ON RADAR: J Roddy Walston & The Business

j-roddy-walston-business-coverOriginally forming in Cleveland, Tennessee back in 2002, is rock n’ roll band J Roddy Walston & The Business. The band consists of members J Roddy Walston (vocals, guitar, piano), Billy Gordan (lead guitar, vocals), Logan Davis (bass, vocals), and Steve Colmus (drums). They have released a total of 3 EPs and 3 albums, including their most recent album Essential Tremors, which released this past September to ATO Records. The album features their hit single “Heavy Bells,” which reached number 19 on the Billboard’s Alternative Songs Chart. The track represents the bands’ hard rock style with its heavy use of guitar and screaming vocals. The song is about growing up in the religious hometown of Cleveland. Walston grew up in the town which was known for the Church of God, because of this his, his music background consisted of gospel and country music. His grandmother being a country singer herself, taught him how to play piano and guitar. “Heavy Bells” speaks of the music Walston grew up with, as well as adding a blend of rock n’ roll to the sound. We hear this instrumentally and with lyrics such as, “I know that old Catholic tone, the heavy bells are tolling out a tune.” Fans of Mumford and Sons and The Stone Foxes should check out J Roddy Walston and The Business. Essential Tremors is currently available for streaming on iTunes and Spotify.

Check out the official music video for “Heavy Bells” here!

Heavy Bells - J. Roddy Walston & The Business