If you’ve ever felt like the house music scene needed a little more heart, a little more hustle, and a lot more exposure for up-and-coming talent, then meet Elliott Rhodes. This 27-year-old Kettering local isn’t just a house music enthusiast – he’s the guy behind On Road Records, a growing platform that’s all about spotlighting DJs, event brands, and the vibe-makers shaping the music world today.
Let’s get into it and find out how Elliott is mixing things up, one beat at a time.
The Beginning of a Journey
Elliott’s love for house music kicked off at iconic festivals like Creamfields and Parklife back in 2017/2018. “I’ve always been into dance music, Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers were on repeat growing up. But it was the buzz of festivals, seeing everyone having the best time, that really lit the spark for me,” he says.
From there, it wasn’t long before he started looking at how he could go beyond just enjoying the music and actually start making a difference in the scene.
Why Start On Road Records?
On Road Records started as Rhoda on Road, a diary of sorts documenting Elliott’s adventures through the UK rave scene. But then the vision got bigger. “I saw how much work DJs were putting into promoting themselves, and I wanted to help. There’s so much talent out there, especially in Northamptonshire. guys like Rhys Alford, Tommy Phillips, Ayme, and the Midnight Mass Boys, but the exposure just wasn’t there.”
Elliott’s answer? A platform that boosts the visibility of local DJs and connects them with event brands that could take them to the next level.
In just three months, On Road Records exploded. We’re talking just shy of 1,000 Instagram followers and a whopping 105,000 monthly views. That success inspired the launch of On Road Artists, Elliott’s management company that currently reps Burnie and Miruna, two DJs poised to make waves in 2025.
The Rewards of the Grind
For Elliott, nothing beats seeing the artists he supports smash their goals. “There’s nothing better than seeing your friends and network absolutely killing it,” he says. One highlight? Watching five DJs from their community land a gig at the Cntrl X Aftercaposile collab for Club Colette Opening.
It’s not just about music for Elliott – it’s about building a community and celebrating wins together.
Kettering’s Influence on the Dream
Kettering might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of house music, but Elliott’s hometown plays a huge role in shaping On Road Records’ mission. “There’s so much happening locally, like Dance till Dawn’s events tackling the decline in nightlife and Reverb’s massive gigs at The Way Station,” he says.
Elliott is quick to highlight the impact of groups like the Midnight Mass Boys, who brought house music to Kettering’s nightlife, which was previously dominated by drum and bass and grime. “Big up to Jake Jaggard and Andy Bellamy for that!” he adds.
And then there’s Selecta, led by Ryan Clements and the crew, who continue to represent the drum and bass scene with incredible energy and dedication. “They’re flying the flag for DnB, and they do it so well – it’s all part of what makes the local music scene so diverse and exciting,” Elliott shares.
Plus, he points to Music Barn Festival, a local gem that aligns with his vision of nurturing upcoming talent. “Their commitment to supporting new artists mirrors what we’re trying to do at On Road Records. Who knows, there might already be something in the works…”
Big Goals, Big Dreams
What’s next for On Road Records? Elliott’s always thinking a mile a minute, but his vision for the next five years is clear:
Launching as a fully-fledged record label.
Securing regular bookings for his artists (and maybe growing the roster).
Dropping a mix series for up-and-coming DJs.
Running his own events and collaborating with big brands.
Taking On Road Records international – think ADE in Amsterdam or even Ibiza.
How You Can Get Involved
On Road Records is all about inclusivity. “We give every DJ the same opportunity,” says Elliott. Whether you’re just starting out with a home setup or you’ve got videos from a packed gig, On Road Records will find a way to showcase your talent.
You can find them on Instagram and TikTok at @OnRoadRecords_, their Linktree which connects you to everything they’re working on. Oh, and if you’re a DJ looking for a positive community, check out their WhatsApp group with over 200 members from the UK, Holland, Italy, and the US.
2025: Just Getting Started
With big plans and a passion for putting local talent on the map, Elliott and On Road Records are ready to make 2025 their biggest year yet.
So, if you’re all about supporting grassroots music and discovering the next big names in house, keep an eye on On Road Records. This is just the beginning.
