News
Introducing... John Rush
John started his Moda journey as Resident Engagement Manager for Moda, The McEwan in Edinburgh, organising events and onboarding partners for residents. He then took on doing the same for Moda, Holland Park with a dual neighbourhood role in Scotland and more recently, stepped up to Group Experience Manager to manage the rollout of our new and improved brand event plan across the UK.
Not only is John a seasoned Moda employee with a great track record of bringing the best events to our residents, he’s also a talented singer-songwriter with his newest singles “Waitin’ for your love to call” and “Please, Please, Release” out now. Waitin’ for your love to call was picked as BBC Scotland’s Single of the Week in March, so you know it’s good... You can hear more from John later this summer as he’s also got a new album on the horizon and his first headline show in Glasgow later this summer.
We interviewed John to hear more of his story...
How did you get into music?
Singing Elvis songs to my nursery was the first time I performed, I was a show off from a very early age. My mum n dad always had me watching Elvis films, or docs about Abba or T.Rex. So I always thought I wanted to do that.
Who are your biggest music influences?
A bit clichè but The Beatles & Elvis are it for me, later Bob Dylan and The Band but the big two have always been a constant.
What’s the soundtrack to your life?
I’m a sad music kind of guy, Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks full album or if I’m in a confident mood, it needs to be Definitely Maybe full blast while swaggering with a can of Red Stripe.
What’s similar about your role at Moda and being a musician?
Suppose there’s a social aspect to it, I like speaking to all types of folk. And the organisation of putting on a gig is very similar to organising a pasta class. I’m just not singing at the top of my voice like a bag of cats.
How do you combine the two?
As above I suppose.
Tell us about ModaSessions…
It’s just a little concept where webring touring acts to our neighbourhoods, it seems to be quite well received when it’s the right act, we also give local artists a chance to perform in front of said touring acts’ audience which is great.
What’s next for you?
Who knows, I’m a big fan of just taking one day at a time, I try not think too much ahead to be honest.
Tell us about your new album...
It comes out on the 1st of August, called ‘Sometime on New Street’ lots of sad songs and references to my hometown of Paisley. A lot of it was written during lockdown so there’s defo a melancholy vibe to some tracks. I’m looking forward to hear what folk think of it.
Where can we listen to you?
On all platforms but mainly Apple and Amazon since the Spotify has started talking too much!
Any words of advice?
Try being as childlike as possible for as long as possible, soon as you stop laughing at yourself for falling you’ve lost.
And finally… what does Moda mean to you?
A creative space, as a company they are open to discussion which is always amazing. Thanks for having me lads!
The NBHD V3 has landed.
Hear from some of the people that make Moda and get the latest on making the most out of (y)our cities.
Check it out here.