Last night, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio appeared on PBS NewsHour. In an almost 28-minute interview recorded before his recent orchestral show at Washington, DC’s Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Anastasio talks about several topics, including his mentor Ernest Stires, Phish fans, Phish’s rehearsal techniques and the group’s divergent personalities. When asked about his various non-rock side projects, he mentions that “he likes learning” and reenforces his love of classical music.

At one point Anastasio mentions that Phish was “addicted to practicing” for many years and talks about how they once forced certain members of the band to lead Phish’s improvisational exercises in order to create the Vermont Quartet’s communal-style of improvisation. He also mentions that he “has relationships” with fans he sees every night from the stage that he’s never met before. In a more personal moment, he reveals that music saved him several times throughout his life—alluding to his 2006 arrest—and describes the art form as a “parachute.”

The entire interview is now available above. Phish will kick off their summer tour this evening.