Life & Work with Dave Rudolph

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Rudolph.

Hi Dave, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From the day I was born, I grew up surrounded by the music of my guitar-playing father. At age three, I started playing guitar and writing my first songs. Through many opportunities between education and sports, it was clear that music was my true passion.

I graduated high school while playing in several bands, and attended the University of Akron Honors College on a full-ride scholarship. I knew from my parent’s experience in music that it wasn’t the ideal career path, so I chose Engineering School in order to have a secure backup plan. While attending college, I was playing full-time with various local and touring groups.

By 2019, I decided that I wanted to move to Nashville. It wasn’t an easy transition as I moved here alone, not realizing there was a looming global pandemic. I decided to stick it out in Nashville, it wasn’t easy, but with relentless work and determination, I am now a full-time musician.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Given the timing of my move in late 2019, I don’t think anyone was able to go down a smooth road haha. Just one week after I was hired on Broadway, Covid-19 shut down the world.

Instead of giving up on my dreams, I decided to pursue another passion of mine: songwriting and recording. From the end of March 2020 until October 2020, I wrote and recorded my 5-song EP “The Pandemic Tapes” in my bedroom. With the help of some talented friends, I learned to mix and master, and eventually released it in November 2020.

Of course, the CD Release Show got canceled, but the record sold over 200 physical copies through the mail, and many more through online streaming platforms. By March of 2021, restrictions were easing, and I was able to return to playing live music full-time on Broadway.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am first and foremost a lead guitar player and singer. While I am versatile enough to play almost any type of music, I specialize in adding a rock edge to most songs.

Nothing makes me prouder than the connection that we can forage between band and audience, bringing people of all backgrounds and experiences together for an evening!

I don’t know if this sets me apart (there is such an incredible and talented community of artists here in Nashville!), but I’m always striving to further my knowledge and abilities.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
As the Covid-19 situation dragged on, I really wanted to do something to help restore normalcy to the world. Having a Bachelor’s Degree in the science field, I took a job at a Covid testing facility in late 2020.

I worked there as a trainer and helped people get their RT-PCR test results. While working there, I met many amazing people, including my current bandmates John Blackstock (bass) and Simon Crawford (drums).

They have been performing original showcases and Broadway shows with my band since March 2021 – or well over 200 shows in the past year and a half! No one would ever guess our band formed from working at a covid testing lab together!

Contact Info:

• Website: daverudolphmusic.com

Image Credits
Anna Bey Photography, Earl Hollywood Photo Arts, What’s Up Ohio, and Hannah Qi Photography