To some people, music is seen as an art form. To others, it’s a long process of technical intervals or a science. To me, words can’t explain music. I see it as a passion, a lifestyle, an outlet for emotions, a way to connect and an absolute freedom. It’s something that can be beautiful, ugly, happy, angry and sad. The boundless majesty is something that will always be a part of my life.
My name is Arnold Rodriguez. I first indulged on the passion of music at a young age when I found my fathers worn acoustic guitar. Listening to bands such as Aerosmith, and Guns n’ Roses I began to dream. I dreamt of being on stage with thousands of fans looking in awe as I play. I started picking out and imitating my favorite riffs to expand my knowledge. I read about people like Slash and how they lived their lives to get to where they are now. Constantly expanding to other styles, genres and instruments, I began to idolize not only guitarists, but anyone with true talent. They had something special. I then decided what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a rock star.
As I grew older, my ambition stayed the same, however my reasoning had changed. As I started jamming with people I realized that it was more to me than just fame, power, and money. I wanted the ability to make people laugh or cry. I also wanted to be seen as an inspiration. An inspiration like all my childhood heroes were to me. I wanted to spread my passion to everyone I could.
In middle school I got my first electric guitar for Christmas. I was then finally able to retire the old, warped, peace of crap acoustic and take guitar a little more seriously. I’d spend all day and all night playing until my fingers bled profusely. Putting together patterns, and experimenting with different sounds I began to guild my own style. That is when I started jamming with other people, not only having outrageous fun, but learning different techniques from a vast variety of backgrounds. I fell in love with the electric guitar.
Sophomore year of high school, I joined a band called Suvey. It all began with a random encounter in the hall when I overheard a group talking about trying to find a guitar player. When I recommended myself, we hit it off right away. We put together a set list and started gigen around. That year we entered and won the High School battle of the bands. Suvey continued playing for about a year after that, then fell apart due to a change of interest with the singer.
Code of Chivalry then formed. Previous Suvey members and some old school friends decided to join forces. I began writing more melodic guitar parts and filling in empty space by layering guitars and using harmonization to my advantage. We also began experimenting more and more with time changes, key changes and other utilities to create more unique sounds. We built many friendships with bands from all around Colorado and played many shows with them. After a while, we peaked the interest of a band manager. As he began getting closer to the band by attending practices and discussing what we want, a chain reaction occurred. Starting with the singer and drummer, my band mates decided that music isn’t what they want to do with the rest of their lives. In the midst of opportunity, they left me hanging. Code of Chivalry was dead.
It was then that i started reaching out to different musicians and connections to find a new band. A band that had no outcasts. A band that had drive. A band that loved to party amongst themselves and with the fans. And most of all a band that wouldn't flake out. It was then that As Your Attorney came into play. They were a group of individuals that have always supported me, my bands and my cause. They also were a group that always gave it their best and nothing less. They came to me looking for a bass player. This was something new for me. Not just putting aside the guitar, but not having to carry the weight of the entire band on my shoulders. They welcomed me with nothing more then great hospitality, open minds, and the support they've always shown. Day after day we rock our hearts out. Ive never met such an inspiring group of musicians. It is an honor to be part of the super rock group As Your Attorney.
So here I am now. I’m the same kid with the fire burning brighter than ever in my eyes, only now I have experience. I’ve still been jamming with a number of musicians, always looking to expand my abilities, but my main focus is As Your Attorney. I will love music forever, and it will continue to be the biggest part of my life for eternity.
