J Roddy Walston

 Richmond, VA - It is with mixed emotions that we announce the disbandment of J. Roddy Walston and the Business, a beloved Southern rock/Americana band known for their energetic live performances and diverse sound.

Formed in Cleveland, Tennessee in 2002, the band later relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 2004, solidifying their lineup as a four-piece ensemble. Led by the talented J. Roddy Walston on lead vocals, guitar, and piano, the band also included Billy Gordon on guitar and additional vocals, Logan Davis on bass, and Steve Colmus on drums.

Over the course of their illustrious 14-year journey, J. Roddy Walston and the Business built a loyal following through their electrifying shows and their dedication to their craft. Their music resonated with fans, and their live performances became events not to be missed.

The journey included the release of their EP "LMNEP" in 2005, followed by their self-released full-length album, "Hail Mega Boys," in 2007. In 2010, they continued to make waves with a digital EP and a self-titled full-length album. Their third studio album, "Essential Tremors," released in 2013, solidified their position in the music scene and led to their performance at the renowned Austin City Limits Music Festival.

After touring for about a year to support "Essential Tremors," the band found themselves facing the prospect of embarking on yet another round of touring. Instead, they made the bold decision to take a break from writing and explore a unique project.

Stumbling upon an old warehouse in Richmond, previously a grenade factory, the band transformed it into their personal studio. Despite their lack of experience in construction and wiring, they took on the task themselves, turning the warehouse into a creative haven.

The studio became their home base, affording them the freedom to spend as much time as they needed to record and produce their music. However, this newfound freedom came with challenges. J. Roddy Walston, who became a father during this time, had to juggle a strict schedule, dedicating early mornings to caring for his child and long hours in the studio.

With the flexibility to experiment and start over, J. Roddy Walston wrote around 20 songs for the album, eventually narrowing it down to ten. The result is their latest album, "Destroyers of the Soft Life." Released in 2017, the album features the single "The Wanting," which showcases the band's evolution and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. In late 2019, the band announced that their performances in Richmond, Virginia, and Baltimore would be their final shows. After 889 shows, four albums, and 14 years together, J. Roddy Walston and the Business made the difficult decision to explore other possibilities and take a break.

J. Roddy Walston himself confirmed that there are no plans for another album or tour in 2020 or the foreseeable future. However, he assured fans that the band members will remain active individually and may even collaborate in the future.

As we bid farewell to J. Roddy Walston and the Business, we reflect on the joy and energy they brought to the music scene. Their unique blend of Southern rock and Americana, combined with their incredible stage presence, will surely be missed. Let us celebrate their 14-year journey and eagerly anticipate the future endeavors of these talented musicians.