Rob Blackledge

One of the major musicians to be featured at this year's Bulldog Bash is up-and-coming artist Rob Blackledge. Blackledge blends acoustic rock and jazz for a unique sound. This is partially a product of his wide variety of influences.

"I listen to a lot of Ben Folds, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder," Blackledge said. "I've been on a big Stevie Wonder kick here lately. I listen to a lot of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. I love Brad Paisley, but I wouldn't really call him an influence. I don't really play country. I love some James Taylor. You just can't go wrong with it."

Another major influence on Blackledge is acoustic folk-rock group Guster.

Blackledge was raised in Madison, where he graduated from Madison Central High School. Though he thoroughly enjoyed playing baseball, he elected to move to Nashville to pursue music and began attending Belmont University. It was in Nashville that he met fellow musicians Dave Barnes and Matt Wertz.

"I started playing shows with those two guys," Blackledge said. "Through that, I realized it was something I wanted to do."

Blackledge recorded an album last May, graduated from Belmont in December and has been living his dream, playing across the United States ever since. He signed in June with Network Management, who manages major artists like Avril Lavigne and Sum 41. Blackledge has had some dealings with major record labels.

"I've had a little interest from Columbia and Atlantic, but I'm not looking to go that route right now," he said.

Despite his success, Blackledge maintains that his focus remains centered upon his fans.

"[My] biggest umbrella of a goal is to write the best music that I can possibly write," he said. "To perform the best show I can possibly perform. I have year-to-year goals. As of right now I'm very satisfied being an independent musician. Just playing the places I want to play for the people I want to play for. Just taking my time to develop a solid fan base.

"Over the next few years I'll see if that continues to grow. A lot of it has to do with being the person that I want to be, just stay true to the person that I am and create the music that I love. I'm very passionate about my music. I want to write music that affects people."

Blackledge recently completed his first full-length album, called A Song Like This, the product of two years' work. He had been traveling with a two-song EP recorded at friend and fellow musician Andy Davis's house. A Song Like This, however, Rob believes will cater to a very wide variety of musical tastes.

"It's everything from James Taylor to r&b," he said. "I feel like there's something on it for everyone."

The album is available at Awarestore.com and on iTunes, along with the EP, which is entitled A Step in the Dark. Soon after Bulldog Bash, Blackledge will begin a tour with Matt Wertz.

Blackledge will take the Deli Stage tonight at 10:30 p.m. More information about him and his music can be found at his Web site www.robblackledgemusic.com, and samples of some of his songs can be heard via MySpace at www.myspace.com/robblackledge. - The Reflector