Rod Rodrigues’ upcoming release, Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, represents more than just a continuation of his musical journey—it’s a deeply personal reflection of the changes he’s experienced over the past decade. After a 12-year hiatus from releasing solo work, Rodrigues returns with an instrumental album that captures a rollercoaster of emotions through complex compositions and masterful collaborations. His ability to mix diverse musical influences is evident throughout, weaving together personal experiences, Brazilian rhythms, and progressive rock.
Rodrigues describes Tales of a Changing Life as a deeply personal project. “Since 2014, my life has changed a lot, and I wanted to share my journey through music,” he says. Drawing inspiration from his experience of moving to a new country, the songs capture a range of emotions: joy, frustration, sadness, and love. Although mostly instrumental, the album is far from voiceless—each note and melody tells a story.
“On the Road”: A Dedication to Rod Rodrigues’ Late Father
The track “On The Road,” dedicated to Rodrigues’ late father, is one of the most personal on the album. His father, a taxi driver who loved being on the road, inspired the upbeat and energetic feel of the song. Rodrigues shares, “My parents have always been very supportive of my career. My dad was probably my second biggest fan—of course, my mom is number one.” The joy of his father’s journey is expressed through a fusion of influences, from the high-energy vibes of Van Halen to the progressive rock undertones of Rush. “Van Halen’s music is all about energy and good vibes, which makes them the best inspiration for a road trip song,” Rodrigues adds.
Brazilian country music also plays a key role in “On The Road,” showcasing Rodrigues’ desire to mix diverse genres. Collaborating with Rodrigo Sperandio, who brings a Brazilian rhythm known as “catetere” to the track, he creates a unique fusion of rock and Brazilian styles. “People can always expect these kinds of influences in my music,” Rodrigues explains, highlighting his love for blending global sounds.
Collaborating with Angel Vivaldi and John Macaluso
The album features several collaborations with notable musicians, including guitarist Angel Vivaldi and drummer John Macaluso. “I wrote ‘Inukshuk’ specifically with them in mind,” Rodrigues says. He shares how the pandemic brought him closer to Macaluso, a drummer he admired for his work on Ark’s Burn The Sun. A chance connection led to a collaboration that added a unique energy to the track. Meeting Vivaldi was also serendipitous, beginning with online chats and growing into a friendship. Rodrigues notes, “He’s an amazing guitar player, and I’ve always admired the way he thinks about music as both a guitarist and an artist.“
One of the standout moments on the album is the title suite, Tales of a Changing Life, which is divided into distinct movements. Drawing inspiration from his love of film scores and the fantasy world of Tolkien, Rodrigues structured the suite like a narrative. “I didn’t write the song in separate parts like many bands do; I wrote it as one complete piece,” he says. The orchestral opening, “Overture Op.17,” introduces a darker tone that mirrors the uncertainty Rodrigues felt when planning his move to a new country. As the suite progresses, the mood shifts, with “Falling Into A Dream” representing the dreamlike euphoria of his early days in a new place, and “The Unknown Tale” bringing chaos and technical mastery, reflecting the challenges that came after the initial excitement wore off.
The album’s grand finale ties everything together. “You’ll hear the same melody from ‘Overture Op.17’ but in a major key, giving it a happy and uplifting conclusion,” Rodrigues explains. This shift from darkness to light encapsulates his personal journey—one filled with doubt and uncertainty, but ultimately leading to peace and forward momentum.
Rod Rodrigues’ Approach to Writing Solos
As a long-time educator, Rodrigues’ passion for teaching guitar has also shaped his approach to songwriting. He emphasizes the importance of melody over technique. “The melody is always my main focus and priority,” he says. While fast playing and technical proficiency have their place, Rodrigues strives to create solos that tell a story. “I write my solos like a storyteller, with a clear beginning and end,” he notes, balancing complexity with emotional depth.
Beyond his solo work, Rodrigues has been involved in various bands and tribute acts, which have broadened his musical horizons. His ability to integrate diverse influences—ranging from ’80s pop to Latin rhythms—gives his music a distinct edge. For instance, “Inukshuk” features a melody inspired by ABBA, while “On The Road” incorporates a chord progression influenced by the same iconic pop band. “How can a heavy song like ‘Inukshuk’ have a melody inspired by ABBA? Perhaps that’s what makes it unique,” Rodrigues muses.
Tales of a Changing Life Part 2 builds on the foundation set by its predecessor, revisiting themes from Part 1 and expanding on them with new collaborations and refined musical ideas. “If you listen to both albums in sequence, you’ll notice that Part 1 ends exactly where Part 2 begins,” Rodrigues says, emphasizing the continuity between the two works.
With the release of Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, Rod Rodrigues showcases not only his technical skill but also his ability to infuse deeply personal stories into his music. His journey as an artist and a person comes through in every note, making this album a powerful reflection of a life transformed.
For more about Rod Rodrigues and his work, visit his website here. Follow Rod on Instagram and Facebook.
