Exposed Vocals Interviews Rocstrong

 

Exploded onto the scene of Irish music scene in 2014, Irish singer and songwriter Andre Rocstrongs style revolves around Funk/Rock, to Indie/Rock and Electro Pop. The Congo-born, South Dublin native’s music is inspired by great musicians like Prince, James Brown, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

First single ‘Go ‘Head’ is the feature song of the latest Irish Ladies football & Lidl advert (Serious support) that’s currently flooding TV and Radio around the country.  The same song is the lead soundtrack for the Coen Brothers latest Hollywood blockbuster “Hail Caesar”. The track has been described as “a multi-faceted effervescent spark that is simply not present in much of Irish Music” (Nialler9).
Shortly after the release of the first single, he made his first ever live public appearance as the State.ie artist of the Month (March 2014), and was crowned the Hotpress Big Break Artist of the year shortly after. His second release ‘Limits’ received positive reviews and considerable radio plays across Ireland & recognition in the U.S as it was picked up by Fox sports and the NFL for sync play. Finally In 2015, Rocstrong released his third single ‘Hold Yahh’. ‘Hold Yah’ is perfect example of intermingling sounds and musical styles all coming together to create something new and refreshing” (TLMT).
Rocstrong plays live with a multi-talented and energetic four piece band made up of:
Donal Pywell, Bass & Synth
Keith O’Reilly, Keyboard & back-up vocals
Jason Merrigan, Guitar
Aaron (xxx), Drums.
All of which is a warm up as Rocstrong is preparing for the launch of his first EP titled ‘Show Off What You Got’ due for a summer release.

 
https://open.spotify.com/track/32iWQx5Us3bcth4fcHTBPf
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

It’s something that came real naturally for me, I didn’t really see it as I was doing anything new, I saw it more as this is my sound and this is what my sound should sound like, and if something similar or even better is done? I still know myself where that sound started.

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

I was looking for a name that was unique and also embodied what I was trying to do the artist that I was trying to become, and Rocstrong is that person.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Now days people are the most powerful when it comes to making decisions on where or when an artist will blow up. Streaming is king, a lot less people buy Cds you get the odd few that buy vinyls, but ask yourself when was the last time you seen a CD player? I make sure my music is available on all platforms even soundcloud. Its important that there isn’t limitations to hear my music.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Their isn’t a magic formula im still in the same boat at most. It’s a real hustle and you have to graft and do all the difficult things before any light is shed on your work. For me its fulfilling when the end product is out and im getting the feedback I think it deserves, makes it all worth it.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Im more about perfecting my craft. I always want to do things Better that to me is more important than anything. Giving exceptional value for money giving people that feeling of when you went to your first concert, that sensation when you get Goosebumps.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Well Im heading to LA for a gig next week, My first time out there. Expecting plenty to happen, other than that nothing crazy as of yet .

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Yes http://www.officialrocstrong.com everything you need to know about my music you will find here , all platforms I’m on also .

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

all depends on your taste of music. But id say Britney spears, she’s a legend though ha.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

I would take care of my family. Retire my mum travel for 3 months, then focus on how I’m going to make my music sustainable and getting everything in place in order to do that .

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

My producer (Pharmasist) is in need of a few things so we can get to the level we’re aspiring to but were going to get there sooner than later.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

I have a marketing team that handle that we try to be trendy but unique . everyone streams now a days so its all about how do we get into playlists how do we promote the music and finding out how it fits into the lives of the people we want to hear it, we make a decision from there on how to get it out. That’s explaining the process simply.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Pharell , I think he’s amazing look at his song happy, It made the world want to sing and dance and celebrate, and that s how I want to see my music having that same influence. it would have to be in my hometown arena the 3 arena.

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

AMy E.P called S.O.W.Y.G (Show Off What You got) its coming out end of may .

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Ive never thought about it. I think Music has always been my destiny.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Michael Jacksons First album. I was happier than a fat kid with a piece of cake.

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Balance is key to life, I’m still trying to find the right balance. Its important to make time for everything and everyone

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

The E.P: S.O.W.Y.G and more great music .