Interview: Jason Narducy

If you’re an avid indie rock fan, chances are good that you’ve seen Jason Narducy play with Bob Mould, Superchunk, or Sunny Day Real Estate — and, if you’re really lucky, alongside Michael Shannon in the Chicagoans’ yearly R.E.M. tribute show.

But the percentages likely go way down when it comes to concertgoers who’ve seen him perform a living room show.

Asheville-area folks will get that rare opportunity on Tuesday, May 12, when Narducy heads to town for an intimate performance at a location that will be revealed to ticket buyers upon completion of their purchase.

Prior to the show, the man of the hour corresponded with Asheville Stages via email about why he loves playing these small spaces and how his R.E.M. experiences with Shannon have impacted his life.

Edwin Arnaudin: What’s your history with Asheville?

Jason Narducy: I have played in Asheville a number of times with Superchunk and I think once with Telekinesis. Jim Wilbur (Superchunk guitarist) used to live in Asheville. Mac McCaughan (Superchunk singer/guitarist) is related to the guy who owns All Souls Pizza. I think it’s his brother-in-law. We’ve eaten there a couple times. Very good. 

EA: Have you played many living room shows? What about them appeals to you?

JN: I’ve been doing living room show tours for nine years. I love them. They are early (usually 8 p.m.), seated, and BYOB. So it’s good for me and my demographic. 

EA: On the flip side, what do you miss about “bigger” shows while you’re playing in these smaller spaces?

JN: I don’t miss bigger shows because I’m fortunate to still do them. I’m very grateful for that. 

EA: How are you approaching building your set list for the May 12 show? Are you focusing on any particular material and/or trying to build a certain “story arc” or mood flow over the course of the evening?

JN: I play mostly songs by my solo project, Split Single, but I throw in a few covers, too. I share stories about my life in music. 

Michael Shannon, left, and Narducy (Photo by Rich Tarbell)

EA: In what ways have your Michael Shannon tours impacted your solo work and overall creativity?

JN: They are pretty separate on a creative level. I learn a lot from learning R.E.M. songs because they are master craftsmen. The success of those tours has brought more attention to me, so I see a boost in awareness of my other work. Again, I’m very grateful for this. 

EA: What’s been some of your favorite feedback from the members of R.E.M. since this tribute project began?

JN: Their support of our project is still hard for me to absorb. They’ve all said very sweet things to us publicly and privately. They also talk about how weird it is to watch other people play entire albums of theirs. I love that. It is a little weird. But the joy overrides all of that — for me, at least. We love those songs so much. Michael is an absolute pleasure to work with. And I assembled the band of close friends, so it’s kind of a dream. 

EA: What will it take to bring your R.E.M. shows to Asheville?

JN: I would love to! Where should we play?

EA: What else do you have planned musically for 2026?

JN: I have more Shannon band shows (Newport Folk Festival, UK/IRL tour, some Midwest shows). I have a lot more solo shows. I’m working on my second Mostly The Van book. I’m writing songs for a musical. And I’m producing other musicians at Steve Albini’s studio in Chicago. I would be perfectly happy staying home spending time with my kids and grandkids but I need to earn a living and touring is the most profitable version of that for me.

IF YOU GO

Who: Jason Narducy w/ Tin Roof Echo
When: Tuesday, May 12, 8 p.m.
Where: Living room show, location revealed upon purchase
Tickets: $28.52

(Photo by James Richards IV)