by meghan brianna
photo by nicole hernandez
With the constant changing music scene, it becomes to difficult to find an artist that sticks. Music is coming at us from all angles. New York based musician Des Rocs is making a very distinctive, lasting mark with his music. Rockstar extraordinaire, Des Rocs is an absolute force to be reckoned with. With his newest EP, This Is Our Life, Des Rocs projects reflections on the here and now. Describing it as “a piece of art dedicated to the proposition that our greatest tragedies can lead to our greatest strengths,” Des Rocs is determined to highlight the appeal of rock and roll in the modern age. Having the chance to sit and talk with Des Rocs, we discussed the difficulties that came with crafting This Is Our Life, hopes for the future, and more.
For those who are unaware of who Des Rocs is, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Des Rocs: “I am an artist from New York City.”
What prompted you to begin your musical endeavor back in 2018?
DR: “I’ve played in bands my entire life. Since I could strum a single note I’ve lived in little clubs and out of vans playing shows and creating music. In 2018, it was the first year I decided to truly embrace parts of me that had been a bit more hidden over all those years.”
How would you describe your sound? If you could classify your sound under only one genre, what would you classify it under and why?
DR: “Like an emotional beehive shot out of a fighter jet. I identify as a rock artist, not because of any specific musical element or production choice, but because I think ‘rock’ is simply an energy. That energy consumes every part of my soul.”
A congratulations is in order! You recently released, This Is Our Life. Can you take us through the creative process behind the project? Why choose “This Is Our Life,” as the title of the EP? Is there a central theme that the songs revolve around?
DR: “Thank you. I believe an artist’s duty is to reflect the times in one way or another. ‘This Is Our Life’ is a song for all of us about these wild moments we’re living through. My process isn’t much of a process at all. It’s kind of like everything and anything – all at once. There is no process, rather a constant quest to figure out what my process is. Along the way songs are born.”
What was the most difficult song to write, and what was the song that came the easiest on This Is Our Life?
DR: “‘This is Our Life’ took a long time because I couldn’t stop tinkering with the production. Same for ‘Suicide Romantics.’ ‘POS’ was made in like two seconds and flowed out in a single stream of chaos.”
We are starting fresh with a new year! What do you hope to accomplish in 2021?
DR: “All I want to do is safely perform live again.”
For you, what would you say your greatest accomplishment so far is? It doesn’t have to be the most extravagant, wild accomplishment to others, but whatever you think has had the most lasting impact on you.
DR: “Becoming Des Rocs. Embracing the art I want to make without regards for what anyone else is doing creatively.”
What is your creative process behind your work? What usually comes first? A melody? Some chords? Lyrics?
DR: “It’s really all of the above, there’s little rhyme or reason to how a Des Rocs song is made, and I think you can hear that in the music itself. Last night on my way out of the studio my lamp made a weird squeak noise when I turned the light off. I recorded the noise and stayed up all night making a beat to it.”
When you started your musical journey, did you ever think you would share the stage with artists such as Bring Me The Horizon, and The Rolling Stones? As well as have your music featured on television?
DR: “I have always had a vision in my mind that outpaces the places I was playing. I’ve had that my whole life. These are the artists I always want to be in the ring with.”
Where do you hope to see yourself within five years?
DR: “Playing the first show on the moon.”
Finally, do you have any words for your supporters? What would you like to say to people who have yet to discover you and your music?
DR: “Jump on in the water, it’s warm.”