The Roddies were interviewed and
highlighted in the South Philly Review www.southphillyreview.com. Fred Durso
Jr. highlighted the band for their upcoming show and CD release...check it out!
Band of brothers South Philly Review August 24th, 2006
With look-alike family members in the group, a set of twins have audiences
doing a double-take during their performances.
August 24, 2006
It was the most memorable Thanksgiving of Rich and Fran Rodowicz's life, but it
wasn't due to the delicious feast. Four years ago, something else was cooking
down in the basement of cousin Ray Orysiek's home. The identical twins, who
played musical instruments and wrote songs in their spare time, were asked by
their relative to take part in a jam session. With their younger brother,
Keith, on board, the group began to rock.
"We just started playing with them down in the basement and Ray, our
drummer, gave us the confidence like, âI've been playing in bands for years
and nobody has really come up with songs like these,'" Rich, of the 1100
block of South Seventh Street, said.
That moment was just the beginning. Now known as The Roddies, the band
continues to perform locally, has more than 50 original songs under their belt
and will soon release their first CD. They're even gearing up for their biggest
performance to date at World Caf� Live Aug. 31.
What makes this group unique is its members. The twins may look alike, but they
have musical differences. Lead singer Rich writes the majority of their tunes
and plays guitar. Fran does backup vocals, guitar and, at times, bass.
However, both are quick to point out their own shortcomings, as well as those
of their counterpart.
"He's great at writing lyrics. I suck," Fran, 31, said.
He and younger brother Keith typically switch up playing guitar and bass, but
Fran noted, "We ask Rich to go on bass and he can't do it."
"It's tough, man!" Rich responded.
"Paul McCartney does it," countered his brother, before they both
erupted into laughter.
It is this type of camaraderie - and brutal honesty - that fuels the group.
Since it is a family affair, members have no qualms about being up front with
each other.
"It's easier to say what's on your mind with a family member," Fran,
of Fourth and Wharton streets, said. "People that are not family members,
it's tougher to say âHey, this is how I'm feeling.'â
Coming from a musically inclined family, the twins snagged their first guitar
at age 11, but saved money to buy a second one. Their father toured the East
Coast in a number of groups, while their grandfather was a member of the first
Philadelphia Eagles band.
Keith also picked up the guitar at a young age.
"He started to advance on that and we'd look at him and go, âHow the
hell's he getting so good?'" Rich said. "You always had that
competition in our family."
To alleviate their father's empty-nest syndrome, the men recently built a
studio in his basement where they practice at least once a week. Mom even
enjoys the music, since it's like "having live music in your house,"
Rich said.
Each member contributes to the process. Typically, Keith or Fran will invent a
lick, followed by Rich's words.
"They come up with a cool riff, I'll come up with the lyrics to it and the
song will be done," Rich, an account executive for the Flyers and Sixers,
said.
Audiences have told the band their sound is similar to The Black Crowes and Led
Zeppelin - groups they idolize. But The Roddies try to make their music stand
out from the rest.
"My voice doesn't sound like anyone else out there, so it gives it a
unique approach," Rich said.
Inspiration for lyrics mostly stem from personal situations. "I don't
speak my mind a lot," he said. "I'm always trying to please everyone,
so I'll put more stuff into a song."
Music lovers seem to enjoy the collaborative effort. During their first big
performance at Grape Street Pub in Manayunk about four years ago, listeners
gave rousing applause.
"I'm always a little nervous to go before the crowd," Rich said,
"but that feeling when you have a great show, that's what keeps us
going."
His brother agreed. "It's like you're playing a championship game,"
Fran, general manager at Temple University's Liacouras Center, said. "We
played ice hockey growing up through college and it's almost like that feeling
after every gig."
Due to their looks, the bearded duo provoke audience reactions - especially
since Keith resembles them, as well. Comments like, "There's three of
them!" and "Is that your triplet?" are all too common.
Similar in many respects, the brothers view the band as an extension of a
beloved hobby. Not surprising, since the twins attended the same college, both
majored in marketing, worked at the same job at one point and even lived at
Fourth and Wharton together before Rich got hitched.
With all the shared experiences, the brothers admit there are times when they
get on each other's nerves.
"You know each other so well," Fran said. "Sometimes, you know
each other more than your girlfriend or wife [does]."
With the new CD, most likely titled "Turtles," set to drop in about a
month, the group is looking forward to showcasing at World Caf� Live. The
disc is a mix of acoustic songs and others with a harder edge.
Both brothers would love to make this hobby a full-time gig. In the meantime,
they're happy with their place in life - and finishing each other's sentences.
"The biggest thing is we have fun doing it," Rich said. "A lot
of bands, it seems, they try to â�â
"Make it a job," Fran quickly jumped in.
"Yeah," his brother agreed.
www.myspace.com/theroddiesband