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Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives

Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives

By: Karyn Rosenberg
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About this listen

Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives is a podcast that goes beyond the spotlight to explore the real stories behind tribute musicians and the creative forces who keep iconic music alive.

Hosted by psychotherapist and music lover Karyn Rosenberg, each episode is a deep, personal conversation with tribute band artists, venue owners, photographers, and others in the music world. Together, they talk about identity, passion, and the meaningful lives people build through music — even when they’re performing someone else’s songs.

Because it’s not just about the cover. It’s about the calling. It’s about finding your own voice in borrowed notes.

Whether you’re a fan of tribute bands, a creative soul chasing your own sound, or someone who finds meaning in music, this show is your backstage pass.

Karyn Rosenberg
Episodes
  • Can’t Stop: The Art of Playing Red Hot Chili Peppers Live
    Jan 29 2026

    What does it really take to bring the raw, chaotic, funk-driven energy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to life on stage?

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Cameron Dergham, founder and guitarist of The Chili Poppers, a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band and Remake Yourself, an Incubus tribute band. Cameron is known for delivering faithful, high-energy performances that capture the spirit of RHCP and Incubus.

    Cameron shares how his passion for the Chili Peppers evolved from admiration to embodiment — and what it means to honor a band whose music is equal parts chaos, precision, vulnerability, and fire. He also talks about his other project as the lead singer of an Incubus Tribute band, and how he balances his gigs and work/family life. Together, they explore identity, musicianship, stage presence, and the deeper meaning behind paying tribute while still living an authentic creative life.

    This episode is about funk, intention, and the art of showing up fully — night after night — for the music that changed everything.

    https://www.instagram.com/thechilipoppers/

    https://www.facebook.com/TheChiliPoppers

    https://www.instagram.com/remakeyourselftribute

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    59 mins
  • The Pretender? Never. Harley Mitchell Is the Real Deal
    Jan 17 2026

    🎧 Episode 2 – The Pretender? Never. Harley Mitchell Is the Real Deal

    In this episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with multi-instrumentalist, content creator, and all-around powerhouse Harley Mitchell.

    From the Foo Fighters tribute band Foo Fight to her original releases “Here I Am” and “Spin,” Harley brings a fierce sense of authenticity to everything she does — whether she’s on bass, behind a drum kit, rapping with bOunce, or connecting with her 40K+ TikTok followers.

    In this conversation, Harley opens up about:

    • How she found her creative voice through tribute and original music
    • What it means to “borrow notes” but stay rooted in her truth
    • The challenges and joys of being a woman in multiple music spaces
    • And the deeper identity work that comes with being both a performer and a creator

    From high-energy shows to introspective songwriting, Harley is a reminder that honoring others' music doesn't mean losing your own story — and in her case, it’s only made hers louder.

    🔗 Follow Harley Mitchell https://harleymitchell.com

    🎵 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@harleymitchellofficial?lang=en

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harleymitchell/?hl=en

    YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarleyMitchell

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/harley.mitchell.16/

    Foo Fight: Foo Fighters Tribute Band https://www.facebook.com/tributefoofighters/

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    1 hr
  • The Night Billy Joel Showed Up
    Jan 17 2026

    🎧 Episode 1 – The Night Billy Joel Showed Up: A Conversation with Tony Monaco of Turnstiles

    In this debut episode of Borrowed Notes, Authentic Lives, host Karyn Rosenberg sits down with Tony Monaco — pianist, singer, and frontman of Turnstiles, a South Florida-based Billy Joel tribute band.

    Tony shares how his musical path began with a childhood love for guitar, evolved through jazz and original touring bands, and ultimately led to his deep connection with Billy Joel’s music.

    And then… something extraordinary happened. At a recent Turnstiles performance in Wellington, Billy Joel himself showed up.

    Tony reflects on that once-in-a-lifetime moment, how it felt to play for the Piano Man, and how his own identity as a tribute musician has been shaped by years of passion, purpose, and authenticity on and off the stage.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to bring someone else’s music to life — and still stay true to yourself — this conversation is for you.

    To connect with Tony Monaco and Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel

    https://turnstilestributeband.com/about-us

    https://www.facebook.com/thebillyjoeltribute

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    1 hr and 1 min
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