LISTEN: Rod Gator, “Out Here in Echo Park”

Artist: Rod Gator (aka Rod Melancon)
Hometown: Wright, Louisiana
Song: “Out Here in Echo Park”
Album: For Louisiana
Release Date: September 17, 2021
Label: Blue Élan Records

In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Out Here in Echo Park’ during my last year living in Echo Park. Every evening I’d walk five miles down to the L.A. River and sit along the bank. It was one of the most peaceful times of my life. During the walk I’d hear Spanish music playing from windows and watch the sun slowly set. East L.A. means a lot to me. It’s where I go in my mind when I feel overwhelmed. I picture myself sitting along the L.A. River. I miss Echo Park everyday. It’s the place where I finally began to feel comfortable in my own skin.” — Rod Gator


Photo credit: David McClister

WATCH: Rod Melancon, ‘Different Man’

Artist: Rod Melancon
Hometown: South Louisiana
Song: “Different Man”
Album: Southern Gothic
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Label: Blue Elan Records

In Their Words: “The video was shot outside of Kansas City, Missouri. Where the obvious choice would have been to follow the story of the song, Christopher Good decided to go a slightly different and original direction. We are basically witnessing a sort of Twilight Zone episode. All of these different versions of myself crossing paths. I’m a fan of going against the grain, and that’s why Chris and I get along so well. We have now collaborated on four different videos. Each one unique and different from the other.” — Rod Melancon