Age: 27

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Favorite Artists: Tori Amos, Bryan Adams, Blue October

Listen To Rod’s Current Playlist

When did you first start songwriting?

The first song I ever wrote was a co-write with my friend Elizabeth for a school talent show when I was in 8th grade.

Do you have any formal training in music?

I sang in church choirs growing up and then in high school choir.  In late high school, I took a music theory class but really got serious when I went to college to study music.

What are your goals?

I want to keep songwriting, discover great music by other songwriters and help music lovers find new great music.

What are your favorite albums?

Tori Amos – Boys For Pele, Collective Soul – Collective Soul (Blue Album), Annie Lennox – Medusa, City & Colour – Bring Me Your Love, Blue October – Foiled, The Greencards – Fascination, The Echoing Green – Supernova, Take That – Beautiful World, Amy Winehouse – Back To Black, Ingrid Michaelson – Everybody, Bryan Adams – Reckless, Bruce Hornsby – The Way It Is, Marc Broussard – Carencro

What album would your friends be surprised you own?

Toby Keith – Shock’n Y’all

Do you have any rituals before you perform?

Room temperature water and hanging out with the other performers.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I was performing at the World Cafe Live Daytime Stage  for the Dewey Beach Music Conference in the middle of a slow, sad song.  When I went to hit the high note, someone called my cell phone (which was in my pocket on vibrate) and it startled me.  The audience and myself got a good laugh out of it.

What has been your most exciting moment so far?

The most exciting moments were on the first tour with Kevin Masch.  We literally packed into a little car and just drove around looking for gigs and radio stations that would take us.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have an unusually large movie collection and though most people know I’m a hopeless romantic, I love dumb action movies that include lots of guns and violence.

Do you have any lucky charms?

I used to wear a ring that had personal meaning to me.  It used to be a big deal and I even freaked out a couple times when I thought I lost it.  Then, one day, I lost it and learned to let go.  Since then, I haven’t had any lucky charms.

One last thought?

All your base are belong to us.

Rod’s Latest Single “By Now (Radio Version)” Now Available On iTunes & Amazon.com.