Congratulations to Kid Freud, OJR, Roots Of A Rebellion and Jess Nolan on making it to the final round of The Road to Roo presented by BMI and Lightning 100! Read more about our finalists, and don’t miss The Road to Roo this Thursday, March 31 at 3rd & Lindsley to vote for your favorite!
Kid Frued members Alex Tomkins, Daniel Closser and Jacob Moore formed the Nashville-based garage pop trio at Vanderbilt University two years ago. Since then, the boys have played some of Nashville’s favorite venues including The High Watt, The End and The Basement. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Vampire Weekend and The Strokes, their catchy and charming songs have garnered the band a following among the local college scene. Most recently, Kid Freud’s chemistry and the charisma of frontman Tomkins have earned them a slot in the final round of Road To Roo. Listen to “The End” below.
Crossing an extremely broad range of styles from indie-folk/blues/Americana to grunge/psychedelia/rock n’ roll, OJR blends a variety of classic influences (Neil Young, T-Rex, Nirvana) with his own prolific songwriting ability and ear-catching southern vocal style. The result is a soul-scratching, modern homage to a vintage sound that’s completely unique. His rowdy live performance caught the attention of local favorite Rayland Baxter who asked OJR to open for him on his latest tour. If Road to Roo attendees hadn’t heard of him before the competition, they are definitely fans now. Check out his song “Numb” below.
Roots Of A Rebellion (ROAR) are no strangers to the regional music scene, having shared the stage with NEEDTOBREATHE, Slightly Stoopid, moe., North Mississippi Allstars, Rebelution and more. Their music offers elements of Reggae, Rock, Dub and Soul while putting an emphasis on tight horn sections, catchy melodies and conscious lyrics. This authentic and powerful combination creates a sound that is both physically and mentally captivating. Last year, ROAR was voted Best Local Band in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Reader’s Poll. Members Austin Smith, Marco Martinez, Adam Quellhorst, Troy Wiggins, Jeremyck Smith and Justin Smith see their music as a tool for change and can be found off the stage playing their part to better our world. Listen to “Checked Out.”
Jess Nolan, a 23-year-old New Jersey native labeled as an old soul, has been compared to strong female songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Since moving to Nashville, Jess’s career has been gaining quick momentum. She has performed all over town at renowned venues including The Bluebird Cafe, Exit/In, 3rd & Lindsley and The listening Room. Her soulful voice and R&B/pop sound has shocked and awed every new listener during The Road to Roo competition. Hear her song “My Love” below.
