We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Rodiek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Quote: ‘Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!’

This one is complex, which is probably why I love it so much. The Navy captain David Farragut said the phrase during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. On its surface, it’s saying, quite literally, steer into the danger, and embrace the consequences.
For me and my career as an entertainer, it is a reminder that diving head first into something can be risky. That risk may not always pay off, BUT, without the effort, there wouldn’t be a payoff anyway.
I use this quote as a reminder that you have to go out there and jump in, because if you don’t, you will absolutely miss something. And yes, risk be damned.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I sing; I am a bandleader; I have dabbled in acting; and I’ve built pipe-organs, but my main instrument is the trumpet. I have been playing trumpet since I was 12 years old. Often times I would play as loud as possible (to the chagrin of those around me) as a way to destress myself.
I was cleansing my spirit during the growing pains of my youth.
Think: Musical Scream therapy for Tweens.
This is how it all started, and I never intended for it to be my living, but the more I played, the more I realized that music could be a big part of my future. The more I practiced, the better I got, and I became more motivated to excel.
I competed in high school for All-State Orchestra, and, from that repeated success, I received motivation and scholarship to go to college. After completing my degree, I went to graduate school. After grad school, I ultimately moved to Atlanta to see if I could pursue trumpet as my career.
I realized very quickly that there are a TON of talented people in this vibrant city, and trying to stand out was a difficult process.
The trial and error of the gigging musician became the most challenging part of my career. How could I define my voice when I felt lost in the shuffle?
I knew I had a spark that was ready to ignite, but I didn’t have the means or the confidence to fully light it.
It took nearly a decade of living in Atlanta to be able to articulate these thoughts, and to finally make the necessary changes.
The more I performed and put myself out there, I started noticing that what set me apart from others is my ability to entertain masses of people from the stage. I quickly learned that when I bring energy and passion to a performance, people respond. That instantly became my spark; my fire.
It has become my calling to entertain the masses, and, to this day, it is what gives my life purpose.
My band, Funk Cake is the creative conduit through which I express this purpose. It is the entertainment delivery system I was always searching for and finally found. The brand of this band will always be in service to those we entertain. Our presence will always be joyful; a beacon of light to those in the dark.
Cheers!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Metro Atlanta has a TON of things to do, but there are some smaller spots that are fun to check out.

At some point during this trip, we would definitely go to downtown Woodstock. This small city has been near and dear to me since I moved to Atlanta. We would grab coffee at the Copper Coin, would definitely grab lunch at Canyons (FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH FTW), and grab dinner and cocktails at Century House. The amazing part is that all of this is within a 100 yard walking distance.
Oh yeah, and the music!! And the vibrant night life!!
Live music is literally happening everywhere in Woodstock. MadLife Stage, just to name one place, is literally across the street from these restaurants and always has music happening both inside and outside. Honestly, we could spend the entire week here if absolutely necessary!

Next, we would go to Marietta Square. As a coffee lover, I buy all of my beans from Cool Beans right off Church Street, so we would definitely start there. It is an absolute treat! We could then grab breakfast at The Local, which has maybe the best French Toast in the City…if not the state. Then, if we’re not too full, we would grab lunch and a brew at Glover Park Brewery. They usually have a food truck parked, which is always super tasty.

Speaking of food trucks….There is The Atlanta Food Truck Park and Market located near the metro area off Howell Mill Road. If you ever wanted every kind of lunch food that could exist, then look no further. They also have live music, which keeps the energy alive while you eat.

If Food Trucks aren’t your thing, A not-so-hidden gem also located off of Howell Mill Road is Hankook Taqueria. They have, hands down, the best fish taco you will ever eat. EVER, Get a side of sesame fries, and you’ll be in gluttonous heaven!

At some point, I would take any friend of mine to Ponce City Market. This is some of the best shopping, food, and entertainment you can find in the city. As a guy who loves to wear a good hat, I always recommend at least checking out Goorin’ Bros. I’ve bought the majority of my headwear from there. For the best cuban sandwich in the city, we would go to El Super Pan, because holy meat lovers….so good! If we wanted to get brunch, we would go up to the Ponce City Roof to 9 Mile Station. For my money, this is simply one of the best city views, period. And yes, their mimosas are divine! Also, the Roof has carnival style games and rides that stays open most of the day and night….so yeah, we would never get bored!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give this shoutout to Ron Langston. Ron was one of my mentors in my church youth group growing up. Among other things, we went on mission trips together, tossed the ball around (during peak summer days in Houston), and had in-depth conversations about life. He was absolutely a shining beacon of light during that time of my life, and he still continues to be a presence to this day.

Website: funkcakeband.com

Instagram: @funkcakeband

Linkedin: @arodtpt

Twitter: @funkcakeband

Facebook: @TheRealFunkCake

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqLWdZTauQQZb09z2ckk8bg

Image Credits
Joshua Cutchin, Wes Funderburk, Ben Davis, Geoff Gill, Reggie Leigh

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