Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Rod Gator's new single, “August 29,” is out now
Today, Rod Gator shares the powerful new single “August 29,” off his forthcoming album, For Louisiana (September 17). Accompanied by a poignant music video, “August 29” is inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the indelible mark the storm left on his home state of Louisiana. The single was featured by Glide Magazine, who called it “one of the most emotionally stirring songs on the new album,” and declared, “Greasy blues guitar and a stomping beat make this feel like a call to arms as Gator sings with gritty abandon... the song is a storm of musical intensity.”Watch the “August 29” music video via YouTube HERE: https://rodgator.lnk.to/august29vid
"Hurricane Katrina is very personal for me. I witnessed it all first hand,” explains Gator. “The effects of the storm and its aftermath have left a permanent scar on the state of Louisiana and the world. The images of the floating bodies and the destruction have stayed with me for many years. The aftermath brought to light systemic racism and the government's reaction/response time was horrific.” He continues, "'August 29' is my attempt at telling the story of Katrina and highlighting the pain and trauma that still exists 16 years later.”
Speaking about the video, he says, "I’ve been working with Josh Verduzco for a few years. We’ve developed a great creative relationship. When the idea for a video of 'August 29' came about, I knew Josh was the one for the job. The video shows the destruction of the storm and its aftermath. All that’s left standing is a floating body and water. The storm has come and gone, but the devastation will linger on forever. Forever engraved in our hearts and minds.”
Raised in the Louisiana backcountry, Rod Gator (aka Rod Melancon) doesn't just sing; he rasps, twangs, talks and howls, with a larger-than-life approach that's every bit as evocative as his songs' arrangements. For Louisiana blends Louisiana soul, greasy country-rock, Texas blues and electrified funk, with sharp storytelling inspired by the cadence, characters and charisma of his home state. The album has already garnered early coverage from press including American Songwriter, The Boot and Rolling Stone, who praised the title track’s "muscular country-rock jangle and walking bassline” and said "it’s got enough verve to make everyone else long for a visit to the Pelican State.” Gator recently spoke with The Austin Chronicle about his latest single “Chickenhawk,” a thought-provoking, guitar-driven war song delivered from a military man’s perspective.
The follow-up to Gator’s celebrated 2019 release Pinkville, For Louisiana features some of the strongest performances of his career so far. The album was co-produced by longtime collaborator (and son of Emmy-winning composer Snuffy Walden) Will Walden along with GRAMMY-nominated producer and Black Pumas member, Adrian Quesada, with contributions from Gator’s longtime drummer, Adam Nurre, as well as Black Pumas' keyboardist, JaRon Marshall.
Rod Gator will hit the road this fall in support of the new album. See a full list of tour dates and find more info here: https://www.rodgator.com/tour