Rod is a very versatile and enthusiastic musician. Rod is an exciting lead guitar player as well. He is well-versed in playing funk, hip-hop, rock, and blues. Rod cites Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan as his primary influences.
Before arriving in Los Angeles, Rod received his first musical instruction from guitarist Eric Wilson in Sunnyvale, Ca. There, Mr. Wilson stressed to Rod the importance of the Blues as musical expression. He taught Rod the fundamental chords and scales needed for Rod to express himself on the guitar.
When Rod moved to Los Angeles, he studied music at Cal State Northridge under great professors like guitarist Eric Jones. There, Rod was taught music theory, ear training, and classical guitar.
In 2000, Rod started playing with various groups such as Body and Soul, Ben Neptune Project, Illogic, and Mo'At. These musical groups helped Rod broaden his skills as a guitarist and musician. It was in the group, Body and Soul, that Rod started singing lead vocals for the first time.
In the following years, Rod has constantly played with some of L.A.'s finest musicians. In 2001, he became an original member of the showband 3DVA. In 2003, Rod played guitar on 3 songs on the debut album from the Dre Allen Project. Rod co-wrote the song "Maybe" with Dre from that very same album.
In the summer of 2005, Rod was chosen to be lead guitarist for the Troubadour Theater Company's production of "Hamlet": The Artist Fomerly Known As Prince Of Denmark. The Prince - inspired play received great reviews in the Los Angeles Times and Backstage newspapers.
In February 2007, Rod was among 7 musicians featured in the Eddie Murphy film, Norbit. Today, Rod continues to play exciting music. Rod is currently located in Los Angeles, Ca.