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Interview with Rootz Rock

On Friday, November 30, Rootz Rock will be performing live for the “Soul Shakedown Party” at EZ Rats Saloon in Fairlea, WV. This band has been together for the last year. Original members are Dan Lively and Russ Detko. Just recently the duo added a third member, Joshua Adamo, who is performing drums. We interviewed Russ & Dan to learn more.

What is Rootz Rock?
Rootz Rock is reggae and classic rock. We began as an acoustic guitar/vocal duo, but we recently added a drummer and went electric. We’re unique in that we create loops in real time, and take turns playing bass lines, with the use of pedals. Our music is upbeat and energetic where people can dance. We cover some Bob Marley and Burning Spear. Our music is constantly evolving and going electric has helped us with stage presence, in that we’ve become more entertaining. Our audience moves and dances around, lots of movement.

“We are unique in that we looping in real time and Dan & I take turns playing the bass guitar, with the use of pedals,” – Russ Detko.

What does Joshua Adamo offer Rootz Rock? What change/significant impact does he offer?
Looping drums & bass while playing acoustic guitars was unique, novel and interesting, we thought, but adding a drummer with real acoustic drums, especially with a more orchestral jazz style player like Josh, opens up improvisational possibility and freedom that isn’t there otherwise… of course we had to switch to amplified electric guitars to match the level of acoustic drums, but we prefer that, anyway.

In one song in particular, “Strange Desire” by the Black Keys, we see this change. This song has an upbeat rhythm where people can dance. Since adding Josh, we’ve been picking up more modern songs that aren’t necessarily classic rock or reggae.

What is your most memorable performance?
So far, my (Russ) favorite show was our recent performance at the Irish Pub in Lewisburg. Joshua played with us in public for the first time and the audience response was very positive. “We had a lot of fun and knew adding Adamo to the band was a great idea,” – Russ. “There is something memorable about every performance,” – Dan.

Why are you performing at EZ Rats?
People have asked us to play there because they haven’t had a reggae band perform yet. We will be the first reggae act for our “Soul Shakedown Party.” What we especially like about this venue is that the lighting is dim, there’s tons of room, and it’s a great place for a party. Also, they have there own PA system which makes it easy for us to set up, there’s pool tables, and the staff is very friendly.

“Last time I played at EZ Rats… it was a church. We rocked,” – Dan Lively.

Booking this show, EZ Rats knew what they wanted, and it’s good live music. We want to have a party and we like that this venue’s atmosphere wants to rock out with us. It’s also nice that EZ Rats is located on the outskirts of town and easily accessible off Rt. 219.

5. Are you online?
Yes. Find us on facebook, youtube, and reverbation.

– Christina Entenmann

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Publisher/Editor in Chief at HashtagWV | + posts

HASHTAGWV ART & ENTERTAINMENT Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Christina Entenmann-Edwards has been a WV resident since September 2008. She was born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is no stranger to hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut), Cum Laude, with a B.A. in History. In 2010, she graduated with an M.B.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia). In February 2012, Christina launched HashtagWV as the area’s first full-color, free arts and entertainment tabloid + online platform. Christina completed the Leadership West Virginia class of 2021, which is an innovative program that grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a life passion to move West Virginia forward.