We had the good fortune of connecting with Errol Rhoden III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Errol, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Don’t be afraid of being great.” It’s a saying my father told me around the time I started college. It was his way of trying to push me to doing things greater than I knew I could. I keep the quote as my lock screen on my iPad as a constant reminder to always push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new.

My father always asks me what if you took 15 minutes out of your day to just think and see what you come up with to be a better person or musician. The people I look at as inspiration all did things that were different and seemed fearless. Essentially the quote tells me don’t be afraid of doing the work that it takes to be successful. That’s why I like the quote “don’t be afraid of being great.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a tuba player, arranger, and composer. I set no limits to the music I make or participate in. There are a lot of perceptions around what the tuba can and cannot do and I allow myself to shine through my instrument. I play/listen to a lot of different genres of music that allow me to stay creative and inspired. I would say that I have gotten to where I am professionally by making the decision to move to LA and graduate from USC. Being around a community of doers is inspiring and challenges me to create and do things I wouldn’t do if I did not have the community of friends and colleagues I have. My path has not been an easy one, but constant check ins with myself about enjoying the journey have helped me through. The journey is the most important part not the destination and because I believe in this it allows me to enjoy every part of my story in LA. I want the world to know that E3Tuba is a trailblazer looking to make his mark in a city full of greats because he knows that there is always room for people at the top and he’s enjoying his journey to get there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town for the week we would eat a lot of good food and see a lot of live shows around town. For breakfast I’d probably stay simple and eat at LA Cafe, Beachwood Cafe, Eggslut, or Blu Jam Cafe. For lunch we would definitely hit up my favorite Korean BBQ spot Meat Love’s, hit LA Live to get Fixin’s, and eat at Wood and Vine off Hollywood Blvd. I have really been enjoying the outdoors lately so we would take a hike in Topanga to go see the sunset, take a walk at Abalone Cove Park, and of course go check out the Hollywood sign. For nightlife I’d go to the Riviera 31 Lounge on Monday nights for jazz night and go see the band Katalyst on Saturday nights down at the Townhouse Venice. The LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl is a must if they’re visiting in the summer time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves this shoutout. They have all been extremely supportive of my musical journey since I was a child. They always showed up for performances and award acceptances. No matter how far the distance my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins always made it a point to show up and tell me how happy and proud they are of me. It was the constant reminder I needed of why I do what I do and who I do it for to make the Rhoden name proud.

Website: thefreerangemusician.com

Instagram: e3tuba

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG18xDGGefPLXJ0_M1ico9g

Image Credits
Blake Becton and Moses Aubrey

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