54 Ultra is the solo musical project of New Jersey-based singer, songwriter, and producer John Anthony Rodriguez. His sound is a distinctive blend of vintage aesthetics and modern sensibilities, combining elements of Latin soul, 1960s pop, New Wave, and indie rock. Drawing inspiration from his Dominican-Puerto Rican heritage, he often incorporates bilingual flair into his music, which is characterized by smooth vocals, dreamy synths, and classic production quality. The name “54 Ultra” itself is a mashup of the iconic Studio 54 disco club and Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia, Ultra. EP, reflecting his retro-futurist style. Although primarily a solo studio endeavor where he records all his music, 54 Ultra performs live with a full band to bring his analog soul revivalism to the stage, showcasing tracks like the highly streamed hit “Heaven Knows” and songs from his debut project, First Works (2025).
