"Music House" Reviews

"Roddan has dropped a stunning solo album. Showing himself to be one of the better songwriters in the business nowadays.. Few albums have hooked me on a first listen as this one has. Every song tells a poignant story and is accompanied by the perfect music for every word. Roddan is a serious poet and musician who, in simple, stark and melodic terms, can convey ideas in a way that is accessible to every listener.

“Music House” captures the gist of what I love the most about singer-songwriter music."

- Robbie Tee, JamSphere (Sep 19, 2016)

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“Roddan managed to truly retain his own sound, style and approach..understood his vision for the music and didn’t try to change that too much from what it was, just bring it to life around him.”

- Jer@SBS, SleepingBagStudios (Jan 08, 2017)

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“Roddan is one of those rare artists who can actually create compelling and thought-provoking music with classy lyrics and world-class arrangements. His music is equally focused on lyrics and melodies, as shown through his recent release,”Bleed”. 

- Peter Vindani, TheBandCampDiaries (Jul 24, 2017)

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“Roddan's “What stands out overwhelmingly is Roddan’s sense of melody, and the love he has for his craft in general. More than anything, Roddan’s debut album is, instead of an honest and emotional record. It shows a huge emotional maturity for Roddan, as a songwriter, singer and a musician. “MUSIC HOUSE” without a doubt strikes a balance between musicianship and fantastic songs.”

- TUNEDLOUD (Apr 28, 2017)

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“Roddan Makes Impressive Debut With ‘Music House’ Seattle Washington singer/songwriter, Roddan, is a talented acoustic and electric guitarist, who draws his musical influences from Folk, Americana, Blues, Rock, and Modern Country. Roddan has recently released his debut album, ‘Music House’. ‘Music House’ is eleven original tracks, recorded in Austin Texas, where Roddan worked with SXSW award-winning producer, Rick Del Castillo.  With a sound that’s somewhere between Steve Tyler, The Eagles, CCR (with a touch of Crosby Stills and Nash), Roddan’s expert guitar and gravelly drawling vocals make this a very memorable album.”

- Posted by Lisa Hafey, Essentially Pop (Mar 31, 2017)

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“Roddan has a very nice country/Americana voice. It is distinctive and does not really sound like anyone that I can put my finger on. Roddan’s voice is quite melodic but had some of that country raspiness and drawl that is a trademark of the genre. I definitely hear the originality in Music House. .”

- Harry Kaplan, TWANGRI-LA Country Music Utopia (Jun 01, 2017)

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"Roddan’s poetic lyricism works wonders on the passionate “Reconciliation”. Highly thoughtful the introspection and ruminations on life feel reminiscent of Mark Kozelek’s most recent work with Sun Kil Moon. Quite clever the stripped down intimate approach adds to the overall power of the sound. Instrumentally varied, ."

- Beach Sl-Mar 22, 2017

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“Roddan comes from, a wonderful modern take on the sound that has echoed from San Francisco coffee shops to London folk clubs for more than a life time, the sound of James Taylor, Neil Young, John Martyn and a list of other revolutionary acoustic guitar-slingers.  I’ve never really understood the term Americana but there is something inherently American about Bleed. Across just six tracks he travels through folk, country, blues, acoustic rock, balladry, reggae and torch song, often all within one song. Plaintive violin and emotive harmony vocals help tug the heartstrings and the result is a record that is emotive and soulful, built on the best traditions yet bringing something masterful to the table”

- Dave Franklin, Dancing About Architecture (Jul 25, 2017)

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“Usually We Review a song or two To give Artists our honest opinion on their music, but when the artist is fully professional, sounds Great & has amazing song structure, we don’t mind reviewing the whole Album. First Off “MUSIC HOUSE” Is Great, & everyone in the Room gave a thumbs up on the Sound (Good Mix & Mastering) & we also Listened Carefully to the Lyrics (Great Lyrics). Roddan’s Music is Filled with Great stories & Real Life issues that everyone is familiar with & people could easily relate to these experiences which makes it appealing. The Artist Gives each Beat a Really Good Break Allowing them to resonate & become more heartfelt. This is Solid Work as the songs Tempo’s keep Changing without Interrupting the feeling of the Album, It Just Keeps Riding & That’s not an easy task to accomplish in production & Songwriting. (AWESOME) Great Job, Making great Music & Presenting it professionally So In This Review, I’ll Just Give a TWO THUMBS UP & A FIVE STAR***** GREAT WORK”

- Gareth Hay, Terra Entertainment Group (Apr 19, 2017)

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"Bleed 432" Reviews

‘Bleed 432’ is the brilliant follow up to ‘Music House’ from American singer-songwriter Roddan, whose vivid music illustrates an experienced life wisdom with its honest lyrics, classic alt-country/folk arrangements, and an array of sub-genre influences which hit a very sweet spot, sonically speaking. ‘Bleed 432’ EP have to be its brutal honesty and pure simplicity, along with the effortless way in which they intertwine together, to create a roller coaster of emotions and insights which permeate the soundscape with color and expression… So too summarize it – we were really impressed with the whole project. It’s emotionally charged, masterful and highly-recommended!"

- Between Gaps-Up and Coming Artists (Oct 29, 2017)

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“Bleed 432” is an attractive core combination of guitar, piano, bass, drums, interesting lyrics and soothing vocals. Nothing transcendental, but stunningly engaging. The reason being that Roddan lets the music belong to the songs, and not the other way around. Roddan has the thematic range of a contemplative and visionary artist. Here he takes an observant stroll through intimate human experiences and emotion. There is so much insight, intelligence, and passion in the songs that Roddan’s use of references seems like an opening rather than a closing of mind. Roddan doesn’t waste words, and when he does give himself over to emotion, it’s usually in an honest fashion. Granted, he has songs about tortured loves and people on the bad side of decisions, but to listen to him sing most of these songs is to hear joy in the creation of a song, of bringing something from nothing. That ‘nothing’ though, sounds like it comes from real, concrete experiences and memories.”

- Jacob Aiden, Jamsphere (Sep 08, 2017)

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“Roddan’s “Patty Jean” offers a straight from the heart message to those whose music has changed lives. Over the course of song Roddan’s poetic lyricism reflects upon the tireless efforts of Patty Griffin and her inspirational work. By choosing a straight-forward, stripped-down approach Roddan lets the earnestness of the sound ring true. The song’s intimate nature unfolds makes it positively shimmer and shine. The optimism of the song lets this joy flow through, with every thoughtful reference adding to the overall temperament. Roddan’s vocals are delivered with pure passion, as the story unfolds with great pacing. Indeed, much of the song’s appeal comes from how Roddan allows the song to move forward at a gradual speed, letting every detail add to the tapestry of sound. Representing the best of Americana, Roddan dives deep into a glorious stream of sound. The song blooms into a celebration for a person whose work has had such a profound effect on so many.”

- ALLFIRE MEDIA (Apr 10, 2017)

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“Seriously good Americana music. Incredible song writing and composition by Scott Roddan, the driving force behind Bleed 432. Roddan is the fulcrum of this project, but nothing gets done alone. It truly does take a village. Roddan’s village consists of Gina Chavez, who sings absolutely stellar backing vocals. Two things together that actually create something completely elevated and unique. In this case, one plus one may equal three or four. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Credit is also due to Phoebe Hunt on fiddle and vocals, Michael Ramos on keys, Phil Bass on percussion and vocals, and Rick del Castillo on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals. They really make these songs shine like a flawless diamond. No song exemplifies these components better than the opening track, Never Meant To Be. This song totally gives me chills. It touches me at the deepest levels possible. Bleed is steeped in perfection. Heartfelt, and poignant lyrics that Roddan does successfully.”

- Country Music Utopia (Jul 16, 2017)

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"Embodying the best of folk is Roddan’s straight from the heart delivery on “Music House”. Besides folk, elements of country, southern rock, the blues and classical help to create a rich vibrant sound. Right at the center of it all are Roddan’s careful, articulate lyrics that express the joys and tragedies that come in life. Vocals are pure, pristine, and delivered with the utmost of passion. The careful arrangements feel reminiscent at times of Lambchop’s luxurious, intricate pieces. Unlike that group, Roddan creates an entire aural universe on the spacious “Music House”.

- Rate Dat Song (Mar 23, 2017)

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"Don't Be Troubled" Reviews

Singer-songwriter, Roddan’s third and current release, “Don’t Be Troubled” is a follow-up to his 2017 EP, “Bleed 432”, and his 2016 Album, “Music House”. The recording features organic instrumentation, including guitar, piano, violin, cello, piano, and some beautiful vocals and harmonies from Eliza Gilkyson. Roddan tells his story in a meticulous format and makes the lyrics all the more important. His sentimental writing shows throughout the record, while juxtapositions are commonplace in a recording that is original, enticing, and mesmerizing to experience. All songs mesh together and aid in the overall emotional trek. The first song and title track, “Don’t Be Troubled”tells three different mini stories, according to the narrator. Eliza Gilkyson wraps us into the song’s wistfulness with a haunting and intoxicating backing vocal.

“Judyann”, the second song is a tribute to Roddan’s mother who passed away as he was working on this record. He was able to find some recordings of her with her family, and added them to the end of the track. The intricacies that make Roddan’s songwriting both pleasant and meaningful remain fully intact here. His ability to make a song sound intimate and personal, is only brought into a finer light with this track. He portrays love, loss, and heartbreak in a way that eschews oppressive morbidity. No matter how fleshed-out the production is, every song finds its basic structure in the guitar. In this foundation, the album never forgets Roddan’s introspective, reserved manner, and he makes sure that he never loses sight of his own personal integrity.As is true of all great songwriters who write from a personal place, to love Roddan’s music is to relate to him. “Don’t Be Troubled” successfully enhances and humbly strengthens the despair, passion, and sentiment in Roddan’s songwriting for this set.

- Independent Music News 24 - Jeena Johnson (October 2018)

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