Todd the Rocket is an acclaimed performing/producing musician, DJ, and remixer; a living, breathing celebration of Soul Jazz, Motown, Philly Soul, Disco, Electro-Boogie, 80s Pop, 90s Party Jams, First Generation Hip Hop, Classic House, and sounds that have traveled the world over.
Recent events and appearances have included the Nantucket After Dark event at this summer’s Nantucket Wine Festival, providing music for a public art installation opening for the organ donation nonprofit Donate Life CT, and serving as a guest speaker and presenter on the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and use of sampling in pop culture at the University of Hartford.
Known as a driver of arrangements, a supporter of vocalists and melodies, and a library of pan-global sounds and ideas, Todd the Rocket regularly performs on drums for a host of musical acts including the latest release by legendary singer songwriter Jonathan Edwards, and providing drums, percussion, and production for a variety of independent music artists around New England.
When not on stage or in the studio, Todd the Rocket frequently writes essays and articles about pop culture, teaches music studies, and is completing his long-awaited bachelors degree at University of Hartford, where he has been accepted to the humanities colloquium on futurism for the 2023-2024 school year.
SUNDAY SUNRISE SERVICE: BUTTER, REVISITED
A mini-mixBC'S SATURDAY NIGHT SESSIONS: WEEKEND RINSE & REPEAT
Classic, disco, diva, and gospel house to rinse your weekend
"CAR ON A HILL" (ROCKET'S RELOVE - SMALLER HILL EDIT)
A REMIX OF JONI MITCHELL'S CLASSIC FROM "COURT & SPARK"
With all reverence and appreciation due to this hero, legend, visionary.
Thank you, Joni, for everything.
Video Footage Courtesy of the National Archives.
FOLLOW YOU DOWN (Rocket's Sweeter Re-love)
A remix of an unreleased track by my friend, the inimitable Gene McDaniels.
GENE SPEAKS:
REMEMBERING GENE MCDANIELS
Keep the Faith
"So, who's the greatest pop singer?" The answer tumbled out of my mouth so quickly, with a smile that turned to embarrassment when I considered my own confidence allowing me to forget who I was speaking with. This was obviously a test. "Sam Cooke." Gene gave me a look...
“How Do I Know Gene McDaniels?”
A piece about Gene. Please enjoy. Photos by Matthew Robbins Photography https://medium.com/@toddtherocket/how-do-i-know-gene-mcdaniels-874be458866b
Gene Speaks: A Mix of Gene McDaniels’ Music by Todd the Rocket Live in the Lounge at Frontier
A mix recorded live by DJ Todd the Rocket (The Downbeat Renaissance) on August 1st, 2018 as part of the Live in the Lounge residency at Frontier in Brunswick, ME. The mix was in memory of the late Gene McDaniels, on the occasion of the anniversary of his death. It...
BC'S SATURDAY NIGHT SESSIONS: LOVE IN THE 100s
A Mix of Funk, Pop, Alternative, and More by Todd the RocketHITS FROM THE BLOG
My First Writing on Medium
Please check out this piece I just wrote on medium.com. I've missed writing, and this story was too good not to share with you. I'd be thrilled if you'd read, and share with your friends if you've enjoyed it....
Sitting In With Brynn Cartelli (“The Voice” Winner!)
Such a thrill to be surprised tonight by the incomparable talent that is Brynn Cartelli. You may know her as the winner of last season's The Voice on NBC, but in the summer, she's pretty happy to be on vacation and keeping a low profile. That said, she crushed her...
“Some Things Will Always Be Ours…” on May 20th
Reeling from a massive tear in my personal space/time continuum, this week I got the rare privilege to join truly one of my favorite bands, Thanks to Gravity, in preparation for...
TODD THE ROCKET LINKS
Producing an Event? I can be your DJ!
I DJ and produce events from clubs, parties, lounges, festivals, art openings/happenings, fashion, sports, lifestyle, product launches, private clubs, society events, family celebrations, and more.
Images & Occasional Video on Instagram
Please follow me on Instagram. I occasionally post images from the field and the studio, influences from my record collection, and information about events and sounds.
Remixes & Bootlegs on SoundCloud
Check out my recent work on some slightly-less-than-authorized remixes and re-edits of classics by David Bendeth, Joni Mitchell, Gene McDaniels, and others.
Mixtapes on Mixcloud
Pop music, dance music from the decades, New Wave influences, Funk, Boogie, House, Disco, and more.