"What makes for a good guitar solo?"

Matt: To me, something that's memorable is always better than something flashy. I've always been a huge fan of guitar solos that, when the solo comes around, people are singing the solo as much as they're singing the vocal parts. There are Journey songs like that. There are Guns 'N' Roses songs like that. If it makes somebody air guitar and sing it while they're doing it, that to me is a good solo. 

Fred: I've done a lot of screwing up in my life, both personally and professionally. But you can't let that be your hindrance. You can't sit there and let yourself be beaten down by mistakes you've made. 

You have to learn from them. You have to go forward.

Fred: I have to allow myself that freedom of expression, to get to that point where the music plays you, you don't play the music. And that comes along with faith: Faith in what I do, faith in what we do, faith in what we offer, and faith in the value of what we bring to a show, what we bring to a song, what we bring as performers, entertainers, and even beyond that. That's important. That's when it matters. 

Brian: There is an exchange of energy during concerts. The audience is feeding off of us, we are feeding off of them, and we all become one during the show. It is the most positive, uplifting thing I have ever done in my life. 

Fred: When we’re all on stage, it’s not about the greater glory of the band. When we get the audience to scream, to dance, or to go nuts, it’s more about celebrating themselves - their lives. If you’re alive, prove it. Let your voice be heard.

"There is always a special relationship between the drummer and bass player. What is it like to accompany Fred?”

Brian: Fred's a different kind of drummer because he's the front guy. So he's doing multiple jobs at one time. 

He's the lead singer. He's the drummer. And he's the conductor. He's not only conducting the band, but he is commanding the crowd. 

I think one of my important roles is holding down that solid foundation. He can do whatever he needs to do as long as that foundation's still there, running solid.

On Apple: https://smarturl.it/8y507p
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Episode 55: "Who is Fred LeBlanc?‪"‬ 
The BoatCast... this is your TRiBe

“Nobody knew what the rules were because there weren’t any… It’s about everybody living this moment and living the hell out of it!” reflects TRB Veteran, Fred LeBlanc (of Cowboy Mouth) on his first Rock Boat, TRB II. Fred joins Chris Rhoad and BoatCast Mark to talk all things Rock Boat. The high energy frontman relives some exciting memories from past boats, including the Cowboy Mouth rendition of “Shout” from their last boat - but also shows his sentimental side, grateful to be part of such a wonderful community of Rock Boat artists and fans.

Fred: I realized a long time ago that it would have been very easy for me to move my drums to the back and play behind some pretty boy with long hair, or pretty girl with long hair, singing about his or her angst. And I could have had a lucrative life doing that. But that's not what I wanted to do. I really felt the need to express something different. 

​Matt: For me songwriting goes in seasons. I'll go an entire year without writing anything. I learned that you can't force it. If you do, it's not really worth it. 

​Fred: Happy Lundi Gras!!

Its the day before Mardi Gras and I SHOULD be playing a killer show this afternoon at Spanish Plaza in Nola with the best Rock N’ Roll band in the entire world!! But I guess the fates had other ideas...

So the good Lord looked down upon New Orleans and said...(and I’m paraphrasing here)...

“If there is no Mardi Gras this year, then there will be SNOW!!”

Funny how things work out.

Happy Mardi Gras, ya’ll. I guess will have to have twice as much fun next year!