Dylan Roth of West Windsor, a new college graduate, has hopes of being a full-time musician, and he is well on his way. “I’m just getting started but I’m trying to make this my priority and hope that it works out to be a worthwhile investment,” he says. A frequent performer at both It’s a Grind and Grover’s Mill coffee houses, he is performing on Friday, August 5, at Grover’s Mill in McCaffrey’s shopping center.
Born in Summit, Roth has lived in West Windsor since he was two years old. Roth attended Dutch Neck, Upper Elementary (Millstone River), and Community Middle schools, and graduated from High School North in 2007. He recently received a degree in creative writing from Susquehanna University.
Dylan played the trombone for eight years during his WW-P school years. He was in concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestra, and marching band. He was also on stage in school musicals including “Guys & Dolls,” “Annie,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” “I still have good memories of the Improv Club at North,” he says.
Music is in his blood and he was raised in the family record store, Vintage Vinyl Records, 51 Lafayette Road, Fords (just past the Menlo Park Mall) and has been working there since he was 14. “I’m glad I can work there,” he says. “I’m surrounded by music and it’s pretty awesome.”
His father, Rob, opened the store (www.vvinyl.com) in 1979 in Irvington. The store, whose logo is “From The Obvious To The Obscure,” showcases vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and more. Dylan manages the website.
“My father is an encyclopedia expert on records and has been since he was young,” says Dylan. “During his college years there was no Google and everyone would ask Rob.” His expertise is Bruce Springsteen — whom he has seen in concert more than 200 times.
Dylan has been going to concerts since he was young and his first vivid memory of a Springsteen concert was a 1999 concert tour that he saw three times.
Although the family store has a stage, performers must have something to sell. “My dad has been supportive and I have opened for several other performers.”
Roth is a part of the Grover’s Mill Seven, a group of young songwriters who “hung out” at the coffee house and performed often. He is also part of a songwriters group in Toms River, building a network and an audience. Roth recently reached the 100th fan level on his Facebook page. He will be releasing seven-inch singles (formerly known as 45s), and two tracks are already available on CDbaby, Amazon.com, and iTunes.
“Vinyl is back in a big way,” says Dylan. “People of my generation want something to hold in their hands. CDs are mainly used for ripping music from.”
His mother, Donna, is also musical. She sings and plays guitar and piano. His parents met through the store when she was singing with the pop band “The Modulators” in the 1980s. Although she never shared the stage with Springsteen she came close. On August 20, 1994, she sang back up vocals in Long Branch and the “Boss” was on the stage later that evening.
Donna taught Dylan how to play piano. “She thought I would have an easier time learning guitar if I knew piano,” he says.
His sister, Jennifer, graduated from North in 2003 and Bryn Mawr College. She is an editor for publications at the Houston Museum of Art. She plays the cello.
For now Roth is trying to get his business going with a few private gigs and networking with people who can help him on the business end. “My father has managed acts and knows the drills,” he says. “He’s very organized and helps me with copyrights.” Another friend has a professional recording studio and Roth has recorded three tracks there.
Roth’s performances include all original songs — lyrics and music. He performs on piano and vocals. Visit dylanroth.net for more information.
— Lynn Miller
Dylan Roth, Grover’s Mill Coffee House, 335 Princeton Hightstown Road, West Windsor. Friday, August 5, 7:30 p.m. 609-716-8771. www.groversmillcoffee.com.
