Andrew Rodriguez is the brains and brawn behind Bodega. The Montreal raised, Toronto based artist just released his sophomore album, Without A Plan, available online at bodegamusic.com.
Current fixations:
"The Professor And The Madman" by Simon Winchester, "RAM" - Paul and Linda McCartney, "Skyscraper National Park" - Hayden, "Poses" - Rufus Wainright, tennis (playing and watching), biographies, Louis Armstrong, Blossom Dearie, CompuRythm CR-5000
Mind-altering work of art:
"Guernica" - Picasso
Most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
Kiss, Love Gun Tour 78, Montreal Forum. First concert ever - and for a seven year old fan it was heaven, almost TOO much. It was such a SHOW. I couldn't believe what was happening!
What has been your career high and low?
High: Recording new record.
Low: Taking two years to release it.
What should everyone shut up about?
I don't care about that.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for:
Regent Park School Of Music
What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself?
Like: I enjoy being alone
Dislike: Indecisiveness
What would make you kick someone out of your band and/or bed, and have you?
Unreliability. No, I haven't.
When I think of Canada I think:
Space, Nature, Home.
What is your vital daily ritual?
Coffee (with ground cinnamon) and reading in the morning. Petting my cats.
How do you spoil yourself?
Lime Perrier on ice and a Grand Slam Tennis match.
What was your most memorable day job?
Bike courier in Montreal. So many close calls with death. All day, alone on your bike, weaving through traffic. It makes you crazy...you start muttering to yourself. I used to hang on to trucks! I look back on it now and I get the chills...
If I wasn't playing music I would be:
A professional tennis player. (Am I not allowed to dream?)
What is your greatest fear?
In the ocean: Sharks.
Outside of the ocean: The fragile state of the world.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Talking to animals.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
My girlfriend Nicole and her erotic linoprints.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
Yes. I wouldn't want to have sex in front of an audience. Talk about stage-fright!
Strangest brush with celebrity:
Hanging out at Leonard Cohen's house. He wasn't there, but his stuff was.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Duke Ellington. I'd have a huge spread (all his favourites), and after dinner he'd play some piano.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
Nothing... she's always been supportive. Love you, mom!
Current fixations:
"The Professor And The Madman" by Simon Winchester, "RAM" - Paul and Linda McCartney, "Skyscraper National Park" - Hayden, "Poses" - Rufus Wainright, tennis (playing and watching), biographies, Louis Armstrong, Blossom Dearie, CompuRythm CR-5000
Mind-altering work of art:
"Guernica" - Picasso
Most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
Kiss, Love Gun Tour 78, Montreal Forum. First concert ever - and for a seven year old fan it was heaven, almost TOO much. It was such a SHOW. I couldn't believe what was happening!
What has been your career high and low?
High: Recording new record.
Low: Taking two years to release it.
What should everyone shut up about?
I don't care about that.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for:
Regent Park School Of Music
What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself?
Like: I enjoy being alone
Dislike: Indecisiveness
What would make you kick someone out of your band and/or bed, and have you?
Unreliability. No, I haven't.
When I think of Canada I think:
Space, Nature, Home.
What is your vital daily ritual?
Coffee (with ground cinnamon) and reading in the morning. Petting my cats.
How do you spoil yourself?
Lime Perrier on ice and a Grand Slam Tennis match.
What was your most memorable day job?
Bike courier in Montreal. So many close calls with death. All day, alone on your bike, weaving through traffic. It makes you crazy...you start muttering to yourself. I used to hang on to trucks! I look back on it now and I get the chills...
If I wasn't playing music I would be:
A professional tennis player. (Am I not allowed to dream?)
What is your greatest fear?
In the ocean: Sharks.
Outside of the ocean: The fragile state of the world.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Talking to animals.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
My girlfriend Nicole and her erotic linoprints.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
Yes. I wouldn't want to have sex in front of an audience. Talk about stage-fright!
Strangest brush with celebrity:
Hanging out at Leonard Cohen's house. He wasn't there, but his stuff was.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Duke Ellington. I'd have a huge spread (all his favourites), and after dinner he'd play some piano.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
Nothing... she's always been supportive. Love you, mom!