Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Confidence is a key ingredient for any musician’s career. Des Rocs, a.k.a. Secret Weapons‘ Danny Rocco, has that particular personality trait in spades. He might not have many singles released just yet, but those that are available to the public are making some pretty big waves in his music scene. I was excited to hear more from the man himself…
Your music is very rock’n’roll, yet in your debut single “HVY MTL DRMR” you refer to yourself as such – does heavy metal music influence you or is there another origin story to this song?
“I’m influenced by everything, but when I was younger and first discovering music I was mostly into heavier rock. “HVY MTL DRMR” is a song about those earliest musical experiences and looking back on everything that’s happened since those first innocent moments.”
Where do you draw inspiration from?
“Everyone and everything. I’m particularly obsessed with early 70s Elvis imagery at the moment, but my tastes and sources of inspiration are constantly evolving.”
What different experiences have you had/will you have from this solo project compared to your band Secret Weapons?
“The other half of Secret Weapons became extremely ill and we weren’t able to continue touring or recording. I kept writing on my own and those songs turned into something special. Des Rocs is a vision I’ve had in my head for a long time, so when SW wasn’t able to continue, it felt like the right time to breathe life into that vision.”
What do you think is the difference between consuming rock music and experiencing it?
“I think the “experience” of rock cultural – identifying with a certain way of life and ethos. Consummation of rock? Listening to a Led Zeppelin song I suppose.”
What do you want people to take from your music?
“That my music is live. That these lyrics and songs are ingrained in my soul. That I’m playing guitar and singing with every ounce of blood I got.”
Latest single “Used To The Darkness” is an interesting song – what inspired it?
““…Darkness…” is about how we adjust to the worst things in life. The ways unimaginably horrible circumstances can become our bassline. It was about a particularly dark time in my life, and the way this darkness became my new normal.”
Why do you think your live show and stage presence is so highly regarded by those rare few who’ve seen it?
“Because the guy on stage is the real me, and I only get to let him out for 25 minutes at a time.”
Where can we expect to see you live in the not-too-distant-future?
“Rough Trade – Brooklyn, NY – July 10th, 2018.”
More to the point – when might we see more music from you?
“Soon – July 13th, 2018. Mark your calendars”
It looks like there’s plenty on the horizon for Des Rocs, so keep your ears and eyes peeled.
Find Des Rocs on social media to get updates as they drop:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Spotify | Apple
Impatient? Check out his music right now:
