In 2023, Andy Frasco & The UN released a new album, L’Optimist, via Fun Machine Records/Soundly Music. Since then, Andy and the band have been on the road — first on their own and then with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Dogs in a Pile. (They return to that tour laster this month!)
Meanwhile, Andy Frasco & The UN ventured out on their own for some headlining dates including a recent show at Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore. Steve Satzberg was there to photograph the show!
The following article is adapted from a press release.
L’Optimist is Frasco’s most hopeful and enthusiastic collection thus far in his career and has earned the praise of outlets like Westword, Forbes and Relix. A testament to Frasco’s wide-ranging influences and boundless energy, L’Optimist sees the magnetic frontman continuing to chart his path of self-exploration and personal discovery through increasingly introspective lyricism and musical adventure.
“With so much bad news in the world, why not try to figure out a way to get out of the darkness,” Andy said. “We’re not going to be able to change the world, but at least we can change the mind state we have moving forward. We can at least help the process along by being optimistic that the future will turn itself around. And if everyone changes their mind state about the future, then maybe we can change the world.”
Songs like the deeply moving “Iowa Moon” touch on matters of the heart and mental health, emotional struggle, and the sheer vulnerability of the human experience, all relayed through a wildly eclectic approach navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.
Watch the official music video for “Iowa Moon” by Andy Frasco & The UN on YouTube:
Truly a creative force to be reckoned with, Andy Frasco & The UN have long spent seemingly all their time on the road, performing more than 200 shows each year, including their show at Union Craft Brewing on August 2. Frasco also somehow finds time to host Andy Frasco’s World Saving Podcast and cater to his nearly 1M monthly dance party views on Twitch.
L’Optimist now sees Frasco continuing to develop as a songwriter, band leader, and human being, his exploratory spirit giving way to something more firmly grounded yet no less adventurous. Having built a still-expanding career on forward motion, Andy Frasco remains positive in his determination to keep on keeping on, pushing himself and his music to grow and improve with every passing day.
Catch Andy Frasco & The UN on tour!
Nik Greeley and the Operators opened for Andy Frasco & The UN at Union Craft Brewing. Here are a few photos of them!
And here are some photos of Andy Frasco performing at Union Craft Brewing on August 2, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
