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Rice didnt materialize from Gibson vapors.
Both of those creative plates are filled with very healthy portions.
But, seriously, thats awesome and intimidating to know.
Yeah, I was nervous at first, knowing my face was visible.
Its different than knowing my guitar is audible.
Do you view that in a similar way?
What was your path for getting there?I ended up in the live-television sphere accidentally.
It wasnt something that I deliberately set out to do.
Hes been around for decades.
It was a little bit weird, because it was the summer of 2020.
Hes a chill, nice guy.
How does shooting a weekly show likeSNLcompare to the daily grind of your time atThe Late Show?
Its just one day a week, sometimes two, but its onereallylong day.
Whats the energy level in Studio 8H like?Super high energy and chaotic in a really great way.
Otherwise Id be in more danger with that.
Nobody has ever told me or given me any feedback about how to look during these monologues.
Ive felt it out.
Like, what a TV audience gets, regularly.
Thats pretty cool to think about.
And thats why Im playing the guitar and not writing jokes.
But even then, we dont always have to come in.
Revisions come in before the dress rehearsal, and then more revisions come in right before the episode airs.
Parts are always changing.
When theres guitar involved, Im usually working with Elijah Brueggemann, whos the sketch music director.
And then were scrambling again.
I had to come in to record it on a Thursday, which never happens.
Then I came in and recorded the guitar over her.
It brought me back to my old Joni Mitchell roots.
I had so much fun with that, and I love that sketch so much.
Have you ever come close to breaking while shredding the guitar for a sketch?No, I swear.
I think I get way too focused and stressed out about the guitar.
Whatever laughing muscle is within me isnt online at that time.
Is there much opportunity for involvement or collaboration with the musical guests?No, unfortunately.
They always play with tracks or have their own band.
I enjoyed working with Miley Cyrus a few years ago during her cold open.
She sang a Dolly Parton song, and we got tojam out with her.
That was a highlight for me.
It was just Sam and a madrigal choir.
I was so moved at how well-done that was.
Itwas unexpected, which made it all the better.
If I ruled the world, the c’mon Dont Destroy boys would give them that opportunity.
