Bio
Shawn Blakely~ Bass & Lead Vocals
Shawn was born in Las Vegas, NV. Growing up, his parents made sure he had access to the most fantastic rock music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. He picked up guitar at age 17 and studied music theory, guitar, and choir. He earned a music degree from Ventura College in 2000 and Shawn has been playing in various LA/Ventura based rock bands since 1999. He formed Midnight Ride in November 2009 with the goal of providing a fantastic rock show where people can 1) have a great time, 2) dance the night away, and 3) be left begging for more. Shawn is the high flying bassist/vocalist for Midnight Ride and plays an Ernie Ball Music Man 5-string bass. When asked why Midnight Ride stands out from the competition, his response was “Our collective stage experience and musical talent is conveyed each time we hit the stage, no matter if there is 5 people in attendance or 15000. We always rise to the occasion to fully rock audiences all across Southern California!”
Rachel Escalera ~ Lead Vocals, Percussion
Take unique vocals with electrifying stage presence, compile them together and you get lead vocalist, Rachel. Influenced by the likes of Aaliyah, Lady Antebellum, Aretha Franklin, Steve Wonder and Selena, the entertainment world may not be ready for all Rachel has to offer. Rachel brings a soulful R&B/Rock vibe with a mix of Latin flavor. As a singer, song writer, and choreographer, this triple threat is definitely one to look out for. Rachel has performed at many events across the country such as festivals, Latin events, showcases, cable television shows, clubs, casinos, corporate events, Quinceañeras, and weddings. In 2005 Rachel received an award for, ” R&B Artist of the Year” presented at the 8th Annual Unsigned Artist Music Awards in Hollywood, Ca. “Music is my first love, I always give it my hundred and ten percent, and I won’t stop till I reach all of the goals I have set for myself,” says Rachel. Rachel is currently working and writing with an array of established producers in the industry and performing with Midnight Ride at a place near you.
Rosh Roslin ~ Lead Guitar & Vocals
Rosh was raised in San Diego, CA. Initially banging on pots and pans in his youth, it wasn’t until attending a living room party where his friend introduced him to his first power chord where the seed of being a guitar player was planted. Steeped in San Diego’s melting pot of surf culture, punk music, reggae rhythms and rock guitar, Rosh formed bands in high school, gigged throughout the southland and toured up and down the West Coast. Afterwards, Rosh moved to LA to attend Musician’s Institute where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in music as well as the coveted “Outstanding Student” award, shared by notable alumni Jennifer Batten, and Frank Gambale. Since graduation Rosh has maintained a full schedule of session work, teaching and live gigs. Midnight Ride is where he gets to pay tribute to his musical heroes, past and present. He currently endorses Bogner Amplification. Rosh currently resides and lives in West Hollywood, but comes alive on the stage.
Justin Cowden~ Drums/Percussion
Justin Cowden is a drummer in the LA area making a name for himself. One night u may see him playing at the the Roxy or KeyClub as apart of the house band or another night you can see him at the Viper Room with a Pop act or Country act. Justin’s versatility has let him do what he loves to do: play music! Justin started playing drums when he was 9 years old in Visalia, CA. He started playing in church when he was 12 which helped him mature as a drummer immensely. He got involved in Jazz at a community college when he was in high school, playing at the Reno Jazz festival every year and concerts around Visalia with different combos he was involved in. Justin then went off to college at Azusa Pacific University studying Commercial Music with an emphasis in Music Business/Drumset Performance. Heavily involved in their music program he was in groups, chapel bands, the jazz band, and toured summers with a traveling commercial group. Justin continues to play around LA trying to perfect his craft of music and make his mark on the music industry. Lastly he cannot thank God enough for the many gifts he has given him, not just in music, but with family, friends, and the privilege to do what he loves to do for a living. God has blessed him in some incredible ways and only through Him, has it been possible! Justin’s skills keep the backbeat to Midnight Ride going strong.
