Meet Singer/Songwriter Dylan Rouda
Singer/Songwwriter, Dylan Rouda, describes his sound as “East Coast urban rock meets West Coast surf rock.”
Dylan Rouda taught himself the drums at age six. By eight, he’d moved on to the guitar. At age 10, he wrote his first song. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, his voice wasn’t discovered until his first-ever musical theater audition for a citywide performance of Peter Pan drew the attention of the director who declared he had perfect pitch and cast him as John. Since then, Rouda has performed on stage and on television in numerous roles, but at heart, he’s a singer/songwriter. After moving to Orange County two years ago, Rouda is now 18 and a senior at Laguna Beach High School. Rouda is ready to step into the spotlight again, releasing his second EP with four original songs. To learn all about Dylan Rouda, read on to find about this amazing voice.
GLITTER: Tell us about your new single “Polaroid Picture.” What is the meaning behind the song and it’s title?
DYLAN: “Polaroid Picture” is a testament to all of us. Every person has experienced a perfect relationship gone wrong at some point. The Polaroid picture, being a tangible reminder of the relationship, both brings joy in remembering the good times, but heart break knowing its gone. The idea came to me when a friend of mine purchased a Polaroid camera and things just took off from there.
GLITTER: What can fans expect from your new EP?
DYLAN: My new EP is really fun and upbeat! I’m always trying to promote good vibes, and I believe my new material is doing just that.
GLITTER: Do you have a favorite song you are most excited to share with everyone?
DYLAN: Well, “Polaroid Picture” has been a long wait to release so I’m still in the honeymoon phase of really wanting to promote this song!
GLITTER: Do you find it difficult writing a new song? Where do you look to for inspiration?
DYLAN: Writing comes naturally to me, it’s never forced. Inspiration comes at any time, no matter the setting, and it happens frequently. The only struggle is putting the right chords and melody together. But all the creative energy comes from a place of personal experience, or something very important to me.
GLITTER: Do you get nervous performing in front of a live crowd?
DYLAN: I get nervous in front of a crowd for sure, but when I hit the stage, the anxiety washes away and all that remains is excitement and ecstasy. There’s truly nothing better.
GLITTER: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?
DYLAN: Man, if I could tour with anyone, it would be The Red Hot Chili Peppers hands down. They have influenced me so much it would be surreal to share the same stage.
GLITTER: Do you find it difficult balancing school and your music career?
DYLAN: School definitely gets in the way. However, as much as I want to only do music, my career is contingent on being prepared by my education for the world to come. So, I think they have naturally balanced each other out at this point.
GLITTER: What are some of your favorite songs right now?
DYLAN: My favorite songs right now include “Lay Me Down Feat. Rome” by Dirty Heads, “Amber” by 311, and “Troublemaker” by Weezer. Great songs I’ve been listening too constantly in the past week or so!
GLITTER: What do you enjoy to do when you’re not working?
DYLAN: In my off time I enjoy basketball, working out, surfing, and just hanging with friends. I’m a pretty simple guy, I try to just go with the flow and live life!
GLITTER: You’re stranded on a deserted island, what one thing would you bring with you?
DYLAN: It may be cliché, but if I were stranded on a deserted island, I would need a guitar to keep my sanity. Unless I could bring a person, in which case I’d treat it as a romantic getaway with a special someone…
GLITTER: Do you have any hidden talents?
DYLAN: I can freestyle rap. I don’t look like I can, but I have some decent capabilities if I do say so myself. And, I’ve been known to do some impressions!
GLITTER: Do you have a secret crush on anyone?
DYLAN: I do have a secret crush… I was watching Netflix and a friend of mine showed me this show starring Nina Dobrev. I’m in love. Nina call me!
GLITTER: If you could go back and time and change anything, would you and why?
DYLAN: If I could change anything, it would probably be a few poor choices in my love life. But, in the end the experiences have made me stronger so maybe it’s better I experienced them now as opposed to later in life.
GLITTER: What’s your favorite part about the fall and winter seasons?
DYLAN: My favorite part about the fall and winter seasons is the ability to wear comfy clothing. I’m from Ohio and miss the snow and brisk weather of the seasons. California lacks the same drastic changes, so any rainy or cold day makes me very happy!
GLITTER: How can people follow you?
DYLAN: Anyone wanting to connect and keep up with my career and me can visit dylanroudamusic.com and check out my facebook/twitter pages under Dylan Rouda Music. Any support is greatly appreciated!
Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
