An Interview with
'Ty Asoudegan'
Lead Guitarist of 'Fastride'
& Host of 'The Rainbow Jam'
that took place on March 15th, 2025.
Interviewed by Glenn Milligan.
Glenn: Can you give us a quick low-down of how you came to end up in Hollywood, California or have you always been a resident?
Ty: I moved to Los Angeles at the end of 2018, I started off teaching at the School Of Rock. I had worked at the School Of Rock in Philadelphia, where I’m from, for years. School Of Rock was a great way to get integrated into the community and to get myself out there as a musician. I met a lot of good friends there including Scott Ian from Anthrax.
Glenn: Who and what turned you onto guitar originally and how?
Ty: Jimi Hendrix inspired me to play guitar. I had a really good teacher named Michael Caughlin and he gave me a real education on guitar and the rock life. The kids that studied there would perform at clubs so we got the real Rock experience.
Glenn: Do you have a preference in makes and was it about those / those make(s) that has you standing by them?
Ty: I started off with the Stratocaster because I’m so influenced by Jimi. In high school I got into Guns N’ Roses and got a Les Paul. I love that shape and the tone. I use and endorse Sawtooth Instruments. They are incredible guitars and are used by legends such as Michael Angelo Batio.
Glenn: What was your introduction to being part of the Hollywood Scene?
Ty: I played local nights at the WHISKY A GO GO on the Sunset Strip. I played different dive bars, wherever I could get booked. I would attend (and still do) The Last Call Jam and other local shows. I’m always hungry for the rock.
Glenn: What's your thoughts to the scene there and how would you say it's changed over the years from your perspective?
Ty: Man, I’m so grateful to be a part of such a great music community. A lot of it stems from the different jams, such as The Last Call. I’ve met so many friends and bandmates there. I’m very grateful and thankful of Sammy Burke, who puts on those jams.
Glenn: How did you initially become involved in being the leader of the Jam Night at the Rainbow Bar & Grill?
Ty: It’s funny. I just liked going there all the time. It’s ironic because I remember the days when I used to show up with my guitar and wait till 2 AM and not get a chance to go up. Until Jimmy Silcox saw me play one time and he really encouraged me to get up there and play a lot.
He let me fill-in for him as his house guitarist when he went and did gigs. I’m very grateful for that. I never forget my beginnings there. I kept attending for about a year and a half until one day I got offered to be the leader. I’m humbled by that and I put my heart and soul into that jam.
Glenn: What have been your favourite nights there and why?
Ty: One night we had my friends from cKy come up and join us for a couple songs. It was surreal, I grew up, listening to those guys. Since I grew up in the Philadelphia area, I have a long musical history with their Guitarist, Chad Ginsberg.
It was great catching up with him at soundcheck at the Whisky earlier that day. I told him about the Jam and he said he would come and check it out. He was a man of his word and he showed up with his whole band, including the full line-up of Crobot. It was a magical experience.
Glenn: Tell us about your incredible band, Fastride and how they came to be?
Ty: Fastride started in 2013 after I won a national competition hosted by guitar Center and Slash of Guns N’ Roses. It was a nationwide battle of the bands with over 4000 artists. We were the grand prize winner and got to open for Slash and receive many prizes. I used that gear and notoriety to start my own project. Fastride and I have been going ever since.
Glenn: How did you pick the members and what legacies do they maybe have already in both the studio and live field?
Ty: JD Deservio is a good friend of mine and really helped kick Fastride into high gear. He plays bass and is the musical director for Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society. He mentored me and recorded Fastride’s first releases at his home studio. I can’t thank JD enough for his teachings. We are best friends to this day.
One of our original bassists is Jaron Gulino. He is the bassist for George Lynch's Lynch Mob. We still collaborate and his bass will be featured on a track on our new EP coming out soon. Curt Remington, who is the current basis of Fastride plays in the legendary band Bitch where I have played guitar and bass in.
Glenn: Where did the name of the band come from? What made you decide to choose that one?
Ty: I remember being half asleep when I came up with that name haha. The revelation of it just kind of woke me up and I wrote it down haha. I love fast cars and have a strong passion for racing and automotive history. I had to include that in my band name and imagery.
Glenn: How would you personally describe the band to someone who had never heard Fastride before that would make them stand out from all the other bands on the go in the area?
Ty: Fastride is very reminiscent of 80’s Sunset Strip Hair Metal. But it has a lot of of the punch and speed and from heavy metal. We also have a lot of jazz fusion and influences we pull from other genres.
Glenn: What has been the band's key in surviving the up's and downs, highs and lows in an area like Hollywood?
Ty: I’ve learned from more experienced fans that it’s important to keep a low overhead and focus on what’s important.
Glenn: What songs you have written mean the most to you and which ones do you most enjoy playing live and why?
Ty: Every song has a lot of meaning, but one that sticks out is 'Tire Slayer'. I wrote and recorded this song during the pandemic and I really went over the top with the production, writing, and everything. It was featured in a TV show starring one of my favorite motor enthusiasts, Magnus Walker. So it was a big moment for my career as well.
Glenn: What have been your fave shows so far and why? Who were you on the bill with?
Ty: Playing a sold out show with Scott Ian at the Whisky with Fastride was pretty unreal. I was new to LA at the time so it blew my marbles and was just so inspiring.
Glenn: Where would you say have been your favourite venues over the years that the band has played at so far?
Ty: The WHISKY A GO GO by far.
Glenn: Tell us about your studded leather guitar strap you have that was manufactured by Al Bane For Leather and what make you decide on Al to buy from?
Ty: He's a good buddy of mine too! Al is great. I see him all the time at the Whisky. He is a world class artisan, and I am humbled and honored to represent his brand. I love just going to his shop (Al Bane For Leather) and just talking with him. The man is a genius.
Glenn: How was the show for you that I saw you at on February 1st supporting Spread Eagle – what would you say the highlights of the night were?
Ty: Man, that was a great night. I’m such a huge fan of them so I was humbled to share the stage with that great band. Spread Eagle is very underrated. I felt Fastride was firing on all cylinders that night and I’m glad we have a lot of video footage from that evening.
Glenn: Are there plans to release a Fastride album and if so, will it be it be self-released or on a label?
Ty: We are going into the studio this week to put the final touches on our new EP. Whether it is a self-release or on a label, I’m not sure. But expect new Fastride music soon.
Glenn: What's next for you and the guys in Fastride?
Ty: We will be releasing our new EP and opening for Lizzy Borden at the Whisky on May 16.
Glenn: Outside of Fastride and the Jam night, what else musically would you say you are proud to have been part of in one way or another and why?
Ty: I have done collaborations with Comedian, Ed Bassmaster and those have been some of my finest performances.
Glenn: What have been your best pinch-me moments so far and for what reasons?
Ty: Playing a sold out Fillmore show in Philadelphia with my friend, Ed Bassmaster.
Glenn: Tell us about your connection with Sawtooth Instruments and what their products mean to you?
Ty: Joe is a great friend of mine and we hang out a lot at the Whisky. He’s come to the Rainbow Jam and our friendship has grown over time. I really cherish our friendship. It is an honor to be a part of The Xtreme Jam at his venue in Hollywood, 'The Three Clubs.' In just a few months, we have done this. We have already done performances with Vinny Appice, Faster Pussycat, Brian Tichy and more.
Glenn: Where would you like to play if you had the chance and with who – either as a one-off or on a tour and why?
Ty: Wembley Stadium, The Forum, and Madison Square Garden. So many historical musical events have gone down at those places. It would be a dream come true.
Glenn: What have been your proudest moments in your musical career and overall in your life so far?
Ty: An epic moment for me was when I made a TV appearance on 'Let’s Make A Deal', hosted by Wayne Brady. It still plays on re-runs on CBS and my clip is featured on the commercial and promotions. Totally bonkers! Another highlight was performing at West Coast Custom’s booth at The LA Auto Show at The LA Convention Center. I grew up watching 'Pimp My Ride' on MTV so it’s surreal hanging with all the guys from the show. I love and appreciate the whole crew over there.
I got to host a few concerts at their headquarters in Burbank. Definitely another 'pinch me' moment. Much love to Jeff, Ryan, and Dane over there. I’m also so grateful for working at The Whisky. All the great opportunities getting to work with legends like Mötley Crüe, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, REO Speedwagon and more. Thank you Tony, Eddie, and Mikey for the opportunity.
Glenn: What would you like to say to the folk who have read this Interview?
Ty: Fastride has new music coming out soon. Check us out online at Fastride.rocks We will be playing The Whisky on May 16 it will be a blast!