Destiny is a funny thing. For singer/guitarist Tash Neal, his destiny to become a musician was written into his genetic code, as much as it was written into the stars. The son of two world class musicians so Tash’s preternatural ability to perform was there from the jump, but, as he admits in this interview, he tried his hardest to avoid his destiny, going so far as majoring in business in college.
However, the siren song of music brought him to the world his parents knew so well, and quickly Tash emerged as one of the go-to guitar players in rock ‘n’ roll, blues, soul and jam (amongst many other subgenres). Having witnessed Tash perform live during Soulive’s Bowlive run at the Brooklyn Bowl multiple times, his immense talent was easy to see pouring through every movement he made on stage.
For those who are unfamiliar with the wildly talented singer and guitarist, you’re chance to correct this life mistake comes this Friday, March 13 at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Tash Neal will be performing with Rachel Ana Dobken at her headlining gig. In this interview, Tash Neal and I discuss his run with The London Souls, his solo career, his musical destiny, and a major life moment that forever changed his life.
I first heard you performing in The London Souls, a band you fronted for a longtime. You’ve gone solo over the past few years. Can you talk about the difference for you in being a solo artist as opposed to being in a band — did this impact the way you perform, or lay out shows?
Essentially the difference is in the groups lay out. The way I perform remains at 10 at all times, kinda can’t help that. The Souls is very much what happens when Chris and I play together. This is a completely different energy exchange. Me and the brothers I play with we each have a unique musical connection and exchange of energy so it’s very cool and fresh.
In the same vein, how does your work — musically and lyrically — differ from your work in The Souls?
Really the sound and energy is different because it’s different cats making the music. But the Souls among being a collaboration was very much an extension of myself and songwriting. My writing always evolves and this is a different vehicle to express the songs I write now.
Do you have any new music in the works, and if so when can we expect to see it released?
I’ve got some music videos for new unreleased songs, and another single in the works. Keep your eyes out. Check @Tash on Instagram.
You’ve shared the stage with an amazing arrays of musicians from Slash to Anders Osborne to members of Steppenwolf and The Byrds. What’s the been the most daunting (in a good way) experience you’ve had performing with one of the famed artists you’ve shared the stage with?
Man, I honestly can’t specify. Every time I get to play with someone I’ve idolized and admired forever is an incredible experience and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to play with a lot of the people that inspired me to make music in the first place. I really approach each experience like it’s my last time playing so I can really be in the moment and absorb what’s going on during an amazing musical exchange.
You’ve been a guitar player most of your life — what has been your favorite guitar to play ever, and why?
Yeah I’ve been playing the majority of my life, I started at 8. (Guitars been my longest and closest friend in my life aside from my brother Sean). Funnily enough I played a Gibson cherry red es-335 as my first legit electric guitar at like 15 and was in love for years (shout out to Gibson). But when I was thirteen I asked my mom and dad for an electric guitar as I’d been interested in getting into rock and roll (I just became a teenager mind you), but I had started on classical (nylon string guitar). So it’s Christmas I think I’m getting a sexy electric guitar from the music videos and it’s a classical electric nylon string guitar. To this day I’ve written the majority of songs I’ve written in my life on that guitar which is why it’s my favorite. The woods from Japan, something is really special about it.
In 2012 you were involved in a very serious car accident. In an interview with Guitar World you said you got a “second chance at life and you weren’t going to dumb yourself down.” Do you feel that you’ve held true to that statement you made eight years ago? And do you feel that moment changed your musical life?
I do feel I’ve stayed true to that in terms of what I try my best to bring. The accident definitely changed me, not only physically by making me slightly bionic, but musically it made things a bit more instinctual which is ironically kind of a blessing. I always wanted to de-intellectualize my vibe when I’m playing or especially soloing, and luckily it worked out when I got out of the coma I just instinctually had chords in my fingers I wanted to play. Building my stamina back up was one thing, but the passion never left, it only got more intense.
You’ve been playing and gigging for quite a while now. What is it about being a musician that you love that has kept you out touring, gigging, writing and dedicating your life to music?
Well I feel like music was something I was destined to do (my father was and my mother is a world class musician). I tried to not be a musician though, to the point where I tried to go to business school for college and soon enough word got out I that played a few instruments and music/bands sucked me back in and I’ve been a musician ever since. My favorite thing about doing what I do is I never know what’s coming down the road or who I’ll get to play with next. Like I didn’t know I’d play with the cats I’ve played with In the last couple of years until right before it happened, so it’s an exciting life.
What are you most excited about for, for your career, in 2020?
I’m looking forward to putting out more music. I’m looking forward to playing all kinds of shows. As always I’m looking forward to the surprises down the road. Every day is a new one.
