Thank you for talking with us Roderick! How was the last year for you? What were your highlights? It was incredible, I spent it touring America, seeing over forty states and falling in love with every one of them. Lived in Brooklyn for a while before landing in Nashville!
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about pursuing a career in music? An old outlaw type who came to one of my gigs in New Mexico. He introduced himself after the show and toward the end of our conservation he says to me “do what you love, but watch your ass while doing it” ... realest advice ever given.
You’ve met a lot of people and musicians during your career. Who has made the biggest impact on you and why? One night I was upstairs at Music City Tippler and someone taps me on the shoulder. It was Jared Followill from Kings Of Leon. He says to me “hey man, you covered “Wait For Me” on YouTube right?”I had posted a YouTube cover days prior and was surprised to see they had not only watched it but also recognized me. Jared introduced me to Caleb and we played shuffleboard, talked music, the south, and more music. What was incredible to me about this experience was that they viewed me as a creative equal and it was encouraging to be seen as talented by a band I admired so much. Sometimes all we need is a push from the right people.
What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? I have a song called "Run With The Horses" that is a love letter to Ventura County, CA where I’m from. It’s about the land, my friends, wildfires, economic disparities and leaving all of it behind for a dream.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs? I hope this album reminds people to slow down, simplify, and keep pushing forward. No matter how violent a wildfire becomes, the mountains will survive. I wanna make mountains out of people with this one.
Best food that comes in can? Wild Planet Sardines preserved in olive oil and lemon! Yes I said sardines!
Where is your favorite place to eat in your hometown? El Jaliciense Mexican Restaurant in East Nashville. Most authentic place east of the Cumberland. Most memorable meal while touring. Where were you and what did it involve? Jerrys Cafe, Gallup, NM. I ordered their enchiladas and what I love about New Mexican cuisine vs traditional Mexican is the different peppers being used which are grown exclusively in southern New Mexico. If you’re passing through, stop at Jerrys in Gallup! What is an example of a menu you would prepare if I came over? Well, growing up in a black and Mexican family there were lots of different things happening in the kitchen but I’d probably prepare enchiladas the way my mother made them. You would have red and green sauce to choose from and plenty of fresh cilantro to garnish over the top!
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be? Ben & Jerry's
Website: https://www.roderickaugust.com/