set of parameters, rhythms, and sonic landscapes to couple with the ones we have already explored collectively and individually.
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That being the case it's good for us to take it a little slow and to let each song marinate and incubate and subsequently digest and become a part of us as a collective.I am really excited to see how each song colors us differently and greatly enjoy this process.
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Even with a full-time job and touring with RG, you find the time to make it to a healthy dose of Phish shows each year. What are your general thoughts on the band here in the summer of 2022?
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Andy: I actually just finished streaming Mann night 1 and mannnnn! I just love the way the setlists keep evolving. I love the risks they take and the smoothness of interplay. It's a completely different show than they played in 2013 and even more different from 1999 and so on and so forth. The band is pure fluid movement. The musical themes, the lyrical themes, the jam styles, the new songs, and sonic possibilities.
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It's a tweaker's paradise and I am definitely a tweaker. It's impossible to even imagine anyone having as big of an influence on me musically than Phish has. While I love so many other bands, the essence of Phish just lights a spark in me that makes me feel like anything is possible. It sure is an amazing time to be a phan!
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You've got that right. Well, thanks so much for your time today, Andy. It's always a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing you out there soon.
