Cincinnati is full of rooms where a band can level up fast, but only if you know where to look. We talk with hard rock artist Mark Frye from Asayda about the Cincinnati live music scene as a real map of neighborhoods, venues, and crowds, and why the city feels like a “big small town” for musicians. From Bogarts to Annie’s Music Center to Ludlow Garage and Riverbend, we compare what each space rewards, what it costs to be close to the stage, and what makes a show feel electric when the band is still on the rise.
We also get into the less glamorous truth behind every solid band: people. Mark breaks down how Aseda came together after multiple projects, why “good hang” matters as much as chops, and how lineup changes happen when life, family, careers, and health collide with rehearsal schedules. If you’ve ever wondered why some groups sound great but still fall apart, this part hits home with practical, real-world honesty.
Then we go deep on the craft and the gear. Mark shares how Asayda is building a new album with a DIY studio approach, how drum tracking can work with an e-kit and triggered sounds, and why flexibility can be a blessing and a curse when you can always tweak “one more” part. We talk guitars, stage visibility, and the modern debate over modelers and “real” instruments, plus what’s next including the Swine City Brewing show on September 4 and the band’s release strategy for Spotify and beyond. If you like Cincinnati rock stories, recording process talk, and behind-the-scenes band building, hit follow, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.
Links
- Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
- JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/
Contact
- Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/
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- Everywhere: @jayfranze
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Books
- Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/
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- Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/
Support
- Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
- Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/
Shout Outs
- High Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/
- VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives