Music industry pro Michael Bland had this to say about Minneapolis-based indie artist Dan Rodriguez:
“I’ve been in this business a long time. I recognize when somebody has something real. Dan is a true talent, and seems to be ushering in a new wave of singer/songwriters around the Twin Cities. I can honestly say I’m excited for the world to hear what he’s got to offer.”
Fans of the Budweiser commercials have already heard one of his songs, “When You Come Home,” which was used in the very successful 2014 “Friends are Waiting” campaign. Rodriguez included the single on his 2015 album Come on Home, which was his fourth career recording, which also launched the singles, “Rum River” and “California.” That led to successful tours with such indie stalwarts as The Civil Wars, Andy Grammer, Eric Hutchinson, NeedtoBreathe, Tyrone Wells, Haley Reinhart, John McLaughlin and Will Hoge, to name a few.
So, just who is this Dan Rodriguez? He grew up in Detroit and moved to Minneapolis when he was 18 to pursue and study music. He liked it so much he stayed because of the fans he was gathering, and the cold weather. Along the way he got married, had a son, and helps in the family garden and the chicken coop when not touring, writing or recording. He loves whiskey and beer (who doesn’t), fishing and hunting, motocycle riding and good food.
His latest effort, 25 Years, which was produced by the amazing John Fields, was just released last Friday. Here’s what we think of the album.
The first thing that hits you is this amazingly smooth voice, so warm and comforting that you immediately accept everything he says at face value. He has a style similar to that of Andy Grammer meets X Ambassadors, and a similar love story to Grammer’s that comes through the lyrics of the title track, which also leads off this musical journey. It is the perfect anthem for Valentine’s Day and every other day.
He continues this wonderful romantic journey with the second track, “You Feel Like Home,” before the rock kicks in on the third track, “Fire.” That song would do well on the radio, as well as make a great candidate for placement in film, television and commercials. He returns to the truly romantic ballad with “You’re Not Anybody,” the fourth impressive track on the EP.
Track five, “Hero,” is breathtakingly beautiful, with unlimited possibilities for placement and highly deserving of radio airplay. Rodriguez closes out this all-too-short EP with the instant classic, “Until the End,” which leaves us wanting more of this multi-talented indie artist. The song has that same impact as Kenny Loggins’ hit, “Whenever I Call You Friend.”
If you want to know more, check out his Facebook page, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube and Spotify channels.