Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/07/2023
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Chestnut Hill Brewing Company
Categories
John Rodden is an alt-rock singer/songwriter from the Philadelphia area. His style ranges from the mellow and introspective, drawing inspiration from Dashboard Confessional and Brandon Flowers, to the more fun and upbeat mode of Weezer and Jimmy Eat World. His vocals range from alto to tenor in the manner of Jeff Buckley. Notwithstanding these influences and comparisons, John’s music is uniquely his own.
Background
John discovered his passion for music when he picked up his first guitar at age 10. When he was applying to high schools, it was critical that he be part of the music department. “At the auditions, I was terrified because I never had a music lesson and had never learned to read written music. I knew I could pass with my guitar, but they wanted to see more. First I was put in front of a piano and told to play. There was sheet music, which made no sense to me, so I sat down, closed my eyes, and played. Then they handed me a trombone, which I didn’t even know how to hold, but was somehow able to play. Next was a set of drums and I just went for it. I didn’t realize the music director was having fun watching me, as he put it, “intuitively” handle the different instruments he threw at me. I was accepted into the music department and was allowed to just jam with any instrument available, so during classes, I still never had a lesson!”
When John discovered his aptitude for instruments, he began composing and layering instrument upon instrument, lead vocals upon harmonizing vocals, and he mixed and produced his first CD when he was in high school.
He formed a band, No Outlet, with his two best friends, for the purpose of performing electronically in larger venues, like the Trocadero in Philadelphia. John is the composer and frontman for No Outlet, on electric guitar and lead vocals. The band’s full length debut CD is expected to be released this year.
Performances
Although a fairly unassuming person, John thrives in front of an audience, and audiences love to interact with him. There is always a back and forth going, and folks don’t just listen to his music, they sing along, especially when John goes off on his 1990s covers.
John has performed locally at Milk Boy, Grape Room, Kildares, Great American Pub, Garrett Hill Ale House, JD McGillicuddys, and Flip & Baileys. He has also played at many other local coffee and ale houses over the last 15 years.
