Des Rocs
Des Rocs is the solo rock project of American musician and producer Danny Rocco, a fourth-generation New Yorker born on Long Island who crafts high-energy electro-rock anthems blending classic '70s influences like Queen and Jimi Hendrix with modern production and a frenetic, soulful edge.[1][2] Emerging in 2017, Rocco—initially trained on violin before shifting to guitar—creates music from an underground studio in a former 1950s MTA break room in Queens, embodying New York City's gritty authenticity while aiming to revive rock 'n' roll for a new generation.[1][3] His sound, described as a "blues-slapped, fist-pumping" fusion, draws comparisons to acts like the Struts and Royal Blood, emphasizing raw vulnerability, theatrical stage presence, and themes of personal triumph over adversity.[1][4] Rocco's career gained momentum through independent releases and relentless touring, including opening for the Rolling Stones and building a devoted fanbase known as the "Filthy Animals™."[1] Key early works include the 2018 EP This Is War, which showcased his explosive live energy, followed by the 2020 EP This Is Our Life, a raw reflection on life's highs and lows released amid global challenges.[5] His debut full-length album, A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place (2021), expanded on these themes with tracks like "Let Me Live / Let Me Die," earning praise for its anthemic hooks and emotional depth from outlets like Loudwire and Consequence of Sound.[1][4] The 2023 album Dream Machine further solidified his reputation, featuring singles such as "Used to the Darkness" and "I Am the Lightning," while a 2024 lucid edition added remixes and collaborations.[5] In recent years, Des Rocs has toured extensively, including a spring 2024 North American headline run supported by Jigsaw Youth and high-voltage performances in Europe, such as a September 2024 show in London that highlighted his three-piece band's theatrical rock delivery.[6][7] Notable 2024-2025 releases include the single "Love and a Smoking Gun" and collaborations like "In the Night" with Underoath and "Break Free" with Zayn, culminating in September 2025's "This Land," the blistering theme song for the video game Borderlands 4, which underscores his growing crossover appeal in gaming and media.[8][9] Signed to Sumerian Records, Rocco is finalizing a new album slated for early 2026, continuing his mission to "bring rock 'n' roll back to the people" through obsessive creativity and unfiltered expression.[10][4]Early life
Childhood and upbringing
Daniel Rocco, professionally known as Des Rocs, was born and raised in Rockville Centre, a suburb on Long Island, New York, as a fourth-generation New Yorker on both sides of his family. He grew up in a working-class household, with family members involved in trades such as pizza making and his grandfather working as a milkman in Queens.[11][1] Rocco's initial exposure to music occurred through his parents' decision to enroll him in a school strings class, where he learned classical violin; he soon developed a strong passion for the instrument. His interest in rock music deepened during middle school after attending a punk rock concert, which profoundly impacted him—"I lost my fucking mind... It opened my eyes to this whole world that I never knew existed," he later recalled—leading him to start his first band the very next day. The local Long Island music scene, including classic rock influences from icons like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix, further shaped his early worldview amid the suburban environment.[11][2] By age 13, Rocco was actively performing in punk bands at bars and basements across Long Island, gaining hands-on experience in the regional rock culture while still in school. This formative period, influenced by New York City's nearby punk and hardcore scenes at venues such as Irving Plaza and the Mercury Lounge, honed his dedication to music and emphasized themes of individuality and authenticity in rock and roll.[11]Early musical career
In the mid-2010s, Danny Rocco co-formed the pop-rock duo Secret Weapons with longtime friend and collaborator Gerry Lange while both held full-time positions as entertainment lawyers at Epic Records in New York.[12] The band, based in Brooklyn, emerged from years of informal songwriting sessions alongside their day jobs, officially launching in late 2014 with a self-titled EP and quickly gaining traction in the local New York music scene.[13][14] As the lead vocalist and primary performer, Rocco handled much of the band's live energy, with Secret Weapons securing opening slots for major acts such as Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer during U.S. tours in 2015 and 2016, which helped build their regional following.[15][16][14] Rocco's musical skills developed through early exposure to instruments and persistent practice, beginning with violin lessons in childhood before transitioning to guitar during high school, where he honed his abilities as a self-directed performer.[17] His songwriting within Secret Weapons emphasized themes of youthful rebellion and high-energy escapism, drawing from personal experiences and the duo's pop-infused rock sound to capture a sense of defiant optimism.[13][18] By 2017, Secret Weapons entered an indefinite hiatus following Lange's severe health issues, which halted touring and recording, prompting Rocco to seek greater creative autonomy.[19][18] This transition around 2017–2018 stemmed from Rocco's desire for full artistic control, leading him to revive a long-contemplated solo concept under the Des Rocs moniker and channel his rock roots into independent production.[20][18]Musical career
Formation and early releases (2018–2020)
In 2018, Danny Rocco launched Des Rocs as a solo endeavor in New York City, shifting from his prior work in the band Secret Weapons, which had entered an indefinite hiatus due to his bandmate's health issues. Embracing a DIY ethos, Rocco self-produced the project from his homemade studio, focusing on raw, high-energy rock that captured themes of resilience and emotional turmoil. This independent approach allowed him to experiment freely, blending classic rock influences with modern alternative elements to define the project's intense sonic identity.[21] The project's debut came with the single "HVY MTL DRMR" in February 2018, followed by "Used to the Darkness" in May, both showcasing Rocco's gravelly vocals and driving guitar riffs. These tracks built anticipation for the inaugural EP, Let the Vultures In, released on November 2, 2018, via independent distribution. The five-track collection, including "Let Me Live / Let Me Die" as the opener, delved into motifs of survival amid chaos, with the recording process emphasizing Rocco's hands-on production to achieve a gritty, unpolished edge. Themes of confronting personal darkness and defying adversity resonated through lyrics like those in "Used to the Darkness," which explore adapting to life's hardships.[21][22] Building momentum, Des Rocs issued the follow-up EP Martyr Parade in November 2019, expanding on the established sound with five new songs that amplified the project's anthemic rock style. Released independently, it featured bolder arrangements and continued Rocco's self-production, further honing the blend of arena-ready hooks and introspective lyrics. During this period, the project cultivated a growing online presence through YouTube uploads and social channels, where performance clips and audio releases drew increasing engagement from rock enthusiasts.[23][15] In 2020, Des Rocs released the EP This Is Our Life on December 11, a raw five-track reflection on personal highs and lows amid the global pandemic, including the title track and "Pieces." The EP maintained the project's high-energy style while delving deeper into vulnerability and resilience. Early recognition arrived via live opportunities, including opening slots for The Struts on their 2019 Young & Dangerous Tour across the US and Canada, which exposed Des Rocs to larger audiences and solidified an initial fanbase. These performances, often featuring Rocco backed by longtime collaborators, highlighted the project's high-octane energy and helped translate online buzz into live enthusiasm, setting the stage for broader acclaim.[24][25]Debut album and Alive Tour (2021)
In 2021, Des Rocs released his debut studio album, A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place, marking a significant evolution from his earlier EPs by expanding into full-length storytelling with raw, arena-ready rock. Self-recorded in his homemade studio, the album features 11 tracks that blend punk-infused energy, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics exploring themes of personal struggle, resilience amid adversity, and the sacrifices of chasing fame.[11][26] Standout tracks include the lead single "MMC," a defiant anthem critiquing manufactured pop stardom, and the closing epic "This Is a Call for All Traders," which builds to a cathartic call for authenticity.[27][28] The album, released on September 24 via 300 Entertainment, garnered critical acclaim for its bold, intoxicating "bedroom arena rock" sound and magnetic performances that evoke classic influences while feeling urgently modern.[29][30] Reviewers praised its raw energy and ability to replicate the visceral joys of rock without relying on overproduction, with outlets highlighting tracks like "Why Why Why" and "Hanging by a Thread" for their hook-driven intensity and emotional depth.[11][31] Singles such as "MMC" received airplay on alternative radio stations, helping to boost visibility in the post-pandemic music landscape, though the album did not chart highly on major Billboard lists.[32] To support the album, Des Rocs embarked on his first headline tour, the Alive Tour, announced in spring 2021 as a celebration of live music's return after COVID-19 disruptions. The 20-date U.S. run, spanning late September to early November, visited cities including Detroit, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and ending at New York City's Bowery Ballroom, with support from The Velveteers on most stops.[33][34] Setlists typically opened with high-energy staples like "Wayne" and "Used to the Darkness" from prior releases, transitioning into album highlights such as "MMC," "Tick," and "Imaginary Friends," often closing with fan-favorite anthems that encouraged crowd sing-alongs and mosh pits.[35][36] The tour emphasized intimate fan interactions, with Des Rocs incorporating call-and-response elements and impromptu covers to foster a sense of community in smaller venues, while navigating post-pandemic challenges like capacity limits, health protocols, and supply chain issues for production. A virtual livestream component, also titled Alive, allowed global audiences to experience the energy remotely, underscoring the tour's role in bridging isolation from the lockdowns.[37][38] Overall, the Alive Tour solidified Des Rocs' reputation as a dynamic live performer, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager for rock's resurgence.Manic Memories and Once in a Lifetime Tour (2022)
In 2022, Des Rocs released the single "Manic Memories" on July 14, building on the momentum from his debut album A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place. The track, produced by Des Rocs and featuring a shift from a subdued emo-inspired guitar riff to an explosive chorus, explores themes of personal emotional turmoil and nostalgic reflection on manic experiences. Directed by Dan Newman and Joel Cook, the accompanying music video emphasizes raw introspection through visual storytelling of vulnerability and resilience. This release marked a pivotal moment in Des Rocs' evolution, showcasing his ability to channel introspective lyrics with high-energy rock dynamics. That summer, Des Rocs co-headlined the Once in a Lifetime Tour with Canadian rock duo The Blue Stones, spanning over 20 cities across the United States from June 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to July 23 in Columbus, Ohio. The tour highlighted Des Rocs' rising live presence, with performances featuring anthemic sets that blended tracks from his debut album with the fresh energy of "Manic Memories." Venues ranged from intimate clubs like Le Poisson Rouge in New York City to larger halls such as The Fillmore in Philadelphia, fostering a shared bill dynamic that amplified both acts' gritty rock sound. No international dates were included, keeping the focus on building U.S. fanbase momentum through sold-out shows and high-energy collaborations. Earlier in the year, Des Rocs supported larger acts to further establish his profile, opening for Kaleo on their Fight or Flight Tour in April across East Coast dates, including stops at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., and the State Theatre in Portland, Maine. In May, he served as the opening act for The Cult's U.S. mini-tour, performing at venues like the Tabernacle in Atlanta and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego. These high-profile supports, alongside the co-headlining run, garnered increased media attention, with outlets praising Des Rocs' commanding stage presence and thematic depth in reviews of the tour performances.Dream Machine and subsequent tours (2023–2024)
Des Rocs released his second studio album, Dream Machine, on August 25, 2023, through Sumerian Records.[39] The album features nine tracks, including the title song "Dream Machine," "I Am the Lightning," "White Gold," "Nowhere Kid," "Never Ending Moment," "Bad Blood," "Natural Born Thriller," "In the Night," and "Tick."[40] Lyrically, the record explores themes of ambition and escapism, portraying rock 'n' roll as a metaphorical vehicle for transcendence and detachment from everyday realities, as evident in the title track's invitation to "take a trip to paradise" amid late-night drives.[41] The signing with Sumerian Records marked Des Rocs' major-label debut, enabling broader distribution and promotional support compared to his independent releases.[42] The album received positive critical reception for its hard rock energy and alternative edge, with outlets praising its escapist vibe and Rocco's multifaceted production.[43] Promotion included the release of an official music video for the title track "Dream Machine," directed to evoke a sense of disconnection and bliss through visuals of high-speed journeys.[44] In October 2024, a deluxe edition titled Dream Machine (The Lucid Edition) was issued, expanding the original to 15 tracks with six new additions such as "Love and a Smoking Gun," "Trauma Loop," "The Way It Has to Be," "Up to You," the reimagined "In the Night" featuring Underoath, and "Break Free."[45][46] Following the album's launch, Des Rocs supported Badflower on the North American leg of their Asking for a Friend tour from May to June 2023, performing alongside acts like Blood Red Shoes on select dates across 27 shows.[47] This run built on his prior U.S. touring experience, helping to introduce Dream Machine material to larger audiences. In April 2024, he embarked on his Spring Headline Tour across the United States, a 14-date run starting in Jacksonville, Florida, at Woofstock and concluding in Los Angeles at The Roxy, showcasing full-band performances of new tracks.[48] The year's touring culminated in the Dream Machine EU/UK Tour in September and October 2024, marking Des Rocs' most extensive international expansion to date with 10 headline dates across the UK and Europe, including stops in London, Cardiff, and Munich.[49] Supported by Moon Fever and Pistols at Dawn, the shows featured high-energy sets that drew enthusiastic crowd responses, with audiences described as "warmed up and eager" and delivering "rapturous" reactions to the theatrical rock delivery.[6][49] Setlists evolved throughout the period to emphasize Dream Machine tracks while incorporating fan favorites from prior releases, typically opening with "Dream Machine" and including staples like "Used to the Darkness," "Natural Born Thriller," "White Gold," and "Nowhere Kid," often closing with high-impact songs such as "I Am the Lightning."[50] By the EU/UK leg, performances integrated deluxe edition additions like "In the Night," enhancing the live dynamism and prompting strong sing-alongs from crowds.[51]Collaborations and upcoming projects (2025)
In 2025, Des Rocs expanded his profile through high-profile collaborations tied to the Borderlands 4 video game soundtrack. He wrote and produced the single "Break Free" for Zayn Malik, which was released on September 19 as part of the game's original score; the track blends Des Rocs' signature arena rock with Malik's pop sensibilities, originating from an Audioslave-inspired riff Des Rocs developed prior to the project's call.[52][10] Additionally, Des Rocs contributed "This Land" as the game's opening theme song, released on September 15; produced in his "bedroom arena rock" style, it features raw, high-energy guitars and lyrics emphasizing defiance, aligning with the game's chaotic narrative.[52][10][53] These releases marked the first previews from Des Rocs' upcoming third studio album, slated for release in the first quarter of 2026 via Sumerian Records, with "This Land" serving as the lead track.[54][55] To celebrate, Des Rocs hosted a single release show on September 18 at Silver Lining Lounge in New York City, featuring live performances and fan interactions.[56] Throughout 2025, Des Rocs maintained momentum from his 2024 tours by announcing European dates for late 2025 and early 2026, including festival appearances across the UK and continent.[57] He also boosted fan engagement on social media, such as Instagram and X, by sharing teasers for the collaborations, encouraging votes for "This Land" on international charts like Poland's, and posting behind-the-scenes content from recording sessions.[58]Musical style and influences
Characteristics of sound
Des Rocs' music embodies a genre blend of hard rock with alternative and garage influences, characterized by high-energy riffs and anthemic choruses that deliver a raw, urgent intensity.[59] This fusion draws on classic rock structures while incorporating punk edge and subtle electronic elements, resulting in an expansive, dirty rock sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.[60] Tracks often feature powerful guitar-driven hooks layered with unpolished, emotive vocals, evoking a sense of immediacy and rebellion suited to arena-scale energy.[61] His production style begins with a self-recorded rawness in a homemade studio, emphasizing a "bedroom arena rock" aesthetic that captures intimate chaos through minimalistic setups and one-take spontaneity.[62] As his career progressed, collaborations with Sumerian Records introduced a more polished sheen, enhancing the use of heavy distortion on guitars, thunderous drum patterns, and soaring vocal deliveries without sacrificing the core grit.[63] This evolution maintains immersive, high-impact soundscapes designed for live amplification, blending lone-wolf experimentation with professional refinement.[64] Lyrically, Des Rocs delves into personal turmoil and empowerment, often channeling the gritty underbelly of New York City life through narratives of inner conflict, self-destruction, and defiant resilience.[63] Themes of escapism amid chaos evolve across releases, from the raw introspection of early EPs to the conceptual depth of later albums, using vivid imagery to reflect broader struggles while fostering a sense of cathartic release.[11]Key influences
Des Rocs, born Daniel Rocco in Long Island, New York, draws heavily from classic rock icons that defined the genre's golden era. He has cited The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin as foundational influences, praising their raw energy, riff-driven songwriting, and larger-than-life stage presence that shaped his vision of rock as a visceral, communal force.[59] These bands' blend of bluesy grit and anthemic scale is evident in Des Rocs' commitment to crafting songs that evoke stadium-sized drama while retaining an authentic edge. Additionally, Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix loom large in his inspirations, with Rocco highlighting Presley's charismatic showmanship and Hendrix's innovative guitar techniques as pivotal to his own performative style and sonic experimentation.[4][2] His exposure to modern alternative rock, particularly through touring, further refined his sound. Sharing stages with Muse during extensive tours introduced Rocco to their theatrical bombast and fusion of rock with electronic elements, influencing his approach to blending arena-rock grandeur with contemporary production flair.[65] This touring experience amplified his appreciation for bands that push rock's boundaries, incorporating influences like Queen's operatic flair and Roy Orbison's emotive melodies into his evolving repertoire.[4] Rooted in New York's vibrant music ecosystem, Des Rocs' early influences stem from the city's punk and garage rock scenes, which instilled a DIY ethos central to his career. Growing up in Long Island's rock heritage—a region known for birthing acts like The Ramones and Billy Joel—Rocco embraced punk's rebellious spirit and garage rock's lo-fi urgency, crediting these scenes for fostering his self-reliant hustle.[66] His time in the electronic duo Secret Weapons, which opened for major acts like Panic! at the Disco and Weezer, bridged punk's raw aggression with pop sensibilities, laying the groundwork for his solo pivot toward rock.[67] This local foundation emphasized authenticity over polish, shaping his initial forays into music production. These influences have evolved across Des Rocs' discography, transitioning from the gritty, self-produced DIY EPs of 2018–2020—where punk and garage roots dominated with heavier, unrefined riffs—to the more expansive label-backed albums starting in 2021, which integrate classic rock's epic structures and modern alternatives' polish for a "bedroom arena rock" hybrid.[18][60] This progression reflects Rocco's philosophy of constant artistic evolution, allowing early punk-driven intensity to mature into sophisticated, influence-fused anthems without losing their urgent core.[61]Discography
Studio albums
Des Rocs has released two studio albums to date, with a third slated for early 2026. His debut full-length effort marked a significant step in his career, transitioning from earlier EPs to a more expansive rock sound, while the follow-up expanded his production scale under a major label.| Album | Release date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Real Good Person in a Real Bad Place | September 24, 2021 | 300 Entertainment | 11 |
| Dream Machine | August 25, 2023 | Sumerian Records | 9 |