EMQ's

EMQ’s With Rod Rodrigues

EMQ’s With Rod Rodrigues

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Brazilian-born and Canada-based Progressive Rock musician, Rod Rodrigues. Huge thanks to him for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

I’m Rod Rodrigues, a guitarist and music teacher. I play instrumental music influenced by progressive rock and world music.

How did you come up with your band name?

I’m a solo artist. 

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

I was born and raised in Brazil, but I’ve been living in Toronto, Canada, for eight years.

Both countries have amazing rock and metal scenes, but they’re very different. In Brazil, people are incredibly passionate and intense, the audience is absolutely crazy. In Canada, the vibe is more laid-back, but the appreciation for music is still strong.

What is your latest release? 

I recently released my new album, ”Tales of a Changing Life Part 2”. It’s the second part of a conceptual project that includes an EP and a full-length album, inspired by my journey over the past 10 years since moving to Canada.

The album has a wide range of styles, from 7-string progressive metal to Latin music and orchestral elements. I’d describe it as a mix of Steve Vai, Rush, and Latin influences. It also features some guest musicians, such as Angel Vivaldi, John Macaluso, Roy Ziv, and Hugo Mariutti.

Who have been your greatest influences?

 I started learning guitar in the early 90s, and like most kids from that era, I was heavily influenced by Slash. Guns N’ Roses were massive, and Slash was the ultimate guitar hero at the time.

Soon after, I discovered heavier bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Testament. But in 1993 and 1994, two albums changed everything for me: Yngwie Malmsteen’s ”Rising Force” and Dream Theater’s ”Awake”. They opened my mind to more technical and melodic music. Since then, Dream Theater has been my favorite band.

As for guitarists, my main influences are Greg Howe, John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Andy Timmons, and Nuno Bettencourt.

 What first got you into music?

My mom is an incredible singer, though she never pursued it professionally. I grew up listening to her sing at home, and her talent had a big impact on me.

I also have an older sister who was always tuned into whatever was popular on the radio. In the 80s, that meant bands like Van Halen, Kiss, Europe, and Bon Jovi. I gravitated more toward that music than what my mom listened to. When my sister introduced me to Guns N’ Roses, that’s when my passion for music truly began.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I’d love to collaborate with Andy Timmons or Nick Johnston. Maybe one day, who knows?

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Crossroads in Chicago, for all the blues/rock legends that perform there.

Hellfest, for the incredible variety of rock and metal bands.

And, of course, Rock in Rio, it’s iconic and would feel like coming home.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I haven’t received any weird gifts, but I’ve gotten some really special ones. A fan once gave me a necklace with my name on it, that was really nice. 

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you so much for all your amazing support over the years. Keep rocking!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Eddie Van Halen, without a doubt.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Being a musician is like any job, it has its ups and downs. What I enjoy most is teaching and helping my students achieve their goals. Seeing someone go from a beginner to a professional musician is incredibly rewarding.

What I dislike is the lack of stability. Music can be a seasonal career; sometimes you’re doing great, and other times you’re just trying to survive.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I’d love to change how people consume music today. Streaming has made it harder to truly enjoy the album experience and doesn’t benefit musicians much. While it’s easier to release music now, it’s harder than ever to stand out with so many new songs and the distractions of social media.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Dream Theater’s Images and Words

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I’ve experienced them all, vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and downloads. CDs are still my favorite. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I also think they have better sound quality than vinyl.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

My last gig in Brazil before moving to Canada and my most recent gig in Toronto in October 2023.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Probably a personal trainer. I love working out and was really into fitness a few years ago.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Ozzy Osbourne, Nikki Sixx, Bruce Dickinson, Dave Mustaine, and Roger Waters. Can you imagine the conversations? (And the chaos!)

What’s next for the band?

I’m promoting my new album and planning some shows and guitar clinics in the spring. I’m also focusing on my online courses to help guitarists worldwide achieve their goals. I have a pack of two eBooks, Guitar Shred and Blues Rock Shred, available on my Guitar Academy website, www.rrguitaracademy.com

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? Please include any links

Website : www.rodrodrigues.net 

YouTube: www.YouTube.com/rodrodrigues 

Instagram: @rodrodriguesofficial 

Bandcamp: www.rodrodrigues.bandcamp.com

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll, or a Tea Cake?

I’ve never been to the UK, so I’ll have to ask my friends!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you so much, you guys are awesome! Long live rock n’ roll! 

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.