Local artist profile: Jasper Roda

THIS week we chat with up-and-coming singer/songwriter and guitarist Jasper Roda (aka Through the Night), who credits his folks for having played a big role in encouraging him to take bigger and bolder steps, giving advice when he’s needed it most.

What motivated you to take up singing/songwriting and guitar?

When I was younger, music was a constant.

The house was always filled with noise, whether it be The White Stripes, Manic Street Preachers, Kasabian (or) The Beatles – to name a few.

Along with that, my father would always be playing guitar – and I can remember thinking how cool it was.

For me, music has always said more than words ever can.

My parents bought me my first guitar when I was around 4 years old – a nylon acoustic which I had no concept of how to play.

Until I was 9 or 10, that guitar lay dormant until I was inspired by my favourite musicians to pick the six-string back up and, along with encouragement from my parents, I taught myself how to play.

How would you describe your style?

A mix of post-punk and alternative, (with) influences of psychedelia and shoegaze as well.

I initially intended Through The Night to be a grunge / hard rock project, however after the release of my first EP in 2023 I became interested in more alternative artists like Radiohead, Placebo and Doves.

I was fascinated by how they could manage to blend many genres together, and that’s what I attempted to achieve on my debut album released in May – recorded entirely on GarageBand on my phone.

Some songs are fuzzed out and layered in feedback, others are sparse (with) a variety of sounds and styles mixed in.

Which singers/songwriters inspire you?

I always find myself coming back to the late Richey Edwards (Manic Street Preachers) – for his breathtaking and distinct lyrical style, Jack White (The White Stripes) – for how he manages to make simplicity sound so complicated, Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) – how he creates psychedelic soundscapes and swirling melodies, and Sergio Pizzorno (Kasabian) – for his ability to write songs that range from quiet and introspective to psychedelic and punky.

Have you had any mentors over your career?

My parents have played a big role in encouraging me to take bigger and bolder steps, giving advice when I’ve needed it most.

I’d also like to shout out Sam Edmonds for spreading the word about my music to people I’ve looked up to.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a singer/songwriter?

One moment is playing my debut gig a couple of weeks back.

As soon as I played the first chord, rain began to fall and it stopped as I finished.

I felt that was fitting for the type of music I was playing.

How can people check out your work online?

My music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp and Soundcloud.

What are you working on right now?

I have another album (that) I’ve been working on for the majority of this year.

I also play drums in a band named Redstring.

We haven’t gotten around to releasing anything yet, but we’ve definitely got something in the works.

What would you say to young regional aspiring singers/songwriters who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Believe in yourself.

Don’t care about what people think, be yourself and make the music you want to.

Put yourself out there, don’t be reluctant or afraid, put in the work and good things will roll in.