Inspired #309 - Des Rocs
New Yorker Des Rocs is ready to showcase his high energy bedroom style arena rock with debut album ‘A Real Good Person In A Real Bad Place’ - which is out now via 300 Entertainment, home to the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug and Fetty Wap. He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Queen, Prince & Nirvana. All three artists embody a relentless and ferocious energy. They are genre-bending, boundary-pushing, and at all times fiercely individualistic.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I love Taxi Driver. It's a dark, 1970s, NYC-focused story following a man's descent into madness. There's something about that film that's constantly infiltrating my art.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
NYC no bones about it. This city is everything at once. Every smell, every color, every type of person on the planet colliding into one intangible ball of wonder. Its electricity is essential to my music and I've never made a Des Rocs record outside of it.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
Tina Turner. Even to this day she is under-recognized and needs to be placed in history alongside Elvis and the other greatest of all time. Her drive and ability to overcome adversity is an endless source of inspiration.
What were your inspirations when writing your new album?
I was inspired by a lifetime of experiences that lead to this album. Several different albums were made along the way and relegated to my computer's trash bin after I found new worlds I wanted to explore. It's inspired by all things New York City. It's inspired by escapism and our desire to retreat from the harsh realities of modern life. It's inspired by the journey that has defined my own struggles through this crazy thing called life.
How would you like to inspire people?
I hope I can inspire people to be themselves. there's only one of you, and your unique essence & artistic lens is the most valuable thing you can offer to the world.