THE LIBERATION OF THE REPEAT OFFENDERS

Pop artists and soon to be pop superstars Ron Rodriguez & The Repeat Offenders offer up original songwriting unleashed with a distinct performance style. When you hear a Repeat Offenders song, you know you're hearing a Repeat Offenders song. And the one thing this band will do repeatedly is knock you out with its wow-inducing song craft. Rodriguez is a veteran of the local Jacksonville club scene, having played in both cover and original bands since January 2002. He ventured out as a solo acoustic performer in 2003. Over the years, Rodriguez felt a need to find a platform for his music and began writing pop songs with a rock sensibility, all the while creating a vision for his band and sound. In mid-2006, percussionist & drummer Steve Hall began performing with Rodriguez capturing the attention of many as an acoustic duo. In 2007, Dan Rowka, a well accomplished bassist, songwriter and performer of the Jacksonville club scene, came on board. Drummer Kevin Eldridge and guitarist Eric Charlton have join on with The Repeat Offenders, rounding out the lineup in the last year.

Liberation

“Music may not hold the keys to leading your life, but it sure does offer an escape in the midst of whatever trials and tribulations you're undergoing. And it frees you from the shackles of your own mind.” So says Rodriguez, who explains that music leaves him feeling free and liberated. The Repeat Offenders try to offer that kind of musical liberation with their songs. Steve Hall of the Offenders describes his personal style as “light funk with Latin and straight-ahead jazz influences” while Dan Rowka says, “I'm an in-the-pocket bassist who mixes modern rock with old school funk.” These rhythmic flavors all fuse to make music that makes you feel like you're on an all expenses-paid, soul vacation.

The Gift Itself

For Rodriguez, there is no greater musical inspiration available than the ability to play music. “Knowing that I've been blessed with a gift is its own inspiration, which feeds into itself becoming a self-sustaining source of motivation and creativity.” Rowka agrees. “For me, the act of making music is its own inspiration. I don't need a reason to make music. It's just what I do.” And Hall points out the inspiration to be found in the talent of fellow musicians. “I am inspired by many drummers and percussionists, both good and bad. You can learn something from everyone.” Together, the inspiration and knowledge with which this band is so rich, fuels a sizzling hot creative process that spits out hit-worthy tunes.

The Artist at Work

The Repeat Offenders has declared themselves “soldiers” of the Jacksonville and North Florida music scene. And fans continue to enlist, joining the ranks and taking up the cause. Whenever these guys play, the audience shows up and the listeners are always blown away. The opportunity to play live has been steady with the group hitting one venue after another, “increasing our fan base one gig at a time.” In his six years as a local Jax musician, Rodriguez has played all the major stages from The Times Union Center, Freebird Café and Jack Rabbits to the various bars and clubs including Lynch’s Irish Pub, Square One, Fionn McCools, The Ocean Club and The Mellow Mushroom, Tinseltown. Rodriguez and Co. have released two EP’s “Stars N Bars” and “Sessions from the Yard”; a full length CD entitled “Tune in Tokyo” from 2007 and most recently, “Cover-ed Up”, a selection of live acoustic covers and originals. In addition, “we are interested in working with filmmakers to compose original scores and soundtracks.” The Repeat Offenders are currently working with A&R Select, the leading indie A&R firm in Hollywood, CA.

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