Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Rocco.
Hi Scott, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had an ear for music since I was a kid. It’s always moved me and kept me grounded. During my formative years, I was an exceptional athlete. Music such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Journey, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink Floyd always helped motivate me to push hard and be the best I can be. I started playing guitar when I was sixteen. At that time, I kept hearing Aerosmith’s “Dream On” over the radio. The more I heard it, the more it inspired me to want to play. It had a pulse and melody that just connected so much with me. I credit that song and my brother Chris’ birthday gift of guitar lessons as the impetus to start playing music. A few years later, I played my first live gig as a bass player with my cousin John’s band. Throughout college, I played for hours in my dorm room and with friends at parties. I really wanted to sing and write my own songs. By my senior year, I muscled up the courage to write a few originals. One in particular about a girl I really liked called “Olivia” and another titled “Movin’ On” that I co-wrote with my roommate and close friend, Rob Miceli. He had a four-track analog recorder that we used to track the songs. Afterward, we played them for our friends and they honestly enjoyed them — thank God they did! This gave me the confidence to really sing and perform live. After college, I started playing open mics close to my hometown of Eastchester, NY and worked my way to NYC to hone my craft.
At that time, I formed a cover band with some friends before putting together an original rock band called Prizefighter which reunited Rob and I musically. We would then evolve that same band into DaysAfter recording two really cool eps having played live shows all over Jersey and NYC. After passing on a management/label deal that we concluded wasn’t a healthy contract, I took some time to do side projects, play solo acoustic shows, and dive more into acting. Later I moved to Austin for a few years and fell in love with a beautiful person who impacted me for the better. After moving back to NY while living with my father, I wrote and starred in two short films called “Come As You Are” and “Somewhere Between” which helped me become a more well-rounded artist. I also learned how to score my own music which was fun. My past relationship along with my time having lived in Austin inspired me to record my debut album, “Ignited” which was released this past summer. The record was produced and engineered by my super-talented friend, Russ de Luca. The album was dedicated to my father; the greatest man who always loved and believed in me. Last year, I decided to move to LA to start fresh and it’s been a good change. I’ve made amazing friends, played many shows and open mics. I also hit a major milestone, winning the inaugural 626 icon singing competition that has led me to work with Grammy-nominated record producer-songwriter Adam Berg and major label artist-songwriter Brite Ma. I am happily recording new songs at Unity Studios as part of my prize package which has been an amazing experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think things are always going to get a little bumpy from time to time. When you’re in the music industry or entertainment business as a whole, you’re bound to hit walls. I have had to deal with rejection for many years. I’ve had people tell me your music isn’t deep or accessible enough… You don’t have the right image… You don’t bring enough people to shows to play at this particular venue, etc. Aside from music, I’ve been on a ton of auditions for roles in big tv shows and films where I never got the part. The constant rejection can put a lot of doubt in your mind. Then your family and friends grow concerned worrying about you and your future so it’s a lot to handle. To me, I think it’s the most difficult industry, but you just have to have thick skin to keep pushing forward. I believe your success is found in failure if you have the right attitude. Failure is where we can learn to grow and become stronger. You must always, always believe in yourself!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I wear a lot of hats as an artist, but I’m primarily a musician. I love to record and perform live for people. Singing is my medicine. I think music is so universal. It has the ability to impact the world. It’s just so powerful. When someone is having a bad day and they hear my voice, I’m hoping it shakes them out of apathy. I’m happy that I can be a catharsis to help inspire and move people with my music. I’m a big fan of the underdog which deep down, I believe we all are. I love spreading love through my raw, heartfelt songs. May they cast out doubt and fear making us all champions of life.
What matters most to you?
Knowing at the end of the day, my family and friends are safe and healthy. If they are good, I’m good. Without them, I would not be where I am today, doing what I love to help heal the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scottroccomusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottroccoofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottroccoofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScottRocco
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/scottrocco
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/73uBrdtq5OXWKFAu7yQk6v?si=u9t3MIN2Tg2qWmtdM2Q-bw
Image Credits
Photography by Tamara Lee Carroll. Additional Photography by Meshinto
