Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Dutra.
Roger, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was working in sales for five years until I finally reached my goal of making $100k a year. I was working 6-7 days a week w/ a new car, nice place, and I was still unhappy.
When my friend committed suicide, I wanted to see his family in AZ. I felt my bosses were a little too incentive to the situation by not letting allowing me time off, so I decided to walk away from the job I worked so long for and take time to heal. In doing so, I decided that if I can have money, a new car, a nice place, and still be unhappy, then why not do something I love?
February 12th, 2017, I chose to quit my six-figure job and pursue my passion. I’ve been working on that goal ever since. I’ve performed everywhere from Ensenada Mexico, to Phoenix Arizona, to Fresno, California and everywhere in between. I did 40 shows in 2017, 100 in 2018, and 200+ in 2019. I taught myself to sing, play guitar, bass, and piano. I’ve played on the streets and at festivals. I’ve worked w/ local musicians from Synrgy and Dubbest to big-name acts like Ekolu & Los Tigres Del Norte. I really love what I do and I will always continue to pursue it. No matter what.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Musically, I was basically starting as a complete beginner. I didn’t know how to play any songs or chords on guitar. I couldn’t remember any lines or even the notes from when I played bass in high school. And I never ever learned to sing. Lol I mean, I still get stage fright from doing karaoke. But I did take ten vocal lessons from Reina, and that helped.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
When I first quit working to pursue music, I thought I would meet a lot of other people who were doing the same thing. But most people are smarter than that lol. Majority of the musicians I meet are either in school or have some other job, I rarely come across people who do music exclusively. So I kind pride myself on that a little.
Also, I love different styles of music. I don’t see too many musicians who hang around different scenes. In San Diego, we have Neo-Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Blues, Rock, And Country. Most of the musicians I’ve met usually stick to one or two. I find it fun that I bounce between them.
What were you like growing up?
Goofy and weird lol. I was definitely a unique kid, but I’d say the biggest thing is I always tried to have fun and make people laugh. I love meeting new people, trying new things, and traveling.
Contact Info:
- Email: rdutra2@gmail.com
- Instagram: Rogerthatsd
- Facebook: Simasmusician
- Twitter: Rogerthatsd
Image Credit:
Seth Gonzalez
Daniel Salez
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